The area surrounding Marbella, Estepona and Puerto Banus is home to some of the top golf courses in Spain - if not Europe. In fact there are more than you can shake a nine iron at! Further afield, the area surrounding Benahavis and Mijas is known as 'golf valley'. Each course has its own unique character and appeal. We've listed some highly recommended courses below.
ESTEPONA GOLF
Address: N340, km 150, Aroyo Vequero, 29680, Estepona
Telephone: 952 1130 81 | Email: information@esteponagolf.com | Web: www.esteponagolf.com
Located just a short stroll away, with incredible sea views and the Sierra Bermeja in the background this course is suitable for all levels. Wide fairways and relatively large greens make it slightly more forgiving to beginners. Designed by Jose Luis Lopez, it is a 5931 metre long par 72. Beware the difficult roughs and short fairways. Buggy rental available.
ATALAYA GOLF
Address: Ctra. Benahavis, km 0.7, 29668, Estepona
Telephone: 952 88 28 12 | Email: atalyagolf@master-hotels.com | Web: www.master-hotels.com
At over 6000 metres, Atalaya is quite a long 18 hole course, but buggy rental is available. A par 72 course, it is one of the most popular around with water hazards, long holes and challenging dog legs.
LOS ALMENDROS
Address: Ctra. Genalguacil, km 3, 29680, Estepona
Telephone: 952 11 33 27 | Email: info@losalmendrosgolf.com | Web: www.losalmendrosgolf.com
A very small 'pitch and putt' course but in a wonderful setting, located in a valley of almond trees. You can rent clubs here. A good practice course.
COTO LA SERENA
Address: N340 km 163.5, 29680, Estepona
Telephone: 952 80 47 00
A midsize to long well laid out and designed course with 9 holes. As well as some long and narrow difficult fairways, there are streams running through a number of the holes adding to the challenge. A 71 par course, 5235 metres in total (2 rounds of 9).
EL PARAISO
Address: Ctra. Cadiz-Malaga, km 167, 29680, Estepona
Telephone: 952 88 38 46 | Email: elparaisogolf@telefonica.net | Web: www.elpariaisogolfclub.com
As the name suggests, this course is a paradise. Known throughout the region for its amazing diversity of plant life and beautiful lakes it is not only attractive, but also challenging. A par 71, 6124 metre long course, it has all the facilities you’d expect at a top club. Designed by Gary Player.
LOS FLAMINGOS
Address: Ctra. Cadiz, km 166, 29679, Benahavis
Telephone: 952 88 91 50 | Email: info@flamingos-golf.com | Web: www.flamingos-golf.com
A par 72, 5882 metre long course with magnificent views. Plenty of water and other challenges.
MARBELLA CLUB
Address: Ctra. Benahavis, km 3.7, 29679, Benahavis
Telephone: 952 88 38 46 | Email: reserv.golf@marbellaclub.com | Web: www.marbellaclub.com
A 6306 metre par 72 course that commands great views of the surrounding area. Long holes and water hazards.
MONTE MAYOR
Address: CN 340, Urb Cancelada Ctra., Monte Mayor, 29679, Benahavis
Telephone: 952 93 71 11
Set in a high mountain valley, this exquisite course offers spectacular views. Par 70, 5652 metres and the green fees include your buggy rental.
LA CALA RESORT
Address: La Cala de Mijas, 29649, Mijas Costas, Malaga
Telephone: 952 669 033 | Email: golf@lacala.com | Web: www.lacala.com
This ‘must-visit’ venue offers two 18 hole courses (North and South) in one of the largest and most exclusive golf complexes in Europe.
MIJAS GOLF
Address: Ctra. Cadiz-Malaga, km 167, 29680, Estepona
Telephone: 952 88 38 46 | Email: elparaisogolf@telefonica.net | Web: www.elpariaisogolfclub.com
LOS NARANJOS
Address: Nueva Andalucia, Marbella
Telephone: 952 81 24 28 | Email: teetimes@losnaranjos.com | Web: www.losnaranjos.com
LA QUINTA
Address: Urb. La Quinta Golf, 29660, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella
Telephone: 952 76 23 90 | Email: depcom@laquintagolf.com | Web: www.laquintagolf.com
CABOPINO
Address: Artola. Alta s/n, Apdo. De correos, 2119, 29600 Marbella
Telephone: 952 85 02 82 | Email: reservas@cabopinogolf.com | Web: www.cabopinogolf.com
You may also find the following site useful : www.golf-service.com
This incredibly comprehensive and multi-lingual website has a great interactive map on the home page enabling you to search by area. Nearly 40 courses are listed for Malaga alone, with prices updated daily. They have an office in Malaga and the site gives opening hours and directions to the office.