Southern comforts
The Costa del Sol has become recognised as a ‘whole destination in one’ with great golf, glorious beaches and a picture-perfect landscape
Later this year the eyes of the world will be on the Costa del Sol as the region plays host to The Solheim Cup for the first time, with Finca Cortesín the venue as the finest European and American female golfers compete for the famous trophy.
But it won’t only be stars of the women’s game who will descend on this part of the world in 2023. With more than 70 world-class golf courses and 325 days of sun a year, the region has become a prime destination for golf holidaymakers.
Perfect playing conditions and a diverse range of courses have kept golfers coming back year after year. It is no surprise, therefore, that the Costa del Sol has earned the nickname the ‘Costa del Golf’.
However, the region offers much more than just golf, from feeling the warm sand under your feet to taking a dip in the azure waters of the Mediterranean; from discovering vibrant streets to breathing in the culture and history. Once you have finished your round you won’t be short of options to enjoy your leisure time.
Throw in the incredible gastronomy, defined by its combination of traditional dishes and avant-garde twists – as well as the dynamic nightlife once the sun sets – and it is clear to see why the destination has become so popular. Benahavís, Estepona, Marbella, Sotogrande and Mijas are home to most of the area’s courses, but several prestigious, renowned courses are also situated in other parts of the region. We take a closer look at why you should visit each area and what makes them great golf destinations.
The West
Sotogrande has many well-designed golf clubs and courses with nine, 18 or 27 holes. The marina, commonly known as Little Venice, is a wonderful space for an evening out, with its maze of canals flanked by international bars and restaurants allowing you to unwind in elegant surroundings. The municipality of San Roque also has limitless tourist attractions. Golf clubs
to explore here include La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, San Roque Club and Real Club Valderrama.
Marbella is a destination that promises a whole lot of fun, both at its extraordinary golf courses and many tourist attractions. With a number of courses nestled in stunning natural surroundings that offer spectacular sea views, this is a wonderful place to play golf in a region boasting 25km of coastline. Marbella Golf and Country Club and Los Naranjos Golf Club are two standout venues.
Benahavís is that quintessentially Andalusian village. With its whitewashed houses and colourful flowerpots, it delivers a picturepostcard view of life in southern Spain.
The small squares, ancient Moorish towers, beautiful façades, and viewing points with vistas make it a great spot
to stay. It is not by chance that this corner of Andalusia – home to a number of courses such as Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club and El Higueral Golf – is crazy about golf.
Long beaches, charming beach bars, traditional restaurants and an exclusive environment can be found in Estepona, a destination that breathes peace and quiet, with Estepona Golf Club a favourite among golfers. Here you can enjoy a relaxing holiday with all the golfing infrastructure you could possibly dream of on your doorstep.
Located between Campo de Gibraltar and Serranía de Ronda, Casares still bears the traces of the different civilisations that have lived here over the course of its history. With its peaceful atmosphere, and three great golf courses close by – including the aforementioned Finca Cortesín Golf Club – the village is the perfect destination for golf lovers.
If you’re looking to relax and enjoy wonderful courses close to the sea and quintessential white Andalusian villages, Manilva is your ideal destination, famed for its beautiful beaches, with their crystal-clear waters that sparkle under the glistening sun. Manilva is home to the challenging La Duquesa Golf and Country Club.
Central
Mijas, one of the most golf-rich areas in the Costa del Sol, is known as ‘Golf Valley’. With its dozen or so clubs, including the three-course venue La Cala Resort and two-course venue Mijas Golf Club, it has become a landmark golf destination in Europe.
Sitting on the hillside and overlooking the sea, Mijas has a wide range of everadapting services. The gardens and viewing point from the fortified walls are particularly beautiful with their remnants of the ancient fortress. Mijas’ coastline is not lacking either, offering the joy of sun, sea and sand.
Málaga – the Costa del Sol’s capital – is the perfect destination if you are looking for a golf holiday but aren’t willing to walk away from all the conveniences of the city. Málaga certainly will not disappoint with its long beaches, museums, restaurants and avant-garde golf clubs, including Real Club de Campo Málaga. Indeed, the city is very proud to be the golfing capital of southern Europe.
The municipality of Benalmádena, just 20km from the centre of Malaga, offers a whole host of attractions to make your holiday an unforgettable one. In addition to its prestigious golf clubs and resorts – Benalmádena Golf, Bil Bil Golf Club and Golf Torrequebrada – Benalmádena offers visitors absolutely everything they are looking for. Benalmádena Pueblo breathes tranquillity with its picturesque narrow streets and plazas, while Benalmádena Costa is where most tourists stay.
Just 10km from Malaga, Torremolinos is a town shared by locals and tourists attracted to its ‘sun, sea and sand’ lifestyle. The long beaches, great selection of hotels and traditional beach bars – not to mention an excellent golf venue at the Miguel Ángel Jiménez Golf Academy – have made Torremolinos one of the most popular destinations among golf lovers in Europe.
Alhaurín de la Torre, 20km from Málaga and 10km from the stunning beaches of Torremolinos, is the perfect place for a quiet stay in the Valle del Guadalhorce, famed for its beautiful natural landscapes and golf courses at Alhaurín Golf and Lauro Golf.
The historic centre has areas of great natural beauty and buildings harking back to its past. Travel back in time with a visit to archaeological sites that date back to Roman times.
North-east
Combining history, culture, nature, gastronomy and relaxation, the municipality of Antequera offers a whole world of enjoyment beyond the area’s one golf course, Antequera Golf.
Very few places can claim to have such a wealth of history and culture. The municipality also has one of the most awe-inspiring natural spaces in the province of Málaga, Torcal de Antequera, which boasts the most impressive karstic landscape in Europe.
Golf aficionados will absolutely love Axarquía thanks to the golf courses at Baviera Golf and Añoreta Golf. The area is also full of authentically Andalusian beaches perfect for relaxation.
As you travel from the Altos Montes in Axarquía to the western coastline of the Costa del Sol, you will soon discover that this is a land of contrasts. The scenery in Axarquía is peppered with wild and unique landscapes, offering up picture-perfect settings.