Things To Do
70+ Courses · Valderrama · Year-Round Golf · Europe's Golf Coast
Overview
The Costa del Sol has more golf courses per kilometre of coastline than anywhere else in Europe. Over 70 courses stretch from Málaga city to Sotogrande, ranging from relaxed resort tracks to championship venues including Valderrama, host of the 1997 Ryder Cup.
The climate is the decisive advantage: 300 days of sunshine, mild winters and cool mornings in summer mean year-round golf of exceptional quality. No wet season to destroy fairways, no frost to close courses, no extreme heat if you play morning or evening tee times.
The Marbella Golf Valley, the cluster of courses in Nueva Andalucía behind Puerto Banús, is the epicentre. Aloha, Las Brisas, Los Naranjos and La Quinta are all within a few kilometres of each other, allowing multi-round breaks of exceptional variety without moving your base.
Courses
70+ on the Costa del Sol
Top Course
Valderrama (Ryder Cup 1997)
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Summer Play
Before 8am or after 5pm
Club Hire
€30–50 at all courses
Golf Valley
Nueva Andalucía, Marbella
Top Courses
Sotogrande (Cádiz) · Par 71 · 18 holes
The finest golf course in continental Europe, host of the Ryder Cup (1997) and the Volvo Masters. Valderrama’s Cork Oak forest setting and demanding layout are legendary. A once-in-a-lifetime round.
Tip: Book months in advance. Strict dress code and handicap certificate required.
Mijas Costa · Par 72 each · 3 × 18 holes
Three championship courses in one spectacular mountain setting above Fuengirola, one of the best golf destinations in Spain. The América course is particularly well-regarded. The resort hotel is excellent.
Tip: Stay at the resort for the best rate combination. The golf academy is outstanding for lessons.
Nueva Andalucía, Marbella · Par 72 · 18 holes
One of Marbella’s most prestigious members’ clubs, a classic parkland layout in the Golf Valley of Nueva Andalucía with extraordinary mountain views. Frequently ranked among Spain’s top 10 courses.
Tip: Green fee visitors welcome on weekdays. Book direct with the club for best availability.
Nueva Andalucía, Marbella · Par 72 · 18 holes
A demanding, highly regarded course in Marbella’s Golf Valley, regularly used for European Tour qualifying events. Excellent conditioning and a proper test for low-handicap players.
Tip: Combination green fees with neighbouring clubs available, ask the pro shop.
Benahavís · Par 71 · 18 holes
A beautiful mountain course in the hills above Marbella, spectacular scenery, challenging elevation changes and the prestige of the Marbella Club name. Less busy than the valley courses.
Tip: Combine with a stay at Marbella Club hotel for the full experience. Spring and autumn are the best playing seasons.
Estepona · Par 71 · 18 holes
A classic Gary Player-designed course on the New Golden Mile, excellent condition, beautiful mature tree-lined fairways and a more relaxed atmosphere than the prestige courses. Great value.
Tip: One of the best value courses on the western Costa del Sol. Very popular, book 3–4 days ahead in season.
Many of our villas are within minutes of the finest golf courses on the coast. Wake up, tee off, swim in your private pool. The perfect golf break.
Browse Golf VillasFAQ
The Costa del Sol has over 70 golf courses within 30 minutes of the coast, more concentrated golf than virtually anywhere else in Europe. The area between Marbella and Sotogrande (around Estepona and San Roque) has the highest density of premium courses, including Valderrama.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the finest golf seasons, temperatures of 20–25°C, lush green fairways after winter rains and uncrowded tee times. Summer (June–August) is playable but very hot, start before 8am or play after 5pm. Winter is also excellent, with many days of 15–18°C sunshine.
No, all major courses have excellent club hire available (typically €30–50 per round). Some villa guests use club storage services, and several companies offer club delivery directly to your villa. Flying without clubs is very convenient on the Costa del Sol.
Yes. Valderrama accepts green fee visitors, but availability is limited and must be booked well in advance. A handicap certificate is required (maximum 28 for men, 36 for women). Green fees are around €280–€350. It is expensive but represents one of the finest golf experiences in the world.
