Golf Holidays in the Costa del Sol
Running south from [Malaga][1], down past [Marbella][2], all the way to [Sotogrande][3], the Costa del Sol is the most iconic stretch of coastline in southern [Spain][4].
It is recognised throughout Europe as one of the ultimate holiday destinations for those seeking sizzling sunshine and beautiful beaches, but also by golfers for having one of the best selections of championship courses in the world.
Puerto Banus
Rated 9.2 by 25 golfers (Read reviews of Occidental Puerto Banus)
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
Sotogrande
Rated 9.6 by 24 golfers (Read reviews of SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel)
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
Malaga
Rated 9 by 251 golfers (Read reviews of The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa)
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
The ‘Costa del Golf’ has maintained its endless popularity by catering to the needs of any group. Whether you are looking for a high-end luxury trip loaded with famous courses, a relaxing resort break where everything is on-site or an affordable weekend away with the lads, or lasses, that combines golf and partying, its all found on Andalucia’s Sunshine Coast.
With over 50 golf courses found in the Costa del Sol, you are spoilt for choice. These range from some of Europe’s best and toughest tests, to outstanding resort layouts or budget-friendly options that guarantee a fun-filled round.
This opulent resort town was designed for the mega-rich, the perfect change of pace for those who find Puerto Banus too intense, Sotogrande is both beautiful and tranquil. Sotogrande is the heart of championship golf in Spain, with some of Europe's best layout found here.
Top courses & experiences:
The ultimate playground for the rich and famous in the Costa del Sol, Puerto Banus is a must-visit if you are staying in Marbella and the surrounding area. Play on the fairways of the many fantastic golf courses by day, then, as the sun sets, the beach clubs and bars come to life.
Top courses & experiences:
The region that gave the world Picasso has also given us some masterpieces of golf. The vibrant city offers a taste of real Spanish culture, with the championship golf courses and stunning beaches that the Costa del Sol is famous for located just a few minutes away.
Top courses & experiences:
Heralded around the world as one of Europe’s greatest golf courses, Valderrama has it all; Ryder Cup history, thrilling holes and the Spanish sun, a must-play course for any golfer.
A contender for the best golf resort in Europe, La Cala puts everything you could want at your fingertips. The three championship courses on the resort are of outstanding quality and variety.
Designed by the renowned Cabell B. Robinson, La Reserva is one of the younger courses in the area but is already being celebrated as a worthy edition and has climbed in the top 10 in Spain.
No course on the Costa del Sol is more revered than the mighty Valderrama Golf Club, which burst onto the world stage as host of the 1997 Ryder Cup. Europe, led by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, clinched a memorable one-point victory over the Americans.
Valderrama has also played host to the WGC American Express Championship (winners including Tiger Woods and Mike Weir), the Volvo Masters and the Andalucía Masters.
In 2014 the Costa del Sol welcomed a new European Tour event, the NH Collection Open, which has found a home next door to Valderrama at the highly touted La Reserva Golf Club.
A half-hour drive up the coast lies Finca Cortesin which has hosted the Volvo World Matchplay on three occasions; matchplay maestro Ian Poulter claiming the trophy in 2011.
There are plenty of options on the Costa del Sol where you and your golfing buddies can enjoy a memorable trip away while still having enough of the end-of-season budget left for a few rounds at the bar.
La Cala is the biggest golf complex in Spain and is home to three superb championship courses, so you’ve got enough variety on offer to keep even the typical group moaner happy!
Marbella Golf and Country Club has a terrific Robert Trent Jones-designed layout and packages at nearby Hotel Las Palmeras are half-board, so you won’t need to worry about dinner. The hotel is situated adjacent to the town’s marina, giving you plenty of options in the evening. From here you can also access El Chaparral, a beautiful golf club that sweeps its way along the spectacular Mijas coastline.
From the mountain location in Marbella at the sumptuous Hotel Villa Padierna it is possible to see the North African coastline on a clear day, while at sundown, there are few more romantic experiences than watching the sun setting over the peaks while sipping on a glass of bubbles. The Andalucian-inspired seafood dishes at the hotel’s La Veranda restaurant come highly recommended.
The the Westin La Quinta Golf Resort is an ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway that combines luxury, relaxation, and golf. Nestled in a picturesque location surrounded by lush green gardens and scenic views of the mountains. Couples get to experience a world-class spa, several restaurants offering a range of cuisines alongside 27 holes of great golf.
You'll find plenty of good restaurants and bars offering live music and DJ's in most of the resorts scattered along the Costa del Sol.
Casinos can be found in Hotel Torrequebrada (Benalmadena) and in H10 Andalucia Plaza (Puerto Banus).
Marbella and Puerto Banus offer more exclusive venues; head for the famous Golden Mile illuminated with glitzy restaurants and bars that give way to an endless selection of clubs.
The world renowned charms of Puerto Banus are just minutes away, where Sinatra's and Olivia Valere, packed out with freshly tanned faces, lie in wait.
There are a number of top-class resorts in the Costa del Sol which offer that extra bit of comfort and style.
The Gran Hotel Elba Estepona is one of the most luxurious hotels in Spain. Not only does the hotel offer unrivalled levels of service and style, it’s stunning beachfront location is simply breathtaking.
If you prefer to have the golf course at your doorstep, Hotel Finca Cortesin and La Quinta are among the most luxurious bases in the region.
from the 19th hole
• The Perfect Golf Trip in The Costa del Sol
• After Golf Activities in the Costa del Sol
Once you've touched down in sizzling Spain, the last thing you want is an unexpectedly long drive to your hotel. Take a look at drive times from Malaga Airport to key towns and resorts in the region.
Drive Times from Malaga Airport
20 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
30 minutes
Boasting gorgeous weather all year long, it is always a great time to visit Spain's sunny south coast, hop on the short flight and you'll be hitting the fairways before you know it.
Flights & Weather
2 hours 45 minutes
3 hours
22-26°C
12-16°C
Our experts discuss golf in Costa del Sol, the whole-in-one destination for golfers looking for the perfect holiday.
Running south from Malaga, down past Marbella, all the way to Sotogrande, the Costa del Sol is the most iconic stretch of coastline in southern Spain.
It is recognised throughout Europe as one of the ultimate holiday destinations for those seeking sizzling sunshine and beautiful beaches, but also by golfers for having one of the best selections of championship courses in the world.
With so much choice to play in The Costa del Sol, there is a wide-variety of price and cost when it comes to golf. Despite being one of the more expensive golf courses to play, Finca Cortesin is top-rated for value for money, being rated 9.0/10 by Your Golf Travellers. Another top-rated golf course for value in the Costa del Sol is found at La Cala Golf Resort which is also rated 9.0/10 by Your Golf Travellers.
The best golf course in Costa del Sol, Spain is Valderrama Golf Course. This is the only course which has hosted the Spanish Open and Ryder Cup. It is ranked as the number one golf course in Spain and top-rated amongst world golfers. The course is situated near Marbella and it is quite challenging for professionals and amateurs alike.
Golf holidays in Costa del Sol range from £195 including 3 Nights and 2 Rounds of golf to over £1000 including playing the best golf courses such as La Reserva, Finca Cortesin and Valderrama. The most expensive times to go are in the summer as well as September and October whilst December and January are the cheapest.