Golf Guide to Murcia

Some of Europe’s premium resorts are located in Murcia and the golf courses offer fantastic value for money. There are multi-course resorts too which is particularly helpful for group travel and scheduling tee times.  Murcia City offers fantastic golf tours and the nightlife further enhances its appeal as a quality golfing destination.

With 16 golf courses, situated directly within Murcia, there are plenty of options for the traveling golfer. Spain takes their golf very serious, which is mirrored throughout the variety of courses that this region of the country can offer. Jack Nicklaus and Dave Thomas dominate the course designs which should speak volumes about the quality of courses on offer, which include:

El Valle isn’t an overly long golf course, but the challenge lies beyond the perceived lack of distance. Jack Nicklaus leant on his experience to produce a layout that will test every component of your golf game.

The Signature course at Alhama is another design from Nicklaus, but this time it’s a very lengthy challenge! Measuring more than 7,500 from the tips, better players will find a tremendous challenge here with 116 bunkers to avoid.

Roda Golf Club is home to a par-72 parkland routing that was created by Dave Thomas. Golfers can expect undulating greens, strategically positioned bunkers and three gigantic lakes.

The stunning Altorreal is another Dave Thomas masterpiece that boasts outstanding views of the surrounding area; challenging water hazards and undulating fairways are a theme of this layout.

Finally, Desert Springs is one of the most popular clubs in the country, providing golfers with a terrific course and pristine practice facilities to enjoy during their visit.

Golf Resorts

Due to its warm weather and sandy beaches, Murcia has become a popular holiday destination for Europeans. As a result of its influx in visitors, the hotels and resorts have become some of the best throughout Spain. Whether you’re looking to stay in a resort that can offer golf as part of its package or if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to stay and unwind after playing in the blistering Spanish sun, this district of Spain can proudly accommodate all.

Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa is a leading resort in Murcia, which is highlighted through its popularity year-round. There are more than 190 rooms available for renting, with many of the guest rooms boasting wonderful views of the golf course or swimming pool. Real Golf La Manga Club is home to three brilliant golf courses and whether you tackle the North, South or West, you are guaranteed a day in golfing heaven.

Ona Mar Menor Golf & Spa only opened in 2006, buy the 5* resort boasts all the amenities you would expect from a high-class base. In total, there are more than 100 rooms, and the 18-hole golf course is a work of art. This is the sixth course that Jack Nicklaus has worked on in the area, hence being labelled as the ‘Nicklaus Golf Trail’.

Roda 525 Hotel is arguably one of the more basic options, but it is perfect if you’ll be spending the majority of your day either on the course or exploring the local area. Boasting more than 105 rooms, the hotel is located just two minutes from Roda Golf Course, 20 minutes from Romero. Golf Course and Las Colinas Golf Course and 40 minutes from Hacienda del Alamo Golf Course – the Roda 525 Hotel is the perfect location for a golf tour.

The Hotel Juan Puerto Montiel is home to an unbelievable setting as the building is located right on the Aguilas seafront with plenty of activities nearby. The 4* hotel contains 126 rooms, which have been decorated lavishly. The Alhama Signature Golf Course is 45 minutes from the hotel, whilst other local courses include The Indiana Course at Desert Springs and Hacienda del Alamo Golf Course. This would be ideal for the group who may not look to golf every day.

Murcia is a wonderful holiday destination and the region is steeped in rich history. Couple in the excellent facilities with all year round warm weather and Murcia has quickly established itself as one of the best golfing destinations throughout the continent of Europe.

Murcia’s climate can be described as almost Mediterranean and it enjoys a very hot summer.

The Climate

Murcia is prone to a lot of sunshine even in the winter, making this an excellent destination all year round. While there may be more milder periods during the colder months, the temperature does not drop too drastically while it can get extremely hot during the high season – so it’s important you choose what climate you want to be playing in.

  Local Time

Murcia is one hour ahead of the UK.

