Alhaurín Golf

Tucked inland at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas, Alhaurín Golf is one of the last courses the great Severiano Ballesteros put his name to before it opened in 1993 — and you can feel his fingerprints all over it. Forget the crowded coastal strip: this is 18 holes of rolling, tree-lined parkland where the loudest thing around is birdsong. Seve built in generous landing areas so you can actually enjoy the swing, then guards every green with subtle slopes and strategically placed bunkers that reward a thoughtful approach over a brute- force one. It's a genuinely relaxed round, the kind where you finish 18 holes wondering why you don't play more inland courses. Add in mountain views that change colour through the afternoon and a clubhouse that doesn't take itself too seriously, and Alhaurín earns its reputation as one of the Costa del Sol's best-value rounds for golfers of every handicap.

From Málaga Airport, take the A-7/AP-7 towards Málaga and pick up the A-357 towards Coín, then follow signs onto the A-366 to Alhaurín el Grande — around 35–40 minutes in total. The course entrance on the Alhaurín–Mijas road (A-387) is clearly signposted from the town. A hire car is the easiest way in, as the resort sits a few kilometres outside the village centre.