Golf holidays - Barcelona
Barcelona, the Catalan capital, is well known as one of the world’s great cities to visit, for its Gaudi architecture, its broad Ramblas, its beaches, the Olympic port, its Catalan cuisine, fine wines and for partygoers the full spectrum of nocturnal entertainments. It is perhaps less known for its golf courses, but there are some rather exclusive private Golf Clubs to play that are tucked away around the outskirts of the city. This combination makes Barcelona an excellent golfbreak destination for golfers who are looking for a little bit more from their golf holiday, albeit one that may not spring immediately to mind!
There’s no denying that Barcelona is a big city with plenty of traffic, however we believe that we have found the right places to stay that will allow you to enjoy the best of Barcelona and still get out to the golf courses in reasonable time. The Olympics in 1992 brought the autopistas in as far as the Olympic port, handily linking the city with the links. Getting around is very easy by metro (cheap and easy to navigate) although there are plenty of cabs too.
Barcelona golf courses
Barcelona has a very good supply of golf courses and most are private members' clubs with that elusive exclusive feel. Barcelona's golf courses are predominantly to the North and East of the city; so staying down by the port around Barceloneta makes a lot of sense for getting out to the Golf Clubs with the minimum of fuss.
Barcelona' s premier Club is the most impressive 'El Prat' whose two courses are simply magnificent and you would be happy to play here day after day. Sited on the northern edge of town since the airport expanded (hence the name El Prat) the gently hilly landscape is ideal for golf and Mr. Norman has created two testing designs with great views over the nearby city too.
Lovers of tradition need look no further than the ancient setting of Vallromanes Golf Club. 'Hidden Gem' is a much abused term but this exquisite jewel is one to search out. A pure, traditional golf course that blends perfectly with its surroundings and the massive old stone Clubhouse that was originally a 16th Century farmhouse. Close to Vallromanes is La Roca you will find a more modern course (and a giant 'Outlet Village') designed to encourage Barcelonians to start golfing but it's a thoroughly enjoyable course nevertheless and well worthy of a game.
Another classic course is to be found close to the centre of Barcelona at Sant Cugat. This is the oldest golf course in Barcelona and has a rather British parkland feel to it, hardly surprising as it was designed by none other than Harry Colt.
For an exciting ride around the hills and some truly exceptional holes try your hand at Masia Bach (aka Barcelona Golf Club). This club lies close to the distinctive Montserrat mountain range and offers some amazing views.
Where to stay in Barcelona
We believe that there is a clear choice of where to stay in Barcelona for your golfbreak: the buzzing city centre or the more 'chilled' beaches of Barceloneta down by the Olympic Port. The city-centre is evidently the place for those who wish to visit all the Barcelona sights and sample the fine Catalan cuisine in the myriad ristorantes that hide around every corner of the city.
The beach is the spot for those who wish to combine golf, sunshine and Barcelona's hectic nightlife in the clubs that encircle the Olympic Port and beaches of Barceloneta. Here there are a number of hotels to choose from including the Westin down at the very tip of the port or the Pullman Skipper that is closer to all the beaches and nightlife.
Barcelona sightseeing
Gaudi was responsible for many of Barcelona’s main attractions, the most famous being the Sagrada Familia (hopefully finished this Century!), his weird and wonderful Parc Güell and his other works dotted around the town.
Ambling along Las Ramblas is a tourist must although the squares off to either side are more peaceful and the Gothic city centre is also very strollable, richly bedizened by churches and the odd castle amidst its old narrow lanes.
For dining out in Barcelona the options are manifold. Tapas bars seem to be everywhere and meat lovers will be in their element amongst the Asadors where slow cooked lamb is the thing. We have a few restaurants in particular that we will recommend to you along with your travel documents - but there are always new ones to add to the list!
Getting to Barcelona
Being so popular has its advantages and Barcelona must be one of the easiest golf destinations to get to with so many flights to Barcelona every day and to the lo-cost airport just outside Tarragona - Reus. From Barcelona airport it will take less than an hour (depending on traffic) to get into the city or around to Vallromanes.
Barcelona golf holidays by car
It is also feasible to drive down to Barcelona for your golf holiday. It will take at least one full day behind the wheel travelling across France. The advantage of taking your own car on a golfing holiday is not to be underestimated: electric trolleys, no airport hassles with your golf clubs and you will also be able to bring back more than you would be allowed flying.
Or alternatively if you would rather cruise than drive consider the luxury quasi-liners that slip the inky blue from Portsmouth to Santander or Plymouth to Bilbao. From either port it's a lovely drive across the Pyrenees to Barcelona (why, you could even take in the delights of Cerdaña en-route).
