Golf Río Real, three kilometres east of Marbella, was designed by the foremost Spanish golf architect Javier Arana and opened in 1965. A basically flat course sloping gradually down towards the sea, it is very picturesque. Large trees offer plenty of shade and the fairways make several crossings of the Real River after which this club was named. Holes to look out for are the par-three 6th, where your tee shot must be particularly accurate in order to avoid the hillside on the right; the 8th, where the raised green is protected by formidable bunkers; the dogleg par-four 10th; the spectacular 11th; and the new par-3 12th. This is considered one of Marbella’s “classic” golf courses - with a venerable history over many years.

HOW TO GET THERE

From the highway take the turnoff 3 kilometres from Marbella going towards Málaga. You can see the golf course from the highway.