Golf in Costa del Sol – our favourites from Estepona and beyond

On Costa del Sol, we have a wonderful mix of golf courses – from classic parkland layouts to technical challenges and courses with views that can almost make you lose focus on the game itself. We'd love to share our personal impressions of some of the courses our guests play most often – and which we ourselves never tire of.

 

El Paraiso – parkland in the valley

One of our absolute favourites. Here you play in a beautiful valley between the La Concha mountains and the Mediterranean. The course is always well maintained, the staff are friendly and the restaurant is a safe bet for a bite to eat after your round. The course is very walkable, except for two steep climbs on holes 2 and 15. Wide fairways, some strategic streams and ponds plus excellent practice facilities make El Paraiso a pleasure to play. Trolley included.

 

La Hacienda Heathland – open, challenging and beautiful

An impressive clubhouse awaits you here, shared with sister course Alcaidesa Links. Heathland is a generously spaced course with a layout that takes you up and down through undulating countryside. It's always in excellent condition and offers views over the Mediterranean and sometimes all the way to the Rock of Gibraltar. Buggy with GPS included and there are excellent practice areas. Formerly known as Alcaidesa Heathland.

 

Atalaya Old – championship class and history

Old Course is renowned for its wide parkland fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The course is very walkable and trolley is included. Even the best short-game specialists are challenged by the elevated greens. Amongst mature eucalyptus trees and flowering shrubs, you'll experience classic golf at its finest. Sean Connery was a member here – that says something about the course's appeal.

 

Valle Romano – guest favourite

Valle Romano is our most popular course among guests – a resort course with views over the Mediterranean and top-class facilities on both course and clubhouse. Some memorable holes include the 3rd, which slopes left all the way down, and the 10th, a par 5 where a good drive can give you an advantage. The finishing hole, a tough par 3 towards the clubhouse, is a worthy finale. Buggy included.

 

La Cañada – fast greens and famous holes

Here people often talk about the greens – they're said to be the fastest on the whole of Costa del Sol. The front nine is slightly easier, whilst the back nine is considerably tougher. Hole 17 is called "little hell" and hole 18 "big hell" – here you need to drive over both water and deep ravines. Trolley included.

 

Doña Julia – uphill, downhill and three par threes in a row

The course starts with seven holes climbing straight up the mountain, then comes a turn with magnificent views over the coast and Mediterranean. Three par-three holes in a row (11, 12 and 13) provide variety – and hole 13, 195 metres uphill into the wind, is a real test. Buggy included and the course is in excellent condition.

 

San Roque New – Seve design and plenty of bunkers

A new favourite among guests. Located next to the venerable Old Course, it offers a pleasant atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Designed by, amongst others, Seve Ballesteros. With 147 bunkers it sounds daunting, but if you play smart you can avoid most of them. Trolley included.

 

Atalaya New – short and tight with views

A more relaxed round in a rural setting with abundant wildlife. Here you need to keep control of your driver. The greens received Bermuda grass in 2024 and are now really impressive. Fantastic views over both the Mediterranean and Gibraltar. Buggy included.

 

Azata Golf – the course that divides opinion

A short and technical course that many golfers find grows on them with every round. The front nine often plays across the grain with some really tricky holes, whilst the back nine has a more traditional layout. The greens are excellent and at hole 15 you might encounter a second-hand ball seller – perfect if you've lost a few along the way. Buggy included.

 

Estepona Golf – in transition

Here you'll find enjoyable golf and fine views towards the Sierra Bermeja mountains and the sea. The course has new owners and is undergoing an improvement programme. Fairways on holes 10–18 have received new irrigation and are growing in beautifully. Wide fairways, large greens and a pleasant atmosphere in the clubhouse. Buggy included.

 

 

We hope you'll have the opportunity to play as many of these courses as possible during your stay here. Each one has its own unique character and charm – and it's precisely this variety that makes golf on Costa del Sol so special.

 

Annelie and Julle,
golf hosts for PT Golf in Estepona