Golf in Valencia
One of the great courses of continental Europe at El Saler, a Seve Ballesteros design on the coast at Oliva Nova and a Robert Trent Jones Sr layout inland, all anchored by one of Spain's most rewarding cities. The courses that matter, the seasons, the costs and how to plan it.
Photograph: El Saler golf course, Valencia, via Google
Why golf in Valencia
Valencia is one of the most underrated golf bases in Spain, a region that pairs a genuine architectural classic with a city that has become one of the most enjoyable short break destinations in the country. The headline act is El Saler, the 1968 Javier Arana design laid out among the dunes and umbrella pines of the natural park south of the city, a course long rated among the finest in continental Europe and a former host of the Spanish Open. It is the round that brings serious golfers to Valencia, and it sits within easy reach of the city center.
Around it the region spreads a varied card: the Seve Ballesteros designed Oliva Nova on the coast to the south, the Robert Trent Jones Sr course at El Bosque in the hills inland, the parkland of Club de Campo del Mediterraneo up near Castellon, and a cluster of solid courses around Betera and the city. Add the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the old town, the beaches of the Malvarrosa and a food scene built on paella and the central market, and Valencia makes a city and golf break that suits couples and small groups looking for more than a resort strip.
The areas
The city and the coast
The natural base, with El Saler just south of the city in its dune backed natural park, the beaches and the old town minutes away, and the airport close by. The easiest place to mix golf with a city break.
South toward Oliva
The stretch down the coast to Oliva, home to the Seve Ballesteros course at Oliva Nova, a relaxed beach and golf base on the edge of the Costa Blanca, with more golf within a short drive.
Inland and Castellon
The hills west of the city around Chiva and Betera, home to El Bosque and Escorpion, and the coast north toward Castellon and Club de Campo del Mediterraneo, quieter and greener.
The courses that matter
El Saler
The masterpiece, a Javier Arana design among the dunes and pines of the El Saler natural park, with a links style stretch by the sea and pine clad inland holes. Long rated among the best in continental Europe and a former Spanish Open host, attached to a Parador hotel.
Oliva Nova
A Seve Ballesteros designed, links style course on the coast south of Valencia, par 72, with water in play on most holes and a beach resort attached. One of the late Spaniard's most admired layouts and a relaxed, scenic round.
El Bosque
A Robert Trent Jones Sr design in the hills at Chiva, west of the city, a mature parkland and resort course rolling through pine and olive country, a strong second round on a Valencia trip.
Club de Campo del Mediterraneo
A long established parkland course near Castellon to the north, tree lined and well conditioned, where Sergio Garcia learned the game, a member friendly club that welcomes visitors.
Escorpion
A flat, mature parkland course at Betera just outside the city, easy walking and a reliable everyday round close to Valencia, popular with groups basing themselves in town.
Designers and layouts verified June 2026 from the courses and recognized Spanish golf sources. El Saler is a 1968 Javier Arana design, Oliva Nova a Seve Ballesteros course and El Bosque a Robert Trent Jones Sr layout. Access and fees vary, so always confirm directly before booking.
When to go
| Season | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| March to May | Warm, settled, courses at their lush best | Prime season, the sweet spot for weather |
| September to November | Warm sea, fewer crowds, reliable golf | The other peak, excellent value and conditions |
| December to February | Mild with the odd cool or wet day | A good value winter escape from the north |
| June to August | Hot, humid by the coast | Play early, lower rates, beach in the afternoon |
Spring and autumn are the sweet spots for a Valencia golf trip. Reserve El Saler and the popular courses ahead in the peak windows.
Indicative costs
| Item | Indicative 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green fee, most courses | Around €60 to €100 | Buggy often extra, twilight rates cheaper |
| El Saler green fee | Higher, the flagship | The course worth paying for, confirm rates |
| A week, all in | Around €1,200 to €2,500 per person | Hotel, several rounds, a hire car, excluding flights |
Indicative third party figures for the 2026 season, shown to set expectations only. We are a guide, not an operator, and never quote our own pricing. Always confirm directly before booking.
Getting there and around
Valencia is an easy, direct hop from across the UK, Ireland and northern Europe into Valencia airport, a short drive west of the city, with Alicante airport an alternative to the south for the Oliva and Costa Blanca courses. The city is compact and well connected, and most of the golf sits within 30 to 60 minutes, so a hire car is the simplest way to tour the courses while basing yourself in town or on the coast. The fast train links Valencia to Madrid and the rest of Spain if you want to combine destinations.
Where to stay
The city holds the widest choice, from design hotels near the old town to the beachfront around the marina, ideal for mixing golf with culture and food. The Parador at El Saler puts you on the doorstep of the flagship course in the natural park, while Oliva Nova offers a beach resort base to the south for a more relaxed golf week. Let one planner match the base to the group and line up the tee times and the hire car.
Plan your Valencia golf trip
Tell us the courses you want and roughly when. One concierge costs the whole trip to the head and replies within one working day, with no obligation.
Valencia golf questions
When is the best time to play golf in Valencia?
Valencia is close to a year round destination, with the sweet spots in spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when the days are warm and settled and the courses are at their best. Winter is mild and a popular escape from colder northern Europe, while high summer is hot, so most golfers play early in the day.
Which is the best golf course in Valencia?
El Saler, the 1968 Javier Arana design set among the dunes and pines of the El Saler natural park south of the city, is widely regarded as the standout, one of the finest courses in continental Europe and a former Spanish Open host. The Seve Ballesteros designed Oliva Nova to the south and the Robert Trent Jones Sr course at El Bosque inland are the other marquee names. Always confirm access and fees before booking.
How much does a golf trip to Valencia cost in 2026?
Valencia is good value for the quality of golf. Indicative 2026 green fees run from around 60 to 100 euros at most courses, with El Saler higher as the flagship, and a week with a city or coastal hotel, several rounds and a hire car typically lands between 1,200 and 2,500 euros per head excluding flights. Always confirm directly before booking.
Related
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course facts and indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.