Do you want to spend the Christmas holidays in the sun? Here are the top 10 best destinations for your next Christmas vacation.
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[post_content] => 2025 marks the 14th edition of Starlite Marbella, a music festival and amazing opportunity to party to live music and fantastic DJs, with delicious food and a great atmosphere. In this article, we’ll give you the low down on this epic live music event, who’s playing and where you can stay, so you can get planning a summer to remember.
The magic of Starlite Marbella Festival
Since 2012, the Starlite Festival has been bringing some of the best musical acts to Marbella every summer. The organizers call it the “best boutique festival in the world” and it is a coming together of music, culture and gastronomy.
There are four restaurants, and apart from the packed schedule of concerts, you can also dance the night away to DJs. You can book tickets to the after party following the concerts, even if you don’t want to see the main show, just look out for what they call Starlite Sessions.
This year, it’s running from the 13th of June to the 29th of August, and you can enjoy delicious food and a fantastic night out from Monday to Saturday from 8pm.
Starlite Marbella Festival 2025: line-up
The organizers look for a mix of acts, to ensure there’s something for all ages and musical tastes. Every year, there are many great Spanish artists, alongside international superstars and there’s always excitement ahead of the lineup announcement.
The headline act for Starlite Marbella 2025 is the Pet Shop Boys, performing their greatest hits live. Other amazing artists performing at this year’s Starlite Marbella include; Camila Cabello, Marc Anthony, Duran Duran, Seal, The Script and Will Smith.
For all concerts on the auditorium stage, doors open at 8pm and the event starts at 10pm. You can buy tickets for Starlite concerts on their website and from the many booths that you’ll see around Marbella during the summer.
There are 32 amazing acts for 2025, here’s the full line up of Starlite Marbella 2025!
Starlite is held in a quarry in Marbella, which makes for a very impressive backdrop and great acoustics. It’s a residential area under 10 minutes by car from central Marbella and 15 minutes’ drive from Puerto Banus.
You can drive and park for free in the designated parking area, then be dropped off at the door with a shuttle service.
You can also take a taxi, or arrange for a private transfer to and from the venue, to avoid queuing for a taxi at the end of the night.
Starlite Gastro Experience
Foodies will love a visit to Starlite, as there are four amazing restaurants, plus a caviar bar, where you can enjoy delicious food and great shows.
There’s a Nikkei restaurant called Tanabata, which fuses Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
Or how about trying their Mediterranean grill restaurant, Temazo? Here the talented chefs perfectly cook seasonal vegetables, fish and meat over fire, for drama and delicious chargrilled flavour.
You can also enjoy delicious Mexican food at Anima restaurant during your visit to Starlite Marbella. They promise authentic flavours and an awesome experience.
Last but not least, why not treat yourself to a luxury food experience at Sandra’s Caviar Bar. Dine on the very best ingredients selected by the creator of the festival Sandra García-Sanjuán, including of course caviar.
Find out more about these restaurants at Starlite on their website. Book your table early, to avoid disappointment.
Where to stay in Marbella to enjoy Starlite Festival?
We’d recommend Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile as a prime location if you’re planning a holiday around Starlite. It’s the closest area to the festival, which also has some excellent restaurants and bars nearby, and is within easy reach of the beach. Check out our vacation rentals on the Golden Mile in Marbella.
However, anywhere in Marbella is close to Starlite, so if you prefer charm and history and want to be within walking distance of shops, bars and restaurants, then Marbella Old Town would make a good base. Browse vacation rentals in Marbella Old Town.
We can’t wait for Starlite Marbella 2025 - how about you? If you’re planning to come and see some of these amazing musicians live in concert this summer, remember that this is peak season in Marbella. So, we recommend booking flights and accommodation and booking your tickets well in advance, to avoid disappointment. We hope to see you there!
[post_title] => Starlite Marbella 2025: cartel, line-up, tickets and schedules
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[post_content] => LIV Golf is returning to the legendary Valderrama Golf Club this July for three days of amazing golf action. Once again some of the biggest names in golf will be gracing this iconic course with the new exciting LIV format.
Why not plan a golf holiday around watching this fantastic tournament? You can watch the best golfers play, take to the fairways yourself and play on some of the other incredible golf courses on the Costa del Sol, all while enjoying the beaches, nightlife and amazing atmosphere in Marbella in the summer. As this isn’t the peak golf season in Marbella, the courses are quieter and the green fees are cheaper at this time of year and of course the weather is glorious.
When and where is LIV Golf Andalucía 2025?
LIV Golf Andalucia will be played from July 11 to 13 at the Real Club Valderrama. This is one of the very best courses in Europe which has hosted the Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup, and hosted LIV Golf’s first edition in Spain last year.
It was a really popular course with the players and fans, and the action was electric. Everyone is hoping that this year will match the epic scenes from 2024, when the home favorite, Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia beat Anirban Lahiri in a playoff to win the individual title, and his team the Fireballs GC also won. As you can imagine, the local fans went wild!
