Looking for a destination that’s not too far to fly to, offers great weather, fantastic golf courses, and some lovely bars and restaurants, all without breaking the bank? Then look no further than a golf holiday in Murcia – this sunny Spanish region has long been a favourite destination for many golfers, always receiving positive feedback from those who play here.
In this guide, we give you the lowdown on where to play, what to do away from the fairways, our current top deals for a golf break in Murcia, and some tips to get the best value thrown in!
Murcia at a Glance
- Location: Murcia is a region and city in the southwestern part of Spain, sitting between Malaga and Valencia.
- Closest Airport: The most popular airport for a golf break to Murcia is Región de Murcia International Airport, which is situated around 25km from the city centre and close to many of the area’s top golf resorts. However, many do fly into Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, around 50 minutes away.
- Flight Time: It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to fly from the UK to Región de Murcia International Airport. This can vary slightly depending on your departure airport.
- Best Time to Travel: Spring and Autumn are the most popular times for a golfing trip to Murcia – this avoids the summer holiday season that brings higher flight & accommodation prices whilst allowing the temperature to cool slightly.
- Climate: Temperatures typically range from 21°C in March to 27°C in May, while in October they start around 26°C before gradually dropping to 21°C.
Best Golf Courses In Murcia
Murcia has a lot to offer when it comes to perfect greens and lush fairways. Here’s our pick of the best golf courses on offer in the region of Murcia.
Mar Menor Golf Course
This is one of the most well-known golf courses in Murcia. Originally part of the Polaris World development near Torre Pacheco back in 2005 as a 9-hole course designed by Dave Thomas, it was extended in 2009 by Jack Nicklaus to an 18-hole course.
The outcome is a course with two distinct halves – the front nine features narrow roughs and fairways paired with spacious greens, while the back nine showcases Nicklaus’s signature design style of wide fairways and expansive greens.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Dave Thomas (Holes 1-9) & Jack Nicklaus (Holes 10-18)
- Opened: 2009
La Manga Club
Set across a sprawling 1,400 acres, La Manga Club was the first golf resort in Spain to open with two 18-hole courses way back in 1972.
Since then, it’s become incredibly popular for the on-site sports facilities – no fewer than 28 tennis courts, 8 football pitches and now three 18-hole golf courses in the North, South and West Courses.
- Holes: 54
- Par: 71 (North), 73 (South), 72 (West)
- Designer: Robert Dean Putman (North & South with South re-modelled by Arnold Palmer), Dave Thomas (West)
- Opened: 1972
La Torre Golf Club
This Jack Nicklaus golf course is an 18-hole par 68, measuring around 5,400 metres. Originally part of another Polaris World development that was developed in the early millennium, this is now a stand alone golf course with private apartments surrounding it and a five-star hotel in DoubleTree by Hilton La Torre Golf & Spa Resort which provides some quality accommodation on-site, making it the perfect ‘stay & play’ venue.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 68
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Opened: 2006
Santa Elena Golf Club
Santa Elena Golf Club is a desert-style course that’s one of the longest in Spain, stretching 6,724 metres, and is considered a fantastic experience. A conscious effort by Dave Thomas Limited is to ensure the surrounding real estate doesn’t interfere too much with the playing experience.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Dave Thomas
- Opened: 2006
La Serena Golf
This 18-hole golf course offers pretty views over Mar Menor. It features large sand bunkers, plenty of water hazards, and a steady breeze due to its proximity to the coast. Strategy and precision is key to scoring well around here.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Manuel Piñero
- Opened: 2006
Other things to do in Murcia
Away from the fairways, Murcia offers plenty to see and do!
- For the culture vultures, check out Catedral de Murcia, which is located right in the heart of Murcia city in Cardenal Belluga Square. This amazing building blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Development dates back to 1385 when the foundations started, with the first stone laid in 1388.
- Check out the Salzillo Museum, home to the Barqoue sculptures of 18th century Murcian artist Francisco Salzollo. This museum is located in the Church of Our Father Jesus (Iglesia de Nuestro Padre Jesús) in Murcia city.
- Beyond Salzillo Museum and Cathedral de Murcia, there is plenty to see and do in the Old Town of Murcia. Stroll around the Plaza de Las Flores – a beautiful square – to sample amazing tapas from one of the many cafes and restaurants, or head to Museum of Santa Clara which features a 13th century Arab pool in the middle of it, or head to Sanctuary of La Fuensanta which houses an image of the patron saint of the city yet outside provides incredible panoramic views of Murcia.
- Around an hour away by car is Cartagena, a pretty port city with a rich Roman heritage and plenty of historical landmarks to visit. Be sure to check out the well-preserved Roman Theatre, wander around the historic port, or enjoy fresh seafood by the waterfront in one of the many restaurants..
- The Mar Menor, in between Cartagena and La Manga, is Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon and is incredibly popular for watersports because of its high salinity (which increases the ability to float), low waves, and great facilities.
Top 5 Travel Tips For Your Murcia Golf Holiday
- Buggy Rental: Although the courses in Murcia are generally flat, it can be quite warm, so consider renting buggies – and, crucially, do so before you arrive to avoid potential disappointment on the day.
- Book Tee Times Early: As with buggies, prime tee times can be in demand – especially for large groups – so it’s vital you make sure to book as early as you can.
- Consider How Important Nightlife Is: There are plenty of fantastic golf resorts, however many can be isolated. If you’re looking for great nightlife as well as great golf then consider a hotel in a town such as Alcazares which has plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance.
- Group Booking Discount: Some resorts, such as Ona Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa for instance, offer a free space for every 8 travelling golfers so if you can travel in numbers it can help bring the cost down.
- Consider The Right Board Basis For Your: Unlike some destinations such as Belek in Turkey which only offers an all-inclusive board basis, Murcia offers a range of options from self-catering in apartment accommodation, to bed & breakfast, half board and semi-all-inclusive options.
Consider what is the right one for you, taking into account your budget and how much time you intend to eat and drink at your chosen accommodation.
Top 5 Golf Break Deals: Play Some of Murcia’s Most Popular Golf Courses
We’ve handpicked our top golf break deals in Murcia with top accommodation and rounds of golf on some fantastic courses:
- 5* Ona Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa
- 5* Grand Hyatt La Manga Club & Resort
- 4* One Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort
- 5* DoubleTree by Hilton La Torre Golf & Spa Resort
- 4* Hotel Costa Narejos Los Alcazres
About Glencor Golf
If this guide to golf in Murcia has wet your appetite to tee-off in the Spanish sunshine on your next golfing break then get in touch with our friendly team! With first-hand knowledge and experience of arranging thousands of trips, they can create the perfect holiday for you.
Call 01904 406550 or email info@glencorgolf.com to get started!
