Costa del Sol vs. Costa Brava: Which Spanish Golf Holiday is Right for You?

Planning a golf holiday in Spain brings a happy dilemma: do you head to the bustling Costa del Sol or the quieter Costa Brava? Both regions offer world‑class courses and beautiful scenery, yet each delivers a distinct experience. This guide compares them and offers tips to help you choose which golf holiday in Spain is right for you.

Costa del Sol Golf Resorts

Often called the Costa del Golf, this stretch of Andalusian coast packs over seventy courses into a sun‑drenched strip. With lively resorts, plenty of flights into Málaga and over 300 days of sunshine, it suits golfers who enjoy socialising as much as playing.

• Las Brisas & Finca Cortesín – In Marbella, Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s Las Brisas combines generous fairways, quick greens, and an elegant clubhouse. Nearby Finca Cortesín pairs immaculate greens with Mediterranean views and a five‑star hotel.
• La Reserva & Los Naranjos – La Reserva in Sotogrande offers panoramic sea and mountain vistas with challenging holes. Los Naranjos mixes wide fairways with a friendly clubhouse atmosphere.
• Valderrama & others – Valderrama, host of the 1997 Ryder Cup, is a must‑play. Courses like Atalaya Golf and Marbella Golf & Country Club add further variety.

Why choose the Costa del Sol? You’ll enjoy guaranteed sunshine, a huge choice of courses, and vibrant nightlife. Many resorts offer on‑site hotels, spas, and restaurants, making them ideal for mixed‑ability groups. The flip side is popularity: courses sell out quickly during spring and autumn, so booking early is essential.

Costa Brava Golf Courses

North‑eastern Spain’s Costa Brava offers a cooler climate and rugged landscapes. Courses here weave through pines and hills, and towns retain a traditional Catalan charm.

• PGA Catalunya – The Stadium Course is a championship layout through dense pines and around lakes, while the slightly shorter Tour Course offers wider fairways.
• Empordà & Platja de Pals – Empordà Forest starts in open terrain before entering scented pine woods; its neighbour Dunes winds among sculpted dunes and water. Nearby Platja de Pals rewards accuracy on short, tree‑lined holes.
• Golf d’Aro & others – Golf d’Aro (Mas Nou) sits on a hill‑top with ravines and stunning vistas. Further north, Peralada meanders among olive groves and includes a wine spa, while Torremirona offers easy‑walking fairways.

Why choose the Costa Brava? Expect cooler summers, quieter courses, and authentic local cuisine. The scenery is dramatic, and the region’s medieval villages are perfect for sightseeing. Flights via Girona are less frequent than to Málaga, so plan travel in advance.

Tips for Booking Spanish Golf Packages

Smart planning helps you get the most from your holiday:

• Reserve early – Tee times on popular courses sell out fast.
• Take advantage of group deals – Some courses give one free green fee for every seven paying golfers.
• Choose all‑inclusive offers – Packages including meals, drinks, or spa access simplify budgeting.
• Plan transport – Car hire works for small groups; larger parties may prefer organised transfers. Some green fees include buggies or lunch.

Popular packages for 2025 bundle accommodation, golf, and extras at resorts such as La Cala on the Costa del Sol, Camiral at PGA Catalunya, and El Rompido in Costa de la Luz. Travelling in April–May or September–October gives you pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Other Spanish Golf Destinations for 2025

Beyond the big two, Spain offers diverse regions ripe for exploration:

• Costa Blanca – Near Alicante, courses like Las Colinas combine value with quality.
• Costa de la Luz – El Rompido boasts two distinct courses; the South has fast greens while the North features longer fairways.
• Murcia – The Nicklaus‑designed El Valle Golf rewards strategic play over brute force.
• Canary Islands – For winter sun, play Tenerife’s Costa Adeje or Gran Canaria’s Anfi Tauro.

Mainland Spain is at its best during the shoulder seasons, while the Canaries offer year‑round warmth.

Plan Golf Holidays In Spain With The Golf Travel People

Your choice between Costa del Sol and Costa Brava depends on your priorities. The Costa del Sol promises sunshine, nightlife, and an almost endless choice of courses such as Las Brisas, Finca Cortesín, and Valderrama. The Costa Brava offers cooler weather, quieter fairways, and dramatic scenery, with highlights like PGA Catalunya and Empordà. Whatever you decide,

The Golf Travel People can tailor a package to suit your needs. Contact us to start planning your 2025 Spanish golf holiday, whether you prefer the sun‑drenched fairways of the Costa del Sol or the pine‑lined courses of the Costa Brava.

FAQs related to Spanish Golf Holiday

Q1. Which is better for a golf holiday, Costa del Sol or Costa Brava?
Costa del Sol offers sunshine, lively resorts, and over 70 courses, while Costa Brava provides quieter, scenic layouts with Catalan charm and cooler summers.

Q2. What are the best golf courses in Costa del Sol?
Top picks include Valderrama, Las Brisas, Finca Cortesín, La Reserva, and Los Naranjos, all offering championship layouts and luxury resort facilities.

Q3. Why choose Costa Brava for a Spanish golf holiday?
Costa Brava is perfect for golfers seeking dramatic landscapes, authentic cuisine, cooler weather, and world-class courses like PGA Catalunya and Empordà.

Q4. When is the best time to play golf in Spain?
April–May and September–October are ideal shoulder seasons with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better availability of tee times.

Q5. Are there other golf destinations in Spain besides Costa del Sol and Costa Brava?
Yes, alternatives include Costa Blanca, Costa de la Luz, Murcia, and the Canary Islands, offering year-round golf with diverse landscapes and layouts.