Experiencing a golf holiday in Marbella promises the perfect blend of lush green fairways, coastal views, and Andalusian charm. Nestled along the sun-drenched Costa Del Sol in Southern Spain, Marbella is a golfer’s paradise where the Mediterranean Sea meets impeccably designed golf courses, designed by some of the game’s most renowned architects, creating an unparalleled experience for golfers of all abilities. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything this region has to offer, from the best golf courses to the top choices for accommodation.
Discover the golfing gems of Marbella’s golf scene as we delve into meticulously crafted fairways that boast panoramic views of the sea and the rugged La Concha mountain. Beyond the fairways, find your ideal base for your golf break in the Costa Del Sol with our selection of top accommodation options, ranging from great value budget hotels which might suit a large group to luxury five star resorts, ensuring that every moment off the course is as exceptional as those on it. To make sure you get the best out of any golfing trip to Marbella, we have also provided some of our top travel tips based on the many years of experience of both visiting the region as well as sending thousands of clients out there – whether it is ensuring you wander around the Old Town or live it up on an evening in the swanky bars and nightclubs of the glamorous Puerto Banús,
Without further ado, let’s take a look at what you need to know about golfing in Marbella!
Everything You Need To Know About Marbella
- Location: Approximately 40 minutes south west along the coast from Malaga-Costa Del Sol Airport in Southern Spain
- Closest Airport: Malaga-Costa Del Sol Airport
- Flight Time: Between 2 hours 40 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes dependent on which UK airport you fly from
- Best Time To Travel: High season for golf is April to June, and September to October
- Climate: April to June is around 14-26 degrees Celsius, September to October is around 19 to 28 degrees Celsius
Best Golf Courses In Marbella
Santa Maria Golf & Country Club
Santa Maria Golf & Country Club is a popular one with Glencor Golf clients and has featured on many tailored made golf breaks in the Costa Del Sol! This track dips and weaves through a valley surrounded by pines, oaks, cork oaks, olive trees and a small stream.
Since its opening in the 1990s, this golf course has matured beautifully however one real stand out feature is the 19th century clubhouse, full of Andalusian charm and character – the perfect place to unwind with a beer in the sunshine.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 70
- Designer: Dave Thomas
- Opened: 1991 (9 holes). 1996 (18 holes)
Los Noranjos Golf
Los Naranjos Golf club is approximately 25 minutes west from Marbella – long the coast road and then up towards the hills, where you also have La Quinta Golf, Real Club Las Brisas, and Club de Golf Aloha close by.
This stunning 18 hole course is one of the elder statesman of the region, having originally opened in 1977. Robert Trent Jones Sr. has designed an excellent course which has since hosted the Spanish Open as well as being voted Costa Del Sol’s course of the year in 2005 and 2008.
The main characteristics of this course are the generous fairways which will appeal to golfers of all abilities, smartly placed bunkers and water hazards.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Opened: 1977
Cabopino Golf
Positioned in one end of Marbella, and a 20 minute drive from the Old Town, this golf course offers incredible views of the Mediterranean sea whilst the course is beautifully decorated with wide-crowned pine trees.
After your round, be sure to check out the El Mirador restaurant in the clubhouse which has great views of the Bay of Marbella – this is the perfect place to relax and unwind whilst reminiscing about that birdie putt!
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: Juan Ligués Creus
- Opened: 2001
Marbella Club Golf
Marbella Club Golf Resort is home to a Dave Thomas designed 18 hole golf course which sits in the hills of Benhavis, just 30 minutes west of the Old Town.
This course makes a real effort to ensure you enjoy your round with limited play and twelve minutes between tee times.
Highlights and characteristics of this couse include the consecutive par 5s on the front nine holes which provides a big test but also allows you to take in some amazing scenery! Also worth getting your camera out on the tee at hole 7 as it is the highest point on the golf course with views of the Andalusian coastline, Gibraltar and even Africa on a clear day.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 73
- Designer: Dave Thomas
- Opened: 1999
La Quinta
Situated in what is often referred to locally as the ‘Golf Valley of Marbella’, alongside other courses like Los Naranjos Golf, this stunning 27-hole course is a popular addition to any golf tour of Marbella.
The three 9 hole loops are San Pedro (par 35), Ronda (par 35) and Guadaiza (par 36). The latter is considered the more technical of the three, whilst San Pedro features more open fairways which might please higher handicappers.Ronda has narrower fairways and is considered fairly technical too so you can see that there is something for everyone at La Quinta Golf.
