Holiday travel

As a pastime or sporting activity, golf, played on any fine course, certainly satisfies one’s need for embracing the great outdoors. The satisfaction quotient is definitely higher when you combine golf with a vacation. This is where Spain steps up admirably. The country offers holidaymakers myriad opportunities for enjoying the game and some sun, sand and surf.



One region known for great golf getaways is the “Coast of the Sun,” Costa del Sol. Located in the south of Spain, it is in the autonomous community of Andalucia. The area encompasses coastal towns and communities along the Mediterranean coast of Malaga province. The city of Malaga is in this popular tourist region.



The region is home to approximately 60 lush golf resorts from Sotogrande in the west to Velez Malaga in the east. Combined, these golf destinations contribute significantly to Spain’s tourist economy.



The lure for golfers in Costa del Sol is the dry, sunny weather conducive to pleasurable playing. Golfing in Costa del Sol in the winter is the perfect antidote to the grey, cold climates of northern Europe, and competes for gofers in the winter months with Lanzarote



With golf’s popularity growing significantly in the past 20 years, the influx of tourist euros grows too. Golf vacation providers work hard to attract clientele their way. For golfers, some providers offer personalized green fee booking at some of the finest courses in Costa del Sol and other regions. Competition for holidaymakers’ euros is intense, so bargains await those looking to golf in the region.



Preferred bookings at discount prices signify the high demand for tee times in these exotic locales. Often, golfers can obtain special rates if they book golf course times in conjunction with accommodations or other services. Vacation golf packages abound on the Internet offering packages to golf in Antequera, Benalmadena, Marbella’s Golden Mile and more.



The effect on Spain’s economy in general and Cost del Sol’s in particular is easily measurable. The golf courses and resorts benefit, but so do other sectors of the economy. The golf courses bring increased business to accommodation providers, restaurants, cafés, clubs and transportation providers in Costa del Sol and its environs. Recognizing the importance of golf tourism, Spain has the welcome mat out to ensure golfers come in hordes.



Tourists descend on the Malaga airport, a bustling hub of activity, and major employment provider. Taxis and public transportation also benefit from the diverse holidaymakers who make their way to this vibrant resort region. With golfers galore arriving in Costa del Sol, attractions such as the Benalmadena Aerial Cable Car benefit. The Picasso Museum in Malaga and the shops along the street of San Miguel in Torremolinos also benefit.



Many of the golf courses have stunning views of the sea and mountains. In addition, the variety of courses available to play offers much choice to golfers. The areas golf courses are suitable for players of all levels.



East of Malaga are courses such as the Baviera Golf Club and the Anoreta Golf Club. The Guadalhorce, Lauro, Malaga Parador and El Candado golf clubs are available in Malaga for golf enthusiasts. There’s also the Torrequebrada Golf Club in Benalmadena Costa and the Alhaurin Golf facility between Mijas and Coin.



In Sotogrande, there’s the La Reserva de Sotogrande course. The La Duquesa Golf and Country Club sits between Sotogrande and Estepona. In addition, the Atalaya Golf and Country Club is in Estepona, as is the El Paraiso Golf Club. These golf options are a small sampling of the host of courses available in the region.



The province of Malaga has the most extensive network of hotels in Spain. The area offers other activities for golfers to engage in when away from the links. Water sports are popular and 11 marinas exist on the Costa del Sol. A pulsating nightlife, top-notch restaurants and stylish boutiques and shops contribute to the ambience of the region.



The Costa del Sol golfing continues to refresh tourists and the Spanish economy. The sport provides enjoyment and employment throughout the region. With inviting and challenging golf courses and more, Spain’s Costa del Sol is scoring a hole-in-one with tourists.