5 best golf courses closest to Las Dunas Grand Hotel
February 3, 2025
When you choose to stay at one of the best Estepona hotel and spa resorts, you expect to be pampered and to have access to a wide range of services, amenities and diversions at your fingertips… and Las Dunas Grand Hotel doesn’t disappoint.
In addition to the superb hotel facilities, including a popular restaurant that is considered to be one of the best Estepona restaurants, the beautiful scenery and Blue Flag beaches in the local vicinity, when you stay at Las Dunas you are also surrounded by some of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol.
If you are a golf aficionado or just a beginner, there is a course that will set your pulse racing. Each course in Estepona has been designed by a world-famous course-architects (in conjunction with championship golfers) to deliver the best experience for both players and spectators. While the players enjoy practicing their swing, those who prefer relax, can sample the delights of the clubhouse which not only offer some of the most dazzling golf, sea and mountain views from their terraces but can also be described as being some of the best places to eat in Estepona.
Here are our favourite golf courses in Estepona, which also happen to be the closest to Las Dunas Grand Hotel:
Villa Padierna Golf Resort: Los Flamingos Golf Club
Although officially in Benahavis, Villa Padierna Golf Club is located close to Las Dunas Grand Hotel on Estepona’s New Golden Mile. However, it isn’t only the proximity Las Dunas that recommends this superb golf club, there are no less than three 18-hole courses, with a total of 54 holes. The three courses cater for all levels of skill; the most challenging being Alferini Golf, the fastest is Tramores Golf and most beautiful is Los Flamingos Golf – our favourite.
Designed by specialist architect Antonio Garcia Garrido with undulating with breath-taking mountain and sea views. Los Flamingos is best-known course of the trio, is synonymous with high profile international tournaments and it’s the official winter base for a number of leading European PGAs. It played host to the 2003, 2003 and 2004 European Senior Tour and the 2010 Ladies European Tour.
Urbanización Villa Padierna Golf Resort
Carretera de Cádiz, KM 166
29679 Benahavís
Reservations: 00 34 952 889 157
E-mail: welcome@villapadiernagolfclub.es
www.villapadierna.es/en/flamingos/
Valle Romano Golf & Resort
Golf Course Valle Romano was designed by the esteemed American course designer, Cabell B Robinson, who is responsible for creating some of the world’s most impressive golf courses. Since it opened in 2010, this attractive 18-hole course has hosted two European Tour tournaments; the Andalucia Costa del Sol Match Play 9 (2018/2019) and the Qualifying School 2013 (Phase 2).
In addition to the perfectly tended greens of the course, there is a putting green, driving range, a golf school, a pro-shop, and there is also a stunning clubhouse with a restaurant, bar and a fantastic terrace.
Valle Romano Golf & Resort
Urbanización Valle Romano
Carretera A-7, km. 152
29680 Estepona
Reservations: reservasgolf@valleromano.es
Telephone: 00 34 952 800 600
www.valleromano.net
Atalaya Golf & Country Club
We love that this golf club has two 18-hole golf courses: the ‘Old Course’ and the ‘New Course’, each offering different rates of difficulty and unique challenges. Those who like to socialise and meet like-minded players during golf or health and fitness holidays, will like the atmosphere at Atalaya Golf. It is renowned for its cosmopolitan feel and extensive international membership, offering a welcoming atmosphere. The Club operates a rolling 5-year strategy for investment and improvements to the golf courses, ensuring that each year it is just as beautiful, if not better than the last
Old Course
Let’s start with the Old Course which first opened in 1968. Set against the backdrop of La Concha Mountain, one of the Costa del Sol’s most iconic landmarks, the course was designed by German golf course architect, Bernard von Limburger, who specialises in creating beautiful golf courses that enhance the landscape. The course features gentle inclines and cleverly positioned trees and shrubs that provide texture, colour and shade. There are also lakes and stream that provide homes to birds and the Club’s resident swans.
New Course
Opened in 1990, the ‘New Course’ is located above the Old Course which allows for impressive panoramic views across the coastline, sea and as far as Gibraltar. It was designed by Paul Krings to take advantage of its peaceful inland setting to include a lake, a central area with cork, oak and olive forests and several climbs.
Atalaya Golf also has the PG Golf & Sports Academy, where you’ll find the only Trackman driving range (with flexible golf-ball tracking solutions) on the Costa del Sol.
Atalaya Golf & Country Club
Carretera Benahavís, km. 0.7
29688 Estepona
Reservations: 00 34 952 882 812
www.atalaya-golf.com
El Paraíso Golf Club
El Paraiso is an 18-hole championship course designed by Gary Player (who has over 400 golf course designs to his name). Since its launch in 1973, it has become firm favourite amongst golfers on the Costa del Sol. Ideally positioned against a mountain backdrop and the azure blue sea, it is a beautiful course that appeals to those who play and those who like to relax, take advantage of the superb clubhouse facilities and wonderful views.
Located in ‘Paradise Valley’ (from where the club takes its name) on a 200-hectare plot of land, the club is member owned, which means that all profits are reinvested into the club to ensure it retains its crown. The course underwent extensive renovation to mark its 50th anniversary (2023), which saw a redesign of seven greens and upgraded tees.
El Paraíso Golf Club
Urbanización El Paraíso
Carretera A-7, km. 167
29680 Estepona
Reservations: 00 34 952 883 835
https://elparaisogolf.com/
If you would like to play a round golf while you enjoy your Estepona hotel and Spa holiday at Dunas Grand Hotel, visit our website or more information or call us on 951 082 090 or email: reservas@lasdunascostadelsol.com.