Should you require accommodation too, then consider the on-site The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa which is a five star resort with all the facilities and amenities you would expect from a luxury retreat.
- Holes: 27
- Par: 70/71
- Designer: Manuel Piñero
- Opened: 1989
Santa Clara Golf
Ideal for those staying close to the Old Town in Marbella or along the beachfront, as this track is just 15 minutes east along the coast road.
Santa Clara Golf is a par 71 course which stretches nearly 6,000 meters and was designed by the Spanish golf course architect, Enrique Canales Busquets. As a former host of the Spanish PGA Championships in 2003, you can be sure of a quality round of golf here! It’s also one which shouldn’t put off high handicappers either due to its forgiving layout. .
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: Enrique Canales Busquets
- Opened: 1998
Marbella Golf And Country Club
Robert Trent Jones Sr. started crafting this course in the 1980s, and has created a fabulous par 72 which consists of two contrasting nine holes. The first are considered shorter in length but less width to play with, whereas the latter nine really open up will please those who can hit big. Additional characteristics include raised greens and well-thought-out bunker placement, with a few lakes thrown in for good measure too.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Opened: 1994
Other Things To Do In Marbella
Nestled along the sun kissed shores of the Costa Del Sol, Marbella offers so much to see and do even when you are away from its beautiful golf course fairways!
We recommend exploring the Old Town which is full of winding cobbled streets, typical whitewash buildings, and balconies covered in flowers. Here you can experience a more authentic side to Marbella, as well as sample traditional cuisine in the many cafes and restaurants that are littered throughout.
If you’ve hired a car on your golf holiday or fancy an excursion on a scheduled day off from playing golf, then we recommend visiting Ronda which is just over an hour away. This is a mountain top city which is set above a deep gorge, providing some incredible views across Andalucia! Wander around the historical old town and explore its traditional architecture – and be sure to take your camera with you!
Back in Marbella itself and there are beaches aplenty if your idea of a day off from the fairways is chilling out. Take a stroll along the Golden Mile, the stretch of land between Marbella and Puerto Banus which is where the five star hotels and exclusive shops and restaurants. This is considered by many to be the nicest promenade in the Costa Del Sol..
For those looking to party harder, then look no further than Puerto Banus! Located to the southwest of Marbella, this marina is famous for the bars, restaurants and luxury designer shops which wrap around the yachts of the rich and famous which are moored here. Attracting an international crowd to the high end bars and nightclubs. If a big night out isn’t your thing, we still recommend some people watching during the day.
Top 5 Travel Tips For Your Marbella Golf Holiday
- Buggy Inclusive: Lots of courses in the Costa Del Sol offer a buggy inclusive green fee rate which is excellent as many can be hilly given the terrain in the region – ensure you ask us which courses specifically do so you get the best value! Otherwise adding these on separately can be expensive and increase the cost of your holiday.
- Travel In Groups of 8: Like some other regions around Europe, the eight person often travels free, making group discounts possible. We can guide you as to which courses offer this.
- Book Tee Times Early: Although there are over 70 golf courses in the Costa Del Sol, we always suggest booking tee times as early as possible because they operate on a first come first serve basis.
- Consider All-Inclusive: Despite the huge number of bars and restaurants in Marbella and the surrounding area, for larger groups it is worth considering all-inclusive if you have a broad range of budgets within the group and are looking to compromise.
- Golf Transfers For Groups: Sticking with groups, if you have more than four people and the golf courses are off-site from your accommodation, we recommend private transfers. Generally speaking, the more people you have traveling with you, the more cost effective it is as the cost of hiring is split across more people. For those traveling in groups of four or less then car hire is the most economical.
Top 5 Golf Holiday Deals Playing Marbella’s Best Golf Courses
We’ve cherry picked a handful of Glencor Golf’s most popular golf holiday deals in Marbella, which cater for a wide range of budgets as well as the varying board basis options available, from bed and breakfast to all-inclusive:
- 4* Amare Marbella Beach Hotel
- 4* Senator Marbella Spa Hotel
- 4* NH Marbella
- 4* Hotel Fuerte Marbella
- 3* Monarque El Rodeo
About Glencor Golf
If you are considering a golf holiday with friends and/or family, we can help you plan the ultimate golfing break to Marbella! Our experienced team can assist you in planning all the finer details to ensure you have an amazing time! You can reach us by calling 01904 406550 or by sending an email to info@glencorgolf.com to get the process started!
