The Costa del Sol is often called the Costa del Golf, and with good reason. Rankings change every year and everyone has their favourites, but these are the ten courses we would put on any golfer's list.
Real Club Valderrama Sotogrande
Host of the 1997 Ryder Cup and the most famous course in Spain. Narrow, cork-lined fairways and small, lightning-fast greens. A true bucket-list round.
Finca Cortesín Casares
Host of the 2023 Solheim Cup, with immaculate conditioning and a wonderful natural setting between Estepona and Sotogrande.
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande Sotogrande
Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s first European design, from 1964. A timeless classic.
La Reserva Club Sotogrande
A modern course with dramatic views towards the Mediterranean and superb presentation.
Real Club de Golf Las Brisas Marbella
The jewel of Marbella's Golf Valley, full of water and mature trees, minutes from Puerto Banús.
Los Naranjos Marbella
Another Trent Jones Sr. layout, laid out among the orange groves of Nueva Andalucía. Generous and enjoyable for every level.
San Roque Club San Roque
A demanding, well-respected course in the Sotogrande area, set among cork oaks and olive trees.
La Cala Resort Mijas
Three championship courses and a hotel in one valley. Ideal for groups who want to play a lot.
Atalaya Old Course Estepona
A mature 1968 parkland classic by Bernhard von Limburger, with tree-lined fairways and great value.
Parador de Málaga Golf Málaga
One of the oldest courses in Spain, dating from 1925, between the airport and the sea. Perfect for an arrival-day round.
Where to stay to play them
Five of the ten are in or near Sotogrande and Casares, so if the famous courses are your priority, stay in Sotogrande or Estepona. For variety and nightlife, Marbella is the best compromise, with everything within 50 minutes. Groups wanting plenty of golf at good value will love Mijas.
Want to play some of these courses? Tell us which ones and we'll build a trip around them.
