Planning Five Itineraries for a Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella isn’t just about picking courses. It’s about sequencing rounds, beating traffic and wind, and pairing golf with great food and downtime. Start near Puerto Banús or the Villa Padierna area—home to flamingos golf—and you’ll be perfectly placed for every tee sheet.
- Marbella sits at the heart of Spain’s “Costa del Golf,” with 320+ sunny days each year and dozens of courses within 30–40 minutes.
- Peak play: March–May and September–November for mild temps and firm, fast conditions.
- Typical green fees: €75–€300 depending on season, course prestige, and tee time.
- Book buggies in advance on hilly layouts and snag twilight rates for quieter greens.
“Costa del Sol averages more than 320 days of sunshine annually—ideal for maximizing 36-hole days.” — Turismo Costa del Sol
Itinerary 1: Classic Icons for a Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella
This lineup strings together three of Nueva Andalucía’s finest clubs. It’s ideal if you want big-name designs, mature parkland styling, and lively 19th holes close to Marina Banús.
Day 1 — Real Club de Golf Las Brisas (Private/Guest Access)
A sophisticated parkland track with lakes, creeks, and immaculate greens. Accuracy off the tee is rewarded, and approaches demand precise distance control. Book early through partner hotels or authorized agencies.
- Nearby dining: Puerto Banús chiringuitos for sunset seafood.
- Tip: Favor conservative lines on water-guarded par 3s.
Day 2 — Aloha Golf Club
Designed by Javier Arana, Aloha is strategic, tree-lined, and beautifully contoured. Shape shots both ways and club up into elevated greens. Morning rounds offer calmer winds and faster play.
- Warm-up: Spend 15 minutes on wedge yardages; approaches decide the card.
- Post-round: Coffee and pastries in Marbella’s Old Town.
Day 3 — Los Naranjos Golf Club
Robert Trent Jones Sr. routing with generous fairways and bold bunkering. It’s friendly from the tee but punishes short-sided misses. The clubhouse terrace is a local favorite for brunch and a final toast.
- Booking window: 15–30 days ahead in shoulder season; longer in spring.
- Variation: Swap one round for Santa Clara Golf Marbella if you want wider landing areas.
Itinerary 2: Beachfront and Sunset Rounds — A Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella (East)
East Marbella delivers sea views, forgiving fairways, and superb value. You can squeeze in twilight rounds here and still make beachfront dinners.
Day 1 — Cabopino Golf Marbella
Shorter and scenic, Cabopino is fun, walkable, and great for mixed-ability groups. The downhill par 4s invite driver, but clever layups can post just as low.
- Ease-in round after travel day.
- Dinner: Tapas on the marina. Try espeto sardines.
Day 2 — Santa Clara Golf Marbella
A resort-style course with generous fairways and smooth greens. It suits confidence building and offers steady pace of play even in busier months.
- Strategy: Commit to fairway woods on positional holes.
- Afternoon: Beach time at Playa de la Víbora.
Day 3 — Marbella Golf & Country Club
A rolling Robert Trent Jones Sr. design with elevation changes and sea breezes. Expect sidehill lies, thoughtful layups, and impressive coastal vistas.
- Buggy advised.
- Post-round: Paella lunch; then a sunset stroll through the Old Town’s orange-square.
Itinerary 3: The Villa Padierna Triangle — Flamingos, Alferini, Tramores
Base yourself near Villa Padierna and play three distinct courses without long transfers. It’s a polished, resort-forward weekend with top-tier practice facilities.
Day 1 — Flamingos Golf
A photogenic, resort course with lake views, Mediterranean backdrops, and risk-reward par 5s. Ideal for your opener: forgiving fairways, but with plenty of interest into the greens.
- Morning tee time for softer greens.
- Dinner: Steakhouse in Benahavís, the “dining room” of the Costa del Sol.
Day 2 — Alferini Golf
Championship-length and secluded, Alferini hosted the 2022 Ladies European Tour season finale (Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España). It’s long, strategic, and stunning.
- Book a buggy and bring snacks; it’s a big walk.
- Conservative targets into protected greens pay off.
