Region: Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain | Best Time: April–June & September–October | Nearest Airport: Barcelona (BCN) — 40 mins to PGA Catalunya
Editor’s Note: Catalonia combines championship golf with one of the world’s great food cultures — Michelin restaurants in every village, the Costa Brava’s dramatic coastline and a more sophisticated atmosphere than the mass-market Costa del Sol. PGA Catalunya ranks among Europe’s top five courses; the surrounding region is deeply underexplored by UK golfers.
The 5 Courses to Play
1. PGA Catalunya — Stadium Course ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Neil Coles & Angel Gallardo (1999)
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 7,209 yards | Rating: 75.8 / 143
- Why Play It: Ranked the #1 course in Spain (excluding Valderrama) and consistently in Europe’s top 10. Set in Pyrenean foothills with views of the Gavarres mountains — a true championship challenge with extraordinary natural beauty. Host of the Spanish Open.
- Book: pgacatalunya.com
2. PGA Catalunya — Tour Course ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Neil Coles & Angel Gallardo (2003)
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 6,788 yards
- Why Play It: The more forgiving of the two PGA Catalunya courses — ideal for handicaps 18–28. Still a serious championship layout. Sharing a clubhouse, spa and practice facilities with the Stadium Course makes this the best-value 36-hole complex in Spain.
- Book: pgacatalunya.com
3. Golf de Pals ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Fred Hawtree (1966)
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 6,408 yards
- Why Play It: The Costa Brava’s original championship course — winding through umbrella pine forests with views of the Pyrenees. The oldest course in Catalonia with a charming, traditional character that modern resort courses lack. Excellent condition year-round.
- Book: golfpals.cat
4. Golf d’Aro (Mas Nou) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 6,264 yards
- Why Play It: Set on the edge of the Gavarres Natural Park above the Costa Brava beaches — the views over the Mediterranean from the 12th tee are among the finest in Spanish golf. Accessible to all skill levels; a more scenic, relaxed experience than the championship tests.
5. Costa Brava Golf Club ⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Fred Hawtree (1968)
- Par / Yardage: 71 / 5,527 yards
- Why Play It: Located in Girona’s Gavarres park — the most intimate and characterful course in the region. Popular with Spanish weekenders who know the secret: exceptional condition, challenging design and no crowds. Perfect for the final afternoon round.
Where to Stay & Practical Information
- PGA Catalunya Resort Hotel: On-site accommodation with spa, pool and direct course access. The logical base for a 3-day golf trip combining both courses. Check availability on Expedia →
- Hotel Mas de Torrent (5★): Relais & Châteaux property in the Empordà countryside — 15 minutes from Golf de Pals. Michelin-calibre cooking, beautiful pool.
- Getting There: Barcelona El Prat (BCN) is the hub; PGA Catalunya is 40 minutes north via the AP-7 toll road. Girona Airport (GRO) also serves the region with Ryanair flights from UK.
- Food: Catalonia is home to more Michelin stars per capita than any other region in Spain. El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) consistently ranks in the world’s top 5 restaurants — book months in advance.