Golf on the Costa del Sol: The Best Courses Between Málaga and Alcaidesa

October 7, 2024

By David Bornstein

Where can I play golf on the Costa del Sol, you ask? Golfers worldwide may be familiar with Valderrama as the host of high-profile tour events such as the Volvo Masters or the Andalucia Masters, but with nearly 40 of the best courses in Europe along the coast between Malaga and Alcaidesa, The Costa del Sol, or Costa del Golf as it is affectionately known, promises an absolute paradise for golfers. If you are looking to make Spain your home, you will find the Costa del Sol to offer a blend of the best golf alongside a stunning array of real estate. Here is just an overview:

The Gateway: Málaga to Benalmádena

Just west of Málaga you will find the historic Parador de Málaga Golf, where the sound of waves accompanies your game. This coastal course has hosted the Spanish Open and welcomes the public with daily fees. A mixture of parkland and links-style golf, it carries the design signatures of Harry Colt and Tom Simpson with sweeping views of the sea.

Further along the coast in Benalmádena, you will find Torrequebrada Golf. Designed by Pepe Gancedo, this course is known for its tricky terrain and challenging greens, along with its dramatic sea vistas.

La Cala Resort: A Golfing Haven in Mijas

Next along the coastal route before Marbella is the La Cala Resort in Mijas, one of the most beloved golfing destinations in the area. The largest golf resort in Spain, it is home to three renowned 18-hole courses designed by Cabell B. Robinson—Campo América, Campo Asia, and Campo Europa.

• Campo América: Known for its wide fairways and stunning mountain views, Campo América is popular with golfers of all levels.
• Campo Asia: The tightest and most technical of the three, Campo Asia is designed to test even the most seasoned golfers with its small greens and demanding layout.
• Campo Europa: Slightly more forgiving than Campo Asia, Campo Europa is known for its dramatic water hazards and broad fairways, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a good strategic challenge without the extreme difficulty.

Marbella, Of Course!

Further westward, Marbella emerges as a golfing mecca. Known for its luxury lifestyle and real estate alike, the city boasts some of the best courses on the Costa del Sol.

• Santa Clara Golf Marbella: A picturesque course with wide fairways and gentle slopes, Santa Clara is known for being accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Its friendly atmosphere and impeccable maintenance make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors alike.
• Marbella Golf & Country Club: This dramatic course is one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s masterpieces. With its elevation changes and stunning coastal vistas, the course offers a thrilling challenge to those who enjoy navigating tricky terrain.
• Santa Maria Golf & Country Club: Set in the foothills of the Elviria neighborhood of Marbella, Santa Maria Golf is known for its lush greenery and tranquil setting. The course is semi-private, welcoming the public while maintaining the atmosphere of an exclusive club. Its charming layout makes it a favorite for those who want to combine a day of golf with scenic beauty.

Valle del Golf: The Heartbeat of Costa del Sol Golf

On the way to Benahavis, in a location called Nueva Andalucía within the municipality of Marbella, lies the legendary Valle del Golf. This region boasts some of the most prestigious courses and residential properties on the coast.

• Aloha Golf Club: Designed by the legendary Javier Arana, this private course is famed for its beautiful landscaping and strategic water features. Having hosted the Andalucía Masters, it’s a course beloved by pros and seasoned players alike.
• Real Club de Golf Las Brisas: One of the most exclusive courses on the Costa del Sol, Las Brisas is yet another Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece. With meticulously maintained fairways and an atmosphere of luxury, it remains the star of the Valle del Golf.
• Los Naranjos Golf Club: Known for its wide fairways and welcoming atmosphere, Los Naranjos is accessible to the public, making it a top choice for those seeking a challenge while enjoying a visit.

Benahavís: The Pinnacle of the Costa del Sol

Perched just above Marbella lies the town of Benahavís, an area renowned for its luxury properties and exquisite courses.

• La Quinta Golf & Country Club: Situated in the foothills of Benahavís, this club offers three 9-hole courses designed by Spanish legend Manuel Piñero. With sweeping views of the Sierra Blanca mountains and the coast, La Quinta offers both variety and beauty, making it a staple in the area’s golfing repertoire.
• Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club: Designed by the great Seve Ballesteros, Los Arqueros challenges golfers with its dramatic natural terrain. The course is set against the rugged landscape of the Sierra de Ronda, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
• Villa Padierna offers three stunning 18-hole courses, Los Flamingos, Alferini and Tramores, adjoining the five star Villa Padierna Palace Hotel.

Estepona and Casares: A Rising Golf Destination

Moving further west, Estepona is rapidly emerging as a new golf hub. El Paraiso Golf Club is one of the most established and popular courses on the Costa del Sol. Designed by the legendary Gary Player in 1973, the course is known for its beautifully maintained fairways and stunning scenery.

Valle Romano Golf is a modern course with jaw-dropping sea views and perfect greens, offering daily fees for the public and drawing golfers from across the region.

The real gem of the region is Finca Cortesin near Casares, host of the Volvo World Match Play Championship. A course that combines luxury, prestige, and a demanding design, Finca Cortesin is ranked among the best in Europe. The connection to the five-star Finca Cortesin Hotel and its luxurious real estate community makes this a destination not just for golfers but for those seeking the height of exclusivity and comfort.

Sotogrande and Valderrama: A Golfing Legend

Ranked as one of the best courses in Europe, the legendary Valderrama has hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup and continues to welcome the world’s best during the Andalucía Masters. Known for its meticulous maintenance and incredibly challenging greens, Valderrama is a private club that offers an unparalleled experience for those lucky enough to play there.

Nearby, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and La Reserva Club offer world-class golfing with stunning vistas, luxury real estate, and an atmosphere of exclusivity that sets the area apart as a true golfing enclave.

Alcaidesa: The New Star

Finally, there is Alcaidesa, where the development of the La Hacienda Resort is turning heads. Recent upgrades to the Links and Heathland courses have positioned them among the best in the region, with the soon-to-open five-star luxury resort hotel set to make this a true destination for golfers and lifestyle aficionados alike. Offering stunning views of Gibraltar and the sea, the Links course is one of the few of its kind in southern Spain, adding to its unique appeal.

With new real estate developments sprouting up around Alcaidesa, the area is poised to become a coveted location for those looking to live and play in one of the most picturesque settings on the coast.