Costa del Sol Golf.
Golf is more than merely a sport – it embodies a lifestyle. With more than 70 golf courses situated between the picturesque Costa del Sol coastline and its scenic hills, this region has rightfully earned the designation of the ‘Golf Coast’. Ranging from elegant social clubs to tranquil courses featuring sea views and wellness retreats, each golf course along the Costa del Sol presents a distinct experience. Whether you are organizing a luxurious golf holiday or in search of top-tier fairways, this area stands out as one of Europe’s foremost golfing destinations.
Sotogrande
Less than an hour to the west of Marbella, Sotogrande is a name that embodies elite golf on the Costa del Sol. At its core lies the renowned Valderrama, frequently regarded as the finest course in continental Europe and the venue for the Ryder Cup. In addition, La Reserva Club introduces a contemporary flair with expansive sea views and a country-club atmosphere, while Real Club de Golf Sotogrande endures as a classic timeless choice.
Life in this area is more tranquil and private compared to Marbella, yet it remains equally sophisticated. With golf at its center – enhanced by polo, sailing, and exquisite dining – Sotogrande epitomizes the height of sporting elegance on the Costa del Sol.
From the vibrant cosmopolitan energy of Nueva Andalucía to the coastal allure of East Marbella, from the serene mountains of Benahavís to the championship prestige of Sotogrande, Marbella is not merely a singular golfing destination – it encompasses many. Each region presents a unique character, yet collectively they create something unparalleled: a locale where golf transcends being just a sport, evolving into a lifestyle intricately linked with sun, sea, and sophistication.
Casares
As one travels westward along the Costa del Sol, the region attains new heights at Finca Cortesín, recognized as one of Spain’s premier golf destinations and the venue for the 2023 Solheim Cup. Renowned for its championship-quality course, luxurious five-star accommodations, Michelin-starred dining, and the exclusive beach club Doña Julia, Casares Costa epitomizes luxury golf in southern Spain. In this setting, the game achieves its most sophisticated form: championship-level competition, exceptional hospitality, and an ambiance that establishes the benchmark for golf resorts globally.
Benahavís
Golf in the Hills
Situated just northwest of Marbella, the road ascends into Benahavís, a tranquil hillside village where golf harmonizes with nature. This region boasts some of the finest mountain golf courses in proximity to Marbella, including La Quinta Golf, a 27-hole course linked to the opulent Westin La Quinta Resort & Spa, where wellness and golf merge effortlessly. In the vicinity, Los Arqueros, crafted by Seve Ballesteros, presents challenging fairways alongside breathtaking views. For those seeking a more leisurely round, El Higueral offers a delightful nine-hole retreat enveloped by lush hills. Golfing in Benahavís transcends mere recreation; it embodies a lifestyle steeped in wellness, fresh mountain air, and serenity. With boutique dining options, tranquil landscapes, and fewer crowds compared to the coast, this area is perfect for golfers in search of a serene and picturesque getaway within the Marbella region.
Marbella.
East Marbella
As you travel east from central Marbella, the ambiance becomes more tranquil and the golf courses more picturesque. This region boasts some of Marbella’s finest coastal golf courses, such as Santa Clara, Marbella Golf & Country Club, Santa María, and Cabopino. These courses are designed along the Mediterranean coastline, featuring fairways that frequently slope toward the sea and provide breathtaking views – on clear days, it is even possible to see across to Africa.
Golfing in East Marbella presents a uniquely coastal atmosphere. Following a morning round, it is customary to relax at a beachfront chiringuito, savoring fresh fish just a few steps from the shore. If you seek golfing in Marbella with ocean views, East Marbella delivers a relaxed, oceanfront golfing experience that is truly exceptional.
Nueva Andalucía, Golf Valley
At the core of Marbella is Nueva Andalucía, renowned as the ‘Golf Valley of Marbella’. This esteemed region features four premier golf courses: Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha Golf, and Magna Marbella. Each course presents a unique experience – Las Brisas is known for its prestige and tradition, Los Naranjos offers a Scandinavian touch with lively social events, Aloha is characterized by its elegance and tournament reputation, while Magna Marbella delivers a laid-back, nine-hole experience perfect for quicker rounds or practice.
However, what truly distinguishes ‘Golf Valley’ is not merely its exceptional golf – it is the lifestyle it offers. Following a morning spent on the fairways, golfers frequently venture to the nearby Puerto Banús for waterfront dining, high-end shopping, or sunset cocktails. With its diverse international community and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Nueva Andalucía is an essential destination for anyone in search of the finest golf experiences in Marbella.
San Pedro & Estepona East
As you travel west from Marbella, the golfing landscape evolves into one that is steeped in tradition and community. The Guadalmina North and South courses are among the oldest on the Costa del Sol, where generations of both local and international golfers have fostered a robust golfing culture. Close by, Atalaya Golf and El Paraíso uphold this legacy, renowned for their welcoming atmosphere, mature layouts, and reliable playing conditions.
Further west, in East Estepona, the Villa Padierna Golf Club introduces a modern sophistication to the area with its three exquisite courses: Flamingos, Alferini, and Tramores. Nestled among rolling hills with views of the sea and accompanied by a 5-star resort and spa, it provides a refined golfing experience that harmonizes beautifully with the region’s historical allure.
Whether you are attracted to the camaraderie of long-established clubs or the sophistication of luxury resorts, golfing in San Pedro and Estepona offers a rich and varied experience on the Costa del Sol.