Alicante ------------ Seve Ballesteros designed Alicante with all golfers in mind. However, you need to be cautious in your game, since there are many bunkers and water hazards to avoid. The wide fairways of this 18-hole, Par 72 course opened in 1998. Set near the beach and surrounded by a housing estate, this is a popular course, with wide fairways and generous greens that give you room to negotiate should your shots go somewhat astray. And the driving range, chipping and putting greens, and practice bunker are perfect for warming up before a game. Afterwards, try the gym and sauna, before heading for the restaurant and snack bar for refreshments.

Alenda ---------- Designed by Roland Favrat, the 18-hole, Par 72 Alenda course will appeal to most levels of players. While the sloping greens on some of the holes may test your ability with the putting iron, most of the fairways are wide and, with concentration, you could cover the course close to par. There are putting and chipping greens, a driving range and a practice bunker, and the pro shop rents out buggies, clubs and trolleys. There is also a restaurant and snack bar.

Altorreal ------------ Located between Alicante and La Manga, the 18-hole, Par 72 championship course combines stunning mountain vistas with a residential backdrop, and more than 20,000 olive, pine and carob trees. There are six lakes that add to the challenge of the course, and a driving range, a practice putting green and a pitching green. The clubhouse has a bar/restaurant and the change rooms include a sauna. You can rent clubs, buggies and trolleys, and golf tuition is available.

Real Campoamor ------------------------- Both professional and amateur players like this 6,203-metre, Par 72 course with its long, open fairways and pine forest setting. The sloping greens and fairways are the main challenge, but there is a good mix of Par 3, 4, and 5s. Views of the coast are a bonus here. Hire of clubs and buggies is possible, and golf lessons are available. The driving range and putting green will help hone your skills, and the cafeteria, bar and restaurant are just fine for an after game snack or meal.

El Saler ------------ Since Golf World has rated El Saler as Europe's second-best course, you'd expect it to have exceptional fairways and greens. This must-play course, host of several Spanish Opens, meanders through groves of pines and along dunes in a spectacular coastal setting. You'll need your best shots here, since bunkers are common. The 6th hole, which is a Par 4, doglegs to the left to make getting on the green in two a challenge. There are the usual hire options, and clubhouse has dining facilities.

Playing golf on the Costa Blanca is a pleasure any time due to the wonderfully mild year round climate. Choose one of the above 5 courses for an exceptional golfing experience.