After a few days on the beach, the greens and fairways of the Playa Serena Golf Course are a welcoming sight for those tired of sand and surf. The flattest course in Spain, Playa Serena offers a relaxing game of golf for players of all abilities amid a natural retreat on the edge of a protected ecological area. Get acclimated on the practice area and head out for a pleasant stroll disguised as a golf game. Look for the native plant species that flourish in the wooded areas and the birds that congregate here.
Take a few moments after you arrive to appreciate the clubhouse, whose wide terraces look out onto the mountains. Practice your long game on the extended fairways, which provide the main difficulty of the course. Smell the scent of eucalyptus on the air and look for the distinctive bright blooms of bougainvillea on the sidelines. At the 10th hole, pause for refreshment at the bar. Munch on olives and tapas or have a glass of sangria or a cold beer.
Finish the course at a leisurely place and return to the clubhouse to relax in the sun on the terrace. Look up at the mountains and the countryside extending before you. Bring a pair of binoculars to identify the species of birds that occasionally fly up from the trees, with a squawk and a flurry of activity. Reflect on the bunkers and water obstacles and make plans to return the next day.
Drive to the Playa Serena Golf Course in 10 minutes from Roquetas del Mar, 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) to the north. Take a bus in 30 minutes from the town center. The closest airport is located in the outskirts of Almería, a 30-minute drive from the course. The airport offers connections throughout the region. The course offers free parking and has an onsite pro shop. Advance booking for tee times is essential. Call ahead. Greens fees depend on the season rates are available online.