Golf holidays - Sotogrande & Estepona
Golf holidays in Sotogrande, Estepona and San Roque are just a little more civilised than the hectic crush further east around Malaga, Marbella and the hurly-burly of the central Costa del Sol with its rows of towering hotel blocks crammed hard up against the shoreline.
Sotogrande is more of a hushed, private retreat around a modern marina designed for millionaires to sun themselves away from the prying eyes of hoi-polloi holidaymakers. A couple of small hotels within this security-ringed enclave allow holiday golfers to enter into this exclusive resort and partake of the rarified atmosphere.
Estepona is an old fishing village (still active) that offers holiday golfers the best of both worlds: enough bars and restaurants around the pleasure port to provide plenty of evening entertainment, without ever transgressing into ribald territory and quiet enough to enjoy a relaxing few days of golf and sunshine. Our favourite golf destination along the Costa del Sol.
Sotogrande & Estepona Golf Courses
On the western end of the Costa del Sol, the are close to Gibraltar there are some rather fine (and rather expensive) Golf Clubs to play. The best-known of these is surely Valderrama following its starring role in Seve's Ryder Cup triumph. It is a fantastic course and worth saving up for. however there are plenty more courses as well that will keep you coming back to Sotogrande. One of our favourites in the area is Real Sotogrande, which pre-dates them all and is an outstandingly beautiful place to play golf. The course is wonderful with many a twist and turn as it crosses perfect golfing land of gently sloping hills - and the Clubhouse is a treat too.
Newer kids on the block are La Reserva and Finca Cortesin: two top-end courses that vye with each other for pride of place at Sotogrande's top table. La Reserva is a classic US-style layout across reasonably level terrain; Finca Cortesin is a magical roller coaster of a course across hills and gullies where some holes defy belief (and reason in places!).
There are some better-value golf courses too for golfers on a budget or whoe just like a bit of balance across their golfbreak. The two courses at San Roque top the 'normal' list: the Old course is a classic Spanish design with parasol pines lining nearly every hole; the New a much more imaginative imprint on the landscape with bunkering that is really rather remarkable from start to finish.
The best value golf in the Sotogrande region is to be found at Alcaidesa. A coastal strip of land that was saved from the property developers to create a spectacular seaside course with outstanding views of the Rock of Gibraltar. Alcaidesa also has an inland course the Heathland which also offers great coastal views from its elevated position.
Sightseeing & Dining in Sotogrande & Estepona
R&R are the main pastimes in this part of Spain. Whether it's lying on the beach, floating on the Spanish Med in your Gin Palace or wandering the Fairways the main 'industry' here is holidaymaking! On account of which there are numerous places to wine and dine. Around the port in Sotogrande there are quite a few modern bars and restaurants, although trade here is very seasonal and the Sotogrande marina area can be quite quiet when the sailors aren't in town.
Estepona, on the other hand, has a more year-round appeal as it is still a working fishing port, albeit a fairly small one. However, all around the harbour the old shops of the fish-market have long since been converted into restaurants and bars where you will find plenty to eat and drink throughout the year. We love the place as it offers plenty of life and entertainment without ever getting rowdy, so you can pass many a pleasant evening as the sun sets over the Estepona quayside.
Getting to Sotogrande & Estepona
Sotogrande and Estepona are very easy to get to with so many flights to Malaga and Gibraltar. From either airport it wil take just about an hour to get into Estepona or Sotogrande along the motorway that runs parallel to the coast, set back slightly inland.
Driving to Sotogrande & Estepona
It is also feasible to drive down to the south coast of Spain cruising from Portsmouth to Santander and then a day driving down across Spain (maybe stopping of in Madrid or Cordoba for instance?). The advantages of taking your own car on a Spanish golfbreak are not to be underestimated: pack your electric trolley, no airport hassles with your golf clubs and you will also be able to bring home so much more than you would be allowed to if flying.
