Alhaurin Golf Course

Carved into the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas, Alhaurín Golf Club is a proper inland test within easy reach of the coast. Designed by Seve Ballesteros, it's around 30 minutes from Málaga Airport and about 20 minutes inland from Fuengirola, so it's an easy swap-in if you fancy a break from the busier resort courses down by the sea.

The course makes the most of the terrain. Fairways climb, fall and dogleg through pine-lined hillsides, and you'll feel the elevation on a few tee shots. This is Seve, so it's less about smashing driver everywhere and more about picking the right line, missing it on the correct side and trusting your course management. Expect strategic bunkering, plenty of movement in the greens and a few risk-reward moments where the safe play can still leave an awkward next shot. Water comes into play on a handful of holes, and when the breeze gets up, it can feel wonderfully exposed.

The views are the bonus you keep getting throughout the round, across the valley and out towards the Mediterranean. Off the course, there's a well-stocked pro shop, practice facilities and a terrace restaurant looking over the finishing hole and the mountains beyond.

Who is this for?
Anyone building a Costa del Sol itinerary who wants one scenic inland round, especially if your group enjoys elevation, a bit of wind and a more natural setting than the beachfront resorts.

Who is it best for?
Mid-to-low handicappers and confident ball-strikers. If you like shaping shots and thinking your way round rather than hitting driver on every par 4, you'll get more out of Alhaurín.