One of the most keenly awaited sports events of the year is coming to the spectacular Costa del Sol: the Solheim Cup 2023. This prestigious women’s golf tournament promises not only to be the most exciting competition of the year, but also a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and culture this exceptional province has to offer. If you love golf trips and tournaments and you’re thinking of going to the Solheim Cup, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. But before packing your bags, check out our tips and suggestions so that you make the most of your trip to the Costa del Sol.
Solheim Cup: where to stay
This year the Solheim Cup, from the 18 until 23 September, takes place on the incredible Finca Cortesín golf course in Casares. For the first time in the tournament’s history, Spain will host the event, welcoming the US team and team Europe to the Costa del Sol. This will be a milestone for the region, placing it at the forefront of the sport. Declared a Village of Historic and Artistic Importance, the influence of the many civilisations who have called Casares their home over the centuries is still very present. The best example of this is the castle which harks back to the Arab period, an added feature to the already stunning landscape sandwiched between Campo de Gibraltar and Serranía de Ronda. In Casares you also have the coast and three top level golf courses.
If you’re looking for a place to stay during the Solheim Cup 2023, the Costa del Sol has a wide selection of accommodation suitable for all tastes and budgets. If you love golf trips then you’re in for a treat as the region has many golf resorts on offer. Some of the most popular are Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort and Río Real Golf Hotel. Here, they don’t just offer world-class golf courses you can play on, but also luxury services conveniently located not far from the location of the tournament.
Source: Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort
Golf in the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is known as the ‘Costa del Golf’ for a reason. The province is home to more than 70 first-class golf courses, making it a paradise for golf players. Before or after the Solheim Cup, grab the chance to have a game at one of these iconic courses. Valderrama Golf Club, known for its long history, hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 as well as many other tournaments, and Real Club de Golf Las Brisas will host the Open de España 2023, a competition that will close the Ladies European Tour season and decide the winner of the Race to the Costa del Sol. These are just two of the must-visit places for any golfer. In addition to the 70 golf courses, there are also lots of golf academies where you can take your first steps into the world of golf if you are not already a seasoned golfer.
Explore the local culture
The Costa del Sol is much more than just golf. The province of Malaga is also home to a rich history and culture with heaps of leisure activities and delicious food available. Make the most of your free time here and explore the charming coastal cities of Marbella, Malaga and Estepona. Discover the region’s fascinating history by visiting museums like Centro Pompidou, Museo Carmen Thyssen and Museo Picasso. Book a visit to Torcal de Antequera, Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Area and Caminito del Rey, Frigiliana or Ronda. And don’t forget to try the tasty Malagueña cuisine at restaurants and chiringuitos - beach bars - along the local beaches. Order scrumptious dishes like sardine espetos (skewers), fried fish and porra antequerana (a typical Andalusian soup). And we can’t forget to mention the fine dining experiences available at the many distinguished restaurants in the region, many with Michelin stars.
The province of Malaga stretches along 161 kilometres of coast so you can’t visit the Costa del Sol without visiting some of its beautiful beaches. After an exciting day at the Solheim Cup, take some time to relax on the beach, do a bit of sunbathing and take a dip in the Mediterranean sea. You’ll find some of the most popular beaches around Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola, which offer a wide choice of chiringuitos and water sports to round off your stay in this coastal paradise.
Source: La Milla de Marbella
Transport and getting around
The province of Malaga boasts an extensive transport network that stretches all over the Costa del Sol, so getting around is easy and stress-fre. During the Solheim Cup week, we recommend renting a car or using local taxis, that way you can easily travel between your accommodation, the golf courses and tourist attractions.
From Malaga city you can get a bus to any of the towns in the province. The local train network is another fast and comfortable option for travelling around the Costa del Sol. The Málaga-Fuengirola line links these two cities and stops at other places including Benaldmádena and Torremolinos. There’s also the Málaga-Álora line which connects the capital city with Valle de Guadalhorce, stopping at Cártama and Pizarra along the way.
The Costa del Sol is the perfect place for an exciting golf trip. This year, with the Solheim Cup 2023, you’ve got the perfect excuse to get to know the province of Malaga. Combine some world-class golf with beautiful nature and the vibrant Andalusian culture for an unforgettable trip. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, get your golf clubs ready and enjoy a golf trip in the Costa del Sol.
