Costa Del Sol

The Costa del Sol is one of the most famous golfing destinations in Europe and is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Once the most popular area for the travelling golfer the Costa del Sol was hit hard by the emergence of new destinations such as the Algarve and Turkey, however, the area is now fighting back with some fantastic golf and accommodation offers to tempt even the most loyal golfer away from the Algarve. With over 30 courses stretching over 70 miles coupled with all year round sunshine there really is something for everyone. If you’re looking for good nightlife and cheap prices then the resorts of Fuengirola or Benalmadena are for you but if you’re looking for a little more high class exclusivity then we would highly recommend Puerto Banus.

Fuengirola and Benalmadena

The popular resorts of Fuengirola and Benalmadena are only a short drive from Malaga airport and are less expensive than some of the other areas of the Costa del Sol. Fuengirola is a busy resort which is a favourite of the cheaper package tour operators. Its lively promenade which runs alongside the beach is lined with bars, restaurants and cafes so you won’t be short of places to eat. The time of year you visit here is an important factor as during the peak summer season it will become quite busy. There are some great value hotels here such as Las Palmares, and it's only a short drive from some of the Costa del Sol’s most popular golf courses.

Neighbouring Benalmadena while not as lively as Fuengirola has no less to offer. Centred around a bustling marina there are plenty of bars and restaurants to try including many authentic British pubs and it is a great base to enjoy the many golf courses in the area, including the two popular courses at Parador Golf Club. The links and the old course offer a great test for golfers of all abilities and a little further afield are the three courses at the La Cala resort.

Fuengirola and Benalmadena are ideal if you’re looking for somewhere with a British feel, lots of sun and access to some good golf at impressive prices.

Marbella and Puerto Banus

Upmarket Marbella is ideal for those looking for something a little more exclusive than the eastern parts of the Costa del Sol. There are some impressive nightclubs and a casino but if you haven’t got money to burn the beach bars and restaurants are a great alternative. The winding streets of the old town are not to be missed, it is full of character and there are some reasonably prices shops and boutiques and great local bars. The H10 Andalucia Plaza is a great base to enjoy all that Marbella has to offer and is ideally located for access to the areas golf courses.

If you want to watch the world go by and see how the other half live then Puerto Banus is not to be missed, just west of Marbella it is home to the yachts of the rich and famous. The harbour at the centre of Puerto Banus is lined with designer shops and many popular restaurants. The great value PYR Marbella is highly recommended for those wishing to stay in this part of the Costa del Sol - its prices won’t break the bank and it is only a short walk to the marina.

Marbella’s golf valley is a short drive north of Marbella and Puerto Banus and is home to some of the most popular courses on the Costa del Sol including Los Naranjos and La Quinta, away from the courses the golf valley is less commercialised and offers a real taste of Spain.

Estepona and Sotogrande

The far west of the Costa del Sol is undoubtedly the most exclusive part of the Costa del Sol and is known as the ‘Golden Triangle’. With wide, tree lined avenues, stately homes and polo fields the golden triangle is home to some of the most prestigious courses in Europe including Valderrama, San Roque and the Royal Sotogrande golf club. If you haven’t won the lottery and can’t afford the £200 green fee at Valderrama there are still some excellent courses in the form of Alcaidesa and Almenara and the green fees won’t break the bank.