The Costa del Sol—Spain’s “Coast of the Sun”—has long drawn sunseekers with its golden beaches and vibrant seaside towns. Yet just inland lie some of Europe’s most revered golf courses, where championship layouts wind through fragrant pines, manicured Andalusian parkland and dramatic coastal vistas. In this article, we explore the seven best golf courses you simply must experience on your next Costa del Sol getaway. Each course is linked to its full profile on Mulliganplus.com, and don’t forget to outfit yourself in the latest performance wear at MplusGolf.com.
1. Real Club Valderrama
Nestled in the heart of the “Golf Valley,” Real Club Valderrama is the jewel in Andalusia’s crown. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Valderrama has hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup and many Volvo Masters, earning a reputation for flawless conditioning and strategic bunkering. Towering pines frame every fairway, and the signature 17th hole—a long par-4 guarded by a snake bunker—demands both length and precision.
Playing here is more than a round of golf; it’s a pilgrimage. The clubhouse’s classic Spanish architecture gives way to a pro shop stocked with exclusive MplusGolf polos and windbreakers, perfect for those early-morning tee times when the air carries the scent of blossom. After 18, linger on the terrace with a glass of local fino sherry, contemplating the same fairways that have tested the world’s best.
2. Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Just a short drive west, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande commands a sweeping estate of lakes, olive groves and rolling fairways. Originally laid out in the late 1960s by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Sotogrande blends parkland elegance with subtle water hazards. The par-5 9th is a highlight, requiring a well-judged tee shot over a shimmering lagoon before navigating a narrow approach to a plateau green.
Off the course, the colonial-style clubhouse entices you to the sun-soaked veranda, where you can swap stories over gazpacho and Iberico ham tapas. Browse the in-house boutique for the latest lightweight quarter-zips and tapered trousers from MplusGolf.com, ensuring you stay both comfortable and stylish under the Costa del Sol sun.
3. Finca Cortesín
Finca Cortesín stands as a modern masterpiece amid olive groves near Casares. Architect Cabell B. Robinson sculpted a course that rolls through pristine Andalusian countryside, its fairways hugging ridgelines with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The back nine, known for its undulating greens and sculpted bunkers, feels like a golf gallery where every hole is a work of art.
After your round, the five-star Finca Cortesín Hotel offers Michelin-starred dining, a luxury spa and an infinity pool overlooking the course. It’s the ideal backdrop to break in your new MplusGolf rain-resistant jacket when clouds drift over the mountains.
4. La Reserva Club de Golf
Perched above Sotogrande’s marina, La Reserva Club de Golf is the region’s most exclusive newcomer. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson and Seve Ballesteros’s team, this course weaves through cork oaks and coastline slopes, culminating in a dramatic closing stretch with sea glimpses at every turn. Its fairways are wide but framed by dense macchia, demanding strategic placement off the tee.
The club’s members-only feel extends to a sumptuous Padel center and wellness spa. When not practicing short game in La Reserva’s dedicated arena, be sure to pick up one of MplusGolf’s breathable polos to keep cool during your round.
5. Casares Golf & Country Club
Just inland from the coast, Casares Golf & Country Club offers a more intimate experience. Originally designed by Antonio García Garrido, this resort course balances challenge with scenic beauty. The par-3 16th, set beside a vineyard, is a photographer’s dream—club selection is as crucial as reading the slope on its tiered green.
Stay on-site in one of the traditional Andalusian villas, then stroll to the clubhouse terrace for paella al fresco. Don’t miss browsing the pro shop for MplusGolf’s UV-protective hats before you chase your tee time under the bright Spanish sun.
6. San Roque Club (Old Course)
Lauded as one of Europe’s finest parkland layouts, the Old Course at San Roque Club blends tight corridors with expansive greens. Architect Dave Thomas carved the routing through undulating terrain, with the par-5 18th dog-legging around a series of cork oaks to a raised green. Precision and course management are rewarded here, making San Roque Old a favorite for low-handicappers.
Afterward, sample local manchego cheese and cured meats in the charming 18th-hole bar. Before teeing off, consider layering up with MplusGolf’s wind-resistant pullover—ideal for those breezy morning rounds.
7. La Cala Resort (Asia Course)
Rounding out our list is the Asia Course at La Cala Resort, the only 27-hole complex on the Costa del Sol. David Thomas and Dave Thomas collaborated on the Asia routing, crafting holes that blend lush plantings with strategic contouring. The signature par-3 16th features a green surrounded by native heather and stone bunkers—accuracy is rewarded more than length.
La Cala’s clubhouse buzzes with energy, its restaurant serving Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes that pair perfectly with a crisp Albariño. Don’t leave without picking up MplusGolf’s moisture-wicking trousers designed for all-day comfort under the sun.
Where to Stay, Dine & Unwind
No Costa del Sol golf trip is complete without indulging in local hospitality and gastronomy. Below are our top regional recommendations:
- Hotels:
- Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort (Marbella): Italianate architecture, world-class spa.
- Puente Romano Beach Resort (Marbella): Beachfront suites and Michelin-starred dining at Dani García.
- La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel (Antequera): Restored Andalusian village with private villas.
- Restaurants & Bars:
- El Campanario (Nueva Andalucía): Farm-to-table Andalusian classics.
- Breathe Restaurant (Marbella): Panoramic views of the old town with creative Mediterranean cuisine.
- Leña Bar (Sotogrande): Craft cocktails and tapas in a sleek setting.
- Vineyards & Wineries:
- Bodegas Bentomiz (Sayalonga): Mountainside winery with award-winning moscatel.
- Dimobe Winery (Benamargosa): Organic malvasía and muscat blends.
- Viñedos Jorge Ordoñez (Nerja): Boutique rioja-style reds in sympathetically restored bodegas.
