Sun, sea and sinking putts in Mallorca

We’ve picked out our favourite golf courses to play on the beautiful Spanish island of Mallorca along with some excellent accommodation options.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the largest of the Mediterranean Balearic islands has great food, wonderful beaches, and the capital Palma is steeped in historic charm. It’s the perfect choice for a memorable golf vacation.

Golf courses

Son Gual Golf – Just 15 minutes from Palma airport, Son Gual is a par 72 parkland course designed by respected German architect Thomas Himmel, who has produced a highly enjoyable experience for players of all levels. It’s in great condition, especially the greens, and the par 3s are particularly good. There’s lots of bunkers and water, great views over Palma, an excellent clubhouse, and a superb finishing hole that will stay in the memory.

Golf Son Vida – 15 minutes west of the airport, this is the oldest course in Mallorca and a favourite with golfers from all over Europe. It’s got a traditional feel and there’s stunning views over the Bay of Palma. It’s hilly and strategic with elevated greens requiring craft, but the fairways are wide and forgiving. The 18th is the signature hole, with a second shot over water which will either make or break your round if you’re feeling brave.

Golf d’Andratx – About 25 km west of the airport, this is a challenging championship course that winds its way through a breathtaking landscape of olive groves, almond trees and ancient Mallorca stone walls. It has over 60 bunkers and seven lakes adding to the test, as well as elevated tees, blind tee shots and undulating terrain. The Halfway House has great food.

Club de Golf Alcanada – Around 45 minutes north-east of the airport, Club de Golf Alcanada was designed by the great Robert Trent Jones Jnr. It’s a parkland layout with pine and olive tree-lined fairways, gentle undulations, and panoramic ocean views. There’s around 60 bunkers, the greens are challenging, and some of the tee shots are tricky. You’ll love the pristine conditions and the all-round beauty.

Pula Golf Resort – Also around 45 minutes west of the airport, Pula Golf Resort was completely redesigned by Jose María Olazabal between 2004 and 2006. It’s a par 72 layout where 14 of the 18 greens are visible from the tee. It’s built on the site of an ancient estate and these features have been retained in the design, as well as great views of the sea and surrounding mountains.

Capdepera Golf – Just 5 km north of Pula Golf Resort, Capdepera Golf is a par 72 parkland layout built in a valley across an old almond plantation. The greens are large as are the fairways, and there’s the occasional dog-leg, but things get more challenging later on in the round as the course winds up into the hills of the nearby mountains. The beautiful mountain and ocean views are worth the trip alone.

Where to stay

Son Gual Golf, Golf Son Vida and Golf d’Andratx are each within 30 minutes by car of these fine hotels.

Es Princep, The Leading Hotels of the World – Situated in the historic centre of Palma, above the fortified walls of Baluard Es Príncep, the 5-star Es Princep has 68 stunning rooms, a terrace with ocean views, two bars, two restaurants with an award-winning chef, and a beautiful outdoor pool. The Coco Oasis spa tops off the luxury feel.

Steigenberger Hotel – About 25 km west of Palma, the Steigenberger Hotel is located right by the 18th hole of Golf d’Andratx and just 250m from the shores of the Camp de Mar beach. There’s 164 stylish rooms and suites with a balcony or terrace with gorgeous views of the golf course, the sea, the huge pool area or garden. The spa centre offers an indoor pool and a gym free of charge.

St Regis Mardavall Resort – Around 10 km west of Palma, this hotel is perched between cliffs and Puerto Portals harbour in immaculate gardens facing the Mediterranean. It’s a combination of old-school charm and excellent service. It’s arranged across four terracotta buildings, with the 125 rooms and suites all having large private terraces with ocean views. The Arabella spa is one of the largest in the Mediterranean, and Es Fum restaurant has a Michelin star. A free shuttle service is available to the nearby golf course of Golf Son Vida.

Club de Golf Alcanada, Pula Golf Resort and Capdepera Golf are each within 20 minutes by car from these superb hotels.

Cap Vermell Grand Hotel – On the island’s west coast in a beautiful tranquil valley, this is a 5-star luxury retreat that reflects the style of a traditional Spanish hilltop village. The 126 guestrooms and 16 luxurious suites have a sophisticated residential feel. There’s landscaped grounds, four pools, the Serenitas Spa, and excellent dining. The resort provides free golf shuttle service to Golf Capdepera, Golf Pula, Golf Son Servera and Golf Canyamel.

Hotel Caprice Alcúdia Port – Located in the north of the island by the Port of Alcudia, one of the main leisure epicentres in Mallorca, this hotel is only a few metres away from the beach. It combines privacy, comfort, gastronomy and luxury. It’s a 5-star boutique hotel with rooms and suites that are modern and tasteful. There’s an exclusive pool club and the Wellness Centre & Spa. The hotel has special partnerships with almost every golf course on the island for guests, and Club de Golf Alcanada is just 2 km away.