Canary Comfort: Four Golf Resorts for a Short Winter Flight from Britain

The appeal of the Canary Islands in winter is not complicated. A flight of roughly four to four and a half hours from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh, a one-hour time difference and daytime temperatures that usually sit in the late teens or low twenties make the islands a practical alternative to the longer haul. For golfers, the bonus is a cluster of resorts where a winter break can combine decent courses with coastal walks, volcanic scenery and food that owes more to Spain than to the average hotel buffet. For winter 2026, we looked at four resorts that work well for a UK break, with course quality, green fees, direct-flight options, accommodation and non-golf attractions in mind.

Abama Golf, Tenerife

Abama is the most polished of the four. The course sits above the west coast of Tenerife, with narrow fairways, mature planting and enough water to punish a careless tee shot. It is not a gentle holiday course: the emphasis is on placement, and the greens are quick enough to demand respect. Green fees in high season are likely to sit in the €180-€260 range, with twilight and package rates offering some relief. The on-site accommodation at Las Terrazas de Abama Suites is excellent for couples, and the wider resort has a strong restaurant and spa offering. Direct flights to Tenerife South are plentiful from the UK, and the transfer is straightforward. Non-golfers can visit Mount Teide, the Masca valley or take a whale-watching trip. Verdict: best for couples and serious players who want a luxury base; less suitable for a budget golf group.

Anfi Tauro Golf, Gran Canaria

Anfi Tauro is the resort-style option, with a course that feels wider and more forgiving than Abama but still asks for shape and control in the wind. The setting is dramatic, with cacti, ravines and views towards the sea. Green fees are more moderate, typically €90-€150 depending on season and time of day. Accommodation in the Anfi Tauro complex suits groups and families, and there is a good choice of apartments and villas. Direct flights to Gran Canaria are among the easiest from the UK, with frequent services from regional airports. Non-golf attractions include the Maspalomas dunes, Puerto de Mogán and the island's interior. Verdict: a strong choice for golf groups and couples who want a resort base without five-star pricing.

Salobre Golf Resort, Gran Canaria

Salobre offers two 18-hole courses, the Old and the New, both laid out on a hilly site with wide views and plenty of elevation change. The golf is more demanding than the brochure photographs suggest, particularly when the wind gets up, and the two courses give a group a good reason to stay for a week. Green fees are likely to fall between €75 and €130, making it one of the better-value options for serious players. The Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity provides a comfortable on-site base, and there are villas for larger groups. Flights to Gran Canaria are direct from many UK airports. Non-golfers can spend time in Las Palmas, on the beaches or in the island's wine country. Verdict: the best pick for serious players and golf groups who value course variety over beachfront glamour.

Costa Teguise Golf, Lanzarote

Costa Teguise is the most affordable of the four, and its course has a character that suits the island: volcanic ground, wide fairways and a wind that is rarely absent. It is not as polished as Abama, but it is honest, enjoyable golf with views that remind you why you flew south. Green fees are likely to be in the €60-€100 range. Accommodation is available in the nearby resort, with a mix of hotels and apartments. Direct flights to Lanzarote are frequent from the UK, and the transfer is short. Non-golf attractions include Timanfaya National Park, the César Manrique sites and the beaches around Costa Teguise. Verdict: the best value for couples and budget-conscious golfers; less appealing for a group seeking a single high-end resort.

Which resort suits whom?

For couples, Abama is the most complete luxury choice, while Costa Teguise offers a lower-cost winter sun break with plenty of non-golf interest. For golf groups, Anfi Tauro and Salobre are the strongest options: both have good on-site accommodation, direct flights and enough off-course variety to keep a mixed group happy. For serious players, Abama and Salobre stand out, though for different reasons: Abama for polish and shot-making, Salobre for variety and value. Budget-conscious golfers should look first at Costa Teguise, then at Salobre if they want two courses.

A practical note for 2026: green fees and flight schedules change, so confirm prices with the resort before booking. Winter is high season in the Canaries, and the best tee times go early. For UK golfers, the islands remain one of the most sensible ways to combine a short flight with reliable winter sun and a respectable round of golf.