Why the Costa Del Sol is Continental Europe's premier golf destination

With more than 70 world-class golf courses, the Costa del Sol has been dubbed the Costa del Golf, a prime destination for sports holidays.

Situated between the sea and the mountains, with 325 days of sun a year and an average annual temperature in the 20s, the Costa del Sol promises perfect playing conditions all year round.

And as if that isn’t enough, there is plenty of culture to soak up, as well as leisure activities and entertainment to pleasantly while away the hours, not to mention the balmy beaches, stunning natural landscapes, and excellent connections by air (Malaga International is the third largest airport in Spain), land (dual carriageways, motorways, and high-speed trains are all nearby), and sea (more than 11 marinas) all coming together to make the Costa del Sol one of the favourite spots for sun-seeking golfers.

A round of golf in stunning surroundings

The diverse range of course designs will make you want to come back year after year so you can discover more and more new courses. From pitch and putt to the most demanding holes, there is a seemingly endless array of golf courses to choose from. Diversity is one of the defining characteristics of the Costa del Golf – and there really is something for everyone. The golf courses regularly organise classes and championships for men and women of all levels.

If you’re just starting out in the game, you’ll be pleased to know there is a large selection of golf schools and academies offering personalised classes, kids classes, and special courses for players with reduced mobility, always taught by qualified instructors.

Personal service, tailored to every group and every player, as well as excellent facilities where clubhouses become the epicentre of social life before and after each game, also combine to make the Costa del Golf the perfect destination for a round or two.

Much more than golf

If anything characterises the Costa del Sol, it’s the limitless range of activities on offer. Extending far beyond the golf course, the choice of doing exactly what you want, whenever you want, makes the province of Malaga stand out from other destinations.

After a day of golf, you won’t be short on options for living the local culture and enjoying your leisure time. From feeling the warm sand underneath your feet and taking a dip in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, to lazing in the sun before or after each round and strolling along the dynamic seafront promenades filled with shops and beach bars, you’ll find something you fancy doing.

You can also visit the quintessentially Andalusian inland villages, of which there are 103 in the province, discover the exhibitions on at the various museums, or wander the pretty streets of the capital, breathing in the culture and history.

Shopping is another wonderful way to spend your time. The historic centres of the towns and villages in the Costa del Sol are bursting with shops and markets where you can stroll around and browse unique items.

The centre of luxury shopping is Puerto Banus, where the biggest brands in the world compete to attract your attention.

In terms of accommodation, the Costa del Sol is unbeatable with its diverse selection of high-quality places to stay. Whether you prefer a hotel or resort with its very own golf course, and specialising in golf holidays, or an apartment where you can relax between games and dream about your technique, you’ll find the perfect place for you

A number of hotels in the Costa del Sol also offer wellness centres, where you can be enveloped in an exclusive environment and gently coaxed into a deep state of relaxation. And then, of course, there’s the incredible gastronomy, defined by its combination of traditional dishes and avant-garde twists.

Complementing the food is the dynamic night life. As the sun sets over the Costa del Sol, the seafront promenades, marinas, beach clubs, bars and pubs in the city centres come to life, creating the perfect end to the perfect day.

The Costa del Sol is unique destination focused on golf and leisure time, with culture and food much-desired bonuses.

Want to learn more? The Visit Costa Del Sol website has everything you need to know.

Malaga

The capital of the Costa del Sol is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a golf holiday but you’re not willing to walk away from all the conveniences, culture, and leisure activities of the city.

Malaga certainly won’t disappoint in this regard with its long beaches, museums, restaurants serving up the best Andalusian dishes, and avant-garde golf clubs. Indeed, the city is very proud to be the golfing capital of southern Europe.

One of Spain’s biggest cities, Malaga boasts an impressive past and a present that is just as fascinating. Its age-old castle, sitting close to the vibrant port area, is listed as an Historic and Artistic Conservation Area and Site of Cultural Interest.

As you wander through Malaga, you’ll see beautiful historic streets and buildings bearing the marks of the Arab and Roman civilisations that once lived here. Turn your head upwards and you’ll see two great citadels perching from a great height, namely Alcazaba and the ruins of Gibralfaro, whose remnants date back to Moorish times. The towering Renaissance church is also known as La Manquita – “the missing one” – as one of its towers, bizarrely, was never
finished being built.

Malaga is extremely well equipped for tourists. Alongside its 16 beaches, great selection of hotels and limitless leisure activities, there are stunning sights and a selection of world-class museums. Among others, you can visit Museo Picasso, Museo Thyssen, Museo San Petersburgo, and the Pompidou Centre. The city of Picasso has now become a mecca for culture in Europe.

Golf courses in Malaga:

Want to learn more? The Visit Costa Del Sol website has everything you need to know.

Sotogrande

Thanks to its lovely weather and impressive geography, Sotogrande is a wonderful place to practise outdoor sports all year round.

It has many well-designed golf clubs and courses with nine, 18 and 27 holes so you can combine a great round of golf at a fine course with lazy hours at the beach. Sotogrande is a residential development located in the municipality of San Roque. The extensive sports infrastructure and hotels have made it one of the biggest luxury residential areas in Andalusia, Spain and even Europe.

The marina, commonly known as Little Venice, is a wonderful space to spend a lovely evening out. The maze of canals is flanked with international bars and restaurants so you can unwind in elegant surroundings.

The municipality of San Roque has limitless tourist attractions. This quintessentially Andalusian town, defined by whitewashed streets and grated balconies, enjoys an elevated position, guarding the vestiges of its ancient populations. Of interest are the ruins of the Roman town of Carteia (11th century AC) where you can still see buildings, walls, watch towers, streets, the forum, and houses.

The historic centre, declared an Historic Conservation Area, is an example of ordered and logical town planning where the streets cling to the topography.

San Roque also has wonderful cliffy beaches, perfect for practising water sports and enjoying a spot of bird watching.

Golf courses in Sotogrande:

Want to learn more? The Visit Costa Del Sol website has everything you need to know.

Marbella

Marbella is the municipality with the most golf courses in Spain. If you’re into golf, a holiday at this famous town promises a whole lot of fun, both at its extraordinary golf courses and its countless tourist attractions. That said, the reason why Marbella is such a world-class destination for golf lovers is that its courses are nestled in stunning natural surroundings affording spectacular sea views.

Marbella is known for culture, entertainment and glamour. One of the most exclusive towns on the Mediterranean, it boasts 25 kilometres of coastline, four marinas, the most luxuriant golf courses on the Costa del Sol, exclusive restaurants and excellent weather, making it a destination like no other.

Marbella offers unique experiences whether you fancy shopping in its exclusive boutiques, dining in its fine restaurants or having fun at the beach clubs. Wellness is also a big deal here, with over twenty thalassotherapy centres and spas, not to mention a world class selection of hotels in its three main areas: Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara and Nueva Andalucia-Puerto Banus.

Marbella also has some interesting archaeological sites, such as, among others, Basilica Paleocristiana de Vega del Mar in San Pedro de Alcantara, and the remains of a Roman villa in Rio Verde.

Golf courses in Marbella: