Photo: Paradores · CC BY-SA 4.0
Valencia, Spain
El Saler Golf Course
Javier Arana's 1968 masterpiece between the Albufera Natural Park and the Mediterranean, widely rated Spain's best course.
Course overview
El Saler was designed by Javier Arana and opened in 1968, routed through pine forest and dunes between the Albufera Natural Park and the Mediterranean coast south of Valencia. It is consistently rated among the finest courses in continental Europe and is operated by the state-run Parador de El Saler, with tee times bookable directly online. Visitors are welcome daily with a valid handicap certificate (max 36).
The essentials
- Architect
- Javier Arana
- Established
- 1968
- Type
- Coastal
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,355 m
- Location
- Valencia, Spain
Character & atmosphere
A links-influenced course through coastal pine and dune terrain, with large, elevated greens and more than a hundred bunkers. Genuinely testing but fair, rewarding accurate iron play into well-defended greens rather than raw power.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Javier Arana, opened in 1968.
- Sea views feature throughout the round.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Valencia Airport (VLC) is approximately 20 km away — around 25–30 minutes' drive south through the city and Albufera Natural Park. Visitors can book tee times directly online via paradores.es, with a valid handicap certificate (max 36) required.
Where to stay
The Parador de El Saler sits directly on the course, making it the simplest base for a golf-focused stay — wake up, walk to the first tee. It suits golfers who want the round handled with minimal fuss, with central Valencia's old town and food scene a short drive away for evenings.
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Spain
Explore Valencia
Spain's third city and its Mediterranean coastline south of the centre, home to El Saler — widely rated the country's best course.