Villamartín Golf Course: The Complete Guide (2026)

Location: Villamartín, Orihuela Costa, Alicante | Par: 72 | Length: 6,132m | Designed: Paul Putman, 1972

Introduction: Why Villamartín Stands Apart

Some golf courses age gracefully. Villamartín Golf Course is one of them.

Opened in 1972, it is one of the oldest and most storied courses on the Costa Blanca — a track that has matured alongside the urbanisation that grew up around it, hosting European Tour events and welcoming tens of thousands of visitors from across Europe in the decades since. For a region that now boasts over 20 courses within an hour’s drive, Villamartín retains a character and reputation that newer developments simply haven’t had time to earn.

It isn’t a showpiece resort course with helicopter pads and celebrity branding. What it is, is a genuinely rewarding 18-hole test — one that demands course management, respects tradition, and sits at the heart of one of the most established golf communities on the Spanish coast. The surrounding Villamartín urbanisation is home to a large, settled international community of golfers, retirees, and long-term expats who built their lives around this fairway.

Whether you’re planning a winter golf trip, comparing courses before a visit to Torrevieja, or researching property near a golf course on the Costa Blanca, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Course Overview

Stat	Detail
Designer	Paul Putman
Year Opened	1972
Par	72
Length (white tees)	6,132 metres
Slope Rating	136
Course Rating	72.0
Greens	Pencross grass
Fairways	Bermuda grass
Style	Parkland / Mediterranean terrain
Owner	Grupo Quara (also owns Las Ramblas and La Finca)

Villamartín is a parkland-style course built on genuinely varied terrain — a quality that distinguishes it from many flat, resort-feel tracks in the area. Designer Paul Putman worked with the natural contours of the land rather than against them, resulting in a layout that changes character across its 18 holes.

The front nine climbs to the highest point of the property, rewarding you with sweeping views across the Mediterranean and the surrounding landscape. The back nine drops into valleys where the barrancos (ravines) and water features introduce a different, more technical challenge. You will use every club in the bag — that’s not a cliché here, it’s a genuine requirement.

The mature vegetation — pines, palms, and native Mediterranean shrubs accumulated over more than 50 years — gives the course a settled, established feel that no amount of landscaping on a new build can replicate. The greens are known for their quality and consistency, with Pencross grass that holds its shape well through the Spanish summer.

Villamartín has hosted serious competitive golf, including the 1994 Mediterranean Open — won by José María Olazábal after a play-off with Paul McGinley. That kind of pedigree isn’t forgotten locally.

Course Layout and Signature Holes

Front Nine: The High Ground

The opening holes take you uphill, with tight tree-lined fairways that require accuracy off the tee. Blind drives and doglegs feature early, so first-time visitors benefit from a caddie or local knowledge. Once you reach the elevated sections of the front nine, the views across the coastline are genuinely remarkable — one of the better scenic rewards you’ll find on any Costa Blanca course.

Hole 1: A winding dogleg par 5 (475m from the back), well protected by trees with a green guarded by two bunkers. Reachable in two after a long, straight drive — a confidence-building start if you’re on song, or a bogey waiting to happen if you’re not.

Hole 2: A long, tight par 4 (355m) hemmed in by a local road on one side and houses on the other. One of the trickier early holes that sets the tone for Villamartín’s demand for precision.

Hole 3: An uphill par 4 with a blind drive — keep left off the tee and the drop down to the green becomes more manageable. Players who try to cut the corner often end up in trouble.

Hole 4: A short par 4 (336m) featuring a lateral water hazard on the left. The water comes into play on the second shot approach, making club selection more nuanced than the yardage suggests.

Hole 9: A long uphill par 5 with houses on the left and lateral water hazards protecting both sides of the green. A stern closing hole for the front nine — making the turn at par here feels like an accomplishment.

Back Nine: Valleys and Ravines

The back nine plays differently from the front. The terrain flattens out into valleys where the barrancos — natural ravines — cross several fairways and force carries that can be mentally challenging, particularly for players who prefer to keep the ball low.

Hole 17 (The Signature Hole): Par 3, elevated back tee. You must carry the ball over a ravine to reach a green surrounded by Mediterranean pines. The green is generously sized, but the psychological challenge of the carry has cost many otherwise solid rounds their composure. By most accounts, it is one of the finest par 3s in the Valencia region — and one that is talked about long after the round is done.

