Costa del Sol and its historic capital Malaga are nicknamed ‘Costa del Golf’ because of all the world-class golf courses in the area. But ‘Sol’ means ‘sun’ – and this area is also known as the sunshine coast. Located on the Mediterranean, it stretches from Torremolinos to Estapona, and is a haven for golf lovers with its warm climate, little rain and virtually no winds.
Alcaidesa Heathland
This 18-hole par-72 golf course designed by famous Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas offers stunning heathland, wide fairways and views to the Mediterranean. This course is affiliated with the smaller but also popular Alcaidesa Links, and both belong to Alcaidesa Resort.
Alferini Golf
Set in a beautiful valley with a fabulous mountain backdrop, this is the only par-73 golf course along this coastline. It’s a fairly challenging course with long fairways, but with a choice of starting points it offers a nice game for people of all abilities.
Almenara Golf
This is thought to be one of the most exciting courses on the Costa del Sol. Set near the beautiful Almenara Hills, expect three sets of nine holes that can be played in different combinations. It really is a thrill a minute.
Calanova Golf Club
The spectacular layout of this par-72 course means that if you’re playing here, you’ll need a strategy. This club is located in Mija, the New Golf Valley in Malaga, and offers incredible views across the mountains and Mediterranean.
Club de Golf La Canada
Don’t miss out on this 18-hole golf course. Close to Sotogrande offering undulating fairways, fast greens and a water feature, Club de Golf La Canada thought to be a lovely course for people of all levels. You will garner some of the most fabulous views at the 18th hole.
Dona Julia
Only a couple of hundred metres from the beach, this club lies in the fantastic natural environment of the Casares Mountains. But Don Julia is also considered to be one of the top courses in the area, in part because of its complexity.
El Chaparral Golf Club
Since Antonio Rubio’s family reopened this 6,000-metre layout with valleys and a narrow river gorge to be aware of, it has become one of the most popular clubs in the Costa del Sol. It boasts an original design by Pepe Cancedo and is the only Costa del Sol club with 6 par 3s, 6 par 4s and 6 par 5s.
Estepona Golf
You can stand in different parts of this course and experience remarkable views of the Sierra Bermega mountains and the blue Meditteranean Sea. It’s a great course for golfers of all standards, well known for its consistent surface, the course features very strong par 3s.
Finca Cortesin Golf Club
Designed by architect Cabell Robinson, this course has been host to what was one of the most important tournaments in the world – the Volvo World Match Play. At 6802 metres, 18 holes and boasting more than 100 bunkers, it’s a great choice whether you’re a pro or a beginner.
La Cala America
Set on lovely undulating hills, this wide and popular championship course requires you think with precision and accuracy, due to the varying levels of the greens.
La Reserva Golf
Reputed as one of the best in Spain, this is a long 18-hole golf course with undulating fairways with water playing a part in some areas. This is a very enjoyable course and another world-class design by architect Cabell Robinson.
La Quinta
Located in Marbella, this is a course that’s been designed by Ryder Cup winner Manuel Pinero. It has 27 holes split into three nine-hole course, accessible to all levels of play and in stunning surroundings.
Real Royal Club de Golf Sotogrande
Once an unused area, this course has seen a transformation. At over 40 years old it’s still considered one of the best and most challenging courses. It has been used for the European Tour Qualifying finals and on its 30th birthday had the honour of being awarded royal status.
Los Flamingos Golf
With wonderful views to Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, this club has hosted many prestigious tournaments. The 18-hole golf course is beautifully landscaped and has a natural stream passing through it, ending in a lake that encompasses the course.
Los Naranjos Golf
One of Spain’s premier golf clubs offering exciting wide fairways, water features, large undulating fast greens and strategically placed bunkers. The first nine holes are very different from the last nine holes, which many consider of Championship quality.
Marbella Country Club
This is a challenging course in the heart of rolling countryside with fabulous views to the Mediterranean. Every hole is different with several lakes enhancing both the difficulty and the view.
Mija Los Lagos
This large course is named after its amazing lakes. It’s fairly flat with some forested areas and mildly undulating greens. Great for beginners, hence its popularity.
Mija Los Olivios
This course is named after the olive trees dominating its scenery, as well providing users with more of a challenge. This involves steering the balls through the fairways, which are surrounded by the trees. This is a smaller course than its brother Los Lagos but remains very attractive.
Parador De Malaga Golf
This 18-hole golf course, built in 1929, is the oldest on the Costa del Sol. It’s a lovely course that beginners can enjoy, while still presenting its own challenges. Navigate around seawater lagoons and fairways that form lanes between the trees.
Rio Real Golf
Set in a valley with an undulating terrain and open fairways that meander towards the Mediterranean coast, this is a lovely course that is enjoyable for golfers of all levels. However, it isn’t a simple challenge.
San Roque New
This course was designed by Perry Dye and Seve Ballesteros to be playable, while challenging. Located on a promontory about the sea, this course is windy, but you can expect wonderful views to Gibraltar, Sotogrande and of course the Mediterranean.
San Roque Old
Set in a remarkable spot at the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja, San Roque Old is considered one of the best in Europe. Holes are set in a featured undulating terrain that weaves through the countryside. Originally designed by Dave Thomas, a few years later Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros redesigned the bunkers.
Santa Clara Golf
This course flows beautifully, however even though the start may seem flat and easy, it eventually becomes more challenging as you find yourself contending with hills, water hazards and bunkers.
Santana Golf
This former avocado plantation has a new use. Fantastic wide fairways are fairly easy to navigate because of the flat terrain. However, every hole has been designed to offer a new challenge, and you’ll also have to contend with water features and bunkers.
Valle Romano Golf
This is a fantastic course located in Estapona, which has been intricately designed to accommodate premier tournaments, as well as incorporating features that ingeniously accommodate amateurs too.
Now that you’re equipped with the top golf courses in Costa Del Sol, which one will you choose? Happy putting!