Looking for something to do on your villa holiday in the Costa del Sol? Would you like to get some exercise whilst you soak up the summer sunshine? Well, if you want to get out and about then Mijas has some of the finest golf courses in the Mediterranean. In fact Mijas is a golfer’s paradise, and is home to many championship level golf courses including the largest golf resort in Spain, La Cala Golf resort. Set between the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and stunning Sierra de Mijas Mountains, it should come as no surprise that many people specifically visit Mijas every year to play golf. The temperate climate and over 300 days of sunshine every year mean that holidaymakers will get the opportunity to play on Mijas’ magnificent golf courses all year round. Here’s a selection of what’s on offer in Mijas Costa del sol.
La Cala Golf Resort
La Cala Golf Resort is the Costa del Sol’s largest golfing complex with three 18-hole championship courses, and the only David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Mijas. All 3 courses were designed by Cabell Robinson, one of Europe’s top golf course designers. With a five-star hotel as part of the complex and rental properties also available. A fantastic place for a golfing holiday on the Costa del Sol.
Santana Golf Course and Country Club
Santana Golf Course and Country Club is located in the hills behind Fuengirola with breath-taking views of the Mijas Mountains. The course was also designed by Cabell Robinson to incorporate the original avocado plantation in which it’s built upon. With wide fairways and being relatively flat the course is a pleasure to walk around. The greens are well protected and the course is very well maintained.
La Cala Golf Campo Asia
La Cala Golf Campo Asia was formerly La Cala’s South Course and is a golf course that will definitely test your skills. The course varies in elevation throughout and incorporates fairways with cross slopes making it very challenging. Many of the greens are small and well protected.
La Cala Golf Campo America
La Cala Golf’s Campo America used to be called the North Course and is the longest of the three courses available at the resort. The technical par 72 course is very hilly with wide fairways and requires accuracy especially on approach shots as many of the greens are elevated.
La Cala Golf Campo Europa
La Cala Golf Campo Europa opened in 2005 and is the newest of the three courses. The course is much flatter than Campo America and Campo Asia and has become a favourite of many local golfers. The fairways are a little wider, the greens are much larger and the entire course uses a non-native grass to ensure the course does not dry out during the hot summer months.
Los Olivos Golf course
Los Olivos is one of two golf courses available at Mijas Golf. Los Olivos golf course was designed by Robert Trent Snr, and is a narrow course that challenges players. It’s ideal for those with good higher technical ability. There are fewer water hazards than its sister course, Los Lagos, and the course is a little shorter, however the course has plenty of trees lining the narrow fairways and some elevated small greens.
Los Lagos Golf course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr, Los Lagos golf course is a flat, long course with wide fairways and little rough. However, the course has been designed with a lot of bunkers and an impressive nine lakes so it’s challenging to say the least. The course is named after these lakes and has been designed to accommodate all levels of golfers. The course is currently being refurbished, but it is due to re-open in spring, 2013.
Cabopino Golf course
Located close to the marina, Cabopino golf course was opened in 2001 and has fantastic views of the sea and Africa across the straits. The course has built a reputation as very tight in places although those golfers who are willing to take on the drive will find it very rewarding. Very hilly in parts, especially holes 6 and 8, a buggy hire is definitely recommended for this course. As with all courses on the Costa del Sol, water hazards play their part and feature on at least 5 holes.
Santa Maria Golf course
Santa Maria Golf course is set alongside a beautiful oak and pinewood forest and runs through two valleys. Lakes and streams make for natural hazards and many greens are elevated and contoured giving players a reason to be cautious with their approach shots.
Cerrado del Aguila Golf course
Currently a 9-hole course, Cerrado del Aguila is situated next to the Mijas race course and has excellent views of the Mediterranean sea from many of its holes. The course has flat, wide fairways and medium-sized greens, making it relatively easy course to play.
