Planning a beautiful holiday in Spain and seeking the best golf courses in Marbella or nearby areas? You've come to the right place! Located in southern Spain, Marbella is not only known for its famous landmarks and stunning views, including the majestic sight of Gibraltar, but it's also an ideal spot for a family vacation. And what's a vacation without indulging in your favorite sport?

Best Golf Courses in Marbella

Choosing the perfect golf course can be daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. With numerous options and various amenities to consider, finding the ideal course can feel like a huge challenge. After extensive research, comparing green fees, and evaluating different facilities, we've compiled a list of our top picks.

Without further ado, let's dive into the best golf courses Marbella has to offer:

1. Marbella Golf & Country Club 

Address: Ctra de Cádiz, N-340 Km.188, Spain

Marbella Golf & Country Club is undoubtedly one of the most stunning locations in the city. Nestled among olive trees and lush green hills that resemble a picturesque Microsoft screensaver, it offers a truly breathtaking setting for golf enthusiasts. The course features both a putting green and a chipping green, and professional golf lessons are available for those looking to improve their game. Players can also navigate various challenges, including a large lake that adds an exciting element to the course.

One of the highlights of playing at Marbella Club is the limited play time, which ensures a relaxed pace and avoids overcrowded rounds, allowing everyone to enjoy their game. After finishing on the green, golfers can unwind at the exceptional on-site restaurant, which boasts stunning seaside views, providing the perfect spot to relax and savor the moment.

Rating: 4.3 (692 ratings)

2. Villa Padierna Flamingos 

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Address: Urb. Los Flamingos Golf, Carr. de Cádiz, Km. 166, 29679 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

Villa Padierna Flamingos is just a short drive from Marbella and offers one of the most complete golf experiences you'll find. This 18-hole championship course has it all, seamlessly blending the beauty of natural landscapes with manicured fairways. You'll play amidst stunning pine trees and tranquil artificial lakes, making every round a visual delight.

As a prestigious course, Villa Padierna Flamingos requires proper golf attire at all times, adding to its upscale atmosphere. While it's not the most budget-friendly option, the experience is worth every penny, delivering a game that's as challenging as it is picturesque.

Rating: 4.6 (208 reviews)

3. Los Naranjos Golf Club 

Address: Apartado de Correos 64, Spain

Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Sr., Los Naranjos Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the finest golf courses in Spain. But this club offers more than just an exceptional golfing experience. The Los Naranjos International Club hosts a variety of social events, charity matches, and features an outstanding restaurant with a cozy dining area, perfect for unwinding after a round.

The course itself boasts a challenging layout with diverse holes, catering to players of all skill levels. Whether you're a novice golfer or a seasoned pro, Los Naranjos provides a fair but rewarding challenge that keeps players coming back for more.

Rating: 4.4 (1,087 reviews)

4. La Quinta Golf Club 

Address: Urb. La Quinta Avda. Tomas Pascual, 22, Benahavis, Spain

For a fantastic day of golf filled with challenging holes, La Quinta Golf Club is the ideal destination. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and Marbella's Golf Valley, this course offers not only a thrilling game but also breathtaking views that will enhance your experience.

La Quinta is perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced game, with a layout that keeps you engaged and active for hours. The club's high-quality design and facilities are a testament to its prestige, attracting some of the biggest names in golf, including legends like Antonio Garrido and Manuel Piñero. Whether you're aiming for a competitive round or simply soaking in the scenery, La Quinta delivers an unforgettable golfing experience. 

Rating: 4.4 (743 reviews)

5. Cabopino Golf 

Address: Urbanización Artola Alta, Spain

Designed by Juan Ligues Creus, Cabopino Golf is a versatile course that's perfect for both seasoned pros and beginners alike. Adjacent to the course, there's a driving range where players can practice on several par holes and experience fast greens, making it an excellent spot for honing your skills.

Cabopino Golf is also ideal for those looking to play a shorter game, thanks to the Artola Alta S quick course. So even if you're pressed for time, you can still enjoy a satisfying round of golf. Additionally, the club features a delightful restaurant where you can relax after your game and a well-stocked pro shop for any equipment you might need.

Rating: 4.3 (671 reviews)

6. Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club 

Address: Crta. Ronda KM. 44.5, Spain

For travelers on a budget who don't want to compromise on their physical activities, Los Arqueros Golf Club is a fantastic choice. This affordable location offers the perfect blend of golf and stunning mountain views, providing an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels and ages.

The club boasts a unique course design and a variety of amenities, including the Restaurant Seve, named after the legendary Seve Ballesteros. Additionally, it features a practice bunker, a driving range, a well-stocked pro shop, and equipment rentals. With the breathtaking mountain scenery as a backdrop, Los Arqueros Golf Club offers everything you could want for a memorable golfing experience.

Rating: 4.4 (877 reviews)

7. Santa Clara Golf Marbella 

Address: Ctra. N-340 Málaga Cádiz, Km. 187,5, Spain

If you're looking for a golf course that offers a fresh experience every time you play, Santa Clara Golf Marbella is the perfect choice! This course provides both short and long layouts, allowing you to tailor your game based on the time you have available.

Designed by the renowned Enrique Canales Busquets, Santa Clara Golf Marbella adheres to strict safety standards, ensuring a top-notch experience for all players. The course's excellence is well-recognized, with TripAdvisor listing it as one of the best golf courses in Marbella and the surrounding areas.

Surrounded by vast acres of picturesque parkland, the course also offers breathtaking views of nature, making every round a serene and enjoyable escape. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Santa Clara promises a memorable game in a beautiful setting.

