Golf holidays in Costa del Sol

Why choose the Costa del Sol for a golf trip?

Put simply, there's nowhere else in Europe with this many golf courses. There are over 70 courses to choose from between Torre del Mar and Sotogrande. You could spend months playing golf in the Costa del Sol without ever getting bored. There are also plenty of fun attractions, great beaches, gourmet restaurants and fabulous shops that will keep the rest of the group busy while you're golfing. This makes it an ideal destination for golfers who want to take family holidays in the Costa del Sol.

Where should I stay for the best golf in the Costa del Sol?

When you're looking for holiday lettings in the Costa del Sol, you'll probably want to start in the Marbella area. This luxury resort has over 20 courses, so golfers are spoiled for choice. You can decide if you'd like to go for something intense and challenging, or gentle and beginner-friendly. Estepona is another good choice, boasting the two courses that are commonly considered the very best on the Costa del Sol.

Finca Cortesín

Let's start with what many say is the best golf course in the Costa del Sol. Designed by Cabell Robinson, Finca Cortesín in Estepona has more than 100 bunkers spread across its 18 holes. This prestigious course was chosen to host the 2023 Sondheim Cup, the first time that the tournament took place on Spanish soil. If you want a luxury holiday in the Costa del Sol, add this to your list. Be warned that 18 holes at Finca Cortesín don't come cheap: expect to pay around €300 for access to the club.

Real Club Valderrama

Real Club Valderrama is another of Estepona's prestigious golf clubs. It opened in 1974, designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. This is a tough course that will challenge even experienced golfers. Its fairways are of particularly high quality, with many golf writers calling them the best in Europe. Watch out for the 17th hole, which will have you pulling out your hair with frustration. You're not alone: even golfing legends like Tiger Woods have struggled with this notoriously difficult hole. It's often regarded as one of the most challenging in the world.

Marbella Golf and Country Club

This course is one for the strategists. It offers an intricate, tricky design, with the two sets of nine holes being completely different and requiring you to rethink your tactics halfway through your round. The front nine holes are situated high on a hill and are particularly demanding. Narrow and short, they'll need you to pay very close attention. The back nine are longer and more open. The club also offers a Buggy Bar service, which will deliver drinks and snacks to you as you make your way around the course.

El Paraíso Golf Club

This course in Marbella is an excellent choice if you're new to golf. Designed by Gary Player, the course has some tricky water features and roughs, but it's perfectly accessible to novices. It's also earned a reputation as the friendliest golf course in the Costa del Sol, with a refreshingly down-to-earth atmosphere. The dog-legged 6th hole is the most challenging, with a tough water feature you'll need to be careful to avoid.