Marbella has much to offer than great beaches, fancy restaurants, and glamorous clubs. It is a natural paradise and a golfer’s dream destination, without hesitation. With its temperate Mediterranean climate, luxurious accommodation, and a wide array of world-class golf courses, Marbella attracts both amateur and professional golfers year-round.
Whether you are looking to sharpen your game or simply enjoy a leisurely round of golf amid spectacular scenery, Marbella offers the perfect combination of sport and impeccable services.
An ideal climate for playing golf
One of the key reasons Marbella is so popular for golfers is its ideal weather. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and mild temperatures in the winter, golfers can enjoy the game throughout the year. In the summer, the sea breeze keeps the courses cool, and in the winter, the daytime temperatures remain comfortable, making it a fantastic destination for golfers escaping colder climates.
A golfer’s dream: top courses to play
Marbella is home to some of the most prestigious and challenging golf courses in Europe. Each course offers unique layouts, stunning views, and meticulously maintained greens. Here are some of the most renowned courses:
1. Real Club de Golf Las Brisas
One of Marbella’s most exclusive golf clubs, Real Club de Golf Las Brisas has hosted numerous international tournaments, including the Spanish Open. Designed by legendary course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., Las Brisas is known for its challenging layout, featuring strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and lush vegetation from around the world. It’s a true test for any golfer looking to take on a championship course.
2. Aloha Golf Club
Another masterpiece designed by Trent Jones, Aloha Golf Club is set in the heart of the Golf Valley. This course is loved for its rolling fairways, stunning backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and demanding greens. The course has hosted the PGA European Tour multiple times, so players can expect a world-class experience.
3. Los Naranjos Golf Club
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Los Naranjos is an 18-hole, par-72 course that offers a blend of wide fairways and challenging greens. The front nine has an open feel, while the back nine tests players with tighter, more technical shots. The clubhouse is a popular post-round destination, offering fine dining and a terrace with panoramic views of the course.
4. La Quinta Golf & Country Club
La Quinta offers a slightly different golfing experience with 27 holes spread over three distinct courses. Players can mix and match the courses to create a unique round every time they play. Designed by Spanish golfing legend Manuel Piñero, La Quinta offers a blend of rolling hills, palm trees, and ocean views, making it as beautiful as it is challenging.
5. Santa Clara Golf Marbella
For golfers seeking a course that’s more forgiving but still scenic, Santa Clara Golf offers a pleasant balance. The course’s relatively flat terrain and open fairways provide a more relaxed experience, but its long holes still offer plenty of challenges, especially with the Mediterranean Sea shimmering in the background.
The Golf Valley: where golf enthusiasts converge
Marbella’s Golf Valley, located in Nueva Andalucía, is a golfer’s haven, offering more than a dozen high-quality courses within a short driving distance. The area is known for its range of luxury accommodations, from 5-star hotels to private villas, many of which overlook these prestigious courses. Staying in Golf Valley means you can be on the green within minutes of stepping out of your door, enjoying spectacular sunrises or sunset rounds with the mountains and sea in the distance.
Off the course: how to spend your time in Marbella?
While golf is the star attraction, Marbella has much more to offer when you’re not on the course. The town itself is steeped in history, with the old town (Casco Antiguo) offering charming narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings, boutique shops, and local restaurants serving authentic Andalusian cuisine. Marbella’s world-famous Puerto Banús marina is where the rich and famous dock their yachts, and it’s the perfect place for a post-game drink or high-end shopping.
For a more relaxed experience, Marbella’s golden beaches are ideal for soaking up the sun or enjoying watersports. And for those looking to explore more of Andalusia, the stunning cities of Granada, Seville, and Ronda are all within easy reach for day trips.
Tee off in the Golf Paradise of Europe
Marbella has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations for good reason. With its perfect climate, luxurious accommodations, and world-class golf courses, it’s no wonder that golf enthusiasts flock here year-round. Whether you’re seeking challenging rounds, high-end resorts, or simply a beautiful place to unwind between games, Marbella offers an unbeatable combination of sport and leisure. Grab your clubs and experience golf in the Mediterranean paradise that is Marbella—you won’t be disappointed.