Welcome to our guide to the absolute best golf courses in the stunning Costa del Sol down in Southern Spain. This place is a golfer’s dream, known worldwide for its epic golfing scene. 

Whilst I currently live in Northern Spain, I’m lucky enough to have friends in the south who own places near to Malaga. As a result I’ve been lucky to play a number of courses in the area myself!

Picture this: More than 50 golf courses spread between Malaga and Sotogrande, all offering unique challenges and surrounded by the most incredible sea and mountain views you can imagine. 

It’s like golfing in paradise, and that’s why golfers call it the “Costa Del Golf.” And let’s not forget the top-notch facilities and amazing weather that make this place a golfer’s paradise.

The best Costa del Sol golf courses 

Below are our top recommended golf courses in the Costa del Sol. 

Whilst we’ve tried to pick options across the region, but given the quality on offer, the real gems tend to be the golf courses around Malaga and Marbella. 

1. Real Club Valderrama

📌 Location: Av. los Cortijos, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz | 💷 Green Fees: from €500

This golf club needs little introduction. Famous for its iconic role as the host of the 1997 Ryder Cup, Real Club Valderrama is a cornerstone in the world of golf. 

It features in the World Top 100 by pretty much every publication that’s released a list. It also ranks the number one golf course in Spain.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr in 1974, its layout is challenging, demanding precision and strategy. The course is renowned for its pristine Bermuda grass and meticulously maintained grounds.

2. Real Club de Sotogrande

📌 Location: P.º del Parque, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz | 💷 Green Fees: from €300

Another excellent golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr in a similar era to Real Club Valderrama is Real Club de Sotogrande.

The layout offers a mesmerising blend of elegance and challenge. Reaching nearly 6,500 metres from the back tees, the course is characterised by its wide fairways and quick, elevated greens. 

Unique to this course is the inclusion of several water features and bunkers that come into play, adding an extra layer of complexity.

3. Real Club de La Brisas

📌 Location: C. Londres, S/N, 29660 Marbella, Málaga | 💷 Green Fees: from €300

Capturing the soul of Costa del Sol’s natural scenery, Real Club de La Brisas is set amid lush flora with views of the La Concha mountain. It makes for some stunning backdrops to some of the holes!

Water hazards are a consistent theme here, demanding a high level of skill as you navigate the 6,464 metres of golf course (from the back tees).

The course has earned its spot as not just one of the best in the Costa del Sol, but in all of Spain.

4. Finca Cortesin

📌 Location: Ctra. Casares s/n, km. 2, 29690 Casares, Málaga | 💷 Green Fees: from €290

Finca Cortesin isn’t just a golf course; it’s an experience. Opening in 2009, the venue prides itself on its unparalleled customer service and lavish amenities. 

In terms of the course itself, it’s known for being one of the longest courses in Europe, reaching 6,736 metres from the black tees!

In its short time, it’s already recognised as one of the best layouts in Europe, awarded with hosting the Solheim Cup in 2023. It promises an unforgettable day of golf.

5. La Reserva Club Sotogrande

📌 Location: Av/ La Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz | 💷 Green Fees: from €127

La Reserva Club Sotogrande combines the best of both worlds: it’s a challenging course but set against a backdrop of serene natural beauty. 

Carved into the hillside, architect Cabell B. Robinson ensured that you have natural views throughout the full 18 holes.  

From the rolling hills to the impeccable fairways, every element here is crafted to perfection.

⛳ PRO TIP: Alongside both high season / low season pricing, the club have varied green fees depending on the time you play. If you’re willing to play a little later in the day, you can save yourself some money on a great value tee time!

6. The San Roque Club

📌 Location: 11360 San Roque, Cádiz | 💷 Green Fees: from €208

Set between Jerez and Marbella, The San Roque Club offers two courses: the Old and the New. Each offers a unique style of play, and incorporates the natural beauty of the Andalusian landscape. 

The Old Course is the more traditional and has played host to European Tour Qualifying School and the Spanish Open. Meanwhile, the New Course is a challenging design created by Perry Dye in collaboration with Severiano Ballasteroshas. 

Together they are a delightful choice for those looking to experience different aspects of golf.

7. Aloha

📌 Location: Urb. Aloha Golf, s/n, 29660 Marbella, Málaga | 💷 Green Fees: from €175

Nestled in the hills of Andalucía, in Golf Valley, Aloha offers a strategic layout characterised by a parkland layout with narrow fairways and fast greens. 

Undulating through trees and lakes, it’s a course that will challenge your accuracy whilst offering you magnificent views of the ‘La Concha’ mountain and the Mediterranean Sea. It means that pretty much every hole is unique and memorable, making for an incredible experience. 

8. Mijas Golf

📌 Location: Av. de Louison Bobet, 29650 Las Lagunas de Mijas, Málaga | 💷 Green Fees: from €45

Just a short 20 minute drive from Malaga airport, Mijas Golf is home to two 18-hole golf courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos. 

The courses are more creations of Robert Trent Jones Sr in the Costa del Sol. Founded in 1978 and 1984 (Lagos being the older), they both offer an inviting blend of traditional and modern elements, characterised by broad fairways and numerous bunkers. 

Los Lagos is the longer of the two. Los Olivos, whilst shorter is heavily protected by trees, hence its name (“The Olive Trees” in English)

9. La Hacienda Links Golf Resort

📌 Location: Avenida Pablo Cerezo, s/n, 11360 San Roque, Cádiz | 💷 Green Fees: from €230

Located in one of the most privileged corners of the Costa del Sol, La Hacienda Links Golf Resort is perhaps one of the most picturesque venues in the area.

The resort offers two 18-hole golf courses, famous for their undulating terrain and stunning sea views. 

The Links Course is situated in a privileged position overlooking the Mediterranean and the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. With its intricate design, the course demands a strategic approach from tee to green.

The Heathland Course is a par-73 layout that offers an array of natural landscapes as it winds its way through varied terrain. You won’t be left disappointed with either course!

Final Thoughts

The Costa del Sol serves as a magnificent canvas painted with a unique blend of history, architectural brilliance, and nature’s finest landscapes.

The golf courses here offer not just a game, but an experience that transcends the usual boundaries. Each course, with its unique charm and challenges, promises an unforgettable journey for every golfer. 

Whilst there are plenty of options in the area, In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with one of our recommended courses below.

• Real Valderrama
• Real Sotogrande
• Real La Brisas
• Finca Cortesin 
• La Reserva
• San Roque
• Aloha
• Mijas
• La Hacienda Links Golf Resort