Golf in Cantabria: A Hidden Gem for UK & Irish Retirees

For UK and Irish retirees considering a move to Spain — particularly those who value quality golf, mild weather and a slower pace of life — Cantabria offers a compelling alternative to the more saturated southern costas.

A Rich Golfing Heritage

Golf has deep roots in Cantabria, dating back to the early 20th century. It was the Spanish Royal Family who first introduced the sport to the region, establishing two of its most iconic courses:

• Real Golf Club Oyambre in 1924, a spectacular seaside links course

• Real Golf de Pedreña in 1928, set overlooking the Bay of Santander

Pedreña would later become world-famous as the home course of Seve Ballesteros, one of golf’s greatest ever players. But Seve’s story in Cantabria began even earlier. As a child, he caddied for his uncle, Ramón Sota, himself a celebrated golfer, from as young as nine years old.

Perhaps Seve’s greatest legacy in the region wasn’t just his success on the world stage, but his commitment to making golf more accessible. He played a key role in promoting public golf courses throughout Cantabria, helping to move the sport away from exclusivity and embedding it into everyday life in the region.

Diverse Courses in Stunning Settings

One of Cantabria’s great strengths is the sheer variety of courses within a relatively small area — ideal for retirees who want regular golf without long drives.

Some highlights include:

• Real Golf de Pedreña
  A European Tour-level course with 27 holes and breathtaking views across the Bay of Santander. Challenging, historic and beautifully maintained.

• Club de Golf Santa Marina
  A tranquil woodland course close to Pedreña, known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent clubhouse.

• Mataleñas Golf Course (Santander)
  A public course dramatically set on coastal cliffs, offering exceptional value for money and unforgettable sea views.

• Abra del Pas
  Another excellent public option, popular with locals and visitors alike, combining accessibility with scenery.

• Ramón Sota Club de Golf
  An impeccably kept parkland course, reflecting the legacy of one of Cantabria’s golfing pioneers.

• Real Golf Club Oyambre
  A true links experience beside the Cantabrian Sea, where coastal winds and open landscapes provide a classic, challenging round.

For golfers used to travelling between courses in the UK or Ireland, the ease of access here is a pleasant surprise — many courses are less than an hour apart.

Ideal Golfing Climate, Year-Round

Cantabria’s mild oceanic climate is another major draw, particularly for retirees looking to escape extremes. Summers are warm but rarely oppressive, and winters are mild compared to much of northern Europe.

Crucially for golfers, course closures due to weather are rare. Rainfall is spread throughout the year rather than concentrated, and frost or heat-related shutdowns are uncommon. This means you can comfortably enjoy golf in every season — often in short sleeves while friends back home are battling wind, rain or icy fairways.

More Than Just Golf

For many UK and Irish retirees, golf is only part of the picture. Cantabria also offers:

• A relaxed pace of life

• Excellent healthcare

• Stunning coastline, mountains and green countryside

• Strong food culture, with fresh seafood and local produce

• A welcoming, authentic Spanish environment without mass tourism

Golf here fits naturally into everyday life rather than dominating it — morning rounds followed by long lunches, coastal walks or time spent with visiting family.

Considering a Golf-Focused Retirement in Cantabria?

If you’re exploring Cantabria as a potential retirement destination and golf is high on your list of priorities, we’d love to help.

We regularly arrange scouting trips that include time on the golf course, allowing you to experience not just the quality of the golf, but what day-to-day life here really feels like. From choosing the right area to understanding practicalities such as healthcare, housing and residency, we support you through the whole process.

👉 Book a free introductory call to talk through your plans and see whether Cantabria could be the right fit for your next chapter.