Costa del Sol is a Golf Paradise

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, with 325 days of sun a year and average annual temperatures around 20°C, Malaga is the ideal destination for a golfing holiday all year round. The Costa del Sol boasts delicious cuisine, fascinating culture and plentiful leisure activities. And that’s not to mention the sun-kissed beaches, spectacular scenery enveloping the courses and the excellent connections by air (Malaga international airport is the third-largest in Spain), land (motorways and high-speed trains) and sea.

It should really come as no surprise that the Costa del Sol is one of golfers’ favourite destinations in Europe. Whether you’re travelling with your friends or family, a golf getaway in the Costa del Sol has got everything you need to have an incredible time.

The 70-plus world-class courses in the Costa del Sol have resulted in it being dubbed the Costa del Golf. The province of Malaga is the most popular European destination for golf holidays, a fact that should come as no surprise, given that very few places boast the many appeals of the Costa del Golf.

The golf infrastructure in the Costa del Sol is one of the main draws of the area. Indeed, it has been recognised as the best destination for a golf getaway in Europe by players. There are so many courses, you won’t know where to start.

Internationally renowned golf architects have left their mark across the courses in the Costa del Sol. There are big names behind the design of world-famous courses such as Valderrama, Sotogrande, Finca Cortesín and more. The very best course designers have harnessed their expertise to create exceptional golf courses in the Costa del Sol.

American designer Robert Trent Jones designed Valderrama, Real Club de Sotogrande, Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, and more, while Javier Arana, Tom Simpson, Perry Dye, Dave Thomas and Cabell B. Robinson are among the other internationally renowned designers that have left their mark on the Costa del Sol, as have legendary players, such as Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros.

The original first nine holes at Real Club de Campo de Málaga (currently known as Parador de Málaga) were designed by Tom Simpson, a famous British course architect. The great designer also worked on a number of renowned courses such as Turnberry, Muirfield and Ballybunion.

Torrequebrada Golf was designed by course architect José Gancedo, one of the most famous designers of the courses in the province of Malaga. Sitting on the slopes of the mountain, Torrequebrada is a hilly course offering players a short yet entertaining game defined by undulating greens.

Golf Río Real was designed by Javier Arana, who also designed Aloha Golf. The first nine holes feature doglegs from right to left while the final nine holes have doglegs from left to right. Situated close to the sea, the course is defined by its natural beauty: it is not by chance that the course crosses the river that gives the club its name no fewer than four times.

Robert Trent Jones is one of the most prolific foreign course architects in the Costa del Sol. Throughout his career, he designed more than 500 courses around the world. In the Costa del Golf he worked on some of the best courses, including Las Brisas, Los Naranjos and Valderrama Golf. Each hole at Real Club de Golf Las Brisas was carefully designed to challenge even the best players to a difficult game while making the most out of the views. 

Golf lovers staying in the Costa del Sol have a wide range of accommodation options available to them. There are hotels specialising in golf holidays (some of which are located in the golf course) that have golf-specific services to treat you to an incredible sports getaway. There are also resorts with their very own golf courses, some of which have exclusive five-star luxury hotels, such as Anantara Villa Padierna Palace and Finca Cortesín, whose course will host the Solheim Cup in 2023.

The weather, the quantity (and quality) of the courses, the golf academies, the delicious - and varied - gastronomy paired with an extensive selection of exclusive hotels that have been designed specifically for golfers make the Costa del Golf the most popular destination for a golf holiday in the world. It is also extremely easy to get to the province of Malaga from anywhere in Europe.

In 2023, the Costa del Golf, and specifically Finca Cortesin Golf, will host the Solheim Cup for the very first time. Scheduled from September 18-23 2023, the competition will see the American and European teams face one another in Spain for the first time in the history of the tournament, a landmark event that will put the Costa del Sol on the sporting map. The Solheim Cup 2023 has been named an event of exceptional tourist interest by the Spanish government. It is the first event in the women’s game to receive the distinction, highlighting the weight of the championship on the international stage.

