Golf is a well-established sport across much of the Spanish coast. It’s an alluring prospect for those who want not only sun, sand and sea during their holidays but the opportunity to really practise their swing. If this sounds like you, look no further than the golf courses of Huelva.
The courses here are set within hard-to-beat landscapes, and what few people realise is that the province of Huelva was the birthplace of golf in Spain. Huelva has a mild climate with an average temperature of 19oC and approximately 156 clear days per year, making it the ideal place for getting a few rounds in.
Let’s take a look at Huelva’s best golf courses and learn a little about the history of the sport in the region. We’ll tell you everything you need to know in less than the time it takes to clear the first tee!
Huelva: the birthplace of golf in Spain
Golf in Spain started in Huelva (along with football, but that’s another story). Back in the last quarter of the 19th century, the London-based consortium Matherson & Co purchased the Riotinto mines. The British workers brought with them never-before-seen sports in Spain, such as football, cricket, polo, tennis, and of course, golf.
Despite the sport being played informally across the province of Huelva for decades, this region of Spain can’t claim the oldest golf club in the country – this honour goes to the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, founded in 1891.
In 1914, the North Lode Golf Club was established at the mines of Riotinto. The course had nine holes and was the precursor to the current Club de Golf Corta Atalaya. Two years later, the Club de Golf Huelva-Bellavista was founded in Huelva city, near where the Estadio Colombino now stands.
There’s been a proliferation of high-quality golf courses in Huelva in recent years and the province now has eight major courses in locations from the sierra to the coast.
The best golf courses in Huelva
It’s time to discover the main golf courses in Huelva, starting with the oldest.
Corta Atalaya Golf
Corta Atalaya (location: Carretera de Corta Atalaya, Minas de Riotinto) is the oldest course in Spain and dates back to the time of the legendary North Lode Golf Club. The club was relocated in 1992 to the foot of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, from where you have a good view of the eponymous historical mining operation.
The characteristic copper and ochre shades of the landscape around Riotinto make for quite a unique setting. The course has just 9 holes: 3 par-3, 5 par-4 and 1 par-5. Expect flat terrain apart from two fairly steep fairways.
Bellavista Huelva Golf Club
Set within a beautiful pine forest, Huelva Golf Club (Carretera Huelva-Aljaraque, km 6, Aljaraque) is the second-oldest club in Spain. It was founded in 1916 before the more modern course was built in 1976. Situated near Huelva capital, the 18-hole Bellavista course has wide short fairways and presents a decent challenge for golfers of all levels.
The social club has a tennis court and swimming pool along with a restaurant, childcare facilities, reading room and trophy room.
La Monacilla Golf Club
Like Bellavista, this club is also located in Aljaraque (Avenida de Los Pirineos, Aljaraque), just 5 minutes from the capital of the province. This modern course was created in 2010 and designed by champion golfer José María Olazábal. It lies at the mouth of the River Odiel within extensive greenery, and is already one of the most prestigious courses in Andalusia.
The fairways gently wind and undulate in response to the topography. The weather, scenery, well-placed ponds and spectacular greens make this one of the most memorable courses.
Isla Canela Golf
It’s time to go coastal and we’ll start with Isla Canela Golf in the tourist development of the same name in Ayamonte (Calle Golf Norte, Ayamonte). Surrounded by the Ría Carreras wetlands, the course shares the space with natural saltwater inlets that add an extra challenge for the golfer.
Enjoy quality greens and fantastic bermudagrass fairways with strategically-placed bunkers.
Islantilla Golf Resort
Islantilla Golf Resort (Paseo Barranco del Moro, Lepe) is on a hill overlooking the sea. Opened in the early 1990s, this internationally-renowned course has hosted a few prestigious tournaments over the years.
It has a total of27 holes over three 9-hole courses. The rounds cater for medium/low handicaps and experts alike, and beginners will feel at home here too.
Golf El Rompido
El Rompido (Carretera Cartaya-El Romido, km 7, Cartaya) is a huge complex with two 18-hole courses (North and South). You’ll find it next to the Marismas de Piedra, a protected wetland area with wonderful views over the Atlantic.
The South course has hosted multiple tournaments – including the final of the Spanish Professional Circuit –and the North course is also considered one of the best in Europe.
Golf Nuevo Portil
Also in Cartaya, right in the heart of Huelva’s coast, is the exclusive Nuevo Portil golf course (Nuevo Portil, Cartaya).
From the fairways of this 18-hole course you’ll be treated to views over infinite dunes, the Atlantic Sea and pine forests. The sea views from the second tee are particularly impressive.