Day 3 — Tramores Golf
Shorter, technical, and perfect for sharpening wedges and putter after two big days. It’s also great for newer golfers or those chasing a personal best.
- Finish with a spa session at the resort before departure.
- Alt option: Afternoon 9-hole replay at Flamingos if energy allows.
Itinerary 4: Value Without Compromise for a Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella
This lineup blends classic designs, friendly price points, and smooth logistics. You’ll get championship credentials without marquee premiums.
Day 1 — Atalaya Golf & Country Club (Old Course)
A 1960s parkland gem with mature trees and walkable routing. The Old Course is fair but testing, with quick greens and clever doglegs. The New Course offers more elevation and views.
- Choose Old for tradition, New for vistas.
- Lunch: Clubhouse terrace with Sierra Blanca views.
Day 2 — El Paraíso Golf Club
A Gary Player design with a relaxed vibe and tidy conditioning. It’s straightforward but not simple, rewarding smart course management and tidy short games.
- Tip: Favor the fat side of greens; up-and-downs are gettable.
- Evening: Casual dining in San Pedro de Alcántara.
Day 3 — La Quinta Golf & Country Club
Three 9s let you customize difficulty and pace. Expect modern resort conditioning and great practice areas to dial in wedges.
- Book the A+B rotation for variety.
- Spa or shopping in Puerto Banús to cap the trip.
Itinerary 5: Golf and Gastronomy — A Culinary Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella
Blend elite golf with Michelin-starred cuisine and Old Town tapas crawls. You’ll play a marquee day trip and two local favorites.
Day 1 — Los Naranjos or Aloha (choose one)
Start central to minimize travel on arrival day. Lock in a mid-morning time and linger over the clubhouse lunch.
- Order local prawns a la plancha.
- Evening: Tapas crawl in Marbella Old Town.
Day 2 — Finca Cortesin (Day Trip, ~35–45 min)
Host of the 2023 Solheim Cup, Finca Cortesin is pristine, exacting, and unforgettable. Expect firm greens, immaculate visuals, and world-class service.
- Premium fees, premium experience.
- Book well ahead, especially spring and autumn weekends.
Day 3 — Marbella Golf & Country Club
Return closer to town for a relaxed final round and a long lunch. The ocean views and rolling terrain are a fitting finale to a gourmet weekend.
- Finish with a sunset cocktail on the promenade.
- Departure-friendly: 20–40 minutes to most accommodations.
Practical Tips for Booking Five Itineraries for a Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella
- Best months: March–May and September–November for 18–26°C, lighter crowds, and truer greens.
- Handicap certificates: Some clubs may request them in peak months; check ahead.
- Tee-time strategy: Mornings for calmer wind and pace; twilight for value and golden-hour photos.
- Transport: Shared transfers or rental cars beat taxis if you’ll hop between courses.
- Budgeting: Expect €75–€150 at value tracks, €150–€300+ at elite venues in high season.
- Pace of play: Build 30–45 minutes between rounds if you plan 36 in a day.
- Gear: Spikeless shoes suit clubhouse dress codes; bring a light sweater for sea breezes.
- Booking lead time: 2–8 weeks in shoulder season; longer for marquee courses and groups.
FAQ: Quick Answers for a Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella
- What’s the ideal 3-round combo for first-timers? Los Naranjos, Marbella Golf & Country Club, and Flamingos deliver variety, views, and access.
- Can I walk most courses? Yes, but book buggies for hilly layouts like Marbella GCC and Alferini.
- How far are top courses from town? Most are 10–35 minutes from Marbella or Puerto Banús by car.
- Are twilight rounds worth it? Absolutely for value and softer light; greens can be slightly slower late day.
- Do courses pair singles? Often, yes. Request your preference when booking.
Wrap-up: Your Five Itineraries for a Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella
With smart sequencing, you can build Five Itineraries for a Long Weekend of Golf in Marbella that balance signature designs, smooth logistics, and great food. Lock tee times early, favor morning starts, and mix championship tracks with scenic resort layouts. The result is a sun-kissed, stress-free long weekend of golf in Marbella you’ll want to repeat every season.