Hole 18: The closing hole wraps back to the clubhouse with a view of the terrace from the fairway. A fitting finish for a round at a course that has always had a strong sense of place.

Course Difficulty and Who It Suits

Villamartín is genuinely accessible to a wide range of players, but it doesn’t offer an easy score. The slope rating of 136 is honest — this is not a course where mid-to-high handicappers can coast around without engaging their brains.

Beginners and high handicappers: The course can feel demanding on some holes due to tight fairways, elevated greens and barranco carries. That said, it’s playable — the length from the forward tees is more forgiving, and the scenery and atmosphere make the round enjoyable regardless of score.

Mid-handicappers (10–20): This is probably the sweet spot. Villamartín rewards course management above raw distance. Those who can shape their game to a hilly, tree-lined layout will score well; those who arrive expecting an easy target will be humbled.

Low handicappers and scratch golfers: There’s enough variety, strategy and course history to make Villamartín a satisfying test. The front nine in particular rewards players who can position off the tee, and the signature 17th always delivers a moment of drama.

Walkability: The front nine involves a genuine climb and may challenge those who prefer flat terrain. Buggies are available to hire and are recommended for those who want to save energy for the back nine.

Facilities and Club Experience

Clubhouse: The Villamartín clubhouse follows a traditional Moorish architectural style, recently extended with terraces overlooking the 18th green. It’s been renovated and upgraded in recent years, with improved male and female changing facilities and garaging for buggies.

Restaurant: The clubhouse restaurant serves a full menu as well as lighter snacks and drinks. The roof terrace — with its views of the closing hole — makes it a pleasant setting for a post-round meal. One of the better clubhouse experiences in this part of the Costa Blanca.

Pro Shop: All green fees are confirmed through the pro shop, which also offers club hire, buggy rental, and trolley hire.

Practice facilities:

Driving range
Practice approach area
Putting green
Practice bunker

The practice areas have been noted by some visitors as functional rather than exceptional — adequate for a warm-up before a round, rather than a dedicated practice session.

Affiliated Group: Villamartín is part of the Grupo Quara portfolio, which also operates Las Ramblas Golf and La Finca Golf & Spa Resort nearby. This can be relevant for visitors planning multi-course itineraries in the area.

Green Fees and Booking Information

Villamartín operates on a dynamic pricing model, meaning rates vary by season and tee time. The course is considered one of the more affordable options on the Orihuela Costa, which contributes to its popularity with visiting golfers.

Current indicative rates (always verify before booking):

Low season (summer/off-peak): from approximately €48–€55
High season (October–April): approximately €65–€85 for standard tee times
Discounts available: Junior golfers, late tee-offs, second rounds on the same day

Booking options:

Direct via the caddiemaster: +34 96 676 51 70
Email: villamartingolf@lafincaresort.com
Third-party booking platforms (teetimes.pt, galaxygreenfees.com, clgolf.es)

Tips for getting better value:

Book late tee-offs in high season for significantly reduced rates
Check package deals that combine Villamartín with Las Ramblas or Campoamor for multi-round discounts
Membership options (shared play schemes) are available for those staying in the area long-term — the official Villamartín Golf Club runs a share system allowing up to 6 rounds per week

Pace of play note: Reviews regularly mention that pace of play can be slow, particularly in high season. Expect 4.5–5 hours during busy periods. Book early-morning tee times if pace is a concern.

Location and Getting Here

Villamartín Golf Course sits on the N-332 coastal road (Carretera Alicante–Cartagena, km 50), in the heart of the Orihuela Costa — one of the most densely populated golf and residential areas on the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

Distances from key points:

Torrevieja: approx. 8 km (15 minutes)
Alicante city centre: approx. 45 km (35–40 minutes via AP-7)
Alicante Airport (ALC): approx. 40 km (35 minutes)
Murcia International Airport (RMU): approx. 45 km (35–40 minutes)
Benidorm: approx. 100 km (60–70 minutes)

The course is well-positioned for golfers flying into either of the two nearby airports. Rental cars are the most practical option for exploring the full range of golf courses near Torrevieja during a trip.

