Golf trip to Spain: why Andalusia is the best destination

For a golf trip to Spain, one region stands out: Andalusia. Climate, number of courses, easy access, quality of the courses: it has it all. Here's why it's my favorite destination in Europe for playing, and how to prepare your trip.

Andalusia, Spain's great golf region

Andalusia has more than a hundred courses. Most are concentrated on the Costa del Sol, between Málaga and Gibraltar, nicknamed the “Costa del Golf”: more than 70 courses over a few dozen kilometers. You'll find championship courses between the sea and the mountains. Valderrama, in Sotogrande, even hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, the first held in continental Europe.

For a golfer, that density changes everything: you can play a different course every day without spending hours on the road.

When to go to Andalusia for golf?

• Spring (April to June): the best time. Long, sunny, mild days. That's why our trips start in April.
• Autumn: very good conditions too, with the sea still warm.
• Summer: possible, but very hot in the middle of the day. You need to play early in the morning.
• Winter: mild, but more changeable, with more rainy days. For winter, I'd rather recommend Marrakech (see winter golf in the sun: Marrakech or Andalusia).

How to get there

Málaga airport has direct flights from Paris (about 2 h 30) and many European cities. Marbella is then about 45 minutes away by car. Once there, getting between your accommodation and the courses is easy by car.

A tip for your clubs: a hard-shell or well-padded travel bag, and check your airline's conditions for carrying a golf bag in advance.

Marbella, the ideal base

Marbella is at the heart of the Costa del Sol. From there, you quickly reach the Málaga courses to the east and Sotogrande to the west. To discover the best courses in the area, read the finest courses on the Costa del Sol.

Playing with a pro in Andalusia

Our trips to Andalusia are made for playing every day with a touring pro. The format:

• 6 players maximum, in 2 groups of 3 on the course.
• A 90-minute guided warm-up every morning, which you can repeat on your own before your rounds.
• The course: I play 9 holes with each group. Strategy, club selection, risk management: we discuss it in real situations, at your level.
• A debrief every day: what worked, what cost shots, and the goals for the next day.

Dates, places left and the courses played are listed on the Marbella golf trip page. To prepare your trip, also read the Marbella golf trip guide.

Andalusia or Marrakech?

They're two complementary destinations. Marrakech for winter and for improving with a tailor-made camp; Andalusia in spring for playing every day with a pro. Many of our players do both in the same season. Members of the Online Academy hear about new dates first and get 5 to 15% off camps.

Frequently asked questions

How many golf courses are there in Andalusia?

More than a hundred, including more than 70 on the Costa del Sol, between Málaga and Gibraltar. It's one of the biggest golf regions in Europe.

What's the best time for a golf trip to Andalusia?

Spring, from April to June, then autumn. Summer is very hot in the middle of the day, and winter more changeable.

How do you get to Andalusia for golf?

Fly to Málaga, with direct flights from Paris (about 2 h 30) and many European cities. Marbella is then about 45 minutes away by car.

How many players per golf trip in Andalusia?

6 players maximum, split into 2 groups of 3 on the course. The pro plays 9 holes with each group, every day.