The 18 hole par 72 golf course of Rio Real is situated in a beautiful valley between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. The Real river crosses the course several times. The course is not an easy one, although the layout is mainly flat. To successfully negotiate the eleventh hole, for example, golfers’ tee shots must cross a ravine onto the fairway, and before reaching the green, there is also a stream to cross! Built in 1965, Rio Real was designed by Javier Arana.

The front nine is quite tight, but it opens up on the back, and has several elevated tees. There are many established trees lining the fairways. Judging distances over ravines can be difficult, so playing the course more than once can be a definite benefit! Hole #13 is a pretty par 3 where you must shoot over water. Spreading over a beautiful valley, the course is set in splendid surroundings on gently undulating terrain softly sloping toward the Mediterranean, being an ideal place for golfers of all abilities and levels. Large trees offer plenty of shade. Holes to look out for are the par-three 6th, where your tee shot must be particularly accurate in order to avoid the hillside on the right; the 8th, where the raised green is protected by formidable bunkers; the dogleg par-four 10th, the spectacular 11th and the new par-3 twelfth. Particularly spectacular are holes 4th and 5th just located by the sea shore with splendid views to the Mediterranean, quite a challenge is also the 12th surrounded by a lake.

Backed by the Sierra Bermeja which culminates at 1500 metres, forming a natural shelter from the northern winds, the area enjoys a subtropical climate and even the winter months are extremely mild, offering the perfect conditions to play golf year around. In the past year the club has benefited from several major improvements, namely replanted fairways, enlargement of cart paths and refurbishment of the clubhouse and its facilities.