Region: Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain | Best Time: April–June & September–October | Nearest Airport: Palma de Mallorca (PMI) — 20–50 mins to most courses
Editor’s Note: Mallorca has transformed quietly into one of the Mediterranean’s most sophisticated golf destinations. Where the island was once known purely for mass-market beach tourism, the north and centre now offer championship courses set against the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The combination of Arabella Son Muntaner’s clifftop drama, the Tramuntana backdrop and Palma’s extraordinary food scene elevates Mallorca firmly into the premier league of European golf travel.
The 5 Courses to Play
1. Golf Son Gual ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Thomas Himmel (2007) | Par/Yardage: 72 / 6,702 yards | Rating: 73.9 / 136
- Why Play It: Consistently rated the best course in Mallorca — a dramatic layout across natural limestone terrain with 60-foot elevation changes, natural water features and the Tramuntana mountains as backdrop. The signature 11th hole, a par 3 over a dramatic gorge, is the most photographed shot in Mallorcan golf. Excellent condition year-round; genuinely demanding design.
- Book: golfsonqual.com | Green fees from €175
2. Arabella Son Muntaner Golf ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: José María Olazábal (1995) | Par/Yardage: 71 / 6,427 yards
- Why Play It: Olazábal’s masterpiece on the slopes above Porto Pi — with sweeping views across Palma Bay from virtually every hole. The Arabella Hotel Son Vita provides some of the finest spa-golf accommodation in Spain. The combination of Olazábal’s strategic design, the Bay of Palma panorama and the five-star hotel make this the most complete golf experience on the island.
- Book: arabella-golf.com
3. Real Golf de Bendinat ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Folco Nardi (1986) | Par/Yardage: 71 / 5,718 yards
- Why Play It: The most traditional club in Mallorca — set among pine forests above Portals Nous with the discreet atmosphere of an exclusive private members’ course. Compact, precise and punishing of wayward shots — the pine forest rough is effectively unplayable. The post-round lunch overlooking the pines is one of the island’s great pleasures.
- Book: bendinatgolf.com
4. Golf de Pollença ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Martin Hawtree (1986) | Par/Yardage: 70 / 5,867 yards
- Why Play It: In the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana, 45 minutes north of Palma — the most scenic course on the island. The Tramuntana mountains form an extraordinary backdrop; the course threads through almond and olive groves in the valley below Pollença town. Low key, beautifully situated and remarkably affordable.
- Book: golfpollensa.com | Green fees from €75
5. Pula Golf Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: José María Olazábal & Joe Lee (1995) | Par/Yardage: 71 / 6,239 yards
- Why Play It: On the east coast near Son Servera — the most natural and undulating layout in Mallorca. Olazábal used the wild rock formations, pine forests and natural terrain to create a course that feels carved rather than built. The quieter eastern side of the island provides a completely different atmosphere from the Palma courses — more local, more authentic, equally beautiful.
- Book: pulagolf.com
Where to Stay
- Hotel Son Vida, A Luxury Collection Hotel (5★): A 13th-century castle above Palma — the most historic hotel on the island. Direct access to Arabella and Son Muntaner courses. Check availability on Expedia →
- Jumeirah Port Soller (5★): Cliff-carved luxury hotel above Port Soller on the Tramuntana coast — the island’s most dramatically situated hotel. 45 minutes from the golf courses but worth every minute of the drive.
- Cap Vermell Grand Hotel (5★): New ultra-luxury resort on the east coast near Pula Golf — the finest accommodation on that side of the island.
Practical Information
- Getting There: Palma de Mallorca (PMI) — one of Europe’s busiest airports. Direct flights from all UK airports year-round, 2h 15m from London. Car hire essential.
- Best Time: April–June for spring flowers, perfect temperatures (22–25°C) and low prices. September–October for post-summer calm and firm fairways. July–August is extremely busy; book courses months in advance.
- Combine With: Palma’s cathedral (La Seu), the old town’s tapas bars, the Tramuntana mountain drive via Valldemossa and Deià — Robert Graves lived and wrote here. Soller’s vintage tram to Port Soller is unmissable.
- Ibiza Connection: A 30-minute flight connects Mallorca to Ibiza (one course, Golf de Ibiza) — easily combined for a two-island golf break.