Nerja Golf Guide: Where to Play Golf when in Nerja (2025 Edition)
- Sanna Ruuska
- Oct 26, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Welcome to the 2025 edition of Nerja Golf Guide, your go-to source for exploring the best golf courses close to Nerja! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, you’ll find that this region offers some excellent golfing options with stunning views, challenging layouts, and unique golfing experiences. This guide covers three nearby courses within an 30min drive from Nerja and throws in a few additional recommendations for those willing to travel a bit further. So, grab your clubs, and let's get ready to tee off!
Introduction
Hello, golfers! I’m Sanna, and I’m excited to share this Nerja Golf Guide with you, created in collaboration with my husband. Although I’ve never played a round of golf myself, I’ve enjoyed many rounds with my husband, who has been playing golf his entire life.
In Spain, he has played on some of the world-famous courses, such as Valderrama and Club de Campo. His handicap is 9.2, which I understand is pretty decent! For the last 2.5 years, he worked as COO & CBO of Golf GameBook, one of the world’s most popular golf apps, with more than 1.5 million registered users. During that time, he traveled all around the world, including Spain, visiting clubs and organizations within the golf industry, so I’m confident you’ll enjoy this guide and what it has to offer. My husband will also reveal some very interesting information about the upcoming golf course in Nerja that’s on the horizon.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to enjoy a relaxing round, this guide will introduce you to some of the best courses near Nerja. With stunning views and great weather, Nerja is also a fantastic option for a golf holiday, and I’m happy to help you find the perfect course for your next round.
If you’re also thinking about buying a home or investing in a rental property near one of these fantastic golf courses, I’d love to assist you. I offer Property Shopper services as well as consulting in home staging, renovations and short-term rentals here in Nerja.
Feel free to reach out if you need any advice, and don’t forget to check out my website, www.nerjawithsanna.com for more guides and tips.
Sanna
Golf Courses within 30min from Nerja
Baviera Golf
Location: 20 minutes from Nerja
Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LcUD35s9GxeM2XnDA
Facilities: 18-hole course, Trackman driving range, two putting practice greens, short game area, Restaurant (very good), free parking garage, Pro shop, etc.
How to book?
My husband always recommends using the club’s web page / booking platform for the best rates and offers:
Cancellation policy: 2 days. This means that even if you book online, you can cancel up to 48 hours in advance and receive a full refund. You will receive the booking confirmation via email, which will include a link to cancel the booking if needed.
Pro Tip: If you're playing in the summer, take advantage of the twilight deals starting after 4 PM. These discounted green fees usually include a buggy, and the evening temperatures make for a very comfortable round.
Description:
Baviera Golf is the closest course to Nerja, just a short 20-minute drive away, making it the go-to option for locals and visitors alike. Designed by the legendary Spanish golfer José María Cañizares, this 18-hole, par-71 course offers a more relaxed playing experience. It’s relatively flat, especially the front nine, making it a great course for both beginners and those looking for a leisurely round of golf. The back nine adds a bit more of a challenge with some elevation changes, but overall, it’s a friendly course suitable for all levels.
The clubhouse at Baviera Golf offers a casual atmosphere with a good selection of food and beverages. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or enjoying a post-game meal, the restaurant has you covered. The Trackman driving range is a top-notch facility for fine tuning your swing, but be aware that the ball basket is a bit pricey (around €6). However, the quality of the practice range and the added value of the Trackman system make it worth the extra cost.
One of Baviera Golf's great facilities is its parking garage which is available to all players. This is something you will appreciate especially at the end of a hot day. No need to jump in the car, which is like a sauna.
My husband’s comments:
Baviera Golf is the closest golf course if you’re in Nerja and it's a very nice one. The first nine holes are quite flat, with just a few elevation changes, making it easier compared to some of the hillier courses along the Costa del Sol. One of the best aspects of Baviera is the lack of housing developments around the course, offering a peaceful and open environment compared to other courses in the region. The par 5s are especially challenging, and the course as a whole presents a nice balance of difficulty.
The back nine provides some lovely views of the Mediterranean, and it's always a joy to play, except for hole 12, which is by far the toughest. Don’t know what Mr. Cañizares was thinking when designing that hole. Just be happy with bogey or even a double and move on to the next hole. But overall, Baviera is a great course for anyone visiting Nerja. With reasonable prices, especially for twilight rounds after 4 PM during summertime, it’s a fantastic option for golfers looking to enjoy an evening round of golf in cooler summer conditions.
The facilities at Baviera are top-notch, including a unique underground parking garage, a great restaurant, and new TrackMan technology on the driving range. The short game area and two putting greens complete the practice offering.
