Costa del Sol. Or perhaps Costa del Golf? After all, the Coast of the Sun is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. It is estimated that there are as many as 70 places where you can play this sport! Most courses are open all year round, and reaching each of them takes just a dozen minutes. You can choose from public courses, which do not require membership, as well as paid ones – of the highest standard and world-class. Former professional player Peter Gustafsson runs his own school on the Costa del Sol, and Poland’s best golfer, Adrian Meronk, is a frequent guest on the local courses. Discover the best places to play golf!
El Chaparral Golf Club
This prestigious golf course is located in the very heart of Andalusia – in Mijas Costa. It is only a 25-minute drive from Malaga Airport. It is slightly quicker, about 20 minutes, to reach here from the old town of Marbella or the luxurious port of Puerto Banús.
The 18-hole course is surrounded by a Mediterranean pine forest. The course was established in 1991. The intention of its designer from Malaga, José Gancedo Gomez (often referred to as “the Picasso of golf”), was to integrate the holes into the natural landscape without altering the terrain. The course is not long – it measures 5469 meters. However, thanks to its wide variety of holes, suitable for players of all skill levels, it enjoys unwavering popularity.
The facility features excellent infrastructure, including the Green Label restaurant, the Chaparral Academy, and a professional shop.
Alhaurin Golf Club
Alhaurin Golf Club is another iconic golf course on the Costa del Sol, one of the best in the province of Malaga. In some circles, it is called the “masterpiece of Seve Ballesteros”. Why? Named after the legendary Spanish golfer and designer of this spectacular space. This is due not only to its natural, hilly terrain but also to the views accompanying players – of the Sierra de Mijas mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
This 18-hole resort – built in 1993 – is located about 25 minutes from Malaga Airport, and about 20 minutes from Mijas Costa or the resort of Fuengirola. It also offers a 9-hole course, perfect for those just beginning their adventure with this noble sport.
This place offers wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Mijas.
Alhaurin Golf Club also boasts a comprehensive range of services related to the sport. You’ll find an academy, a children’s school, a professional shop, and the “Hoyo 46” restaurant, serving traditional Andalusian dishes with international touches.
Atalaya Old Course
18 holes. That’s the count for the Atalaya Old Course – one of two courses for golf lovers at the Atalaya Golf and Country Club. The facility is just 18 minutes from the center of exclusive Marbella – one of the hottest addresses in southern Spain – or about 20 minutes from Estepona. Designed by renowned German architect Bernard von Limburger, it first opened its doors to the public in 1968.
On-site, there is the Atalaya Golf Academy (ideal for honing skills), a professional shop, a charming cafe, and the “Ventanas De Atalaya” restaurant with panoramic views of the course.
Players will surely appreciate the course architecture, filled with lush trees and flowering shrubs. Additionally, the games are accompanied by views of Mount La Concha, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding lakes and streams.
Los Flamingos Golf
The popular Flamingos, measuring 6284 meters, is another must-visit for every avid golfer. One of Europe’s leading golf courses is situated in a unique setting of pine, olive, cypress, and fruit trees.
The 18-hole course is one of the “youngest” of its kind in sunny Andalusia. Designed by Antonio García, it was opened in 2001. The class of this venue is evidenced by the fact that it has hosted the European Seniors Tour three times (in 2002, 2003, and 2004) and, in 2010, the Ladies European Tour (LET).
La Quinta Golf & Country Club
This course is located in Marbella’s Golf Valley. La Quinta was designed by Manuel Piñero – a Ryder Cup winner and 3-time World Champion.
The facility features 27 holes divided into three 9-hole courses. Each course is accompanied by the views famous throughout the Costa del Sol – of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
La Quinta regularly attracts players from around the world and hosts prestigious European Tour tournaments, including events like the Benahavis Senior Masters and the Spanish Ladies Open. The facility also houses the La Quinta Golf Academy – an ideal place for golfers of all levels to hone their skills.
Golfers can take advantage of a bar, restaurant, equipment rental, shop, and exclusive club facilities.