Costa del Golf: Best 3 Golf Courses, Where to Play & Stay

Largest golf complex in Europe

Spain is home to no less than 300 golf courses, 90 of which are on the Costa del Sol.

Needless to say that golf brings in thousands of Euros worth of tourism revenue every year and is what keeps this region alive long after the summer holiday season is over.

Known as the ‘Costa del Golf’, the fantastic climate, the beautifully maintained golf courses, professionalism and experience are what make this region stand out as the ultimate Golf destination in Europe.

The choices are endless and with over 3,000 holes within such a short radius, there is something for every player at any level.  From short 9 hole courses at Cerrado del Aguila in Mijas Costa, to the 54 hole (3 x 18) La Cala Golf Resort, now the largest golf complex in Spain.

We have picked out what we consider to be the top 3 courses, not only that we also bring you the best places to stay to get the most out of your golf break in this beautiful Andalucian region of Spain.

Royal Sotogrande Golf Club

Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2014, Sotogrande Golf Club has been and is still repeatedly listed as one of the best in Spain and one of the top 100 in the world.

Just 150 metres from the Mediterranean, this 18 hole course has stunning views and has been designed beautifully in keeping with its natural surroundings.

Sotogrande Golf Club has attracted hundreds of international golfers and has welcomed a few famous faces too over the years.  This prestigious club is perfectly located close to the fabulous marina area of Sotogrande where visitors can sample some great Spanish nightlife after their game.

Where to stay

Club Maritimo  de Sotogrande – http://www.clubmaritimodesotogrande.com/en

This small luxury boutique hotel overlooks the stunning Sotogrande Marina with views of the med and Gibraltar.  Each room is decorated with a contemporary feel in line with the modern and stylish marina; the hotel boasts a lovely restaurant/bar where you can enjoy a drink or sample some tapas while watching the world go by.  Just a short drive to Sotogrande Golf club, this hotel is a perfect location to stay and play.

Finca Cortesin Golf

Located around 20 minutes from Marbella, Finca Cortesin in its short time of opening has become quite renowned in the world of golf for its challenging and expertly designed greens.  In fact is has been ranked as one of Spain’s best by Golf Digest Magazine.

The 18 hole course has hosted the Volvo World Match play and has welcomed some of the best players in the PGA.

The attention to detail and service at Finca Cortesin are second to none and the course itself is maintained to an impeccable standard.  You really do get the feeling of luxury here as complementary practice balls, cold water and fresh fruit are available on the course at no extra cost as well as a chilled towel service during summer months.

Where to Stay

Finca Cortesin Hotel, golf & Spa is the ideal option; it offers stunning accommodation, luxury beach club, 3 pools and is an elegant safe haven and place to relax after a day on the green.

The only downside is the cost, at prices starting from over 300 Euros per night on top of the slightly pricier than most green fees, you are looking at an expensive golfing holiday.

Torrequebrada Golf

Just 20 minutes from Malaga airport and slightly inland from Benalmadena, Torrequebrada Golf is a fantastic 18 hole course.  Unlike many courses built in this region of Spain, Torrequebrada is built on a hilly landscape offering the player many excellent challenges in water and sand hazards as well as doglegged fairways along the way.

The course is kept in excellent condition and many golfers have described the course as ‘the best on the Costa del Sol’, the superb layout and the variation of the holes make it a course you will want to play again and again.  This course is a bit pricey as are the others mentioned, but you get what you pay for.

Where to Stay

La Fonda hotel – http://www.lafondabenalmadena.com/

Benalmadena Pueblo is just a few minutes further in land from Torrequebrada Golf and is home to the wonderful boutique La Fonda hotel.  The hotel and Pueblo seem a million miles away from the bustling Benalmadena Costa, views of which you can see from the hotel.

If you want to experience a bit of true Spanish culture then you cannot go far wrong with this location, as you walk out the front doors of the hotel you step into a charming Andalusian village, mainly pedestrianised and with an abundant choice of modern and classical restaurants.  The village attracts tourists from all over the world and as such always has a wonderful atmosphere all year round.