Cantabria, a coastal gem in northern Spain, is gaining traction among golfers for its scenic courses and welcoming atmosphere. With a temperate climate ideal for year-round play, the region offers a mix of challenging layouts and stunning settings, from Santander’s bay to the Picos de Europa. The legacy of Severiano Ballesteros, born in Pedreña, adds a special allure, with several courses bearing his design influence. From championship venues to courses popular with visitors, Cantabria provides diverse options for players seeking quality golf alongside natural and cultural attractions.
Premium & Resort Courses
- Among the standout championship courses is Real Golf de Pedreña, located in Pedreña, 20km from Santander. Founded in 1928 and designed by Harry S. Colt, with nine additional holes by Ballesteros, this 27-hole, par-72 course spans 6,272 metres. Its tree-lined fairways, centenary oaks, and views of Santander Bay demand precision, especially on the technical back nine.
- Another premier course is Golf Santa Marina, near San Vicente de la Barquera. Designed entirely by Ballesteros and opened in 2001, this 18-hole, par-71 layout in the Oyambre Natural Park features streams, wooded areas, and challenging holes like the 4th, 5th, and 6th, dubbed the “Amen Corner” by its creator.
Regional & Mid-Range Courses
- For visitors seeking accessible yet engaging rounds, Campo Municipal de Golf Mataleñas in Santander is a top choice. Opened in 1986 as Spain’s first municipal course, this 9-hole, par-34 layout, managed by the Santander City Council, sits on the Cabo Menor peninsula with sea views. Its compact 15-hectare design and practice facilities make it ideal for all skill levels.
- Campo de Golf Celia Barquín – Abra del Pas, in Mogro, is an 18-hole, par-70 course set at the mouth of the Pas River. Designed by Stirling & Martin, its wide fairways, dunes, and forest surroundings offer a relaxed yet scenic experience, 15km from Santander. Campo Municipal de Golf La Junquera, also in Pedreña, is a 9-hole, par-34 course opened in 1997. Its short but technical layout requires precision to avoid double or triple bogeys, appealing to players who enjoy a strategic challenge.
- Real Club de Golf Oyambre, near Comillas, is a historic 9-hole, par-70 course, opened in 1924 by King Alfonso XIII. Its links-style design, shaped by coastal winds and sandy terrain, offers a forgiving round with views of the Cantabrian Sea and Picos de Europa.
- Campo de Golf Rovacías in Comillas, a 9-hole, par-34 course opened in 2002, integrates with a residential area and provides an elegant, approachable layout for holiday golfers.
- Club de Golf Ramón Sota in Agüero, a 9-hole, par-54 pitch-and-putt designed by Ballesteros, caters to all levels, from beginners to professionals, with a charming setting near a 17th-century mansion.
- Campo de Golf Nestares, a par-72, 18-hole course in the Reinosa valley, offers open fairways and mountain views, blending accessibility with a professional-grade layout. Campo de Golf Villa de Noja, a 9-hole, par-54 course in Noja, also designed by Ballesteros, is beginner-friendly yet enjoyable for seasoned players, set in a popular tourist area.
Cantabria’s golf facilities extend beyond the fairways, with most clubs offering driving ranges, putting greens, and short-game areas. Santa Marina and Pedreña provide golf schools for all ages, with lessons in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, while Mataleñas offers weekend and summer courses for children. Clubhouses, like those at Pedreña and Santa Marina, serve local dishes such as seafood and cocido montañés, adding a Cantabrian flavour.
Additional amenities include padel courts, pools, and equipment rentals, with Santa Marina featuring a covered driving range and buggies. The region is accessible via Santander’s airport, with courses within a 45-minute drive of the capital. Hotels like the Gran Hotel Sardinero in Santander or rural stays near Comillas and Noja cater to golfers, often including green fee packages. With championship courses like Pedreña and Santa Marina, alongside visitor-friendly options like Mataleñas and Abra del Pas, Cantabria offers a golfing experience that combines quality play with coastal and mountain charm.
Spain region by region
Almería – Andalusia – Aragón – Asturias – Basque Country – Cádiz – Cantabria – Catalonia – Córdoba – Extremadura – Fuerteventura – Galicia – Gran Canaria – Granada – Huelva – Ibiza – Jaén – La Mancha – La Rioja – Lanzarote – León – Madrid – Majorca – Málaga – Menorca – Murcia – Navarra – Seville – Tenerife – Valencia –
