GOLF COURSES IN TENERIFE AND THE CANARY ISLANDS
If you’re an avid golfer, then the Canary Islands are literally paradise on Earth. You can play golf here 12 months a year, and the saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only poorly dressed golfers” certainly doesn’t apply here.
The Canary Islands are home to more than twenty golf courses, offering golfers a truly diverse selection. Some are set within luxury resorts overlooking the ocean, others wind along the rugged coastline, while still others surprise with tropical greenery, volcanic sand in the bunkers, or views of the mountains. It is precisely this diversity that makes the Canary Islands one of the most interesting golf destinations in Europe.
The local climate is also a major advantage. Temperatures here range between approximately 19 and 28 degrees for most of the year, and a gentle Atlantic breeze often makes the game more enjoyable. At a time when the golf season in Central Europe is just getting started or, conversely, slowly coming to an end, it is common to play in Tenerife under sunny skies and pleasant conditions.
Tenerife is one of the most sought-after golf destinations in the Canary Islands. The island offers several high-quality 18-hole courses, as well as smaller 9-hole courses and Pitch & Putt courses, which are ideal for beginners, families, or practicing the short game. Most courses are located in the south of the island, where the weather is more stable and sunnier, but you’ll also find interesting golfing experiences in the north of Tenerife.
Let’s take a closer look at the individual golf courses.
Golf Costa Adeje
Golf Costa Adeje is one of the best-known and most popular golf courses in Tenerife. It is located approximately 5 kilometers from Playa de las Américas, and thanks to its location, it offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring island of La Gomera.
The course opened in 1998 and was designed by Spanish golf architect Pepe Gancedo. It was built on the site of former banana plantations, whose original terraced layout was partially preserved during the course’s design. This is precisely why Golf Costa Adeje has such a distinctive character and blends naturally into the landscape.
The main championship course has 18 holes, is a par 72, and is suitable for players seeking a high-quality, technical, and aesthetically pleasing round. The course also features water hazards, wide fairways, and beautifully maintained greens. Thanks to the combination of its high standard of play, views, and quality facilities, it is one of the most attractive courses on the island.
A restaurant serving international cuisine is open to the public year-round. After your round, you can enjoy a meal on the terrace with views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Los Lagos – A 9-hole course at Golf Costa Adeje
Golf Costa Adeje also features a smaller 9-hole course called Los Lagos. It is the ideal choice for golfers who want to play a shorter round, don’t have time for a full 18-hole round, or want to practice their technique at a more leisurely pace.
Los Lagos has 9 holes and a par of 33. The course is shorter than the main championship course but still offers plenty of challenges. As the name suggests, water features play an important role here, adding variety to the game and requiring precision.
This course is suitable for both less experienced players and golfers who want to practice their accuracy, short game, and strategy. A major advantage is that players can take advantage of the facilities of the entire Golf Costa Adeje complex, including the restaurant, practice areas, and the beautiful surroundings of one of the most attractive parts of southern Tenerife.
Golf Las Américas
Located near Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas is another beautiful 18-hole golf course—Golf Las Américas. Thanks to its location, it is easily accessible from the main tourist areas in the south of the island and is a favorite among both local players and visitors to Tenerife.
The course was designed by John Jacobs Golf Associates Ltd., a firm associated with the name of the famous British professional golfer and coach John Jacobs. Golf Las Américas features 18 holes, a par of 72, and a length of approximately 6,000 meters.
A major advantage of the course is its location in a natural, gently sloping amphitheater. This provides partial shelter from the wind, making for a more pleasant game. The course features ponds, ravines, abundant greenery, and pleasantly undulating terrain. The entire grounds have a peaceful and well-maintained atmosphere, even though they are located very close to bustling tourist centers.
The on-site restaurant is open daily and offers a wide selection of dishes, ranging from breakfast and light snacks to lunch and dinner. Golf Las Américas is thus ideal not only for the game itself but also for a pleasant post-golf gathering.
