Golfing Region Andalusien

Andalusia stretches from the border with Portugal in the west to Murcia in the east. In the south, it borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Seville, the capital of Andalusia, attracts tourists from all over the world.

Why a golf vacation in Andalusia?

Andalusia as a travel destination

The Costa del Sol is one of the most traditional golf destinations in Europe. Everyone knows Marbella as the city of the rich and famous and the jet set on the always sunny south coast of Spain. The star of this premium destination was already rising in the 1960s and golf courses - as well as real estate - were built in large numbers. This was followed by the obligatory bed castles, and towns like Fuengirola are emblematic of this 70s/80s development. Then came the boom.

New prestige projects, golf courses, 5-star hotels, new infrastructure and the Ryder Cup. These were golden years for the region and the Spanish seemed to be doing everything right. Real estate prices skyrocketed and everyone wanted a piece of sunshine.

But customers were not satisfied for long. Other destinations caught up, Turkey invented package golf tourism and the Emirates woke up from their slumber. Even countries such as Greece or Egypt, which were not normally associated with golf, made the most of their marketing-effective sunny days and built golf resorts.

The "golf coast" lost its reputation among travelers and the airlines also followed this trend. Malaga airport was soon almost only accessible via Palma. That is now history.

Andalusia is on the rise again and has far more to offer on its coast and inland than dusty jet set huts, bed castles or the recent building sins.

The mixture of old splendor and exciting new projects is what makes this destination so charming these days. The exclusive hot spot of Marbella is now on the eastern edge, at least as far as golf is concerned, but is still suitable for a culinary or glamorous visit.

Which golf courses should I definitely visit in Andalusia?

Tradition and top-class sport in Andalusia

However, it is better to take your golf bag past Marbella and head south-west, as this is where the new "Costa del Golf" extends and presents a select circle of world-renowned clubs.

The already established, traditional courses Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and San Roque Old and New, which are located near Gibraltar, the famous rock that separates the Mediterranean from the Atlantic, are joined by two new outstanding courses that are recommended for any golf course collection: La Reserva de Sotogrande, a new masterpiece by Cabell B. Robinson with a monumental clubhouse and Finca Cortesin, which hosted the "World Matchplay Championship" for several years and delights the golfer with quiet luxury.

The Club de Golf Valderrama, legendary venue of the 1997 Ryder Cup, has also reopened to green fee players at certain times of the day and allows them to share in the history of this magnificent golf course.

Such a density of absolutely top courses can only be found in Europe in Scotland or Ireland. But - speaking of Scotland: there is also a real links course here and those who play Alcaidesa Links are rewarded with breathtaking views as far as Gibraltar and can still enjoy the excellent climate of southern Spain.

Where there is so much quality in one place, other providers can't afford to be lazy and it is true that most of the courses in this region are absolutely top class, at least in terms of their state of maintenance. The greens in Valle Romano, for example, are faster than anything you are used to in Germany. In various packages or via the golf desks of fine hotels, you can get such a course for as little as €65 including buggy.

What cultural and culinary specialties does Andalusia offer?

The delicious diversity of Andalusia

There is also a lot going on in culinary terms. From traditional fish (Mara) and meat restaurants (La Quinta) in Sotogrande to one of the best sushi restaurants in Europe (Kamakura restaurant in the San Roque Club), from cozy wine bars to stylish urban fusion cuisine (Kabuki Raw in the Finca Cortesin), from newly interpreted tapas (La Moraga in Marbella) to gourmet restaurants decorated with the coveted stars of the Michelin Guide (Calima or Skina in Marbella) - the opulent offer really pleases every palate.

What else should I know about Andalusia?

The great diversity of Andalusia

In general, this destination is not suitable for the all-inclusive offers that are highly praised elsewhere - there is simply too much to do and experience. Culture (Ronda, the "White Villages", bullfighting, flamenco), natural parks, blue sea, sandy beaches, beautiful marinas, vibrant cities, water sports, polo, racetracks, wellness and sun are wonderful companions for a successful (golf) trip. Consequently, Air Berlin is increasing its direct flights by 47% for 2014 and other airlines are following suit.

Something is happening on Spain's south coast!