Rating: 4.4* (876 reviews)

8. Santana Golf & Country Club

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Address: Carretera La Cala-Entrerríos, s/n, 29649 Mijas, Málaga, Spanien, Spain

Located just a few miles from Marbella, Santana Golf Club is a fantastic destination for golfers of all skill levels. The course features a variety of water elements and challenging obstacles that make for an engaging and enjoyable round.

Santana Golf Club is known for having some of the best practice areas in the region, offering ample opportunities for players to perfect their putting before hitting the course. Each hole at Santana Golf Club offers a unique experience, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in its design.

In addition to the exceptional course, the club boasts a range of amenities, including a welcoming clubhouse, a delightful restaurant, and a pro shop stocked with all the necessary equipment. Whether you're honing your skills or simply enjoying a leisurely game, Santana Golf Club provides a memorable golfing experience.

Rating: 4.6 (950 reviews)

9. Marbella Club Golf Resort

Address: Road to Monte Mayor, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain

Marbella Club Golf Resort is a luxurious golfing haven nestled in the hills of Benahavís, just a short drive from Marbella on Spain's Costa del Sol. This exclusive resort is celebrated for its spectacular golf course, masterfully designed by the acclaimed architect Dave Thomas. The 18-hole, par-72 course weaves through breathtaking landscapes, featuring rolling fairways, lush greenery, and awe-inspiring views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains.

Beyond the course, Marbella Club Golf Resort boasts a wealth of high-end amenities and services. The state-of-the-art practice facility includes a driving range, putting green, and chipping area, perfect for honing your skills. The elegant clubhouse features a restaurant with sweeping panoramic views, a pro shop stocked with top-quality gear, and luxurious locker rooms for ultimate comfort.

Rating: 4.6 (363 reviews)

10. Aloha Golf

Address: Urb. Aloha Golf, s/n, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

Established in 1975, this private members-only club boasts a rich history and a reputation for excellence, attracting golfers from around the world. The course at Aloha Golf Club was designed by the renowned Spanish golf architect Javier Arana. It features an 18-hole, par-72 layout that offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course is known for its lush fairways, beautifully manicured greens, and a variety of natural hazards, including strategically placed water features and bunkers.

The clubhouse at Aloha Golf Club exudes elegance and sophistication, providing a welcoming atmosphere for members and guests. It features a variety of amenities, including a fine dining restaurant, a bar, and a terrace with panoramic views of the course and the surrounding landscape. The restaurant serves a selection of gourmet dishes, blending traditional Spanish cuisine with international flavors.

Rating: 4.5 (522 reviews)

11. Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

Address: Calle Londres, 1, Spain

The club was founded in 1968 and designed by the renowned American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. This was one of his first projects in Europe, and he incorporated his signature design elements, such as strategic water hazards and bunkering, to create a challenging yet enjoyable course.

The course at Las Brisas features a par 72 layout with a length of approximately 6,312 meters (about 6,900 yards). It is characterized by its beautiful and diverse flora, with a variety of exotic trees and plants from around the world. The lush greenery, along with numerous water features and strategically placed bunkers, makes the course both scenic and challenging. The course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Spanish Open and the World Cup of Golf, attracting top professional golfers.

Rating: 4.5 (344 reviews)

12. Zagaleta New Course

Address: Ctra de Ronda, Km 38,5, Spain

The Zagaleta New Course was inaugurated in 2005 and is designed by the renowned golf course architect Steve Marnoch. It complements the older Old Course, providing a different golfing experience within the same luxury community. The course is characterized by its challenging layout, scenic views, and integration with the natural landscape.

The New Course is a par 70, stretching over a length of approximately 5,815 meters (about 6,361 yards). It features a variety of holes that challenge players with elevation changes, water hazards, and well-placed bunkers. The design focuses on providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The fairways are narrow in some areas, demanding accuracy off the tee, while the greens are well-protected and require precise approach shots.

The New Course at La Zagaleta is recognized not just for its golfing challenge but also for its environmental stewardship. The course design and maintenance practices aim to minimize environmental impact, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious golfers.

Rating: 5 (1 review)

13. Atalaya Golf & Country Club - Old Course

Address: Ctra. de Benahavis, Km 0.7, Spain

The Old Course at Atalaya Golf & Country Club was established in 1968, designed by Bernard von Limburger, a renowned German golf course architect. The course has a classic parkland layout, featuring wide fairways, mature trees, and strategically placed bunkers. It is known for its fair yet challenging design, suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

The Old Course is a par 72 and stretches over 6,142 meters (approximately 6,718 yards). The layout is characterized by gently undulating terrain, large greens, and a mix of water hazards that come into play on several holes. The fairways are generally generous, allowing for a forgiving experience off the tee, but the greens are well-protected, requiring accurate approach shots.

The Old Course at Atalaya is appreciated for its mature landscape, which has developed over the decades since its inception. The lush greenery and well-maintained fairways contribute to a pleasant golfing environment. The course is also known for its accessibility and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among both local golfers and international visitors.

Rating: 4.2 (762 reviews)

14. El Paraíso Golf Club

Address: Urb. El Paraiso, Ctra de Cádiz, km 167, Spain

El Paraíso Golf Club was designed by the legendary South African golfer Gary Player in 1973. The course has a classic design that caters to a wide range of golfers, offering both challenges and enjoyment. It is known for its lush fairways, well-maintained greens, and the beautiful natural scenery that surrounds it.

El Paraíso Golf Club is also known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite among both casual golfers and more serious players. The combination of a well-maintained course, excellent facilities, and beautiful scenery makes it a standout destination in the Costa del Sol golfing community.

Rating: 4.5 (606and reviews)