Baviera Golf

Baviera Golf is proof that flat doesn't mean easy. Designed by José María Cañizares, the same World Cup-winning architect behind Añoreta down the coast, this course near Caleta de Vélez piles on the obstacles instead of relying on elevation to make you think — bunkers, water and a set of wide, heavily contoured greens conspire to punish anything but a well-committed shot. It's a fair test for every handicap despite the modest yardage, which is exactly why regulars keep coming back for more. The relatively new clubhouse has quietly become one of the better lunch stops on the eastern Costa del Sol, and the course's consistently sharp conditioning has it climbing plenty of "best value" lists in the region.

Baviera Golf sits on the coastal road just outside Caleta de Vélez, about 35km east of Málaga. From Málaga Airport, take the A-7 eastbound past Rincón de la Victoria and Torre del Mar — journey time is roughly 40 minutes. The course entrance is clearly signposted from the main road, with ample free parking at the clubhouse.