Playing golf beside an old volcanic crater is not something you can do on every city break. At Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, the setting is a large part of the attraction. The course lies at Bandama in Santa Brígida, a short journey inland from Las Palmas, surrounded by the volcanic landscape and deep ravines of Gran Canaria.
There is also a remarkable piece of history here. The club dates back to 1891 and is regarded as the oldest golf club in Spain. For visiting golfers, that combination of history, landscape and proximity to the capital makes Bandama the most distinctive course near Las Palmas.
Spain’s oldest golf club
Golf arrived surprisingly early in Gran Canaria. British residents and visitors played an important role in the island’s commercial and social life during the nineteenth century, and Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas was founded in 1891.
The club’s present home at Bandama gives that history a setting worthy of it. You are well away from the beachfront atmosphere of Las Canteras even though central Las Palmas is not far away.
Golf in volcanic Gran Canaria
The landscape is the reason I would choose this course if I only had time for one round near the capital. Bandama is one of Gran Canaria’s most recognisable volcanic areas, and the course sits beside the Caldera de Bandama.
Views across ravines and the surrounding interior constantly remind you that this is an island created by volcanic forces. It feels very different from the flatter resort courses associated with many winter golf destinations.
Combine golf with Bandama
Do not automatically drive straight back to Las Palmas after the final hole. If the weather is clear, combine your round with the Bandama area itself.
The volcanic crater and viewpoints make this an easy place to turn golf into a broader half-day excursion. This is particularly useful if you are travelling with someone who does not play. They can explore part of inland Gran Canaria while you are on the course, and you can meet afterwards for sightseeing or lunch.
Getting there from Las Palmas
The course is in Santa Brígida rather than central Las Palmas. A rental car is the simplest option, especially if you are carrying your own clubs. A taxi can also be practical because the distance from the city is relatively modest.
If you normally rely on buses while staying in Las Palmas, I would still consider a taxi for the golf day. Door-to-door transport is much easier when clubs, tee times and golf shoes are involved.
Visiting golfers
Before travelling, contact the club or use its current booking information to confirm visitor access and tee-time availability. Requirements, green fees and playing conditions can change through the year.
If you do not want to bring clubs to Gran Canaria for a single round, ask about current rental possibilities when booking rather than assuming equipment will be available on arrival.
Is Bandama worth the trip?
For golfers staying in Las Palmas, definitely put it on the shortlist. You can play a historic Spanish club in a volcanic setting and still return to Las Canteras in time for an evening beside the sea.
That contrast is exactly what makes staying in Las Palmas interesting. Breakfast on an urban Atlantic beach, golf beside an ancient crater, then tapas or seafood back in the city is a fairly difficult holiday day to dislike.
Visitor rules, green fees, tee times and equipment services can change. Check current information directly with Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas before playing.