Golf holidays - Jerez & Cadiz
Golf holidays in Jerez & Cadiz have a feel of real Andalucian golfing about them. Both Jerez & Cadiz are genuine Spanish cities with histories, lives and industries of their own that existed long before the onset (onslaught some might say) of golf holidays in Spain.
In this part of Spain the golf courses are quite widely spread, so there is a fair bit af travelling involved if you wish to play at more than just one or two Golf Clubs. However, there are two concentrations of three courses (around Jerez and south of Cadiz) anh in any case, the cities, countryside and bodegas are all very attractive. So as long as you don't mind a little driving it's a very appealing Spanish golf destination; or, of course, you could always split your holiday between two places: more of a golf and sherry tour than a straightforward golf holiday!
There are two main concentrations of courses: the first is around Jerez where Sherry Golf, Montecastillo and Arcos Gardens are all practicable from a hotel base in Jerez (or the Montecastillo resort); the second is south of Cadiz where Sancti Petri, Sancti Petri Hills and La Estancia are grouped together amongst developments of holiday homes along the coast. You can stay in one of these coastal resorts or, if you don't mind a little driving each day, the fascinating city of Cadiz is a much more Spanish base for your golf holiday (and they have a rather smart Parador hotel).
For a resort-based holiday by the seaside, there is also the Costa Ballena resort to consider. A recent seaside development where once there was nothing but sand and sea. It is now a sprawling resort of new houses, villas hotels and 27 golf holes. A Summer retreat for tourists, second-homers and to a lesser extent residents of Jerez, Cadiz and Seville: not overly Iberian, but plenty of facilities on tap.
Golf courses - Jerez & Cadiz
There are not many old private Golf Clubs in this part of Spain, due primarily to its agricultural and sea-faring past, hence the preponderence of modern style 'international' courses that have only appeared in the last few decades.
The oldest course in the area (and the closest to the city centre) is Sherry Golf; no Centennial celebrations anytime soon, but it is clearly the most traditional set-up of all the Jerez courses, it's also one of the best running over a few small hills that engender plenty of variety to the layout.
East of Jerez are two of the modern courses, the big resort at Montecastillo (that might be finished one day!) and the Arcos Gardens development (that continually struggles to make ends meet it seems). These are good courses, Montecastillo is very much in the US mould, whereas Arcos Gardens feels a little bit more local: both are fairly hilly, so a buggy is well worth considering.
Over on the Cadiz side there are four Golf Clubs with five courses between them: the Novo Sancti Petri resort with its two courses and very busy Iberostar resort hotel, the intricate layout at Sancti Petri Hills, the expansive La Estancia with its broad views across the countryside of La Frontera (our favourite course around Cadiz) and the tightly-knit course at the tiny Campano Golf Club (the first along the Costa de la Luz, albeit just nine-holes at the time).
Further south and out on its own, is the excellent course and bodega-style hotel at Montenmedio. This is a fine set-up through acresn of ancient olive groves: some might say that it's terribly isolated, we would argue that the solitude adds to its attraction.
Where to stay - Jerez & Cadiz
If you like to stay in a town with plenty to do aside form the golf and plenty of restaurants to choose from every evening then head for Jerez. It's a well-sized town, perfect for strolling with lots of art-deco touches sprinkled between the historic buildings around its impressive cathedral. As you might imagine, Sherry is everywhere, seemingly every street has a bodega or two where you can try a crisp, ice-cold fino (most refreshing after a warm day on the golf course) or a rounded Amontillado (if you prefer a fruitier taste), or the full-bodied Oloroso (maybe with your cheese or pud?). Whatever your taste, you will be hard pressed to avoid a schooner or two whilst in Jerez!
Out west, at the end of a slender spindle of land, Cadiz is a fascinating city surrounded by the Atlantic. Even if you don't stay here whilst golfing in Jerez you should definitely spend a day investigating this wonderful Oceanic city. If you wish to stay in Cadiz there are some superb hotels (not least the funky Parador with its acres of pools) or more traditional cityesque hotels like the moorish Senator in the centre of town. The trade-off will be the journey time out to the golf courses each day, probably around three-quarters of an hour, depending on the traffic on the isthmus.
Aside from these two towns there are beach-resort style hotels at Sancti Petri and Costa Ballena; both of which are purpose-built with hotels and holiday homes all along the beach and to some extent around the golf coursess too.
For somewhere charmingly different, the quiet hotel and course amidst the olive groves of Montenmedio is a most relaxing place to stay. The hotel is an absolute delight, created from the old manor of the olive plantation: tranquil and stylish.
Getting to Jerez and Cadiz
The southwest corner of Spain is not overly served with flights but there are enough to get you there and back as long as you have a little flexibility in your travel dates. We can advise on the best routes and schedules for you and arrange for a hire-car to be waiting for you on arrival (or chauffeured transfers if you would rather be driven around by a local).
