Our lifestyle guide
Our Golfing Guide
The Costa Del Sol occupies 159 km of Spain’s stunning southern coastline and is considered one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations. The region is also renowned for its average 320 days of sunshine a year making it a great place to play golf in both summer and winter months.
There are over 70 Costa del Sol golf courses between Torre del Mar and Sotogrande, the largest concentration anywhere in Europe, but below Richard & Bob have highlighted their favourite top 10!
Valderrama
The are very few courses in Europe with a golfing portfolio like that of Valderama. The course itself was designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr. who is arguably one of the best golf course architects there has ever been and as a result of his genius it has been a host of both the prestigious Spanish Masters and the 1997 Ryder Cup. Set in land from the coast, the course winds its way through trees and lakes to test both a golfer’s physical capabilities but also their tactical nouse. Despite being one of the more difficult courses in the Costa Del Sol, there are a variety of different tees which make the course accessible for golfers of all skill levels.
Finca Cortesin
Finca Cortesin is well and truly a modern day monster measuring in at 7,500 yards from the championship tees. However, it is not just the enormous size of the course that poses a threat to the visiting golfer but also its cleverly undulating fairways which if missed lead to penalising rough or water. Set in the magnificent mountains of the Costa Del Sol, the course has been carved beautifully into the natural landscape which gives it the varying terrain. The course also has European pedigree and has been the host of the Volvo World Matchplay on 3 occasions. For those looking to test the game on one of Europe’s leading courses then be sure to get yourself to Finca Cortesin.
San Roque (Old Course)
Designed by the legendary Dave Thomas, the Old Course at San Roque is one the best in the region. Spain’s most famous golfing son, Seve Ballesteros redesigned the bunkers in 2005 and following this it hosted the Spanish Open which saw the European Tour’s best players grace the perfectly manicured fairways. For those looking to experience 18 glorious championship golf holes in Spain’s year round sun then don’t forget to make the Old Course a stop on your next golf tour.
Rio Real
Rio Real Golf Course provides golfers with the best of both worlds as its stunning parkland resort course showcases some of best designed golf holes in Spain whilst still offering up spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline. The tight tree lined fairways of the front nine are complemented beautifully by the closing stretch which allows you to really open up the shoulders and let rip with the driver. The course is a fantastic challenge for golfers of abilities making it one of the best places in the Costa Del Sol for large groups to play.
El Paraiso
Located in the El Paraiso valley, El Paraiso Golf Club is an established Gary Player Design. With a reputation of being one of the friendliest clubs on the Costa Del Sol and the backdrop of La Concha mountain you are sure to have and memorable round.
Los Naranjos Golf Club
When you enter Los Naranjos Golf Club, you notice that special and welcoming atmosphere the club respires. The Restaurant and its spectacular terrace is a natural meeting point. This is where the members and guests reunite; enjoy lovely food and good company. The golf course, a master piece designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. has been crucial in the preparation of many professional golf players and is considered to be one of the best courses in Spain. Los Naranjos Golf Club does not only represent a superior golf course but also the social events for members and guests are very popular and admired. As a member you will be a part of an international Club with a delightful atmosphere and social commitment.
La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa
The luxurious The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa is nestled in the heart of Marbella's golf valley, located only minutes from the coast, and the boutiques and nightlife of Marbella and Puerto Banus. The golf at La Quinta is exceptional, with stunning vistas from the mountains to the ocean. This magnificent course of 27 holes with 3 different combinations available, designed by the winner of the Ryder Cup Manuel Piñero, is one of the most well known golf courses in La Costa del Sol. Standing out for the firmness and speed of the greens as well as the caring service provided by our staff. In 2019, we have refurbished all the bunkers of the course, which makes La Quinta one of the most well prepared courses to enjoy even in the rare eventuality of rain.
Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort
Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort boasts two outstanding championship courses that showcase the true beauty of the Spanish countryside, with an established reputation as one of Andalucia's premier golf clubs. The courses share the same stretch of rolling terrain as the revered layouts at Valderrama Golf Club, San Roque New Golf Club, Sotogrande Golf Club, La Reserva and many more of top golf courses in Spain Alcaidesa Links Golf Course is the older of the two golf courses that form part of this 36 hole golf resort. Designed by famed golf commentator Peter Alliss and Clive Clarke, The Links Course offers views of Gibraltar and Africa. The course meanders through mature Spanish countryside, framed perfectly by the Mediterranean sea, to provide a great golf experience on your next golf holiday in Andalucia.
Mijas Golf Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr, Mijas Golf has become one of the most popular golf courses in Costa del Sol, known for the outstanding condition of their courses and the friendly atmosphere and excellent service provided to the clients. The courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos, are situated in the valley of Mijas, north of Fuengirola, only twenty minutes from the Málaga international airport and Marbella, and 3.5 kms. from the sea. Keeping the original design of Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course has been totally refurbished in 2012.
La Cala Golf Hotel Spa
The promise of a thrilling round of golf in magnificent natural surroundings. A lazy lunch with friends on the Club House terrace. A cooling dip after a luxurious aromatherapy massage. At La Cala Resort we’ll help you to create your own experience, with every little luxury included to make your stay special. This idyllic rural retreat is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the busy coast, yet we’re just 10 minutes from the sweeping Mediterranean beaches of the Costa del Sol and only 30 minutes from Malaga Airport. The promise of sun-drenched days on the fairways and laidback al fresco evenings, relaxing under the stars is hard to resist. But there’s so much more to discover at La Cala... a gorgeous destination spa, golf academy, superb sports facilities, three superb restaurants.
Our Restaurant Guide
The Costa Del Sol is famous for it’s wide variety of cuisine and below we have listed a few of our favourites:
Tikitana – Estepona Golden Mile Beach
Tikitana Beach Restaurant and Lounge is in a wonderful position right on the beach in between San Pedro and Estepona. Because of its slightly out of town location the restaurant can afford to stretch its legs and is housed in a large Polynesian style building with high ceilings and a thatched roof. The wooden interior and the warm atmosphere makes you feel like you’re in Hawaii rather than Spain.
The views from Tikitano are spectacular. The large balcony sits practically over the water, looking out over to Gibraltar and North Africa. During the weekends the restaurant always has some sort of live music playing. The food is of high quality; the menu is creative, fresh and changes seasonally to make the most of what’s best in the market.
Los Abanicos - Benahavis
A meal at los Abanicos is a must for everyone. It is situated in Benahavis, which is a small town around 20 minutes drive into the mountains from Marbella and Puerto Banus, Los Abanicos is a must visit for everyone who comes to stay in the area (read more in our regional info section).
Los Abanicos provides real atmosphere for a superb meal. The restaurant speciality is the slow-cooked baby shoulder of Lamb. This dish is cooked over the course of the day and the meat simply falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. Another fantastic dish that we all love here is the sea bass slowly roasted in salt, it takes a while to prepare (they warn you of this) but the result is that the fish is amazingly tender and tasty. If you have not had this dish before then it's definitely worth the wait.
The town is typically Spanish and lovely to stroll around before and after your meal just soaking up the traditional village atmosphere. A word to the wise, maybe share the starters, the portion sizes are rather massive!
Palm Beach – Chiringito Estepona Beach
Palm Beach is the place which you had dreamed of before going on holiday to Costa del Sol. It is a mixture between beach bar where time stops and a place where you can enjoy good international cuisine. The perfect place to bask in the best dishes of the world beside the Mediterranean.
As an appetizer, Palm Beach offers you some succulent beef croquettes directly imported from the Netherlands, a kebab with good Iberian ham or a few Mexican jalapeños. You can also taste some of the classic dishes of Palm Beach: its gorgeous entrecote, its chicken Satay and its Palm Beach stir fry (consisting of sautéed chicken and prawns in oyster sauce) have amazed for many years to those people who stop in this peculiar place.
The best sandwiches, wraps and burgers on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea also gather in Palm Beach. But you can also find fresh seafood in this area: clams, squids, sole, grilled shrimps... Marine delicacies that will captivate you at the first bite.
