Spain vs. Portugal: Choosing Your Ideal Golf Destination
Spain and Portugal have long earned their places as two of Europe’s most beloved golf destinations. With world-class courses, sunshine-filled days, and rich cultures to explore, both offer unforgettable golf trips. But which one fits your travel goals best?
In this article, we dive into the key elements to consider: the tradition and quality of golf, regional highlights, cost and weather comparisons, the feel of each country from a golfer's perspective, flight accessibility from North America, and how easy it is to combine the two into one seamless journey.
Golfing Culture and Course Quality
Spain: A Deep-Rooted Golf Destination
With over 400 golf courses, Spain leads the Iberian Peninsula in both quantity and variety. Legendary venues like Real Club Valderrama — host of the 1997 Ryder Cup — showcase the country's rich golfing pedigree. Valderrama is also one of Europe's most exclusive courses, with green fees around €550. Spain's golf offering spans from coastal fairways to mountain-view greens, with many designed by world-renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Seve Ballesteros.
The Canary Islands have grown into a top winter golf escape for Europeans, thanks to consistent 20-24°C weather. Courses like Tecina Golf and Anfi Tauro on Gran Canaria offer dramatic terrain and ocean views, and the islands see hundreds of thousands of golf travelers annually during the colder months.
Portugal: Precision and Prestige
Portugal may be smaller, but it delivers impressively high-quality golfing. The country is home to around 90 courses, many of them award-winning and part of highly rated resorts. The Algarve, in particular, has become iconic for its layout variety and impeccable maintenance. So you can picture it: the Algarve is the geographic extension of Spain's Costa del Sol, meaning they both share the southern tip of the peninsula and enjoy similar sunny, mild weather almost year-round.
Standouts include Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Oitavos Dunes, and Dom Pedro Victoria. These courses regularly feature in Europe’s top rankings and host international events.
Key Golf Regions
Spain
Spain is vast, with golf courses peppered throughout its diverse geography. Here are some featured areas—for a broader overview, visit our Where and When to Play Golf in Spain guide:
Costa del Sol (Andalusia): With over 70 courses, this "Costa del Golf" stretches along the Mediterranean and includes legendary stops like Valderrama and Finca Cortesin (host of the 2023 Solheim Cup).
Costa Brava, heading south from Catalonia: This vibrant stretch along Spain's eastern coast extends from the Costa Brava through Barcelona, down to Valencia and Alicante. It's a diverse and picturesque golfing corridor with proximity to both Mediterranean beaches and dynamic urban centers. One of the region's most acclaimed courses is Camiral Golf & Wellness (formerly PGA Catalunya), located near Girona, just north of Barcelona. It offers luxury stays and tournament-quality golf, and is currently a favorite to host the 2031 Ryder Cup.
Canary Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera provide dramatic landscapes and perfect winter golf, just a few hours from major European cities.
These are only a few of Spain's top golf regions—many more are worth exploring based on your style and timing.
Portugal
Algarve: With over 30 courses in close proximity, this is Portugal’s golf epicenter. The mix of ocean views, pine-lined fairways, and luxury resorts make it ideal for long stays or golf-focused vacations.
Lisbon Coast: Courses like Oitavos Dunes and West Cliffs pair championship golf with urban and cultural convenience.
Porto and Northern Portugal: A more emerging scene, ideal for combining wine tourism and golf in a slower-paced, authentic setting.
Pricing: Green Fees and Trip Costs
Green Fees
Spain: Green fees range widely, starting around €50-€70 at lesser-known or municipal courses, moving up to €100-€180 for mid-to-high-tier clubs. Top-tier venues like Valderrama command prices upwards of €500. With Spain’s vast course inventory, tailoring a trip around your budget is entirely possible.
Portugal: Green fees tend to start in the €60-€80 range and rise to €150-€190 for top-end courses such as Monte Rei or West Cliffs during peak season. While Portugal may appear slightly more affordable overall, top-tier experiences are similarly priced to those in Spain.
