GETTING THERE
Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Spain, the Costa Brava stretches some 200km from Portbou in the north to Blanes in the south.
The most convenient airport for the region is Girona. Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies from Luton, Glasgow Prestwick, Blackpool, Liverpool, East Midlands, Stansted, Doncaster and Bournemouth.
Just to the south Barcelona airport is served by British Airways (www.ba.com) and Iberia (www.iberiaairlines.co.uk) from Gatwick and Heathrow, Monarch Airlines (www.flymonarch.com) from Manchester and Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) from Bristol, Gatwick, Liverpool and Newcastle.
WHERE TO PLAY
Golf tourists heading for Spain have tended to favour the Costa del Sol, but holiday discussions in clubhouses across the UK increasingly include the Costa Brava – one of the most ruggedly beautiful areas of Spain with great courses to match.
The PGA Golf de Catalunya is perhaps the pick of the bunch. Designed by Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo and opened in 1998 it quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest layouts in Spain, if not Europe. In 2000 the course played host to the Spanish Open, an event won by Brian Davis. At over 7,100 yards it's a long, tough track and an abundance of water means it's not for the faint-hearted. Having said this, less experienced golfers can still enjoy a trip to this beautiful resort – there is also now a second 18 holes featuring wider fairways and larger greens. It's designed to be more forgiving than the main layout and won't leave you feeling quite so downhearted.
About 30km to the north is Emporda. A 36-hole complex, this is also one of the Costa Brava's top golf destinations. Home to one of the pre-qualifying schools for the European Tour it's a well maintained set-up offering golf for all standards.
Designer Robert von Hagge has manipulated the holes superbly into the landscape – fairways roll and twist through pines and dunes while two natural lakes have been incorporated to provide a variety of terrain and create a pair of superb, challenging courses.
WHERE TO STAY
Perhaps the area's most luxurious hotel is the Mas de Torrent. Part of the Relais & Châteaux chain, it's a renovated and extended Catalan farmhouse or “masia” just half an hour or so to the west of Girona. There are 10 character-filled bedrooms in the main building and 20 suites overlooking the beautiful hotel gardens. Add an elegant swimming pool, tennis courts and a billiard room and it's difficult to drag yourself away and explore the culturally fascinating surrounding area.
Situated in Fornells Cove on the coast just east of Pals, the Hotel Aigua Blava provides comfortable four-star lodgings in a sublime setting.
Offering a superb restaurant serving excellent seafood, this small, family-run hotel offers a great base from which to experience a different side of the Costa Brava and enrich your golfing experience.
OFF COURSE
The Costa Brava is famous for its beaches and 200km of coastline mean there are plenty to choose from. Visit the peaceful, sheltered bay at Tossa de Mar and totally unwind in front of an azure blue sea. It's the perfect foil to a strenuous round of golf and a great place to forget the stresses and strains of the real world you've left behind.
For those more culturally-minded, the medieval towns of Pals and Peratalladahe or the ancient Roman ruins of Ampúries will provide an intriguing historical diversion.
The picturesque fishing village of Cadaques is perfect for a leisurely stroll in the sunshine.
If your golf game has been somewhat surreal, visit the Dalí museum in Figueras and remind yourself just how normal you are.
CONTACTS BOOK
PGA Golf de Catalunya
T: 0034 972 472 577
W: www.pgacatalunya.com
Emporda
T: 0034 972 760 450
W: www.empordagolf.com
Hotel Mas de Torrent
T: 0034 972 303 292
W: www.mastorrent.com
Hotel Aigua Blava
T: 0034 972 622 058
W: www.aiguablava.com
Golf Packages
www.barcelonagolf.com
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