Spain is a renowned golf tourism destination, with the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca often taking the spotlight. However, there’s a lesser-known gem waiting for golf enthusiasts: the Basque Country. This unique region offers a distinctive blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and golf courses, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a memorable golf holiday.
Golf tourism and more in the Basque Country
Unlike the more famous golf destinations in Spain, the Basque Country stands out for its green, varied landscapes. They range from seaside vistas to mountainous terrains and lush natural parks to a more meseta-like landscape in the south. The region’s golf courses lie around vibrant cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Thus, access to urban amenities is possible while enjoying the tranquility of nature.
What sets the Basque Country apart is its lack of large golf resorts. Instead, you’ll find boutique offerings that provide a more personalized and intimate experience. This region is also known for its distinct Basque culture and language. This adds a unique cultural dimension to your golf trip. Moreover, the Basque Country is recognized for its exceptional food and wine, enhancing the overall golf travel experience.
Premier golf courses and surrounding regions
The Basque Country is home to several distinguished golf courses. Notably, the neighboring regions of Cantabria and La Rioja also boast remarkable courses. Their proximity offers golfers a diverse range of options within a relatively small geographical area. Especially that latter, La Rioja. This region is well-known for its wine tourism, providing an excellent opportunity to combine golf tourism with wine tasting tours.
Romotur: Your local agency for tailored golf tourism
Since 2019, Romotur DMC has been on of the few incoming agencies promoting golf tourism in the Basque Country. We specialize in tailored small group programs that blend the best of golf tourism with local food, wine, and cultural experiences. (We handle FIT travel, as well.) Romotur DMC is a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). In addition, we are also part of a local association called Golf and Wine. This joins four key courses in areas of the Basque Country and La Rioja celebrated for their wine tourism. It also includes hotels and incoming agencies like Romotur DMC.
Romotur’s tailored programs include accommodation in 4-star or 5-star hotels, transportation, green fees, buggies, and additional experiences linked to the region’s rich culture and gastronomy. This approach ensures that visitors enjoy a well-rounded travel experience.
For more information, visit the Romotur golf page with an interactive map of leading golf courses in the Basque Country and surroundings.
Promoting golf tourism in the Basque Country
In 2024, Romotur attended the IAGTO European Convention for the second time, showcasing the Basque Country as an emerging golf destination. The interest from international attendees was palpable. Agencies continue to seek new and unique experiences for their clients where golf is central but not the sole highlight. The Basque Country’s offerings make it ideal for both long weekend golf getaways and week-long group golf trips.
This year for the first time, Romotur will also participate in the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) fair in Lisbon, Portugal, from October 14-17, 2024. Basquetour, the Basque Country’s tourism board, will take a delegation to this event, further promoting the region’s golf tourism potential.
Golf tourism in Northern Spain: Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects
Basquetour has been actively increasing its support and promotion of golf tourism. Recently, they organized a destination internal meeting that brought together this public tourism institution, golf courses, and local agencies like Romotur DMC. Then, they organized a golf FAM trip for about ten golf tourism companies. Participants came from various countries including Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the UK, Sweden, and Austria.
The FAM trip covered the three provinces of the Basque Country: Bizkaia (capital city: Bilbao), Gipuzkoa (capital city: San Sebastian), and Álava (capital city: Vitoria-Gasteiz). Guests had the opportunity to visit and play on the courses. A networking workshop allowed guests to connect with local incoming agencies like Romotur DMC to talk about potential collaborations.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants expressed strong interest in partnering with local experts to offer golf packages that highlight the area’s unique charm.
Northern Spain: A hidden gem for golf enthusiasts
The Basque Country is poised to become a prime destination for golf tourism. It offers a perfect blend of wonderful golf courses, stunning landscapes, rich culture, and exquisite food and wine. This hidden gem is steadily gaining recognition among international golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended golf tour: the Basque Country promises an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the greens.
