More Than Golf

Fine Dining on the Costa del Sol

For those who enjoy golf holidays, Spain and the Costa del Sol are some of the first destinations to come to mind. This Mediterranean coastal region is known throughout Europe and even the world as a great destination for golf and vacation. It sports a variety of stunning golf courses, from short nine-hole courses to courses with standard lengths, beautiful mountains on one side and the sea on the other, and the resort like atmosphere that is found in any beachfront area. However, a true vacation is more than just time spent on the greens. In order to truly unwind and relax, you will need to find some luxurious places to dine while you are there, and the Costa del Sol is pleased to provide many options.

Dining in Malaga

If your stay centers in Malaga, you will find a variety of dining options, ranging from local flavors to vegetarian cuisine. Those who wish to sample the food of the Mediterranean can explore restaurants like El Campanario, Arcadia Retreat, Antonio Martin, and Adolfo. Wine is one of the premier attractions in the dining scene of the Costa del Sol, and many golfers enjoy relaxing after a game at the Dvinos Wine Club Restaurant. For the health-conscious golfer, Malaga offers several vegetarian dining places that feature fresh produce from throughout the region, including Salomon and El Legado Celestial. Many of Malaga’s restaurants cater to golfers, offering fine lunch faire for those coming from or heading to the greens.

Dining Options in Marbella

If your golfing vacation takes you to the central regions of the Costa del Sol, you will find many great dining options. In Marbella in particular you will find restaurants with lovely views that are perfect for a relaxing and even romantic night out after spending the day enjoying the golf courses that surround this tourist hub. One of the restaurants with the best views is Alberts Cabopino, which sits in the Cabopino Port. If you are in the mood for French food, head to Le Chene Liege. Chez Michel offers a variety of international dishes, but only serves diner. For more traditional comfort foods and a modern atmosphere, consider Fusion, which serves all three meals. Rancho Chapas offers elegant dining with barbecue dishes.

Don’t Forget to Check the Clubhouses

Most of the golf courses on the Costa del Sol are connected to clubhouses as part of the overall golf resort experience. You can dine in the clubhouses overlooking your favorite course. This is a great way to finish your game, and many clubhouses are accompanied by wellness spas, so you can enjoy a massage or a soak in the sauna when your meal is over.

By dining at your favorite clubhouse, you can sample a variety of foods, from simple lunch dishes to gourmet meals, depending on the clubhouse you choose. Many of these restaurants offer outdoor patio seating, so you can continue to enjoy the views that drew you to the golf courses while you eat. Be sure to check the wine selection, as a great glass of wine is the perfect ending to a game of golf.

World Class Golf Courses

Play Courses Enjoyed by the Pros on Costa del Sol

Golfers who are looking for a truly luxurious golf experience where they have their choice of courses, can enjoy a trip to the beach, and are assured every trip is different will want to head for the Costa del Sol. This Spanish southern costal region is known around the world for its excellent golf resorts. In fact, the Costa del Sol is one of the most popular golf breaks Spain has, and many prestigious tournaments have ventured to these shores, including the World Cup, the Spanish Open, and the Rider Cup.

Courses on the Costa del Sol are prefect for golfers of all ability levels. Experienced golfers will revel in the challenge of some of the courses, which is made even more difficult by the use of natural terrain. Novice golfers will appreciate the may golf academies and practice facilities that almost all of these courses have. If you are a golf enthusiast who wishes to share your love of the game with someone who is a little less experienced, the Costa del Sol is the place to do it. These courses will provide you and your friends or family members with the right blend of natural beauty, challenge, and practice opportunities.

La Noria Golf Course – Water Features Add Beauty and Challenge

New golfers will love the completely flat course at La Noria. This 9-hole course was designed by Francisco Navarroa. It features three lakes and a river to add challenge to the play, and experienced golfers will be pleasantly surprised at the challenge of this par-33 short course. This is an ideal location for a group that has varying ability levels.