After the win Garcia said: “For me, it’s a dream come true to do it on my favorite course in front of my family and friends and in front of my teammates. But to make it even better by winning the team championship too, it was amazing. To be totally honest, there’s a connection between Valderrama and myself that I can’t even explain.”
How to get tickets for LIV Golf?
Tickets aren’t yet on sale for the 2025 LIV Golf, but you can sign up for alerts for pre-sale access. After the popularity of last year’s event, we expect this one to be a sell-out, so we recommend doing that to avoid disappointment, especially if you’re planning a golf holiday around the event.
Who will participate in the LIV Golf of Andalusia?
Everyone is waiting with baited breath for the announcement of the player list for this year’s LIV Golf, but the organizers promise the “sport’s biggest personalities”, so you know it’s going to be a great lineup.
Names confirmed when they announced the dates late last year include; defending champion Sergio Garcia, captain of the Fireballs GC team. Also confirmed are Spanish legend Jon Rahm (Legion XIII); the current U.S. Open 2024 champion, Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC); Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Cameron Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC) and many more will be announced in the run up to the tournament.
What is LIV Golf Andalusia?
This is a new, innovative golf tournament, which broke away from the original PGA tour, setting itself up as a rival to the traditional format and it’s been a dramatic journey.
Talks began behind the scenes in 2020 and some big names started to get behind the idea. In October 2021 it was unveiled and the fight between the PGA and the new tournament began in the media and behind the scenes.
In May 2022, the first LIV Golf teed off in the UK, with big names supporting the new format including Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, leading to the PGA suspending the players that compete. Fast forward through legal battles and emergency meetings and in 2025 we’re getting closer to a merger between LIV and PGA and an end to all the conflict. Donald Trump is even getting involved and there’s a cautious optimism that the two tournaments could come together. Find out more about LIV and PGA
While this was all going on, fans were loving the new, more dynamic format, which has been created to “modernize and supercharge the wonderful sport of golf.”
Liv Golf organizers say, “Our events represent an opportunity to revitalize and reinvigorate golf, while helping to bring new audiences to the game. Golf is a sport full of existing traditions. The LIV Golf League intends to create new ones through our innovative and transformational approach. We believe our new format will bring fans closer to the game and generate fresh levels of excitement for the sport.”
The LIV Golf format includes 54 players and 13 teams, competing in a 14-event season and there are two titles – team and individual. There are 14 three-day events between February and August and all the groups of players tee off at the same time, for action around the course. There’s also no knockouts, so all players play the whole tournament, for more action for the fans and a better experience for the players. The individual players score points for their team, as well as competing for the individual trophy, so there’s lots to play for!
Read on to find out more about LIV Golf Andalucia.
What to do on your golf holiday?
The Costa del Golf boasts over 70 golf courses, in a very small area, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to where to play. As well as watching the LIV Golf Andalucia action we’d advise you take some golf classes in Marbella to improve your game to the maximum. Play a few rounds on the many championship courses within easy reach of Marbella. Pop in to one of the excellent golf shops to refresh your gear or pick up a little something to remind you of your holiday.
In the evening, you can enjoy the nightlife and incredible gastronomy on offer in the many restaurants in Marbella and of course a trip to Marbella in July would not be complete without a day at the beach and a visit to one of the beach clubs.
You can browse holiday rentals on the Costa del Sol on our website, to find the perfect base for your next break. We’re passionate golfers and golf fans here at Vacation Marbella, so feel free to get in touch for advice and support for making your next golf holiday the best!
[post_title] => LIV Golf Andalucía is held at the Real Club Valderrama
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[post_content] => Spain is a golfer’s paradise, with 497 courses in total. Add to the number of courses, a great climate, delicious food and plenty of things to do and see off the fairways and it’s no wonder that Spain is one of the world’s top destinations for golf holidays.
But Spain is a very big country – more than double the size of the UK in fact, so where in Spain should you look for your next golf holiday?
Golf Breaks in Spain: Best Destinations
There are a number of regions with a high density of golf courses in Spain. They are often popular with tourists throughout the year too, so they have the facilities you need for a golf break.
Andalucia is the area of Spain with the most golf clubs. It has 104 golf clubs, as well as wonderful beaches, warm weather and lots of vacation rentals and hotels for you to stay in.
Catalonia is the next biggest area for golf breaks in Spain with 53 golf clubs, followed by the Valencian community with 34, Castile and Leon with 33, Madrid with 28, the Balearic Islands with 24 and the Canary Islands with 23.
Let’s drill down a little further into the most popular destinations for golf breaks in Spain and what else these areas have to offer visitors.
