Why Spain might be the ultimate winter getaway
Photos courtesy of the Spanish Tourism Bureau
This article appeared in the November 2025 edition of Chicago District Golfer.
To read more Chicago District Golfer stories, head to our article archive.
Park Guell Baecelona
When it comes to Illinois winters, we know the drill. Mild one day, brutally cold the next, followed by a snowstorm or two. Rinse and repeat from December until who knows when. It’s no wonder Illinoisans (and especially golfers) look for winter escapes. And while Florida, Arizona or the Carolinas are great choices, why not think outside the box (or country) and plan a trip to sunny Spain for late winter or early spring? There are many reasons that make Spain an ideal golf & travel destination.
So Many Reasons for a Golf Trip to Spain
Let’s start with temps, time and money. Spain features mild temps year-round and more than 300 days of sunshine. It’s no wonder there are over 400 golf courses and countless world-class resorts. Plus, Spain’s compact size - about 5% of the U.S. and slightly smaller than the size of Texas - makes it easy to explore its beaches, mountains, cities and golf courses without the long travel times of the U.S.
In addition, travel to Spain is fairly easy, and maybe even faster than many U.S. destinations if you factor in lengthy layovers and connections needed to reach popular vacation spots. Case in point, American and Iberia Airlines oer direct flights from O’Hare to Madrid.
Once in Spain, you might find yourself spending less, as food and beverages are much more affordable than in the U.S. A comparison between Marbella (in southern Spain) and Fort Myers shows meals in Florida being between 43 and 64% more expensive than Spain. And these reasons are just the tip of the iceberg… let’s do a deep dive into the many more that make Spain a great candidate for your next trip.
Magical Spain - On and Off the Course
When it comes to golf in Spain, many think of the “Costa del Sol” or “Costa del Golf,” the sunny area along the Mediterranean coast of the region of Andalucia, known for championship golf courses and events like the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama or the 2023 Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin. But golf in Spain doesn’t stop in the Costa Del Sol - world-class courses and resorts are found throughout the country, from Valencia and Catalonia (including Camiral Golf, site of the 2031 Ryder Cup) to Murcia, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza.
Regardless of where you tee off, a trip to Spain will transport you to another time and place. In addition to cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, you’ll find centuries-old towns and romantic cobblestone streets, incredible art and culture, fantastic shopping, and some of the best food and wine of your life. The combination of world-class golf with the allure of a Mediterranean holiday makes Spain the perfect trip for everyone. The only question is, where to go first?
Because there are many options when it comes to a golf holiday in Spain, let’s take a look at three areas easily reached from Madrid: Andalucia, Barcelona and Costa Brava, and Valencia.
Andalucia (Home to the Costa del Sol)
Located in southern Spain, Andalucia is the region where you’ll find the Costa del Sol (“coast of the sun”) and its 70-plus golf courses, numerous resorts and year-round sunshine. Major cities include Seville and Málaga.
Golf & Accommodations
Start your golf trip research with the “Andalucia’s Golden Triangle of Golf” - an area loaded with top golf courses and upscale resorts, including Marbella (a.k.a. the golf capital of Europe), Benahavis, and Estepona, and expanding to Cádiz (home to the prestigious Valderrama Golf Club).
Other options include the luxury golf resort Finca Cortesin that’s less than a mile from the beach in the village of Casares, and Marbella’s Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, a 27-hole course and resort with upscale amenities. For a hacienda-style boutique resort and scenic course, consider the Río Real Golf Hotel. More stay and play options in the area can be found in Marbella, Málaga, Fuengirola and Torremolinos.
Looking for something other than a golf resort? No problem. Andalucia offers everything from boutique hotels to well-known international chain hotels. For a uniquely Spanish stay, consider the Parador de Málaga Golf. Paradors are luxury hotels located in historic buildings such as castles, monasteries and fortresses.
Beyond Golf
Explore Marbella’s charming plazas and narrow streets, Málaga’s port and Picasso Museum, or historic sites such as the Málaga Cathedral or The Alcazaba. Don’t miss the impressive Cádiz Cathedral or La Caleta Beach. And finally, a golf trip to Seville calls for an authentic flamenco show or tour of the Real Alcázar Palace. Throughout the region, enjoy seafood and fresh-grilled sardines, tapas, and elegant local sherries or Ronda wines.