Nearest towns:

Orihuela Costa — the broader coastal strip including urbanisations such as Villamartín, Campoamor, Las Ramblas, and Cabo Roig
Torrevieja — the nearest large town, offering supermarkets, hospitals, restaurants, and a large expat community
Guardamar del Segura — 20 minutes north, known for its beach and dune nature reserve

There is no public car park directly on-site — street parking in the surrounding urbanisation is standard practice.

Golf Property Near Villamartín: A Prime Location

This is where Villamartín becomes more than just a course — it’s a lifestyle.

The urbanisation surrounding the golf course is one of the most established international communities on the Costa Blanca. Driven initially by golfers, it has grown into a vibrant, year-round residential area with restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and a genuine social scene centred largely around the sport. It’s not unusual to find residents who moved here 20 or 30 years ago and have never seriously considered leaving.

What’s Available

Apartments: The most accessible price point in the area. Many complexes are directly adjacent to or within view of the fairways, offering golf views without the maintenance of a standalone property. Two-bedroom apartments in the Villamartín area typically range from €120,000 to €250,000 depending on specification and proximity to the course.

Townhouses and semi-detached villas: A popular middle ground, offering more space than apartments with lower upkeep than a detached villa. Prices generally sit between €200,000 and €380,000.

Detached villas: The most sought-after properties for serious golf buyers. Frontline positions on or immediately adjacent to the course command a premium, with prices ranging from approximately €350,000 upwards into the €600,000+ bracket for contemporary builds with pools.

Who Buys Here

The Villamartín buyer profile is fairly consistent: Northern European expats (predominantly British, German, Scandinavian, and Dutch) in the 50–70 age range, many of whom are either semi-retired or have relocated permanently. A smaller but growing segment of younger buyers — remote workers and younger retirees — is increasingly active.

The area also attracts property investors targeting the holiday rental market, given its established tourism base and strong year-round appeal.

Lifestyle

Living near Villamartín Golf Course means:

Golf within walking distance for those on or adjacent to the course
Easy access to the beaches of Orihuela Costa (3–5 minutes by car)
International retail at Zenia Boulevard (one of Spain’s largest outdoor shopping centres, approx. 10 minutes)
Multiple other courses within a 15-minute drive: Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, Campoamor, Las Ramblas, La Finca
Healthcare: Hospital Quirón Torrevieja is approx. 15 minutes
International schools within the broader Alicante province

Explore properties near golf courses in the Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa area to get a sense of what’s currently available.

Investment Considerations

The Orihuela Costa property market has shown consistent resilience. The combination of golf, beach, reliable climate, and established infrastructure makes it less volatile than pure holiday-home markets. Rental yields for well-located golf properties in this area typically run between 4% and 6% gross annually, with high-season rates comfortably supporting investor returns.

For a broader view of the golf property investment landscape, read our guide on buying property near Spanish golf courses.

Honest Pros and Cons

Pros

History and pedigree: One of the oldest courses on the Costa Blanca, with genuine competitive heritage (1994 Mediterranean Open)
Character: Mature trees, varied terrain, and 50+ years of development give it an authenticity newer courses lack
Signature 17th: Genuinely one of the best par 3s in the region
Value: More affordable than newer premium courses like Las Colinas, while offering comparable scenery
Location: Well-positioned for multi-course trips combining Campoamor, Las Ramblas, and La Finca
Clubhouse: Renovated terrace and restaurant add genuine post-round pleasure
Community: A settled, welcoming golf club atmosphere that holidaymakers and residents both respond to

Cons

Pace of play: High season can mean 4.5–5 hour rounds — this is a real issue, not a trivial complaint
Some maintenance inconsistency: Between-hole rough areas and dated practice facilities are noted by visitors
Parking: No dedicated car park; street parking only
Front nine gradient: Can be challenging for walkers; buggies recommended for those not fully mobile
No driving range of note: Practice facilities are functional but not a selling point