Total Trip Costs
Portugal generally has a lower cost of living than Spain, which is reflected in dining, accommodations, and car rentals. That said, inland Spain and less tourist-saturated regions can be equally budget-friendly. Both destinations offer a wide spectrum of lodging—from luxury resorts to countryside villas—to fit different budgets.
Climate and When to Go
The Iberian Peninsula offers golf-friendly conditions year-round, but each season suits specific regions better.
Spring (March to May)
Arguably the best season overall. Expect lush fairways and pleasant temps across Spain and Portugal. The Costa del Sol and Algarve range between 64°F (18°C) and 77°F (25°C) with minimal rainfall. Catalonia, Lisbon, and Porto may see occasional showers but are generally ideal.
Summer (June to August)
Southern regions like Andalusia and Algarve can get hot (86°F / 30°C+), so early tee times are recommended. It’s a great time for northern Spain and Portugal, where temps stay comfortably between 68°F (20°C) and 82°F (28°C).
Autumn (September to November)
Mild temps and fewer crowds make this a golfer’s dream season. The southern coastlines maintain perfect golf weather, while northern areas cool down gradually.
Winter (December to February)
The Canary Islands shine here, with 72°F (22°C) average temps and sunny skies—making them the top pick for winter travelers who want to play golf in a resort setting or combine it with beach time. For players looking to enjoy a laid-back, all-inclusive vibe or easy access to the ocean, this is the most reliable choice. The Costa del Sol and Algarve also remain playable in winter, with average highs around 61°F–64°F (16°C–18°C), though they may see more variability. Northern areas are wetter and colder, and generally less suitable for winter golf.
Ambiance and Travel Profiles
If you’re traveling as a couple, Spain offers romance through its food, flamenco, and cosmopolitan flair—think sunset tapas in Seville or wine-country escapes in Catalonia. Portugal, with its cliffside walks, boutique hotels, and sunset seafood dinners, is intimate and serene.
Groups of friends often lean toward the Algarve or Costa del Sol for convenience, nightlife, and the ease of planning golf-heavy itineraries. Villas and group-oriented resorts abound in both countries.
For corporate retreats, Spain has more large-scale venues with meeting facilities and international flight access. Portugal's resort atmosphere in the Algarve is also well-suited for incentive trips and team-building getaways.
Active travelers can combine golf with surf in Portugal, especially near Ericeira and Cascais, or mix in hiking and cycling in Spain's Pyrenees or Basque Country. The landscape diversity in both makes multi-activity trips easy to plan.
Looking to simply unwind? Both countries excel in luxury golf resorts with wellness spas, fine dining, and private beach access. Portugal’s newer resorts have a fresh feel, while Spain's icons offer legacy and character.
Getting There from the US & Canada
Spain
Direct flights to Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN) are offered by American Airlines, Delta, United, and Iberia from major cities like New York, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Málaga (AGP), which is the international hub for the Costa del Sol — also sees seasonal service from the East Coast. One-stop options are widely available via London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Lisbon.
Portugal
TAP Air Portugal operates direct flights to Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO) from cities such as New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto, and Montreal. United, Delta, and Air Canada also service these hubs. Faro (FAO), the airport serving the Algarve, receives seasonal direct flights and frequent one-stop connections.
Thanks to competitive routes and codeshare agreements, both countries are well connected to North America year-round.
Can You Combine Spain and Portugal in One Trip?
Yes—and you should consider it. The Iberian Peninsula is easy to navigate by car, train, or short-haul flights. Traveling from the Algarve to Andalusia takes just 4-5 hours by car, and flights between Lisbon and Seville or Madrid take around an hour. Custom itineraries blending the flavors, golf, and vibes of both countries can make for a truly immersive experience.
Ready to Plan?
Both Spain and Portugal offer exceptional golf travel experiences. The right choice comes down to your style, timing, and interests. Whether you're after legendary championship venues, romantic coastal towns, or value-packed group adventures, we've got the insight and connections to design your perfect trip.
Contact us today and let us guide you toward the golf escape that suits you. One destination or both—let’s tee this up together.