Easiest holes: Hole 1 and Hole 3. Hole 1 is a very short par 4 with dogleg to the right. Beware of the downslope. I use a 9-iron at most, with my carry being around 140 meters. Due to the downslope, the ball won’t stop so you don’t need a big club for the first shot. After that shot, you’ll have left around 100 meters to the green. Be cautious with your approach, as you don’t want to go over the green.
Hole 3 is an easy par 4, also with a downslope. There’s plenty of space, and nothing really makes this hole difficult. Not even the water hazard on the left side of the green that rarely comes into play. Hole 3 is a really nice hole overall.
Toughest holes: Hole 12, without a doubt. It’s a very difficult par 5 where, for most players, the driver is not an option. You still need to hit a good iron shot and place the ball on the right side of the fairway, where there’s also water next to it. If you place the ball on the left, your next shot will be very challenging. A bogey on this hole is a very good result, even for single handicap players.
Hole 4 is also a tough par 5. There’s a large water hazard on the left that comes into play on your second or third shot. Also, be aware of the small water hazard just in front of the green (slightly left), which isn’t visible when you’re approaching.
Añoreta Golf
Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rCv2v63XAQhw292d7
Location: 25 minutes from Nerja
Facilities: 18-hole course, Driving range (located 1km from the clubhouse on the other side of the highway), putting and chipping greens, Restaurant (very nice atmosphere), Pro shop
How to book?
Best deals always directly on Añoreta’s own web page / booking platform:
Cancellation policy: 2 days. This means that even if you book online, you can cancel up to 48 hours in advance and receive a full refund. You will receive the booking confirmation via email, which will include a link to cancel the booking if needed.
Description
Añoreta Golf, located about 25 minutes west of Nerja, offers a more challenging round compared to Baviera. This 18-hole, par-72 course was designed, just like Baviera, by José María Cañizares and presents a mix of long fairways and tricky holes with many elevation changes. Expect plenty of blind shots and many water hazards that will test your strategic play.
While Añoreta is undeniably a more complex course, the views are worth the effort, with several holes offering great views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean. If you haven’t played here before, make sure to bring a golf GPS or use apps like Golf GameBook, Hole19 or GolfShot, as knowing the layout will help you navigate some of the more difficult holes. Over time, as you become familiar with its intricacies, you’ll come to appreciate Añoreta’s challenging nature.
The restaurant at Añoreta offers a fine selection of food and drinks, and the terrace has fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're cooling off after a tough round or just stopping by for lunch, the restaurant is a great spot to unwind.
My Husband’s comments:
Añoreta Golf is one of those courses that can be frustrating the first time you play it, especially if you're unfamiliar with its layout. It's common for golfers to struggle on their first round here and vow not to return, particularly if they're playing without someone who knows the course well. Añoreta, like many courses along the Costa del Sol, is built into the slopes and hills, with plenty of elevation changes. It’s not an easy walk, so a buggy is highly recommended to make the round more enjoyable.
However, Añoreta has a way of growing on you. By your second or third round, you’ll begin to appreciate its design. Many of the holes, which initially seem tight and difficult from the tee box, open up once you’re on the fairway. A good example is hole 7, where the tee shot can feel intimidating due to the high elevation and limited visibility. But once you reach the fairway, you realize there's plenty of space and even another fairway next to it. Hole 13 is another good example, appearing narrow from the tee but revealing ample room for a well-placed drive on the left side. Añoreta is a golf course where familiarity pays off, and once you learn its tricks, it becomes far more enjoyable.
Price-wise, Añoreta offers great value, especially compared to some of the pricier courses on the Costa del Sol. In the high season, two players with a buggy will cost around €150, which is reasonable. During the summer, you can find deals as low as €100 for two players with a buggy, and the twilight rates are even more affordable, starting early in the afternoon.
Añoreta also features a fantastic restaurant with a great atmosphere and views of the golf course, making it an ideal spot to relax after your round.
Overall, Añoreta Golf is well worth a visit, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers coming from Nerja.
Easiest holes: There aren’t too many easy holes on Añoreta, and even the par 3s are challenging, especially hole 9 and hole 17. Both are relatively long par 3s, with water in play. But I would say the easiest holes on Añoreta are holes 12 and 15, which are short par 4s, and also hole 18, which is another short par 4 where pretty much the only difficulty is the approach, as the green is much higher than where you’re approaching from. But other than that, it’s a nice and relaxed hole to finish the round.
Toughest holes: Hole 8, a long par four where the water comes into play on the left if you hit more than 200 meters. So, the driver is not an option for many long hitters. I use a 6-iron, which places the ball perfectly, and I don’t need to worry about the water on the left. My 6-iron carry is around 180 meters, and with the downslope where it lands, it can easily go 200 meters under normal conditions. But there's still 180-200 meters left to the green, and it tightens up all the way.
