Costa Dorada is Spanish golf’s rising star

Each year, more than one million tourists visit the beautiful Costa Dorada.

Located entirely within the province of Tarragona in north-east Spain, it stretches along the Mediterranean coast between Cunit and Alcanar, providing holidaymakers with all of the ingredients they typically look for: sun, sea, sand and more.

Golf has become an increasingly important part of the Costa Dorada tourism industry. Indeed, as recently as 2011, less than 2% of the total rounds played there were by international golfers. Today, that ratio has increased to 30% – and it’s climbing.

The reason behind the upswing in golf’s popularity in Costa Dorada? Simple: the quality of the golf courses and accompanying resorts. There are eight great places to play in the region, with Lumine arguably the pick of the bunch.

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A 45-hole complex, it offers three different courses for visitors to tackle: the 18-hole Lakes and Hills courses, as well as the nine-hole Ruins layout.  The accompanying restaurant and beach club completes one of the newest and finest leisure experiences in Spain.

The Robert Trent Jones-designed Club de Golf Bonmont is also well worth a look, whilst Panoramica Golf & Country Club more than lives up to its nickname ‘Little Valderrama’.

Aigüesverds Golf Club, just outside Reus, is a fine challenge. Watch out for its third hole – a replica of the famous par-3 17th at TPC Sawgrass. You’ll also find plenty to enjoy at Costa Dorada Golf Club and La Graiera, the latter affording some truly spectacular views of the dramatic Catalan countryside.

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Credit: glencorgolf.com

Away from the golf courses, there is plenty to see and do on the Costa Dorada. The ancient city of Tarragona makes for a particularly enjoyable day trip. Founded in the fifth century BC, it
is home to a number of spectacular Roman ruins, including a seaside amphitheatre and a magnificent circus where chariot races would once have been held.

The glistening beaches from which the region takes its name – ‘dorada’ is the Spanish word for ‘gold’ – span more than 100 miles, making it perfect for sun-worshippers, whilst the Port Aventura theme park is particularly good for families.

Easy to reach and inexpensive to boot, the Costa Dorada’s increasing popularity amongst golfers is easy to see. Isn’t it about time you checked it out?