Barcelona and Costa Brava
Barcelona and Costa Brava are found in the region of Catalonia, along Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast. The area blends vibrant city life, rich Catalan culture and stunning seaside landscapes, while being rich with golf course experiences. A great place to start planning your trip is the Catalonia golf tourism website or the Barcelona tourism website. And perhaps shoot for a trip in March or April when the weather is pleasantly warm, giving you hope for spring upon your return to Chicago. Access Barcelona from Madrid via a less than 1.5 hour flight (not including transfer time), 2.5 hour high-speed train (the AVE), 7.5 hour bus ride or 5–6 hour drive.
Golf & Accommodations
The region of Catalonia is home to more than 40 golf courses, including the site of the 2031 Ryder Cup at Camiral Golf, where you can stay and play, or stay nearby, in the medieval city of Girona at Hotel Carlemany.
Other area standouts include the resort course Real Club de Golf El Prat, located 30 to 35 minutes from Barcelona’s city center. In Barcelona, try the 5-star Majestic Hotel or the 4-star Hotel Gran Havana. A city stay means non-golfers can see the local attractions while golfers hit the greens.
Additional stay and play resorts include the Empordà Resort, with two world-class courses, Empordà Dunes and Empordà Forest, or the Infinitium Resort, named “the best leisure and golf resort experience in Europe.” At Infinitum, find three world-class golf courses (two designed by Greg Norman) and cultural activities like olive oil and wine tours, cycling and golf lessons.
Beyond Golf
Visit Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Antoni Gaudí’s architectural highlights, the Picasso Museum and the famous pedestrian boulevard, Las Ramblas. In addition, visit Costa Brava’s picturesque fishing villages, coves, beaches and local markets. Enjoy local favorites such as tortilla Española (Spanish omelet), tapas, seafood, patatas bravas (fried potato cubes with a spicy tomato sauce) and a glass of Cava (native to the region).
Valencia and Costa Blanca
Located on the Mediterranean, Valencia and Costa Blanca also have bragging rights to near year-round sunshine, plus the area is known for sea views, orange groves and tranquil inland landscapes. For an overview of courses and activities in the area, see the official Visit Valencia website.
Golf & Accommodations
With more than 30 gorgeous courses throughout, Valencia is prime for golf in settings from beachfronts to mountain-framed fairways. El Bosque Golf Club (a Robert Trent Jones Sr. course) is a standout and sits at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by a plush Mediterranean landscape. Other top destinations include the Club de Golf Escorpión and Oliva Nova for wellness and spa facilities, a kids club, horse riding, cycling and delicious gastronomy.
For a unique stay and play experience, head to Valencia, and the nearby Parador El Saler, an iconic seaside resort, spa and 18-hole championship course ranked among the top 60 globally and the top courses in Europe. El Saler is recognized for its outstanding sustainability efforts and is set within Valencia’s Albufera Natural Park with stunning dune and sea views.
Beyond Golf
Wander through Valencia’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, stroll the charming old town, visit the Cathedral of Valencia and its legendary Holy Grail, or explore the markets of Valencia. Indulge in local favorites such as paella, Agua de Valencia (a cocktail with orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin), or a refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage called horchata, coupled with a local pastry called a farton.
All that’s left to do is book your trip…
Golf Spain and Spain.info are excellent resources for trip planning, and when considering temps, keep in mind that January and February in Spain are mild but slightly cooler, with highs around the mid-60s°F, while temperatures start to rise from late February through March and April.
Two airlines out of O’Hare offer direct 8.5-hour flights to Madrid - American Airlines and Spain’s Iberia Airlines. Hot tip: if you fly Iberia Airlines, you can take advantage of their “Stopover Hola Madrid” program that allows you to get o the plane in Madrid (for up to nine nights) and then hop back on for your ultimate destination. Add a stay in Madrid on either end of your trip - before you head to your golf destination or on your way home. It’s the perfect opportunity to combine golf and culture in one trip.
Flights within Spain are inexpensive and plentiful, making travel between cities a convenient option. Train travel is easy, aordable and fast in Spain, as well as clean and luxurious. Go to Renfe.com for information on all train travel, especially the AVE, a high-speed rail between cities. Prefer to rent a car? No problem. Be sure to get an IDP (International Driver’s Permit) prior to travel. While the Spanish government doesn’t mandate an IDP, most rental companies require it and having one is always helpful in case of an accident or incident. An IDP can be easily obtained at AAA.
This winter, when your pals are booking their trips to Florida, tell them you’ve got other plans. Head for Spain, where mild temps, sunny skies, exceptional golf and rich cultural offerings of the Mediterranean promise an unforgettable getaway. ¡Vamos!
Abbey Algiers is a Wisconsin-based writer who frequently writes about Spain. Her work can be found at abbeyalgiers.com.