Murcia & La Manga Golf Holidays

Why Golfers Travel to Murcia

Murcia has one of the driest, sunniest climates in Europe, with hot summers and mild winters. Golf is played all year, and it's a favourite for winter-sun breaks.

Flights from the UK take around two and a half hours. Most of the golf courses in Murcia are within 3040 minutes of Murcia's Corvera airport, and Alicante is around an hour away.

Golfers visiting Murcia will find:

• La Manga Club's three championship courses, including a former Spanish Open venue
• Three Jack Nicklaus designs around the Mar Menor
• Resorts where the hotel, course and practice facilities are all on one site
• Beaches, spas and great-value dining between rounds

The biggest advantage? Simplicity. Most groups stay on a golf resort and play everything within a short drive.

The Best Golf Courses in Murcia

The golf courses in Murcia fall into two main areas. Here are the courses that regularly feature on our golf itineraries.

La Manga Club

La Manga Club has been a favourite with British golfers for decades. Its South Course is the headline act. Designed by Robert Dean Putman in 1972 and later remodelled by Arnold Palmer, it's a 7,107-yard par 73 that has hosted several Spanish Opens. The par 3 3rd plays over water, and the 18th has water on both sides and a ravine short of the green.

The North Course is more forgiving, with wide, palm-lined fairways and tricky tiered greens. It finishes across a gully in front of the Grand Hyatt. The West Course, designed by Dave Thomas, is the toughest test of the three. It's a hilltop layout with narrow, pine-lined fairways and views to the Mediterranean from the 18th tee.

The Mar Menor

Inland from the Mar Menor lagoon is a group of modern resort courses. Jack Nicklaus designed Hacienda Riquelme, La Torre and El Valle. Hacienda Riquelme is ranked in Spain's top 100, La Torre is a shorter, friendly layout ideal for higher handicaps, and El Valle has hosted European Tour qualifiers.

Near Torre-Pacheco, Mar Menor Golf Club combines a tight, strategic front nine by Dave Thomas with a more open back nine from Nicklaus Design. Its signature stretch is holes 13 to 15, where a lake wraps around all three.

Closer to the coast, Roda Golf is known for its tricky greens and an island-green par 3 at the 7th. Nearby, Manuel Piñero's La Serena brings water into play on most holes.

When Is the Best Time to Play Golf in Murcia?

One of the reasons golfers keep coming back to the golf courses in Murcia is the reliable weather.

Spring (March May)

Warm, sunny days and courses in top condition. This is peak season, so book tee times early.

Summer (June August)

Hot, with temperatures often well into the 30s. Tee off early and spend the afternoon by the pool or in the Mar Menor.

Autumn (September November)

Arguably the best time to visit. It's still warm, the sea is at its warmest and the summer crowds have gone.

Winter (December February)

Mild, dry and sunny, making Murcia one of Europe's best winter golf destinations. Rates are often lower too.

Planning a Golf Trip to Murcia

A golf trip to Murcia works best when you choose the resort that matches the golf you want to play.

For La Manga's three courses, stay at the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, with its spa, pools and seven restaurants and bars. Around the Mar Menor, the DoubleTree by Hilton La Torre and The Residences La Torre are on the La Torre resort. The Ona Mar Menor Golf & Spa has a spa and sits right on Mar Menor Golf Club. Roda Hotel 525 is close to Roda and La Serena and just 750m from the beach. The 4-star Hacienda del Alamo offers a quieter countryside base. For self-catering, try Ona Los Lomas Village.

Between rounds you can:

• Explore Cartagena's Roman Theatre and historic port
• Swim in the warm, shallow waters of the Mar Menor
• Visit the cathedral and old town in Murcia city
• Find quiet beaches in the Calblanque Regional Park

Our ready-made packages start with a 3-night, 2-round break at Roda Hotel 525. For La Manga, choose 5 nights and 3 rounds at the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club, with one round on each of the South, North and West courses. If you'd prefer something tailored, you can build your own golf trip.

Travel Tips for Visiting Golfers

When planning a trip to the golf courses in Murcia, a few practical tips will make the trip run smoothly.

Book La Manga early The South Course is the most popular round and books up quickly in spring and autumn.

Fly into Murcia or Alicante Murcia's Corvera airport is closest, but Alicante often has more flights.

Consider a car If you're staying on the Mar Menor and want to play La Manga, it's around 30 minutes' drive.

Pack for the sun Even in winter, the sun is strong, so bring sun cream and a hat.

Travelling as a group? See how it works for small deposits and individual payments, ideal for golf societies.

Exploring more of Spain? See all our Spain golf holidays. You could also head up the coast to the Costa Blanca, or try Costa Almería to the south.