Golf breaks around Northern Spain

Golf Santa Marina

Designed by Seve Ballesteros, this is an absolute stunner of a course. Sandwiched between the sea and mountains, it is pretty tough but hugely enjoyable. With elevated tees, loads of water and plenty of tricky dog-legs to negotiate, you should enjoy the challenge. And, however many balls you've lost, you'll also enjoy the stunning 16th-century clubhouse after your round.

Our opinion: A great course with a spectacular 18th. Anyone hitting the green in 3 has done well. Favourite Hole: 18th.

Real Club de Golf Pedreña

This course was designed by Harry Colt and enjoys a spectacular location on a small peninsula jutting into the Bay of Santander. It is also where Seve Ballesteros learnt to hone his remarkable skills and is in fact a wonderful experience and a treat not to be missed! It is by no means a long course but is definitely a difficult and testing one. Quite hilly with an abundance of trees and rough, every golfer will enjoy the challenge of what is one of the top-quality courses in this region.

Our opinion: An absolute must if you are a Seve fan - this is where it all started. Favourite Hole: 4th.

Club de Golf Municipal Llanes

With a double 'L' in its name, mountains on one side and the sea on the other, you could almost be forgiven for thinking you're in Wales. This is a clifftop course with views all around that is absolutely breathtaking and worth the absurdly modest green fee on their own. Maintained in great condition this is a genuine gem of a course.

Our opinion: A 'must play' when in the area - the additional 9 holes designed by Manuel Pinero are superb. Favourite Hole: 4th.

Hotel Mirador de la Franca, La Franca***

Reference: HS0255

Considered to be one of the finest beaches along this coast, La Franca is a quiet bay, safe for children, and is well known for its fishing and water sports. And in a fantastic location right on these beautiful golden sands is the Mirador de La Franca, a hotel that offers good family hospitality and a lively summer ambience in an attractive setting. You'll be able to relax in the cosy lounge which overlooks the bay or why not take a leisurely stroll along the beach before dinner. It is also well placed for the drive through an amazing gorge up into the Picos de Europa.

Golf Rioja Alta

Wrapped around a preserved forest full of 200-year-old oak trees, the course first plunges downhill, then winds back up before entering the forest at the turn from where you don't emerge until you walk off the 18th and into the magnificent clubhouse. Mounding on both sides of some of the fairways has contributed to what is undoubtedly a challenging layout and water is a factor on every hole from the eighth to the 15th. With loads of elevation, great scenery and generous fairways, there's more than enough here to keep any golfer happy.

Our opinion: Although new, the course is maturing well and is worth a visit. Favourite Hole: 6th.

Izki Golf, Urturi

Another Seve Ballesteros gem, this superb mountaintop course has an almost heathland feel to it with loads of heather and trees. It was the first public course to be built in Spain and it's doubtful that there is a better one anywhere in the country. With masses of space to work with, the holes are well spread out and, as one would expect from a course so high up in the mountains, the views are wonderful.

Our opinion: Highly recommended. The course is superb and the drive is breathtaking. Favourite Hole: 13th.

Golf Municipal Logroño

Another glorious course that really seems too good to be municipal. It climbs up a couple of imposing hills and has a welcome feel of spaciousness. Although there really are masses of room, there's also plenty of inhospitable, wild-flowered wilderness to ensure that you don't relax too much. Both the fairways and greens are well looked after and you might well walk off this top quality course wondering why municipal golf in Britain rarely attains the same standard.

Our opinion: A certain 'must play'. Unbelievable! Favourite Hole: 6th.

Hotel Villa de Laguardia***

Reference: HS1241

In the heart of the prestigious vineyards of La Rioja, the Villa de Laguardia is a wine lover's delight. With a high standard of accommodation and a level of service to match, plus an impressive spa centre where treatments are based on wine and olive oil (extra charge), this superb hotel has lots to offer and is in an ideal setting for exploring the region and indulging in some tasting and buying of world-famous wines. And right next door is the Villa Lucia, a museum and audio-visual centre where visitors can learn more about the area and its wines.

Real Golf de Castiello

A magnificent parkland course on the side of a hill overlooking the attractive Gijón university. Nearly 60 years old, the course has a genuine natural feel and, originally only nine holes, it was enlarged to 18 just over a quarter of a century ago. Although it received its 'Royal' tag in 2001, Real Castiello is not in the least bit snooty and is thoroughly welcoming to visitors who can also use the lovely old clubhouse and outdoor pool.

Our opinion: A genuine royal club although very quiet and understated. Favourite Hole: 5th.

Club de Golf la Llorea

This delightful parkland test is fairly open with young trees separating the holes and therefore not punishing wayward shots as severely as perhaps they should. The back nine is rightly regarded as the more challenging with plenty of elevation and more exacting holes, plus the added attraction of splendid sea views.

Our opinion: A very busy club with a good course. Favourite Hole: 12th.

Club de Golf la Barganiza

This exclusive course was designed by Victor Garcia in 1982 and is maintained to the highest possible standards. Although it's not a long course, accuracy is the main requirement as each fairway is tree-lined. The clubhouse is very palatial and, the best part of all, there is a superb terrace on which to enjoy a drink and compare games. Minimum handicap required - 27.5 for men and 35.5 for ladies.

Our opinion: Really worth a visit. Very exclusive and in great condition. Favourite Hole: 10th.

Hotel Abba Playa de Gijón***

Reference: HS1274

An important seaport and lively recreational city, Gijón's many different facets make it the ideal holiday destination. Its steep, narrow streets are a bustling shopping and eating centre whilst its old quarter is a historic and artistic zone. The abba Gijón is right opposite the long sandy beach and is a strikingly modern piece of architecture, all glass on the outside and stylishly chic on the inside. Air-conditioned bedrooms are well-equipped, a smart cafeteria bar serves snacks if you prefer not to dine in the à la carte restaurant, and there is also a gym, sauna and jacuzzi.