Golf del Sur
Golf del Sur is one of the most famous golf courses in Tenerife. It is located in the south of the island, near Tenerife South Airport, and is easily accessible from Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, and El Médano.
The course opened in 1987 and was originally designed by Pepe Gancedo. It later underwent renovations, with Spanish professional golfer Manuel Piñero contributing to the redesign. Golf del Sur is best known for its bunkers filled with black volcanic sand, which give the course a very distinctive look and serve as a reminder of the island’s volcanic origins.
The course features 18 holes, par 72, and captivates players with wide fairways, large greens, water hazards, and beautiful vegetation. Around the course, you’ll find palm trees, cacti, and the island’s typical landscape. Golf del Sur has also hosted major tournaments in the past, including the Tenerife Open and the Tenerife Ladies Open.
In addition to the golf course itself, there is a driving range, a restaurant, a bar, tennis courts, and other sports facilities. Golf del Sur is ideal for players seeking a combination of quality golf, good accessibility, and the atmosphere of a traditional golf resort.
Amarilla Golf & Country Club
Just a short distance from Golf del Sur, right on the Atlantic coast, lies the Amarilla Golf & Country Club. This 18-hole course opened in 1989 and was designed by British golf architect Donald Steel.
Amarilla Golf is an 18-hole, par-71 course and is among those that captivate golfers primarily with its beautiful ocean views. The course design makes use of the island’s natural contrasts—the dry volcanic landscape, the greenery of the fairways, the palm trees, and the proximity to the sea.
The most famous hole is likely the 5th, which is a real experience for many players. On the tee shot here, the ball must clear a stretch of ocean to reach the green. This hole is among the most photogenic and memorable golf moments in Tenerife.
The resort also offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, and other sports and leisure facilities. Thanks to its oceanfront location and proximity to the airport, Amarilla Golf is a popular choice for players looking for an accessible, beautiful, and fun course.
Amarilla Golf Pitch & Putt
Amarilla Golf also features a smaller 9-hole Pitch & Putt course located near the clubhouse. It is suitable for beginners, families, and more experienced players who want to practice their short game.
The course features shorter holes, obstacles such as trees and water hazards, and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s ideal for those who want to try golf without the pressure, or for players looking to improve their accuracy around the green.
A major advantage of Pitch & Putt courses is that the game doesn’t take as much time as a classic 18-hole round. Thanks to this, Amarilla Pitch & Putt can be a great choice for those accompanying golfers, beginners, or visitors to Tenerife who want to try golf for the first time.
Abama Golf
Abama Golf is one of the most luxurious golf courses in Tenerife. It is located on the island’s west coast, in the Guía de Isora area, and is part of the prestigious Abama Resort. The course is set in a stunning landscape with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the island of La Gomera, and the surrounding greenery.
The course was designed by world-renowned golf architect Dave Thomas. Abama Golf opened in 2005 and features an 18-hole, par-72 layout. Nearly every hole offers stunning ocean views, making it one of the most impressive courses in the Canary Islands.
The course is known for its exceptionally meticulous maintenance, abundant subtropical vegetation, palm trees, lakes, waterfalls, and white-sand bunkers. The course is technically challenging and can test even experienced golfers, yet it offers such a beautiful setting that even those who view golf primarily as a lifestyle choice will enjoy playing here.
The clubhouse is located in the center of the course and provides players with high-quality facilities, dining, and views of the surrounding area. Abama Golf is the ideal choice for those seeking a combination of world-class golf, luxury, tranquility, and an exceptional atmosphere.
Buenavista Golf
If you’re looking for a truly exceptional golfing experience surrounded by untamed nature, then Buenavista Golf should definitely be on your list. Located in the northwest of Tenerife, near the Teno Mountains, it is one of the most spectacularly situated courses on the island.
The course was designed by the famous Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros. It features 18 holes, par 72, and is set directly into the landscape, where the green fairways meet the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky coastline. Some holes are so close to the sea that while playing, you feel as though a strong shot could send the ball right into the ocean.
