Club de Golf Alcanada

The verdict

Alcanada is the course every visiting golfer to Mallorca wants to play, and it lives up to the billing. Robert Trent Jones Junior built it in 2003 on a gently rolling site above the Bay of Alcudia in the quieter north of the island, and routed it so the sea and the small Alcanada island, crowned by its nineteenth century lighthouse, are in view from the great majority of the holes. It is consistently rated the number one course on Mallorca and across the Balearic Islands.

The golf matches the setting. A par 72 of around 7,100 yards, it is generous enough from the forward tees to be a pleasure for the holiday golfer, yet has the length, the bunkering and the green contouring to test the low handicapper from the back. Add a polished clubhouse, excellent practice ground and reliable conditioning, and you have a genuine destination course that is also, crucially, open to visitors. For a Mallorca golf trip it is the unmissable round.

The holes worth the trip

Alcanada makes the most of its land and its light. The opening holes climb gently away from the clubhouse before the course turns toward the water, and from there the views of the bay and the lighthouse island become the constant companion to the round. The fairways are framed by olive, pine and native scrub, and the elevation changes are enough to give variety without ever becoming a slog.

The signature stretch runs nearest the sea, where holes play with the bay and the Alcanada lighthouse as the backdrop and the breeze adds a layer of difficulty to otherwise inviting targets. Robert Trent Jones Junior built bold, well defended greens, so position off the tee and a sharp short game matter as much as length, and the par 3s in particular are memorable, asking precise long iron and wedge play with the water glittering beyond.

The closing holes return inland and uphill toward the clubhouse, a fair test to finish with the whole bay laid out behind you. The abiding memory is the marriage of quality golf and Mediterranean beauty, a course that earns its place at the top of the Balearic rankings and rewards a slow lunch on the terrace afterward.

Where to stay nearby

Most golfers base around Alcudia, Port d'Alcudia and the Bay of Pollensa in the north of the island, a relaxed, scenic corner of Mallorca with everything from five star resorts to family hotels and villas, all within a short drive of the course. It is quieter than the busy southwest around Palma and ideal for a golf and beach holiday.

Alcanada is the headline round of any Mallorca golf trip and pairs well with the island's other good courses for a longer stay, while the old town of Alcudia, the marina and the beaches give non golfers and evenings plenty to enjoy.

Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Alcanada.