Spain is a golfer’s paradise, filled with sunshine, scenic landscapes, and world-class courses that make it one of Europe’s top destinations for golf holidays. My recent week-long golf trip to Spain was a perfect blend of relaxation, challenging play, and exploring the beauty of Spain’s renowned courses. This day-by-day diary of my trip will give you a taste of what you can expect when golfing in Spain, from five-star resort stays to challenging greens with stunning views.
Day 1: Arrival in Costa del Sol and Checking into La Cala Resort
I arrived in sunny Costa del Sol, excited to kick off my Spanish golf adventure. The Costa del Sol region is known for its vast selection of Europe courses, and my first destination was La Cala Resort, a luxurious five-star resort nestled among the mountains. Known as one of Spain’s premier golf resorts, La Cala offers three 18-hole courses: Campo America, Campo Asia, and Campo Europa. After checking in, I took a quick stroll around the resort, soaking in the beautiful views and setting the stage for the golf-packed days to come.
Explore La Cala Resort in Costa del Sol
Day 2: Tee Off at Campo America
My first round was at La Cala’s Campo America. This course is a perfect start to any golf holiday, with wide fairways and stunning views of the Mijas Mountains. Though not overly challenging in terms of hazards, the elevation changes tested my shot accuracy and club choice. After wrapping up the round, I returned to the resort’s spa to unwind. Staying at a five-star resort meant I had access to luxury facilities, including a thermal circuit pool and a massage, which was just what I needed to relax after the game.
Day 3: A Challenging Day at Finca Cortesin
On Day 3, I headed to Finca Cortesin, a short drive from La Cala and one of Spain’s most celebrated courses. The course, known for its immaculate fairways and greens, has hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championship and offers a truly world-class experience. Finca Cortesin is a demanding course with narrow fairways, bunkers placed strategically around the greens, and some intimidating water hazards. The green fees reflect the high standards here, but it’s worth every penny. Following my round, I enjoyed a gourmet meal at the resort’s Mediterranean restaurant, reflecting on the challenging yet rewarding day.
Visit Finca Cortesin Golf Club
Day 4: Rest and Local Exploration in Marbella
After three rounds of golf, I decided to take a rest day and explore Marbella’s charming old town. This was a great chance to experience Spain beyond the greens, from the historic architecture to the local markets and tapas bars. Marbella has a relaxing atmosphere, and the break helped me recharge for the next round. A golf holiday should be about both the game and the surroundings, and Spain’s rich culture adds so much to the experience. I returned to La Cala Resort in the evening, ready to take on more Spain courses.
Day 5: Scenic Play at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
My next game was at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, another must-visit on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sotogrande is a beautiful yet demanding course known for its lush fairways and challenging layout. Its water features, fast greens, and carefully placed bunkers require precision and strategic play. Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is a true gem, often considered one of the best golf courses in Europe. I played an early round, allowing me to spend the rest of the day relaxing at a nearby beach, capping off another fantastic day.
Explore Sotogrande Golf Club
Day 6: A Day at Valderrama Golf Club
No golf trip to Spain would be complete without a visit to Valderrama, one of the most prestigious courses in Europe. Located in the heart of Sotogrande, Valderrama is renowned for hosting the 1997 Ryder Cup. With challenging fairways and impeccably maintained greens, it’s a course that demands focus and skill. Valderrama’s famous cork oak-lined fairways add to its beauty, while its design punishes any stray shots. The green fees are on the higher end, but this iconic course offers an experience that every golfer should have at least once. I finished my round feeling elated yet humbled, knowing I’d played one of the world’s finest courses.
Day 7: A Final Round at Campo Europa
For my last day, I returned to La Cala Resort to play Campo Europa, a slightly more forgiving course than Campo America but with its own set of challenges. With wide fairways and fewer hazards, Campo Europa was the perfect course to end my trip. The round was enjoyable and relaxed, allowing me to soak in the beautiful scenery and reflect on the week. The staff at La Cala bid me a warm farewell, and I left the course feeling fulfilled and already planning my next golf holiday to Spain.
Reflections on My Spanish Golf Holiday
This golf trip to Spain offered everything I’d hoped for: challenging courses, beautiful surroundings, and luxurious stays. Spain’s golf scene is vibrant, with accessible courses for all skill levels and a mix of green fees that suit both high-end and more budget-conscious players. Staying at a five-star resort like La Cala ensured that my non-golf hours were spent in comfort, with all the amenities needed to unwind and recharge.
For those considering a golf holiday, Spain has something to offer every golfer, from the legendary fairways of Valderrama to the scenic layouts of La Cala. It’s more than just a destination – it’s an experience that combines sport, relaxation, and culture. To plan your own Spanish golf adventure, check out Golf Travel People for expertly curated packages, helping you make the most of Spain’s premier golf courses and luxurious stays.
