10 Must-play golf courses on Spain’s Costa del Sol

Nicknamed the Costa del Golf, this sun-soaked stretch of Andalusia is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious fairways. Here are ten standout courses—each with its own character and spectacular views.

1. Real Club Valderrama

Frequently ranked the best course in continental Europe, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. design demands precision on every shot and has hosted multiple European Tour events.

2. Finca Cortesín

Famous for the 2023 Solheim Cup, Cabell Robinson’s 18-hole masterpiece pairs challenging play with panoramic Mediterranean and mountain views.

3. La Zagaleta

An ultra-exclusive 36-hole private estate near Marbella where pristine fairways blend seamlessly into rolling hills and sea vistas.

4. La Reserva Club Sotogrande 

Cabell B. Robinson’s scenic 18-hole layout weaves around lakes and trees in one of Sotogrande’s most beautiful settings.

5. Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

A 1964 classic between the Guadiaro River and Sotogrande Marina, consistently rated among Europe’s elite.

6. The San Roque Club (Old Course)

A former European Tour venue set in tranquil countryside between Jerez and Marbella.

7. La Hacienda Links Golf Resort

Boasts two championship tracks—Links and Heathland—offering sweeping coastal views and top-notch amenities.

8. Marbella Club Golf Resort

Dave Thomas’s hillside design near Benahavís serves up spectacular views of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean and the African coastline.

9. Atalaya Golf & Country Club

Classic Costa del Sol venue offering two contrasting courses set in beautiful parkland near San Pedro. The Old Course is known for its wide fairways and relaxed play, while the New Course adds elevation, strategy and sea views. Well-maintained facilities and a friendly clubhouse make Atalaya a favourite for golfers of all levels.

10. Los Naranjos Golf Club

Famous for its contrast between the undulating front nine and the flatter, orange-tree-lined back nine.

Whether you’re chasing a stern test of golf or simply those Mediterranean panoramas, the Costa del Sol delivers some of Europe’s most unforgettable rounds.