They also have children's menu so that your boys and girls can enjoy their favourite dishes while they run around on the sand. Both of you, children and adults, can join it with a delicious dessert of the Palm Beach’s menu. In addition, for those hot summer evenings it has a plentiful range of cocktails. And if you want a more refined drink, try one of the wines from its menu.
In Palm Beach sport is lived with high intensity: pass by to experience the great atmosphere that forms there whenever a sporting event is retransmitted on television. And between matches you can take a dip in the waters of the beach of La Rada, in Estepona, and then sunbathe lying on one of the deck chairs which the restaurant rents.
La Taberna del Pintxo – Tapas bar Marbella
With origins in Spain´s Basque region, Pintxo offers a wide variety of hot and cold tapas, main dishes and casseroles - whether you are in for a quick snack or for a full meal.
La Taberna del Pintxo is a true authentic Spanish dining experience. The cuisine is a fusion of the main features of the cuisines from the north and south of Spain through top-quality ingredients. The menu includes - in addition to a wide selection of pintxos - stews, specials, homemade desserts, as well as a large offer of the best Spanish wines.
Staff walk around the restaurant with trays of many different types of hot tapas, you can just choose whatever you like. Cold tapas may be chosen at the bar.
Inside the atmosphere is calm and relaxing at lunch time but becomes very busy at night. There are also plenty of tables outside.
La Taberna del Pintxo is perfect whether you are strolling the paseo marítimo alone or if you are with a large group of friends.
Tango – Argentinian Grill, Puerto Banus
If you’re looking to eat out in Puerto Banus, Marbella then look no further than Tango Argentinian Grill, as they are probably one of the best Argentinian Restaurants on the coast.
Los Mellizos – Marbella
Los Mellizos in Marbella is part of a small family chain of restaurants that also has venues in Malaga and Benalmadena. They are famous for their fresh Malaga style fish dishes and the restaurant in Marbella is one of the most stylish in the group.
Their rice dishes as well as their fried fish are simple but well presented and good value for money too.
The location in the centre of the Marbella sea front is also a great people watching spot and the perfect place for a long Sunday lunch.
Robbies – Estepona
Located in Estepona, Robbie's Restaurant is one of the most renowned in the city. It is decorated with black and white photos of actors and actresses, the excellent menu is very varied and the food abundant. Ideal for a great evening out.
The secret lies in providing friendly service and taking care over the very last detail, as well as using the finest ingredients to prepare each of its exquisite dishes. The atmosphere is cosy and the service very attentive and flawless.
Robbie's is a unique restaurant serving unique cuisine: neither Mediterranean nor British, the menu is the fruit of experiment and blends very different flavours with considerable success.
Siroko Beach – East Marbella
Siroko Beach is located on the East side of Marbella and offers a chilled but chic beach vibe with fabulous food and even better views! Definitely a My Guide Marbella favourite. Their menu has a contemporary twist but if firmly focused on Mediterranean cuisine. The wine and cocktail lists are sensibly priced and make this beach restaurant an ideal hang out for a few drinks with friends or to enjoy a relaxed and long lunch! We also can't fault the service, the team really are superb.
They are located directly on the beach so it is great if you have young children as they can play happily in the sand in front of the table and also in the summer season there are beach beds to hire. They also have a large terrace area to the rear of the restaurant which is perfect for events and celebrations and available for exclusive hire.
Konfusion Tapas – Mijas Costa
Konfusion is a Spanish tapas and cocktail bar located on the main boulevard in La Cala de Mijas, they offer Spanish and European dishes, Spanish tapas and an extensive range of cocktails.
Puente Romano – Sea-Grill
Relax on the seafront with a glass of Champagne as you watch the waves rolling onto the golden sand.
On the outdoor decking, you can embrace the natural surroundings of the palm-fringed promenade showcasing the impressive mountainous backdrop of La Concha. The Marbella grill restaurant boasts breath taking views of the beach and you will enjoy your meal with unrestricted views of the seascape.
Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, it has access to some of the most exotic fish and seafood found in the world. Puente Romano uses only the best suppliers to provide you with locally sourced produce and display the seafood around the restaurant for you to choose from.