The golf valley: Nueva Andalucía and the Costa del Golf, the back story

About The golf valley: Nueva Andalucía and the Costa del Golf, the back story

By the ULTIMATE Marbella Editorial Team

Behind Puerto Banús lies a valley packed with golf courses, the heart of the Costa del Golf.

The Costa del Golf

The Costa del Sol has so many courses that golfers often call it the Costa del Golf. In 1997 nearby Valderrama, in Sotogrande, hosted the first Ryder Cup played in continental Europe, and the coast has drawn golfers from northern Europe for decades.

The golf valley

Just behind Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía is known as the golf valley. Los Naranjos, Las Brisas and Aloha lie side by side among villas and orange trees, while La Quinta and the courses of Benahavís climb into the hills. Los Arqueros, designed by Seve Ballesteros and opened in 1991, is one of them.

Behind the yachts of Puerto Banús lies one of Europe’s great golf valleys.

Open and private clubs

Not every course welcomes visitors. Some, such as Las Brisas and Aloha, are private members’ clubs, while others sell green fees online. Our golf list marks which is which; always check before you plan a round.

Seasons

Spring and autumn are the favourite seasons, when the weather is mild and the courses are green. Winter is popular with northern Europeans, and in high summer the cool early-morning tee times are the ones to book.

Our advice: book tee times ahead in spring and autumn, ask whether a buggy is included, and base yourself in Nueva Andalucía or Benahavís to keep the drive to the first tee short.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The golf valley: Nueva Andalucía and the Costa del Golf, the back story before you go.