Añoreta is full of difficult holes, but the 16th par 5 is, for me, the second toughest on the course. Again, the tee shot is very tricky, where I need to hit a perfect 5-iron (around 210m) to get the ball into the perfect position at the dogleg to the right. If you hit too far, there’s water; if you hit left the same thing and on the right there’s OB. The rest of the hole is also not easy, with water on the left and OB on the right.
Los Moriscos Club de Golf
Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yyc8bPHwoF3rHCqn6
Location: 35 minutes from Nerja
Facilities: 18-hole course, Driving Range, Restaurant, Beach access
How to book?
Directly on their own web page / booking platform:
Los Moriscos Golf offers a truly unique golfing experience. Situated right along the beach, this course combines the best of both worlds: sun, sand, and golf! Just a 35-minute drive from Nerja, this 18-hole, par-70 course is perfect for those who want to combine a relaxing day at the beach with a round of golf.
The course is flat, making it a relatively easy walk, but don’t let that fool you, there are still plenty of challenges, particularly when the coastal winds pick up. Several holes are right next to the Mediterranean and having Sierra Nevada on the background, offering some of the most scenic tee shots in the region.
Pro Tip: Play Los Moriscos early in the morning to avoid the stronger winds in the afternoon. After your round, you can stroll straight onto the beach for a refreshing dip in the sea. The restaurant is also a must-visit, with its prime location offering views over the water as you enjoy a post-game meal or drink.
Golf Courses Within a 1-Hour Drive from Nerja
If you're willing to venture a bit further, there are some fantastic courses within an hour drive from Nerja.
Here are three highly recommended options:
Parador Golf
Location: Near Málaga Airport, 50 minutes from Nerja
Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KK8m6oKRP8s4UHmw8
Facilities: 18-hole course, Driving Range, Pitch and Putt course, Pro Shop, Restaurant, Tennis, Hotel and more
How to book?
Parador Golf is probably the only course on the Costa del Sol that is entirely flat, making it an enjoyable walk for those who prefer not to use a buggy. Despite its flat terrain, the course still offers plenty of challenges with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The proximity to Málaga Airport also makes it a convenient option for golfers flying in or out of the region.
One unique aspect of this course is that you’ll see planes landing and taking off while you play. It adds an unusual but interesting dynamic to your round! After your game, the Parador Hotel’s restaurant and pool area offer a lovely spot to relax and unwind.
Real Guadalhorce Club de Golf
Location: Near Málaga Airport, 55 minutes from Nerja
Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8D1DVgA4vzgsTffM7
Facilities: 18-hole course, Driving Range, Par-3 Course, Restaurant, Pro shop, Padel, Tennis and more
How to book?
Guadalhorce Golf Club is another fantastic course located still fairly close to Nerja. Known for its excellent playing conditions and a beautiful layout, it’s a great choice for those looking for a challenging yet enjoyable course within an hour’s drive of Nerja.
Granada Club de Golf
Location: Granada, 55 minutes from Nerja
Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kk3VotyNTKejdgda7
Facilities: 18-hole course, Driving Range, Chipping and Putting Green, Restaurant, Tennis, Padel and more.
How to book?
Heading inland toward Granada, you’ll find Granada Golf Club, a hidden gem just under an hour’s drive from Nerja. With stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background, this course offers a scenic and relaxing round of golf. Combine your golf trip with a visit to the Nevada Shopping mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Spain, located just nearby.
Future Possibility: A Golf Course in Nerja?
There have been rumors for years about the development of a golf course right here in Nerja. This proposed project could potentially offer breathtaking sea views from every hole, making it one of the most scenic courses in all of Spain. The course and its clubhouse would be situated near the old sugar factory, with plans for a state-of-the-art clubhouse and possible housing developments around the course.
My husband some time ago had a business meeting with the Andalusian Golf Federation and some of the directors there, and they confirmed that the project is real and very much alive. However, as exciting as this possibility is, it’s still tied up in long-term contracts the current landowner has with many farmers, and the actual development may be still several years away. But keep an eye on the news, because if it happens, it would be fantastic news for all the golfers in Nerja.
Final Thoughts
Nerja and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of golfing experiences, whether you’re looking for a quick round close to town or a scenic day trip to some of Andalucía’s best courses. Baviera Golf is perfect for those who want to stay nearby, Añoreta offers a bit more challenge for the experienced golfer, and Los Moriscos brings a unique combination of beach and golf. For those willing to travel a bit further, Parador and Guadalhorce near Málaga Airport, or Granada’s beautiful course, won’t disappoint.
Happy golfing, and see you on the greens!
