It’s not for nothing that Mallorca is one of the most popular golfing destinations for Europeans: the weather on Spain’s largest island is dependable, the island is easily reached by air in a couple of hours and it sports spectacular golf courses…
This time around we took a look at Mallorca’s northeast.
But of course we also made a side trip to Palma. No question, even on “golf-free” days the most popular of the Balearic islands unpacks all you need for a good time vacation. The vibrant capital, painterly landscapes, small picturesque fishing villages, fantastic beaches and coves make it a real out-of-this-world package deal!
Oh, and of course let’s not forget the nightlife…
On our most recent flying visit, we practiced our swing on these fine golf courses on Mallorca’s east coast:
Scenic Canyamel Golf Course
The 6,000 m long Canyamel Golf Course is exciting and challenging! The course (Par 73) actually starts in the spectacularly situated club house: A very stylish restaurant decorated in blue and white boasting awe-inspriring views from its sun terrace will stop you in your tracks.
Steady now, head up, chest out, slip on that golf glove and act like you’re not impressed!
Golfers so inclined right away will ask why does the Golf Club’s logo display a tortoise? Explanation: playing around live tortoises on the course seems to be normal here. Alas, this time it was not meant to be… the only tortoise we saw was sculpted in bronze and it sat by the entrance to the grounds.
Well, whatever; golf architect José Gancedo did a great job in 1988 blending the holes with the terrain: Long undulating fairways laid out with their sand bunkers call for playing a well thought-out game. Not exactly my forte, as everyone will tell you. Indeed, I’d rather swing first and think later…just like in real life.
While the first 9 holes are on rolling terrain, the back 9 are placed in the somewhat longer and flatter second part with stands of trees for scenic variety.
Since the course lies close to the ocean, some fairways offer marvelous and naturally diverting Mediterranean vistas.
But, hey, otherwise it would be too easy… right?
But the flatter back 9 portion packs a punch at the very end: The spectacular 18th hole takes you back to the clubhouse. Before a backdrop of assorted spectators you are called on to master the 160 meter long uphill Par 3 and then sink your putt on a triple graded green. Not too tricky….
Son Servera Golf: beautifully embedded in nature
The Son Servera Golf Course is the second-oldest of Mallorca’s golf courses. Designed by John Harris and opened in 1967 it hides away nestled among mountains in the quiet backcountry of the Costa de los Pinos.
Laid out between pine-covered mountains, the course is very idyllic, and you can enjoy a captivating view of the Bay of Levante – that is, if you want to let yourself be distracted.
The course was expanded from 9 to 18 holes in 2012. It is nearly impossible to tell which are the old fairways since they were so expertly integrated into the new course. Still, the place could use a little upgrade; the clubhouse is no longer quite among the most modern of its kind. But it is definitely still the place for a tasty Boccadillo with ham and cheese…
Capdepera Golf and Restaurant
The Dan Maples-designed Capdepera Golf Course has a fairly flat profile. However, on the last few fairways, when you’re already a bit on the ropes, the course abruptly climbs mountainward and offers you a fantastic down-valley view.
The six manmade lakes along the fairway and the very well maintained greens make playing golf in Capdepera a golf experience of the special kind.
Because it can get hot here, we highly recommend a golfcart no matter how fit you are!
Here, too, we very much liked the clubhouse in the style of a Mallorcan finca!
And the 19th hole aka Restaurant “Roca Viva“ is well-known for a fine dining experience.
Or how about a plate of sea critter fritters with beer after a completed round?
Time your visit for late August, and you will enjoy being there after high vacation season and before high golf season…
Also recommended in Mallorca’s northeast is Golfclub Alcanada. We will test it next time, because this was far from being our last time in Mallorca!
