Golf holidays Cerdaña & Fontanals
In the very North of Spain high in the Pyrenees and well on the way to the tiny Pyreneen province (and ski resort) of Andorra, lies a lush green valley - Cerdaña (also known as Puigcerda). The valley runs due East to due West so catches the sun all day long and for many years this idyllic mountain retreat has been the Summer escape for well-to-do Barcelonians escaping the city heat in July and August.
Cerdaña is unlike any other golf holiday destination that we feature: total seclusion (or reclusion?) from the outside world amongst a collection of sleepy Pyreneen hamlets. If all you want is fabulous golf, pure oxygen and peace and quiet then Cerdaña is the place for you: party animals need not apply!
Cerdaña & Fontanals - Golf Courses
There are three courses in the lush green valley that runs East-West across the Pyrenees just south of Andorra. The elder statesman of the three is Real Cerdana, a fine old course that weaves its way through the trees around the traditional Clubhouse and agreat place to start your holiday.
Fontanals is the most visually striking of the three: possibly the most scenic course we have ever seen. Set in a verdant valley with stark mountain ridges on two sides and the sun shimmering on the clear blue water of its array of water features it is a unique place to play golf.
Aravell is probably the most demanding both in terms of golfing difficulty and physical demand due to its hilly setting that in return offers up some beautiful looking Tee and approach shots.
Where to stay in the Pyrenees
One of the charms of this part of Spain is that it is very underdeveloped; just a cluster of houses here and there across the mountains that serve as villages. So wherever you stay, you will be assured of peace and quiet!
For ease of access to the remarkable Fontanals golf course, the Golf Hotel on site is clearly the best option. It is not a super-luxurious hotel but does its job well and will allow you to walk to the First Tee on your on-course days and to investigate the surroundings on your off-course days.
For a more luxurious hotel (but not directly on a golf course) the five-star gastronomic retreat of El Castell del Ciutat at Puig-Cerda is the place to savour the flavours, raise a glass and lay your head.
When to go
Needless to say, high up in the mountains, Cerdaña is not a Winter golfing destination! However, from June through to the end of September it offers wonderful golfing weather for those who enjoy the sunshine, but don't like it too hot. But be advised, at this altitude the sun is strong so slap on the factor 50 as you are sure to catch plenty of rays!
Getting to Cerdaña and Fontanals
For somewhere so remote Cerdaña is very easily accessible! There is a motorway from Barcelona to Andorra that slices through the mountains; so from Barcelona airport it will ony take two hours to get lost amongst the hills of Cerdanya.
Thanks to our ATOL licence, we can arrange flights for you to Barcelona and a hire-car to be ready and waiting for your arrival.
Driving to Cerdana
It is also feasible to take your own car to Cerdaña by cruising from Portsmouth to Santander and then a day driving across northern Spain in the shadow of the Pyrenees.
The advantages of taking your own car on a golf trip are not to be underestimated: pack your electric trolley, no airport hassles with your golf clubs and you will also be able to bring home so much more than you would be allowed to if flying (by the way, Andorra is a tax-free zone...).
