There are plenty of superb destinations for a golf holiday in the Costa Del Sol from the glamorous Puerto Banus, with its designer boutiques and yacht-lined marina, to the budget-friendly appeal of Fuengirola.
Sitting comfortably between the two is the ever-popular Estepona.
With its own marina, a charming Old Town and an abundance of world-class golf courses, Estepona is an ideal choice for your next golf getaway.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know, along with expert tips drawn from years of experience, to help you plan the perfect trip.
Estepona at a Glance
- Location: Estepona is a coastal resort town in Southern Spain, on the Costa Del Sol in the province of Malaga – around an hour south west along the coast on the AP-7 motorway from the city of Malaga itself.
- Closest Airport: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which is accessible from many UK airports all year round. The airport is around 55 minutes from Estepona.
- Flight Time: Approx 2 Hours and 55 minutes – actual time can vary slightly depending on where in the UK you depart from.
- Best Time to Travel: Spring and autumn are the preferred seasons for British golfers due to the cooler temperatures. The peak months are April, May, and October, so if you want to go during these dates, book early for prime tee times.
- Climate: In spring and autumn, temperatures during the day can reach a comfortable 20–24°C, making it perfect t-shirt weather for the course!
Best Golf Courses In Estepona
Finca Cortesin Golf Club
Less than 20 minutes from Estepona is La Finca Golf Resort – home to the best course in the local area and rated amongst the very best in all of Spain! This 18-hole course is renowned for its high service levels and attention to detail, which set it apart from the rest.
It has previously hosted numerous professional tournaments, including the Volvo Word Match Play Championship on three occasions, as well as The Solheim Cup 2023.
Designed by renowned American architect Cabell B. Robinson and landscaped by Gerald Huggan, the course seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, enhanced by more than 20 varieties of flora.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
- Opened: 2007
Valle Romano Golf Club
Valle Romano golf course is also designed by Cabell B. Robinson, who has managed to create another outstanding experience. Sitting on an elevated position, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the mountains that surround the course as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
With its wide fairways and multiple tee positions, this course is accessible for golfers of all handicaps. However, you’ll still find plenty of challenge across its 18 holes, thanks to strategically placed bunkers, shimmering lakes, and undulating greens.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
- Opened: 2010
El Paraiso Golf
Perched between the La Concha mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, El Paraiso Golf is one of the older courses in the Estepona region, having first opened its doors in 1973.
Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, this course features lush fairways, cleverly placed bunkers, and testing greens, as well as stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: Gary Player
- Opened: 1973
Estepona Golf Club
Just 13 minutes from the heart of Estepona, nestled between Valle Romano and Finca Cortesin, lies the 18-hole Estepona Golf Club.
Measuring 5,546 metres, this par-71 course boasts generous fairways and tees, making it enjoyable for golfers of all handicaps. A standout is the 14th hole – a challenging par 3 set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja Mountain range.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: José Luis López Martínez
- Opened: 1989
Dona Julia Golf Club
Dona Julia Golf Club, located in the municipality of Casares, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sierra Bermeja and Ronda mountains, along with sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.
Designed by Spanish architect Antonio Garrido, this par-71 course stretches just over 6,000 metres from the back tees (6,021 metres exactly).
Conveniently situated just off the AP-7 motorway, Dona Julia Golf Club is less than a 20-minute drive from the centre of Estepona.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer:Antonio Garrido
- Opened:
Other things to do in Estepona
When you aren’t wandering the sunny fairways of the Costa Del Sol, there is plenty to see and do in Estepona!
- Explore Estepona Old Town: Wander through the whitewashed streets, adorned with colourful flowerpots and bathed in sunshine, that look as though they’ve stepped straight out of a postcard. When it’s time for a break from browsing the boutique shops, head to Plaza de las Flores – an inviting square filled with tapas bars and cafés, perfect for a leisurely bite to eat.
- Wander Down the Promenade & Marina: It’s an ideal spot for an evening stroll, with a welcoming mix of bars and restaurants where you can relax and unwind, all without the hustle and crowds you’d find in busier places like Puerto Banus.
- Visit Orchidarium Estepona: Home to more than 5,000 species, this is the largest orchid collection in Europe. Opened in March 2015, the space spans two levels and features an orchid house, a scenic garden path, and a beautifully landscaped area of 140 square metres.
- Hit The Beach & Chill: Estepona is home to some stunning beaches – check out the long sandy Playa de la Rada and quieter coves like Playa del Cristo, where you can catch some sunshine and recharge ahead of your next round of golf!
- Excursion or Day Trip: Ronda lies just an hour away, renowned for its dramatic gorge and the iconic bridge that spans it, offering breathtaking views from above. Head 40 minutes west along the coast to Gibraltar, where you’ll find its famous monkeys and plenty of duty-free shopping. Prefer something different? Travel 20 minutes east to Marbella and Puerto Banus, home to designer boutiques, a bustling marina, and vibrant nightlife.
Top 5 Travel Tips For Your Estepona Golf Holiday
- Consider Your Preferred Board Basis: All-inclusive golf holidays have become incredibly popular in recent years – it is a great way for large groups to avoid arguing over splitting the bill after a meal or keeping a tally of who drank what when paying the bar tab. Despite the many excellent bars and restaurants in Estepona and the wider Costa Del Sol region, all-inclusive accommodation options can be perfect for those on a budget.
- Book Tee Times Early: Despite there being over 70 golf courses in the Costa Del Sol, they can still get incredibly busy in peak golfing season. With this in mind, it is best to book yours as early as you can – especially if travelling in a large group or society.
- Group Booking Discount: Many golf courses offer a 1 in every 8 green fees free policy – meaning that those travelling in a group can get a discount! At the time of writing, Valle Romano Golf Club offers this discount; however, speak to our expert team who can keep you up to date!
- Consider Transfers or Car Hire: We partner with a highly rated airport and golf transfer provider in the Costa del Sol, renowned for excellent service and glowing client reviews. For groups of five or more, it’s the ideal way to travel to and from the courses. For smaller groups of four or fewer, car hire is the more cost-effective option – and it gives you the freedom to explore everything else the Costa del Sol has to offer beyond the fairways.
- Ensure Buggies Are Pre-Reserved/Booked: Many courses across the Costa del Sol include a shared buggy within their green fees, but not all. If you’ll need one, be sure to request it when booking, as several courses in and around Estepona are set on hilly terrain.
Consider what is the right one for you, taking into account your budget and how much time you intend to eat and drink at your chosen accommodation.
Top 5 Deals Golf Break Deals: Play Some of Estepona’s Most Popular Golf Courses
Here are our latest top deals, featuring accommodation in Estepona as well as in the nearby towns:
- 4* H10 Estepona Palace, Estepona
- 4* Sol Marbella Atalaya Park Resort, Puerto Banus
- 4* Baecelo Marbella, Guadalmina
- 4* The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Marbella
- 4* NH Marbella, Marbella
About Glencor Golf
If this guide to golfing in Estepona has inspired you to play here, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team at Glencor Golf Holidays. Having arranged trips for thousands of golfers across the Costa del Sol over the years, we know how to create a bespoke experience that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Call 01904 406550 or email info@glencorgolf.com to get started!
