La Rioja, a picturesque region in northern Spain, offers golfers a delightful mix of challenging courses and stunning landscapes. With over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, the region’s mild climate supports year-round play, making it an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts. Known for its world-class vineyards, La Rioja also boasts four quality golf courses, each blending natural beauty with technical layouts to suit players of all abilities. Accessible via Bilbao airport, just 90 minutes from the capital ith direct flights from both Dublin and Cork, Logroño, the region combines golf with cultural and gastronomic delights, creating a well-rounded holiday experience.
- Among the championship courses, Izki Golf in Urturi stands out. Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, this 18-hole, par-72 course spans 98 hectares within the Izki Natural Park. Its wide fairways and strategic bunkers, surrounded by oaks and holly trees, offer a challenging yet scenic round.
- Rioja Alta Golf Club in Cirueña, another key course, features an 18-hole, par-72 layout designed by Enrique Saenger. Opened in 2004, it uses the region’s undulating terrain, with water hazards on the back nine and a protected oak grove adding to its appeal.
- For visitors, El Campo de Logroño, located just five kilometres from the city centre, is a popular choice. This 18-hole, par-72 municipal course, set in the La Grajera Nature Reserve, is known for its fourth hole, one of the longest in Spain at 619 metres. Its varied terrain and forgiving fairways make it accessible for all players.
- Club de Campo Sojuela, 20 kilometres from Logroño, is another favourite, offering an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Severiano Ballesteros. Its oak and pine-lined fairways and views of the Ebro valley provide an engaging experience for golfers.
La Rioja’s golf facilities enhance the appeal. Izki Golf offers a driving range, putting green, and a clubhouse with dining options, while Rioja Alta provides practice areas and a short game zone, ideal for skill refinement. El Campo de Logroño includes a 9-hole pitch-and-putt course, perfect for beginners or quick rounds, alongside a restaurant with reservoir views. Club de Campo Sojuela features a golf academy and a welcoming clubhouse. Hotels like the 4-star Gran Vía in Logroño or the luxurious Marqués de Riscal in Elciego offer golf packages, blending comfort with easy course access. Beyond the fairways, golfers can explore La Rioja’s historic towns, enjoy tapas on Logroño’s Calle del Laurel, or visit local wineries, adding depth to the trip.
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 –
