Golf near Nerja: closest courses, green fees & tips
Discover the best golf courses near Nerja, perfect for Dutch golfers. Start your golf season on the Costa del Sol.
My First Morning on the Green
I was up at half past six. The alarm went off early for my first golf day this season. I'd booked a tee time online for 7:30 AM at Baviera Golf. That's about a 20-minute drive from Nerja, heading towards Málaga. It cost me €70 for 18 holes, buggy included. I packed my clubs in the car. It was still chilly, about 12 degrees Celsius. I grabbed a quick espresso at home, no time for a fancy breakfast. The golf course is easy to reach via the A-7; exit Caleta de Vélez. There's plenty of parking at the club. At reception, it was already busy. Lots of golfers were already warming up. I picked up my scorecard and the buggy key. The course is nestled between the mountains and the sea, really a beautiful setting. From the driving range, you've got views of the mountains. My first shot was decent. A slight slice, but it landed on the fairway. The greens were still dewy this morning. This makes 'em a bit slower. I bumped into a caddiemaster at hole 3. He said the course is well-maintained this season. Baviera Golf's course was designed by José María Cañizares. It's a par 71 course, 5,860 metres from the white tees. The elevation changes aren't extreme, which makes for a pleasant walk. The fairways are wide enough, but there are quite a few water hazards. I hit my ball into the water at hole 7. That's a par-3, 150 metres. Luckily, there was a ball dispenser near the tee box. The atmosphere was relaxed, no hurried golfers. From hole 9, you can stop at the kiosk for a bottle of water. A bottle of water there costs €2.
How to Choose the Best Course for You
The Costa del Sol has loads of golf courses. I'm focusing here on courses near Nerja. There are a few good options for golfers. Especially if you're here in March. Baviera Golf is a popular choice. This course is in Vélez-Málaga, about a 25-minute drive from Nerja. The distance is perfectly doable. A green fee currently costs around €70-€90, depending on the time. The course has 18 holes. I find it quite a technical course. There are lots of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. The fairways are narrow, so accuracy is important. I always have to put in extra effort there. Another course is Añoreta Golf. This one's a bit further, about a 35-minute drive towards Málaga. A green fee here usually costs between €65 and €85. Añoreta Golf is also an 18-hole course. It's the first course in Andalusia designed by José María Cañizares. The variation in elevation changes here is significant. This makes for challenging shots. The views of the Mediterranean Sea are a bonus. For beginners or folks who want a quick round, there's a 9-hole course nearby. That's a good option for the afternoon. I've never played there myself, but I hear good things. It's always a good idea to book a tee time in advance. Especially in March, it can get busy. Lots of golfers come here then. My personal preference often leans towards Baviera Golf. I like the challenge. Next to the golf course, there's a restaurant. They do a good "ensalada de la casa" there. I often eat this after my round. The prices are reasonable. A beer costs €3. Lunch is about €12. Choose a course that suits your level. Both courses are well-maintained. The facilities are great. Renting golf clubs? You can do that at both clubs. Expect to pay €30-€40 per set per round.
Handy Tips for Your Golf Trip
It's best to book tee times well in advance. Especially in March, it's busy. I book via Leading Courses or directly through the course's website. This prevents disappointment, 'cause popular times go fast. For example, call Baviera Golf at +34 952 50 45 31 for availability. A tee time around 9:00 AM is ideal. Then the worst of the morning chill is gone, but the midday heat hasn't started yet. I recommend reserving your time at least two weeks in advance. That gives you peace of mind. I always bring extra golf balls. The courses here often have water hazards and thick rough. Six balls is my minimum, otherwise, I'll have to restock on the way. Good sunscreen with factor 50 is a must-have. The sun is deceptive, even in March. I slather it on before every round and take a small bottle in my golf bag. A cap or visor protects your face from the sun. I use a Titleist cap, it's comfy. Hydration is crucial during a round of golf in the sun. I bring at least two litres of water. Many courses have water stations, but they aren't always that frequent. A water bottle with electrolytes wouldn't hurt either. I've noticed my game suffers if I get dehydrated. An energy banana or bar in your bag gives you a quick boost. That way you stay sharp on the last holes. Good golf shoes with enough grip are really important here. The courses can be hilly. I use spike-less shoes; they're comfy and give enough grip. Check the weather forecast before you go. A light rain jacket is sometimes needed, even in March, you can get a shower. I always have a foldable rain jacket in my golf bag. It takes up little space and is a lifesaver in unexpected rain. Bring enough cash for any snacks or drinks along the course. Not all carts accept cards. I've had it happen that I couldn't buy a cold drink. That's annoying after a long walk. Also, always check the local golf etiquette. On some courses, a polo is mandatory, others are more relaxed. I usually play in a technical golf polo; it breathes well. This prevents awkward situations at reception. After your round, it's lovely to relax in the clubhouse. Most courses have good restaurants. At Baviera Golf, I love to eat a "Serranito" sandwich. That's a sandwich with pork tenderloin, bell pepper, and ham. Perfect after 18 holes. Ask for the daily special for a local specialty. Often, it's a good and affordable option. I enjoy the view with a cold beer after the effort.
The Reward After a Day on the Course
After a day of golf, I'm always hungry. And then, I prefer something traditional. In Nerja, I often go to La Taberna del Pirata. This is a nice tapas bar in the centre. You'll find it on Calle Almirante Ferrándiz, number 52. It's about a 15-minute drive from Baviera Golf. Parking can be a bit tricky in the centre. A parking garage under Plaza de España is an option. The daily rate there is about 18 euros; for a few hours, you'll pay 3-5 euros. La Taberna del Pirata has a good selection of tapas. My favourite is the Gambas al Pil-Pil. This costs around 9.50 euros. The Aubergine with cane sugar syrup is also very tasty. Definitely order a few different dishes. The portions are generous, often enough for two people. The atmosphere here is lively, but not too busy. You see a lot of local people there. That often says enough about the quality. I usually go around seven in the evening. Then it's still quiet enough to find a table. Later in the evening, it can get much fuller. Another good option is El Pulguilla. This restaurant has a slightly larger terraza. It's on Calle Cristo, number 42. They're especially known for their fresh fish. The fried anchovies, the boquerones fritos, are highly recommended here. A portion costs about 8 euros. The distance from the golf course is about 20 minutes by car. From Añoreta Golf, you'll be there in half an hour. El Pulguilla is larger than La Taberna del Pirata. It's a good fit if you're with a bigger group. If you want something more local, try Bar Dolores "El Chispa." This place is on Calle San José, number 11. It's a smaller bar. They have a daily changing menu with fresh products. They don't serve a menu in the traditional sense. You choose what's fresh that day. That's a truly authentic experience. The prices here are also a bit friendlier. A glass of wine often costs just 2.50 euros. It's a perfect spot for a quick bite after golfing. As I'm writing this, I'm sitting in La Taberna del Pirata myself. I'm enjoying a glass of tinto de verano. The sun's just set, and the conversations around me sound nice. Take it from me, after a day of golf, this is exactly what you need. Good food, a nice atmosphere, and just chilling out. Try it yourself when you're here. You won't regret it.