  Local Currency

The local currency is the euro and there are plenty of ATMs, banks and bureaux de change.

Due to multiple UK airports flying directly to Murcia, it is easily accessible and the short flight time results in quick and easy travel.

Travel Information

There are 14 airports in the UK that fly directly to Murcia, so flight arrangements should pose no issue. The average flight time is 2 hours and 30 minutes and British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair all fly to this region of Spain. When you arrive, the advanced bus service will be able to transport you to La Manga, Cartagena or Aeropuerto. If you prefer to arrange your own travel from the airport, then private taxis operate in the area.

The area is littered in historical relevance and away from the golf course, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied throughout the duration of your holiday. Whether understanding local history, spending days at the marvellous Postiguet Beach or heading into the old-town is your thing, then Murcia has it all.

Things to do

Murcia has an array of activities to keep you and your party busy during days away from the course. Whether you want to explore the region’s rich history, visit its impressive and renowned cathedral, plan a trip to the zoo or experience how the elite-class of Murcia unwind, then this vibrant district will leave you in awe.

Alongside its cultural and historical ties are sandy beaches, extravagant shopping malls and tasty, local food. It is deemed as a safe and secure city with lots of pedestrian streets for travellers to traverse their surroundings.

Cartagena

The city of Cartagena is steeped in rich history, having been invaded by the Roman Empire, Visigoths, Vandals, Byzantines and Arabs before it was conquered by King Alonso X in 1245. Every landmark within the city is a reminder of its historical ties and this is best highlighted by the Roman amphitheatre that is available for visiting.

Murcia Cathedral

The cathedral is probably Murcia’s most famous landmark and this extraordinary structure is something that should be experienced in person. The high bell tower (305-foot) is the second largest in Spain and you are invited to explore the chapels and discover the history of this magnificently impressive building.

Terra Natura Murcia

A progressive zoo that sees limited caging of animals, in contemporary times it has shifted towards a more humane approach and focusing on the conservation of the life that it homes. It is housing endangered species such as the Iberian wolf, brown bear and the European Lynx. The land of the park is a green oasis that is filled with plant life and you can also get up close and personal with 50 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

Real Casino de Murcia

Built for Murcia’s elite, this gentleman’s club is still private but you can book tours to see its incredible construction. While the exterior is grand and impressive, the interior of this aristocrat social hub is nothing short of spectacular. The ballroom is large and has a ceiling fresco portraying Murcia’s most famous figures.

Dining

Spanish cuisine has long been desired and while Murcia certainly accommodates to this, there are plenty of alternative restaurants that will undoubtedly appeal to you. Below, we provide just four recommendations of quality eateries.

El Sibarita Restaurant – Torreaguera

This small but welcoming place can accommodate outside or indoor dining, which results in this venue being viable all year round. The menu that the establishment offer is creative and it is frequently updated. Considering the quality of food and service, this restaurant is priced fairly, which will undoubtedly entice visitors into returning.

Los Cazadores – Corvera

The interior of this restaurant is warm and the food that subsequently follows only further supplements the visit. While they specialise in grilled meats, they do offer plenty of alternatives such as marinated venison or their gigantic Cesar salad. There are plenty of seating options and if you prefer not to eat, you can enjoy a drink by the bar where there are tall tables and bench seating.

Oven Mozzarella Murcia

An Italian cuisine in the heart of Murcia, there is a reason why this is so highly rated by both locals and visitors. The service is friendly and welcoming while the choice on the menu is extensive. This is a restaurant that can cater to larger group sizes or if you prefer a romantic meal, you can request seating in a more private location.

Cabana Buenavista

Cabana offers fine dining in a wonderful setting. You can expect local food and a tremendous array of Spanish cuisine. The bright dining room looks over the gardens and its appetisers are something that will reel you back time and time again. One of the most popular eateries in Murcia, so it is advised that you book in advance.