Marbella is not just synonymous with sea, palm trees and luxury, it is also one of the most prestigious golfing destinations in Europe. With over a dozen top-rate golf courses between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca, every year the city in Malaga province attracts thousands of golfers looking to put their skills to the test in routings designed by legendary architects, surrounded by scenery that seems custom-built for each swing. Marbella is, at the end of the day, a place where golf is not just any old sport but a way of life.
- Where to play golf in Marbella: courses with pedigree and history on the ‘Costa del Golf’
- Golf at Barceló hotels: waking up each morning next to the green
Where to play golf in Marbella: courses with pedigree and history on the ‘Costa del Golf’
Los Naranjos Golf Club: Swedish heritage in the heart of Nueva Andalucía
Designed in 1977 by the legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., Los Naranjos is one of the most emblematic golf courses on the Costa del Sol. Its 18-hole par 72 layout is known for its wide fairways, strategically located bunkers and large, fast greens. Beyond its technical specifications, it stands out for its attention to detail and strong Scandinavian influence: it is no coincidence that it is one of the favourite courses of Marbella’s Swedish community. The club house, with views of the 18th hole, offers an elegant, relaxed atmosphere.
Real Club de Golf Las Brisas: a classic among classics
Opened in 1968 and also designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Las Brisas has been used as a location for tournaments as prestigious such as the World Cup of Golf and the Spanish Open. The routing stands out for its exquisite landscaping, with species brought from the five continents, including bamboo, palm trees, jacaranda trees and mimosa trees. Its network of lakes and streams doesn’t just look beautiful but also poses a testing technical challenge.
Aloha Golf Club: the competitive heart and soul of Marbella
Also situated in Nueva Andalucía, Aloha Golf Club is another top class golf course. Designed by Javier Arana in 1975, it is one of the few classically Spanish routes in the area. With undulating fairways, Mediterranean greenery and excellent views of La Concha, Aloha has hosted the European Tour’s Andalucía Open on several occasions. Its atmosphere is more traditional and less commercial and perfect for those looking for a classic, competitive experience.
Santa Clara Golf: affordability with no less charm
A few minutes from Marbella city centre, Santa Clara Golf offers a modern, balanced routing. Designed by Enrique Canales in 2001, it is perfect for intermediate players who want to have a good time without too many technical demands. Its most iconic holes are the 13th and 14th, which are situated next to a lake. The club has a full range of facilities and also has an academy with programmes for beginners.
Marbella Golf & Country Club: American design with sea views
This 18-hole course nestled in gentle hills that slope down towards the Mediterranean was also designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. The course is challenging with varying terrain, steep doglegs and very protected greens. Hole 4, with an elevated tee and panoramic sea views, is one of the most photographed. The Club House, located in a traditional Andalucian building, includes a restaurant, massage room and tennis courts.
Golf at Barceló hotels: waking up each morning next to the green
For visitors looking to combine golf with a comfortable, convenient stay, Barceló hotels in Marbella offer a well-rounded experience. The Barceló Marbella, located in Guadalmina, is conveniently integrated into the Guadalmina Sur golf course, one of the oldest in the area, founded in 1959.
Guests can book packages that include green fees, transfers to the course, equipment hire and priority entry to tournaments. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, spa and local cuisine adapted to the rhythms of athletes. Quieter and more residential than the bustling Puerto Banús, the Guadalmina area allows for a relaxing stay without renouncing all the charms of Marbella.
Other recommended accommodations from the Barceló chain include the Occidental Puerto Banús, which is perfect for those who wish to combine golf and nightlife, or the Barceló Occidental Torremolinos Playa, which allows you to explore other nearby courses such as Lauro Golf and Parador de Málaga Golf.
