Golfing the Mediterranean: From Costa Brava to Sicily
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Stretching from the rugged Catalan coast of northeastern Spain to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, the Mediterranean offers one of Europe’s most enchanting — and varied — backdrops for a golf holiday. From pine-forest fairways with Pyrenean peaks as backdrop to coastal links teetering on cliffs above turquoise seas, this route connects contrasting but equally compelling golfing experiences.
For any golfer who dreams of combining sport, sea breezes, and regional culture, a voyage from Costa Brava to Sicily should sit very high on your bucket list.
From Cliffs to Pine Forests — The Charms of Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is a golfer’s paradise that marries Mediterranean sea views with a backdrop of mountains. The region is home to more than ten golf courses, offering a striking range of landscapes — from coastal cliffs to inland pine forests.
One of the region’s highlights is Camiral Golf & Wellness. Known for its dramatic, championship-level design, it has become one of Spain’s premier golf destinations — a fact recently cemented by its selection as host for the 2031 edition of Ryder Cup.
But Camiral is only the beginning. On the Costa Brava, you’ll also find courses like Club de Golf Peralada, tucked in the Empordà countryside, where golf meets vineyards, culture and natural calm.
For those drawn more to seaside panoramas, Club Golf d’Aro – Mas Nou sits perched above the Mediterranean, more than 300 meters above sea level — giving golfers breathtaking vistas of both sea and mountains before each swing.
What makes Costa Brava especially magical: you aren’t limited to golf. After a round, you can stroll to Mediterranean beaches, explore historic towns like Girona, or indulge in Catalan gastronomy — anchovies from l’Escala, succulent shrimp of Palamós, hearty rice stews and local wines.
Crossing the Mediterranean — Why Sicily Awaits
Head south to Sicily and the spirit of golf-meets-island-life reaches another level. On this large island, golf courses are woven into coastlines, citrus groves and volcanic landscapes, offering a completely different Mediterranean flavour.
At the heart of Sicilian golf stands Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, perhaps the crown jewel of this journey. Designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips, Verdura boasts 45 holes across 230 hectares of coastline — two championship 18-hole courses plus a nine-hole executive layout. What makes Verdura so captivating is how it blends challenge and beauty: fairways that wind through olive and orange groves, undulating terrain that rises and falls before the sea, and dramatic links-style coastal holes where every shot can come with sea breezes and panoramic views. Moreover, Verdura has played host to the Sicilian Open, a former European Tour event — underlining its status among Europe’s top golf venues.
But Sicily’s golf offerings go beyond just one resort. On the slopes of Mount Etna lies Il Picciolo Etna Golf Club — the first 18-hole golf course built on the island. Carved partly from lava-stone terrain, it presents a completely different challenge: hilly terrain, rugged surroundings, and views of both volcano and sea.
Whether you’re drawn by the coastal calm of Verdura or the dramatic volcanic backdrop of Etna, golf in Sicily offers a beautiful contrast to the more polished, resort-style courses of Costa Brava.
From Fairways to Food and Culture — The Complete Mediterranean Golf Escape
What makes a golf trip from Costa Brava to Sicily more than just “playing course after course” is the full immersion into Mediterranean life. On the Costa Brava side, you combine golf with Catalan coastal culture — beaches, historic towns, pine forests, seafood and wine. On Sicily, you are enveloped in warm island hospitality, sea-scented breezes, citrus groves, ancient towns, olive oil, Sicilian cuisine and the looming majesty of Mount Etna.
Golf resorts like Verdura don’t just offer greens and tees — they come with luxury accommodation, spa and wellness centers, fine dining, and the possibility of blending golf with scenic drives, local culture, wine tastings and even visits to ancient ruins or seaside villages.
So this isn’t just a journey along the Mediterranean coast — it’s a journey through landscapes, histories, climates, and cultures. One moment you might be playing among pine-covered hills overlooking the Pyrenees; the next, on a coastal links stretched over Sicilian olive groves with salty air and sunset over the Mediterranean.
Final Thoughts — A Mediterranean Tapestry of Golf
Golf travelling along the Mediterranean from Costa Brava to Sicily offers something rare. It’s not just about playing world-class courses (though there is plenty of that). It’s about feeling the wind off the sea on a rugged coastal hole, hearing cicadas among pine trees in Empordà, smelling citrus blossoms at dawn in Sicily, tasting local seafood, sipping regional wine, and drifting from one cultural milieu to another — all while keeping one eye on the next tee.
If you’re seeking a golf holiday that combines sport, relaxation, scenic diversity and cultural depth, then this Mediterranean journey might just be your perfect match.