El Chaparral Golf Course – A Great Place to Learn the Game

Sitting in the shadow of the mountains, the El Chaparral Golf Course at La Cala de Mijas is an ideal place for new golfers. It has a golf academy and driving range for those just starting out, and the wide fairways offer a great way to practice the new skills you are learning. The 18-hole par 72 course is located just 20 minutes from the Malaga airport and was designed by Pepe Gancedo.

Baviera Golf Course – Ideal for Experienced Golfers

The Baviera Golf Course, which sits under the Sierra de la Almijara mountain range, is the course to visit if you are an experienced golfer. Designed by Ryder Cup champion Jose Maria Canizares, the course features white sand bunkers that stand out in sharp contrast to the deep green of the Bermuda grass. Baviera is an 18-hole course that is rated at par 71.

If you are traveling with less experienced golfers, be sure to check out the other services offered by the Costa del Sol’s golf resorts. Many have spa facilities, where the non-golfer in your party can enjoy a relaxing facial or massage while you play a more challenging course. Many club houses also have restaurants and dining facilities, which can be an ideal place for a romantic evening after a long day playing golf, and many of these restaurants take full advantage of the sweeping views for which the Costa del Sol is famous.

Best Costa del Sol Course Photos

Finca Cortesin Golf Club Golf Course. This course is located between Sotogrande and Etepona with fantastic views of the sea and mountains.

Finca Cortesin

Alhaurin Golf course. Located just inland from Fuengirola.

Alhaurin Golf

La Cala North. Also known as “Campo America”.

La Cala North

Nothing below par on the Costa del Sol

Nothing below par on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a golfer´s paradise.  With over 60 superb courses between Velez-Malaga and Sotogrande,  golf holidays in Spain are the best in the world.

Combine a fantastic sunny climate with great golf courses, cheap beer and some serious nightlife,  and you are well on your way to an amazing golfing break in Spain.

Many specialist golf packages include discounted green fees at some of the coast´s top courses, quality hotel accommodation, and even car hire. Golfing hot spots, and low spots, depending on your après golf stamina, include the lively towns of Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona.

The beauty of the Costa del Sol´s golf courses is their diversity.  Sotogrande, home to the world famous Valderrama Course, is where the more well-heeled, or should I say, well-spiked golfers choose to play.  Golfing riff-raff are not tolerated at Valderrama, and if you don´t know your pitcher from your putter, this former Ryder Cup course is probably best avoided.

Known as the beauty and the beast, Monte Mayor near Estepona will drive you, quite literally round the bend. With the advertising slogan ´you have to have balls to play it´ – they´re not kidding.  On the plus side you will have plenty of time to admire the scenery while ball-searching on this demon course.

The ´challenging twists and turns´ of La Cala Resort are more likened to hairpin bends, and golfers looking for a more gentile round of golf are guaranteed to want to kill by the end of the day.  If you are up for a challenge, then this one is for you.  Also – great spa treatments and massages available to help relax you after golf.

Mijas-Golf is another story altogether.  Easily to negotiate without a buggy, this gentle course even has its own gaggle of geese to meet you at the entrance.  But don´t be fooled into thinking this course is effortless.  As the geese will testify, there are some tricky water hazards (not so tricky for them) and tall trees hiding the greens.  Quite challenging and not as easy as it looks.

Cabopino is an addictive course that keeps you coming back for more.  Overlooking the Med, with rolling fairways and sloping greens, this course is short and tight -which reminds me of a certain barmaid in the vicinity – but that´s another story.  Fantastic facilities at the 19th hole, and just a stone´s throw from Cabopino Marina, with its Irish pubs, tapas bars and waterfront restaurants.

If you are looking for great golf, good fun and the chance to play some of Europe´s top courses, look no further than the Costa del Sol. While golfers in the UK and Northern Europe are preparing for the winter freeze, you can be basking in the Spanish sunshine.  Also home to Spain´s most infamous late night bars, restaurants and clubs, the Costa del Sol offers the ultimate in golfing breaks.  Stylish and slick,  Southern Spain is an unbeatable location for golfers.