How Villamartín Compares to Nearby Courses

The Orihuela Costa has a remarkable concentration of courses within a very small area. Here’s how Villamartín sits in context:

vs. Las Colinas Golf & Country Club (4km): Las Colinas is arguably the finest course in the region — immaculately maintained, with a premium price tag to match. Villamartín is more accessible in price and atmosphere, and offers more raw character. For a first-time visitor, Las Colinas is the showcase; Villamartín is the one you’ll return to. Read our Las Colinas Golf Course guide.

vs. Campoamor Golf (2.4km): Campoamor and Villamartín are the two most established courses in the area and are often played as a two-course trip. Campoamor is flatter and generally considered slightly easier — a good option if Villamartín’s hilly front nine proves challenging.

vs. Las Ramblas (3km): Also part of the Grupo Quara portfolio. Las Ramblas has a similarly mature feel, and combined with Villamartín and La Finca, offers a good three-course package for a week-long golf holiday.

vs. La Finca Golf & Spa Resort (14km): La Finca is the luxury resort option — hotel, spa, and two courses. Villamartín has more character and is better value for the casual visitor. La Finca property is a separate proposition for buyers.

vs. Font del Llop (north of Alicante): A very different proposition — Font del Llop is newer, more polished, and sits in a different geographic cluster. Read our Font del Llop guide for comparison. For golfers staying in the Orihuela Costa area, Font del Llop is too far north for a casual day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Villamartín Golf Course worth playing?

Yes — particularly if you value history, character, and honest course design over polished resort aesthetics. It won’t win awards for immaculate presentation, but the layout, the mature vegetation, and the signature 17th make it one of the more memorable rounds on the Costa Blanca. It’s consistently recommended by visitors who have also played nearby courses.

How much does a round at Villamartín cost?

Green fees operate on a dynamic pricing model. In low season or for late tee-offs, rates can be as low as €48. Standard high-season rates run approximately €65–€85 for a visitor round. Discounts are available for juniors, and membership shares offer the best per-round value for those staying long-term in the area. Always confirm current rates directly with the caddiemaster or via a booking platform.

Is Villamartín Golf beginner-friendly?

It is playable by beginners, but the hilly front nine, tight fairways, and slope rating of 136 mean it’s not the easiest introduction to Costa Blanca golf. If you’re a true beginner, Campoamor’s flatter layout may be a less stressful starting point. That said, many visitors with high handicaps enjoy Villamartín precisely because it’s engaging — you’re never bored.

Can you live on or near Villamartín Golf Course?

Absolutely — and many thousands of people already do. The Villamartín urbanisation is one of the most established residential golf communities on the Costa Blanca, with a wide range of apartments, townhouses, and villas available at various price points. The lifestyle is genuinely centred on the course, with the Villamartín Plaza (bars, restaurants, shops) providing a social hub. Explore golf property on the Costa Blanca for current listings.

When is the best time to play Villamartín Golf?

October through to March offers the ideal combination of cooler temperatures and good course conditions — this is the classic Costa Blanca golf season, and when the course is busiest. Spring (April–May) is also excellent. Summer (June–September) is playable but hot — early morning tee times are essential, and the course is quieter, meaning pace of play is less of an issue.

How far is Villamartín from Alicante airport?

Approximately 40km, taking around 35 minutes via the AP-7 motorway. Murcia International Airport (RMU) is a comparable distance in the other direction. The course is well served by both airports, making it an easy first-day stop for golfing visitors.

Is Villamartín part of a larger group?

Yes — it is managed by Grupo Quara alongside Las Ramblas Golf and La Finca Golf & Spa Resort. This group affiliation means package deals combining multiple courses are often available.

Conclusion

Villamartín Golf Course is not trying to be something it isn’t. After more than 50 years, it has earned the right to be exactly what it is: a characterful, established, European Tour-pedigreed course in the heart of one of the Costa Blanca’s most popular residential golf communities.

For visiting golfers, it offers genuine variety, a landscape that rewards intelligent play, and one of the most discussed par 3s in the region. For those considering a move to the area, the community that has grown up around the course represents exactly the kind of settled, social, year-round lifestyle that draws Northern Europeans to this part of Spain in the first place.

Whether you’re booking a tee time or browsing golf properties near Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, Villamartín Golf Course deserves a prominent place in your plans.

Looking for property near Villamartín or other Costa Blanca golf courses? Explore our full golf course directory or browse available golf properties.