When you think about golf in Spain, it’s often difficult to look beyond the Costa del Sol and the many worldclass.golf courses such as Valderrama, San Roque Club and La Reserva in a part of the country often referred to as the ‘Costa del Golf’.

Other regions of Spain must fight hard for their fair share of the golfing limelight, which perhaps explains why, the likes of El Saler in Valencia are never revered quite so much as their more illustrious counterparts further down the coast.

Built in 1968 by Javier Arana, who is widely considered to have been one of the best Spanish golf course architects of his generation, El Saler ranks consistently in the best 60 golf courses in the world, and the top three in Europe.

And that’s not a typo… yes, the top three in Europe, and not just in Spain. That’s some accolade given the competition elsewhere in the country, yet alone Europe.

The course, which measures 6,042m (6,607 yards) meanders alongside the Mediterranean Sea, and through the El Saler Natural Park which boasts a native pine forest and sand dune system. Its design also takes into account the protected landscape including non-native species such as the famous Cat’s Claw, with the par-72 layout sharing similar characteristics to some Scottish Links.

And it was within this natural landscape that Arana crafted his masterpiece, which has hosted numerous professional events including the Spanish Open in 1984, 1989 and 2001; the Seve Trophy in 2003 and the Open de España in 2013.

And the man tasked with ensuring that El Saler is continued to be respected the world over is 58-year-old Francisco Contreras Alvarado, who is enjoying his second spell in charge, having returned to Valencia in April 2012.

Living on-site at the Paradores hotel, which Alvarado is also responsible for managing, he lives with his family just 70m from the first tee at El Saler and describes his job as a passion.

“It’s a great city Valenica, and it’s a great quality of life here as well,” he admits. “It’s a great place to live, and it’s more or less a 20 second walk from my bedroom to my office, so I’m here all of the time.”

The hotel, which has only 65 rooms, is part of the Paradores group, and is ideally located 30 minutes away from Valencia airport, or 90 minutes from Alicante ensuring smooth access from Europe and beyond.

Yet it is the domestic market which remains the core sector for Alvarado who commented: “We get a lot of Spanish people come and play at El Saler,” which last year hosted over 60,000 rounds of golf, and this year is set to emulate that number.

El Saler is GEO Certified, and Alvarado is keen to stress the environmental aspects of the resort, which also includes a spa, and training facilities for professional sportsmen and women.

“We try to explain to visitors and guests how important our environment is, and we explain that all of the water that is used from the hotel is recycled and used to irrigate the golf course.

“All of the hot water used on site is generated from solar panels on the roof of the hotel, which is also used to charge the golf buggies.

“Earlier this year, next to the 17th hole, about 250 sea turtles were born, so we have signage to communicate to golfers that they are playing in a natural park, and to kindly respect the environment.”

The par 3, 17th hole which Alvarado refers to is the signature hole at El Saler playing 195m (213 yards) into the prevailing wind, towards the beach to a green protected by five bunkers. Finding the green, yet alone making par is an achievement, and is then followed by the par 4, 18th, with its elevated tee overlooking the beach with views north towards Valencia.

Heading back towards the hotel, pro shop and elevated bar area, the 18th is a monster of a hole which doglegs away from the beach towards the two-tier green. But as Alvarado explains, the two finishing holes are not the only ones with some spectacular views.

“The first part of the course, which starts in the forest and extends to the fourth hole is superb. Then, once you’ve finished the fifth, you begin your climb towards the sea which is when the wind comes into play.

“You can then see the city and the Mediterranean – there are no trees and just the open space where you can see some boats on the sea.

“For me, it’s a very, very nice view because the layout of the course has changed completely since the first few holes.

“The eighth hole is so close to the sea, and your close to the beach… it’s simply incredible. And then you have the 17th and 18th which are so difficult, and are so exposed,” concluded Alvarado.