Finca Cortesín is an internationally renowned golf resort situated in the peaceful town of Casares, just 1,500m from the coast. Not only has the course hosted three editions of the Volvo World Match Play Championship as part of the European Tour, it has also been listed as one of the top five golf courses in Spain by specialist industry publications, including Golf World and Golf Digest. Finca Cortesin promises one of the most exciting golf experiences in Spain and arguably in Europe. In this post, we’re going to take a look around the course.

Extending for 215 hectares across the local naturescape, Finca Cortesin offers a number of distinct areas: an award-winning luxury hotel, exceptional residential area, a golf course (which is set to host an international tournament), an extraordinary spa, fitness club, beach club and shopping centre.

Finca Cortesin is a 6,736m long course comprising 18 diverse holes that promise all levels of player a great game. The greens underwent a comprehensive upgrade in 2017. The course is famed for this exceptional renovation and its challenging design, which is also a treat for the eyes. The maintenance of the fairways and greens is excellent and the landscaping mirrors the local scenery with no fewer than 20 native plants integrated into the course.

The 18 holes are defined by their variety: at Finca Cortesin no two holes are alike, making for an interesting and entertaining game. The course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson, a world-class architect who worked with Robert Trent Jones Inc. for many years.

If you want to treat yourself to a luxuriant golf experience, Hotel Finca Cortesin is an exceptional place to enjoy an exclusive holiday in the Costa del Sol. The generous building has a traditional Andalusian design and a whole host of luxury services. Not only are there two large courtyards and countless suites boasting high ceilings, the hotel also offers an oriental-inspired spa, beach club (6,000m2), fitness club and shopping centre. Impeccable service meets delicious cuisine served at restaurants headed by internationally acclaimed chefs and beautiful grounds, making Hotel Finca Cortesin an unforgettable place to stay in the province of Malaga.

Naturally, the fusion of leisure, nature and luxury is reflected in the professional and artistic qualities of the people who live in Costa Del Sol. The province of Malaga is a destination where inspiration is all around, gently coaxing you into a state of relaxation. Playing a round of golf in a verdant course after work each day doubtlessly has a positive impact on your performance at work and your overall wellness.

The Costa del Sol boasts a wide range of places where you can really unwind and recharge your batteries. There are fairy-tale inland villages where you can wander aimlessly, soaking up the artistry and history. And there are ports where you can peacefully sit and enjoy a mid-morning cup of coffee while gazing at the boats setting sail. If you’re in need of new ideas for work, not to worry: across the Costa del Sol, whether it be in Marbella, Mijas or any other destination, inspiration comes through small daily rituals.

If you love heading up into the mountains to do some hiking, you’re going to adore the province of Malaga. You could even start your day of golf in the Costa del Sol Costa del Golf with a short hike to warm up. You won’t be short on places to choose from. From the well-known Serranía de Ronda to Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, Sierra de las Nieves and El Torcal de Antequera, wherever you are in the province, adventures in the great outdoors await.

Boundless mountains and landscapes sit just a stone’s throw from the coast. With their panoramic views and beautiful greenery, these areas of natural beauty can be enjoyed when and as you need them to unwind, reconnect with nature and get active in the great outdoors.

After a long and strenuous day of sport, the province of Malaga has plenty of gastronomic delights to sample and enjoy. Your golf experience in the Costa del Sol can only be enriched by tasty dishes of traditional cuisine, enjoyed both on a daily basis and savoured in special tailor-made foodie experiences.

Have you, for instance, ever tried espetos de sardinas? Or have you ever dipped your spoon into a bowl of ajoblanco veraniego? If the answer to these questions is no, don’t wait any longer. A fundamental part of the Costa del Sol lifestyle is the gastronomy.
Enjoying a dish of fresh fish paired with an excellent glass of local wine (boasting the Málaga and Sierras de Málaga designation of origin) is exactly the sort of experience that will turn you from a tourist into a long-term resident.

To find out more about Costa Del Sol, visit https://stepintothelight.visitcostadelsol.com/