Discover Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Your Premier Golf Destination
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the vibrant capital of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, is a fantastic destination for golf enthusiasts. Known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, year-round warm climate, and rich cultural heritage, Tenerife offers a unique golfing experience that blends natural beauty with top-notch facilities. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Santa Cruz de Tenerife provides a perfect base for a memorable golf holiday.
1. Why Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an Ideal Golf Destination
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an ideal destination for golfers looking to enjoy the sport in a stunning, diverse environment. The island’s unique terrain, characterized by volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and coastal views, offers a variety of golfing experiences.
Year-Round Warm Climate: Tenerife boasts a warm, sunny climate year-round, making it a perfect destination for winter golf getaways. The island’s mild winters and warm summers provide ideal conditions for playing golf throughout the year, ensuring that golfers can enjoy the game whenever they visit.
Diverse and Scenic Courses: The golf courses near Santa Cruz de Tenerife are set amidst some of the island’s most beautiful landscapes, from coastal fairways with ocean views to courses nestled in the volcanic terrain. This variety ensures a unique and memorable golfing experience that combines challenge with breathtaking scenery.
Rich Culture and Leisure Opportunities: Beyond golf, Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from exploring historic sites and enjoying local cuisine to experiencing the island’s vibrant festivals and nightlife. The city is a hub of activity, providing plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
2. Top Golf Courses Near Santa Cruz de Tenerife
While Santa Cruz itself does not have golf courses, several outstanding options are located within easy driving distance, each offering a unique blend of challenge and beauty. Here are some top courses that make Tenerife a premier golfing destination:
Real Club de Golf de Tenerife: Established in 1932, this historic course is the second oldest golf club in Spain and is located just 20 minutes from Santa Cruz. Set in the rolling hills of the island’s north, Real Club de Golf de Tenerife offers a classic parkland layout with tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers, and stunning views of Mount Teide. The course’s elevation changes and undulating greens provide a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all levels.
Golf del Sur: Located on the southern coast of Tenerife, about a 45-minute drive from Santa Cruz, Golf del Sur is one of the island’s most popular golf resorts. The 27-hole course is divided into three distinct 9-hole loops: the North, South, and Links. Designed by Pepe Gancedo and later renovated by Manuel Piñero, the course features wide fairways, volcanic sand bunkers, and several water hazards, offering a unique blend of challenge and natural beauty.
Amarilla Golf & Country Club: Adjacent to Golf del Sur, Amarilla Golf offers an 18-hole championship course designed by Donald Steel. The course is known for its spectacular ocean views and dramatic cliffside holes, particularly the iconic par-3 5th hole, which requires a tee shot over the Atlantic Ocean. The course’s layout, with its wide fairways and large greens, provides a fair test for golfers of all abilities.
Buenavista Golf: Designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, Buenavista Golf is located on the northwest coast of Tenerife, about an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz. The course is set against the backdrop of the rugged Teno Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, offering some of the most stunning scenery on the island. The challenging layout features six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s, with water hazards and strategically placed bunkers adding to the challenge. Buenavista is known for its well-maintained greens and fairways, providing a top-quality golfing experience.
3. Luxury Accommodations and Amenities
Santa Cruz de Tenerife and its surrounding areas offer a range of luxurious accommodations that provide the perfect base for a golf holiday. From modern city hotels to resort-style accommodations, Tenerife ensures a comfortable and memorable stay for all visitors.
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey (Santa Cruz de Tenerife): Located in the heart of Santa Cruz, this elegant 5-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations with a mix of modern comfort and historic charm. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and a large outdoor pool, making it an ideal choice for those looking to combine golf with relaxation and city exploration.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama (Guía de Isora): Situated on the southwestern coast of Tenerife, about an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz, this luxurious resort offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s volcanic landscape. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Dave Thomas, multiple swimming pools, a world-class spa, and several Michelin-starred dining options, providing a complete luxury experience for golfers and their families.
Sandos San Blas Eco Resort (San Miguel de Abona): Located near Golf del Sur and Amarilla Golf, this eco-friendly resort offers comfortable accommodations with direct access to the beach. The resort features multiple swimming pools, a wellness center, and several dining options, making it an excellent choice for golfers looking to relax in a sustainable environment.
Melia Jardines del Teide (Costa Adeje): Situated in Costa Adeje, about an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz, this 5-star hotel offers modern rooms and suites with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel features several swimming pools, a full-service spa, and a variety of dining options, providing a luxurious base for a golf getaway.
4. Explore Santa Cruz de Tenerife Beyond the Fairways
While golf is a major attraction, Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a wealth of experiences beyond the fairways. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural landscapes, and relaxed atmosphere provide plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation:
Cultural and Historical Sites: Santa Cruz de Tenerife is home to several cultural and historical landmarks, including the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, a stunning example of modern architecture, and the historic Iglesia de la Concepción. Explore the bustling Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, where you can find local produce, crafts, and delicacies, or visit the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA), a contemporary art museum.
Beaches and Watersports: Tenerife’s coastline is famous for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a day at Playa de Las Teresitas, a golden-sand beach near Santa Cruz, or explore the natural beauty of the island’s black-sand beaches. Tenerife is also a paradise for watersports enthusiasts, offering activities such as surfing, windsurfing, diving, and sailing.
Nature and Outdoor Activities: For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Tenerife offers plenty of options. The island’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic mountains to lush forests, provide excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and nature walks. A visit to Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, offers breathtaking views and a unique volcanic landscape to explore.
Dining and Nightlife: Santa Cruz de Tenerife boasts a vibrant dining scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from traditional Canarian cuisine to international fare. Enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant, savor local specialties such as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) and mojo sauce, or explore the city’s lively bars and clubs for a taste of Tenerife’s nightlife.
5. Perfect for Golf Groups and Families
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an excellent choice for both golf groups and families, offering a wide range of activities and amenities to suit everyone’s interests:
Group-Friendly Courses and Accommodations: Many of Tenerife’s golf courses and hotels cater to groups, offering special packages, events, and services tailored to larger parties. The courses are designed to accommodate golfers of all levels, making them perfect for groups with varying skill sets.
Family Activities: Tenerife is a family-friendly destination, with plenty of activities for children and non-golfing family members. The island’s beaches, parks, and recreational facilities provide endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Many hotels offer family-friendly amenities, including kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and organized activities.
6. Planning Your Golf Trip to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is easily accessible via Tenerife North Airport (TFN) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS), both offering regular flights to and from major cities across Europe and beyond. The city is well-connected by road, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas and visit nearby attractions.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer looking to play on some of the Canary Islands’ finest courses, a beginner eager to learn in a beautiful setting, or someone looking for a relaxing holiday with a bit of golf on the side, Santa Cruz de Tenerife has something to offer. With its combination of world-class golf, luxury accommodations, and diverse activities, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a premier destination that promises a memorable and fulfilling experience for all.
