Guadalmina is a golfers paradise, offering an array of golf courses just five minutes from the beach. Situated just west of San Pedro, the urbanisation is just a short drive from the nearby luxurious resorts of Puerto Banús and Marbella.
If the Virgen del Carmen is safe anywhere on the Costa del Sol it would have to be Marbella. There the image of the Virgin is kept 12 metres underground in a vault. Thankfully, she sees the light of day every July 16 on her own very special day, one that is celebrated up and down the Coasts of Andalucia.
Along with the sun, sea and sand attracting people to Marbella and the Costa del Sol, ‘La Cañada' shopping centre is another huge attraction for tourists and inhabitants alike. It was built by ‘General de Galerías Comerciales'.
Inaugurated in April 2001, 18 holes with a par of 71 laid out by little-known Spanish architect Juan Ligues - short but very tight in places. Very scenic course with views to mountains and seas.
Wide fairways winding between stands of pine and jacaranda trees temp you at Guadalmina Sur Golf Course, one of the Costa del Sol's oldest courses. Located in the Marbella-San Pedro district of Guadalmina.
Lakes, streams, fountains and the river Rio Guadalmina river combine to make golf at Guadalmina Norte a very refreshing experience.
Opened in 2007, this course is part of the luxury development surrounding the Villa Padierna Hotel. It complements its sister course, Flamingos Golf, both of which were designed by architect Antonio García Garrido. With a length of 6,600 metres, it is one of the few Par-73 courses on the Costa del Sol.
Santa Maria Golf & Country Club, as the name suggests, is far more than a golf club. Based around an 18th century “cortijo” which is currently the clubhouse, the grounds boast stunning gardens and fine leisure facilities including tennis and lawn bowling.
This Robert Trent Jones design opened in 1969 and is recognised as one of Europe's finest courses. It hosted the World Cup twice and the Spanish Open three times and as well as the Mediterranean Open. Water is a major feature and must be crossed or avoided on 12 holes.
With short flat fairways and oval greens Artola offers the fully-fledged golfer a reasonably priced practice facility. Jorge Rein designed this 9-hole pitch and putt to provide guest golfers with an ideal form of relaxation during long summer evenings. It gives learners an opportunity to play at the finer points of chipping and putting without the daunting task of 18 holes alongside more practiced golfers.
This commercial course with little rough has been well-designed by Enrique Canales so that wide fairways alternate with long par-3s and challenging drives over water hazards. A plush clubhouse frequented by the only entirely female team of caddy masters on the coast.
A 9-hole course that winds over the gentle slopes of the undulating hillside and is beautifully laid out around lakes. Designed by Manuel Piñero, the holes vary from 71 metres to 149 metres in length and their manicured fairways and ample greens are suitable for children, beginners and seniors, but experienced players will enjoy playing here too.
Located in the golf valley of Nueva Andalucía, a mere two kilometres from Puerto Banús, this is a lengthy 9-hole course designed by José María Elguezábal. Ideal for all levels of experience, it is also perfect for a precision game as there are many water hazards and most of the greens are protected by bunkers.
In a magnificent setting near Benahavís, surrounded by pine and oak trees, this course is used exclusively by guests staying at the Marbella Club and Puente Romano Hotels, only 20 minutes away. Designed by Dave Thomas it enjoys wonderful views of the mountains and the Mediterranean, and on a clear day Gibraltar and the African coast are clearly visible.
Once very private but now open to visitors, The Golf Club Marbella is a difficult but enjoyable challenge. Designed by Robert Trent Jones it is a long golf course with opening holes crossed by ravines and gulleys which require accurate and brave tee shots. The 4th hole, a par-3, is just tee and green, while everything in between is bandit country.
Long terraced tees and large greens amidst fragrant orange trees are characteristic of the well-maintained golf course at Los Naranjos. Los Naranjos is run on the philosophy that "golf means more than just sport". The new Andalusian style clubhouse bears this out, emphasising a total golfing experience.
This magnificent course of 27 holes with 3 different combinations available, designed by the winner of the Ryder Cup Manuel Piñero, 5 minutes away from Puerto Banús. It is one of the most well known golf courses in La Costa del Sol, standing out for the firmness and speed of the greens as well as the caring service provided by their staff. They include balls for warm-up 30 minutes prior to tee-off time.
Set in the hills behind the coast, yet within easy reach of Marbella, all the nine holes of this par-3 course are approximately 60 metres in length. With the tees and greens lying on different levels at almost every hole and lakes and ravines in between, more experienced players seeking good scores will be able to enjoy a challenging game the whole way round. However beginners can also enjoy practising their short game.
This course was for the true golfing addicts and insomniacs: a 24-hour golfing paradise, the first in Europe. It took its name from the plant whose intoxicating nocturnal fragrance keeps some of the mosquitoes away. The lighting was system is designed to cast no shadows thus giving daylight quality and maximum visibility.
Intersected by the river, Rio Real is basically flat with many trees under which to shelter under from the Andalusian sun. The course runs right down to the beach.