Buenavista is a technical course that demands precision and concentration. It’s not just about athletic performance, but also a powerful visual experience. The proximity to the Teno Nature Reserve lends the entire site an impressive atmosphere.
At the highest point of the course is the clubhouse, which offers panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs, and the surrounding landscape. Buenavista Golf is ideal for players who want to discover a different side of Tenerife—greener, wilder, and less touristy.
Real Club de Golf de Tenerife
The Real Club de Golf de Tenerife is one of the most traditional golf clubs on the island. It is located in the north of Tenerife, in the Tacoronte area, not far from Tenerife North Airport. Although it is not a small course, it is often somewhat overlooked in travel articles, which is why it deserves a special mention.
It is an 18-hole, par-71 course with a completely different atmosphere than the courses in the south of the island. Thanks to its location in a greener and more humid part of Tenerife, you’ll find a different type of landscape here, with more vegetation and a more traditional club atmosphere.
Real Club de Golf de Tenerife is a technical and undulating course that will appeal to players seeking a quieter, less touristy golfing experience. It is particularly suitable for those who want to explore the north of the island and play in a setting with a long golfing history.
Golf Los Palos
Golf Los Palos is located in the Arona area in the south of Tenerife and is one of the smaller, less formal golf courses. It is a 9-hole PAR 3 course suitable for beginners, families, and more experienced players looking to practice their short game.
The course is shorter and faster-paced than classic 18-hole courses, making it ideal for those who don’t want to spend the whole day playing golf. Nevertheless, it offers plenty of challenges—especially thanks to water hazards, greens, and the need for precise shots.
Los Palos is a great choice for recreational players, those just getting into golf, or golfers who want to practice their technique during their vacation without the demanding pace of a large course.
Golf La Rosaleda
In the north of Tenerife, in the Puerto de la Cruz area, you’ll find the smaller Golf La Rosaleda course. It is a 9-hole pitch-and-putt course, ideal for beginners, practicing your short game, or enjoying a leisurely round.
La Rosaleda has a very peaceful atmosphere and is set in the greener surroundings of the island’s north. There are banana plantations nearby, and while playing, you can enjoy views of the La Orotava Valley, the ocean, and Mount Teide.
Thanks to its location near Puerto de la Cruz, Golf La Rosaleda is an attractive option for visitors to the northern part of Tenerife. It’s not a course you’d head to for major tournament golf, but rather for a relaxed round, precision practice, and a pleasant break in a beautiful setting.
Why Tenerife Is the Ideal Destination for Golfers
Tenerife offers golfers something that is hard to find elsewhere in Europe—the opportunity to play year-round in a pleasant climate on a wide variety of courses. In just a few days, you can play on a luxurious resort course with ocean views, a technical course near a tourist center, a dramatic coastal course in the northwest of the island, and a smaller Pitch & Putt course for practicing your short game.
Another major advantage is the short driving distance between the various areas. Golf can easily be combined with a stay by the sea, a trip to the mountains, a visit to a good restaurant, or exploring the island. This is precisely why Tenerife is popular not only among recreational players but also among people seeking a second home or an investment property in a location offering a high quality of life.
For property owners and investors, Tenerife’s golf infrastructure is a significant benefit. The proximity of a high-quality golf course can enhance a location’s appeal, particularly for clients seeking a property for their own recreation, long-term stays, or premium rentals.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an experienced golfer, a beginner, or just want to give golf a try in Tenerife, the island offers a truly wide range of options. You’ll find prestigious 18-hole courses, luxurious resort complexes, technically challenging courses, and smaller 9-hole courses suitable for a quick and easy round.
It is precisely the combination of year-round sunny weather, stunning views, high-quality services, and the diversity of the individual courses that makes Tenerife one of the best golf destinations in Europe.
For those considering purchasing property in Tenerife, golf is another significant advantage of the island. Tenerife is not just a vacation spot. It is a destination where you can combine beautiful weather, an active lifestyle, relaxation by the ocean, and high-quality amenities for year-round living.
Lucie.
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