The 14 Best Golf Courses in Malaga and Marbella
Considered two of the best destinations in Europe for golf, Malaga and Marbella have over 70 golf courses to choose from. It’s no wonder why the Costa del Sol has earned the rightful nickname of the Costa del Golf!
Regardless of whether you’re a tourist or resident, there are golf clubs that cater to all types of golfers. I’ll be sharing a few of the most famous courses in Marbella and Malaga to help you plan your next golfing getaway in paradise!
What are the Best Golf Courses in Malaga and Marbella?
The best golf courses in Malaga include Parador de Málaga Golf (it’s centrally located and offers tons of other great amenities and activities) and Lauro Golf (it features a sprawling 27-hole course). If you’re in Marbella, then Río Real Golf Marbella or Los Naranjos Golf Club are two of the most popular options.
But everyone has their own preference of where they like to play. And thankfully, both cities have lots of options for all types of budgets, skill levels, and handicaps!
7 of the Best Places to Play Golf in Malaga
1. Parador de Málaga Golf
Parador de Málaga Golf has been an institution in Malaga for almost 100 years. It’s just a stone’s throw away from downtown Malaga, as well as the other resort towns of Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and my favorite area, Fuengirola.
You can book your tee time for the 18-hole or 9-hole course. They also offer a swimming pool, tennis court, putting green, and, best of all, private access to the nearby beach!
2. Real Club de Golf El Candado
Located just a 5-minute drive from downtown Malaga, Real Club de Golf El Candado is an excellent option if you’re staying in the city. This 9-hole course is member-only, but there are lots of other perks that may make joining (and the 1-year commitment) even more enticing.
For example, members also get free access to the gym, swimming pools, tennis courts, an nautical club (with canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals). On top of that, Real Club de Golf El Candado also offers an on-site restaurant and social club.
3. Añoreta Resort
Añoreta isn’t just a golf course – it’s a full-blown resort! They have a beautiful hotel, paddle club, and horse-riding club in addition to their 18-hole course. Guests staying at the resort are more than welcome to play here, while other visitors can pay an individual green fee. Weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual memberships are also available.
4. Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf
With 18 holes covering more than 3.5 miles of play, Real Guadalorce is one of the largest courses in Malaga. But if you don’t have time for a full round, you can also take advantage of their 9-hole par-3 course instead.
One of the best things about this club is that you don’t have to be a member to play. Visitors are more than welcome to book a tee time on their website. However, members do get access to additional amenities, like tennis courts, basketball courts, and the on-site sauna and chiromassage service.
5. Golf Torrequebrada
I think that Golf Torrequebrada is one of the most beautiful courses along the entire Costa del Sol! That’s because it was designed by José Gancedo, who is known in the community as the “Picasso of Golf.” This 18-hole course is situated between the mountains and ocean and is dotted with swaying palms, colorful flowers, and rolling manicured greens.
The course is open to visitors, and tee times can easily be booked online. They also offer buggy, cart, and club rentals, which is great if you’re here on vacation.
6. Benalmádena Golf
Located in the resort town of Benalmádena, Benalmádena Golf is a 9-hole course with an attached driving range. While it might not have the same upscale amenities as other courses on this list, it’s an affordable option for those who don’t want to spend big bucks on expensive green fees (rates for adults are €18 per round).
If you’re just learning how to play, there’s also a golf school that offers group, private, or family classes.
7. Lauro Golf
If you’re looking for diversity, Lauro Golf is one of the best places to go in Malaga. This course has a whopping 27 holes that can be played in three different 9-hole course options. And if you’re into other sports and activities, the club also has a swimming pool, tennis courts, lawn bowling pitches, and even an equestrian center.
You can book your time slot online, but if you’re a serious golfer, I recommend staying a few nights at one of their on-site apartments. That’s because apartment guests get unlimited rounds of golf and use of their facilities for the entire duration of their stay!
My 7 Favorite Golf Courses in Marbella
8. Río Real Golf Marbella
The Río Real Golf Marbella is truly a stunning golf course. Located along the Rio Real just five minutes from the town center, it is in one of the most prestigious parts of Marbella. The course is covered in lush pines, palms, and cypress trees, giving it a unique Mediterranean feel.
You don’t have to be a member to play, but fees are a bit higher than other clubs in Marbella and Malaga. If your budget isn’t a concern, you can also stay at the hotel (the course is actually part of the Rio Real Golf Hotel boutique), which features a pool, restaurant, spa, and clubhouse.
9. Marbella Golf Country Club
If you’re looking for a challenge, then book your tee time at the Marbella Golf Country Club. This beautiful 18-hole course is meticulously manicured with sand bunkers, lakes, and olive tree groves. Plus, the views from here are some of the best I’ve ever seen while playing golf!
After playing, I recommend grabbing lunch at the course restaurant, El Olivo Restaurante. Or, if you’re short on time, you can also take advantage of their Buggy Bar service, which will deliver snacks and drinks to you while you’re on the course.
10. La Quinta Golf & Country Club
This course is part of the Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, a beautiful hotel just a 20-minute drive inland from Marbella’s Old Town. However, you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the course, driving range, or putting green. Everyone is welcome to play here!
The course was designed by the three-time World Champion and Ryder Cup champion Manuel Piñeroy and features 27 holes divided into three courses of nine holes each. Courses San Pedro and Ronda are good for all types of golfers, while Guadaiza is a more technical course that will appeal to advanced players or professionals.
11. Aloha Golf Club
Aloha Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf courses, not just in Marbella but all over Spain! In fact, this 18-hole course has hosted the PGA Tour three different times over the last few years!
However, Aloha Golf Club remains one of the hardest member-only clubs to get into. Golfers need to own at least one share of the company in order to join. And since shares are not sold by the club itself, you’ll have to find an existing member who is willing to sell you their share.
12. Real Club de Golf Guadalmina
If you’re an expat living in Marbella, Real Club de Golf Guadalmina is one of the most international courses in the area. Their 2,000+ members represent 17 different nationalities from around the globe, which is great if the social aspect of golf is important to you.
However, you don’t have to be a member to play here, as anyone can book a tee time at any of their courses. Altogether, the club features two 18-hole golf courses as well as a 9-hole course, a driving range, and a putting green.
13. Santa Maria Golf Club Marbella
Open to members and visitors, the Santa Maria Golf Club Marbella is a great option for those looking to play golf in Marbella. The course has 18 holes and jaw-dropping views of the ocean, mountains, and sprawling Andalusian landscape (which I think is a reason to come on its own!).
But this club isn’t just for golfers. As a country club, it also has tennis courts (and a tennis school), a restaurant, and an on-site golf shop.
14. Los Naranjos Golf Club
This championship course (designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr.) is an ideal option for golfers of all skill levels. The tees here are long, measuring anywhere from 3 miles to 4 miles in length, so it’s a great opportunity to work on your long game.
Visitors can book a tee time online, although long-term Marbella residents may consider joining their membership program to take advantage of member-only tee times and exclusive weekly competitions.