Welcome to the Costa del Golf

The Costa del Sol is a sun-drenched paradise known globally as the "Costa del Golf." With over 70 world-class courses dotting its stunning coastline, it's a premier destination for golf enthusiasts of all levels. From legendary Ryder Cup venues to scenic, player-friendly designs, there's a perfect fairway waiting for you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through 24 of the most exceptional courses this region has to offer.

Our Top 24 Picks for Golfing on the Costa del Sol

1. Valderrama

Hailed as the Augusta of Europe, this legendary Ryder Cup venue is a true test of skill with its punishing, narrow, cork tree-lined fairways.

Area: Sotogrande

2. Finca Cortesin

A recent Solheim Cup host offering a luxurious and long championship experience. Impeccable service and pristine greens are its hallmarks.

Area: Casares

3. Las Brisas

A classic R.T.J. Sr. design that feels like a botanical garden. It demands strategic thinking and precision on every single shot.

Area: Nueva Andalucía

4. Los Naranjos

Known for its friendly atmosphere and social clubhouse. Features wide fairways but large, undulating greens that test your short game.

Area: Nueva Andalucía

5. La Reserva

A grand-scale course with sweeping fairways carving through the hills. A modern masterpiece that provides an unforgettable day of golf.

Area: Sotogrande

6. Marbella Club

An exclusive and immaculate course in the hills with breathtaking views of Gibraltar, the Med, and the African coastline.

Area: Benahavís

7. Aloha Golf

A strategic parkland course and regular European Tour host. It winds through picturesque trees and lakes, rewarding accuracy over power.

Area: Nueva Andalucía

8. Santana Golf

Set in a former avocado plantation, this beautiful course is known for being player-friendly with wide, forgiving fairways and a solid challenge.

Area: Mijas

9. La Quinta

With 27 holes designed by Manuel Piñero, La Quinta offers fantastic variety and stunning, versatile playing combinations for all levels.

Area: Benahavís

10. Atalaya Golf

Boasts two magnificent 18-hole courses: the classic, walkable Old Course and the more undulating and challenging New Course.

Area: Estepona

11. Cabopino Golf

Offers some of the most spectacular views on the coast with dramatic, elevated tees, including the famous par-4 3rd hole.

Area: Marbella East

12. Mijas Golf

A hugely popular club with two distinct R.T.J. Sr. courses: the wide Los Lagos and the tighter, tree-lined Los Olivos.

Area: Mijas

13. Sotogrande

The first course designed in Europe by R.T.J Sr., this prestigious, private club is a strategic masterpiece and one of Spain's finest.

Area: Sotogrande

14. San Roque (Old)

A legendary course famed for its majestic cork oak-lined fairways and demanding greens. A true championship test for any golfer.

Area: San Roque

15. El Paraiso

Designed by Gary Player, this is one of the most established and friendliest courses on the coast, set in a beautiful, peaceful parkland.

Area: Estepona

16. Guadalmina (South)

The more challenging of Guadalmina's two courses. The South course runs down to the sea, demanding precision through mature trees.

Area: San Pedro de Alcántara

17. Marbella Country Club

A challenging layout by R.T.J. Sr. with undulating fairways and elevated greens set amongst rolling hills and stunning sea views.

Area: Marbella East

18. Santa Clara

A technically challenging but straightforward course with generous fairways, minimal rough, and fantastic views of the Mediterranean.

Area: Marbella East

19. Valle Romano

Maintained to tournament standards, this course is known for its large, undulating greens and expansive views from every hole.

Area: Estepona

20. Los Arqueros

The first course designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros on the coast. It's a tricky layout that demands accuracy and strategy.

Area: Benahavís

21. El Chaparral

A unique course surrounded by a pine forest, offering a memorable challenge with its 6 par 3s, 6 par 4s, and 6 par 5s layout.

Area: Mijas Costa

22. Torrequebrada

Renowned for its beautiful landscaping and the technical challenge presented by its many lakes and mature, subtropical trees.

Area: Benalmádena

23. Estepona Golf

Known for its wide fairways and large greens, offering a forgiving round with superb views of the Sierra Bermeja mountains.

Area: Estepona

24. Añoreta Golf

The first course built east of Malaga. Añoreta offers a varied and enjoyable layout with stunning sea views and water hazards.

Area: Rincón de la Victoria

Conclusion

The Costa del Sol undoubtedly lives up to its reputation as a golfer's paradise. Whether you seek the challenge of a championship course or a relaxed round with stunning sea views, you'll find it here. After a perfect day on the greens, imagine returning to a perfectly clean sanctuary. Sparkling Homes Marbella ensures your holiday rental or residence is immaculate, so you can relax, unwind, and relive that birdie on the 18th.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer perfect weather with comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The winters are also very mild and popular for golf, while the summer months can be very hot, requiring early morning or late afternoon tee times.

Many of the top-tier, exclusive courses like Valderrama and Las Brisas will require a valid handicap certificate (typically 28 for ladies and 24 for men). However, many other courses are more flexible. It's also best to check the specific requirements when booking your tee time.

For the most popular and exclusive courses, it is highly advisable to book weeks or even months in advance, especially during the peak seasons of spring and autumn. This will help you secure your preferred tee times.

Most courses on the Costa del Sol enforce a traditional golf dress code. This typically means a collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts (not athletic shorts), and proper golf shoes with soft spikes. Denim, t-shirts, and trainers are generally not permitted on the course.

Absolutely! We specialize in preparing holiday rentals for guests. Arrive to a pristine, welcoming home so you can drop your bags and head straight for the first tee. Contact us to ensure your accommodation is as perfect as your golf swing.