Golf Breaks in Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is also known as the Costa del Golf and this area accounts for a large proportion of Andalucia’s 104 golf clubs. This area stretches from the city of Malaga and its international airport to the area of Manilva and includes tourist hotspots such as Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella, Benahavis and Estepona. Contrary to popular belief, Sotogrande isn’t in the Costa del Sol, but is in Cadiz province, which is known as the Costa del la Luz – more on that later!
There are golf clubs all the way along the Costa del Sol, and they are of excellent quality. We’ve reviewed our favourite golf courses on the Costa del Sol on our website, to help you choose where you want to play on your next golf holiday and we also have a list of golf shops in Marbella if you need extra kit. There are also excellent academies and golf pros, and taking golf classes on the Costa del Sol during your holiday is a great way to really boost your skills and enjoy the courses to the full.
With golf courses dotted all around the Costa del Sol, you can choose your favourite town and easily travel to the courses you like the best. Alternatively, if you’re looking to be in the centre of the golfing action, the area with the highest density is Nueva Andalucia. This is nicknamed Golf Valley, because of having five golf courses along the valley just behind Puerto Banus. All five courses are very highly regarded and have great club houses and training facilities.
We recommend it because it’s very close to Marbella and Puerto Banus, so it ticks all the boxes for golf, restaurants, bars, beaches, history, culture and awesome nightlife. There’s no wonder this is one of the very best golf destinations in Spain. Browse vacation rentals in Nueva Andalucia.
Golf Breaks in Almería
Another area of Andalucia which is well known for its golf is Almeria. This is less visited than the Costa del Sol, but you may have seen it on the silver screen, as many Westerns were filmed in the Cabo de Gata natural park. It’s also known as Europe’s greenhouse and produces millions of tons of vegetables for export.
There are several popular tourist resorts in this area, including; Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce, El Ejido, Mojacar, Vera and Cabo de Gata. Thanks to tourism and a great climate, 11 golf courses were built in this area. The Almerimar Golf resort is one of the oldest courses in Spain, designed by Gary Player and Rob Kirby and opened in 1976, which still attracts many golfers from around the world. There’s also Europe’s first and second desert course in Almeria – Desert Springs Golf Club and Golf Valle Del Este. Many of the golf resorts in Almeria also feature hotels and spas with fitness and wellness facilities to appeal to non-golfers too.
Golf Breaks in Murcia
The Murcia region has 17 golf clubs boasting 19 courses and a total of 348 holes between them. Golf in Murcia began with the La Manga Club being built by golfer and businessman Gregory Peters in 1972. This was a pioneering resort, based around golf, with two courses, which was unheard of in Spain at that time. It has since developed into a resort with lots of sports facilities and accommodation including an excellent tennis centre. Since then, more and more courses have been built, including Alhama Signature, designed by Jack Nicklaus, El Valle Golf, which has hosted many world-class competitions, and Dave Thomas’ Golf Altorreal. The golf resorts in the area, plus the beaches and calm waters of the Mar Menor, make this a great golf destination.
Golf Breaks in Costa Blanca
The stunning beaches of Spain’s “white coast” in the Alicante province stretches from Denia to Pilar de la Horada and contains many holiday hotspots, including Benidorm and Alicante. There are over 20 golf courses in the Costa Blanca. The area is split into the North and South region, with 10 in the North (Javea to Alicante) and 10 in the South (Alicante to Torrevieja). Las Colinas Golf Club is an outstanding course designed by Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Font del Llop, the Club de Golf Jávea and the historic Villamartín Golf are all highly recommended. As well as golf and beaches, you can also climb in the Costa Blanca, as part of an active holiday and the city of Alicante is stunning.
Golf Breaks in Costa de la Luz
Sotogrande is the pinnacle of golf in Spain, and although it’s close to the Costa del Sol, it is in fact in an area known as the Costa de la Luz in the Cadiz province. It is home to what’s considered the best course in Spain and one of the very best courses in Europe – Valderrama. This legendary course has played host to the Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup and is a must play for many golfers. But there’s more on offer for golfers in Sotogrande, a total of seven golf courses in a very small area. The area is also known for its white sand beaches, yachting, polo and gastronomy, as well as beautiful countryside.
There isn’t much of a hub for nightlife in Sotogrande, particularly during the winter months. Many travellers base themselves at a holiday rental in Estepona, a vibrant and cultural town with great restaurants and several good golf courses of its own. This town sits between Marbella and Sotogrande, so can be a great base for both.
Golf Breaks in Costa Brava
We already mentioned that Catalonia has 53 golf courses, and the Costa Brava is one of the most important tourist areas in this region. It stretches from the town of Blanes, 60 km northeast of Barcelona to the French border and has been a very popular tourist destination since the 1950s. Golf in Costa Brava is very well developed, with 8 golf clubs and 11 golf courses and it has a long history, with the first course Golf de Pals opening in 1966. PGA Catalunya is ranked one of the top ten courses in Europe and the Real Club Golf El Prat hosted 10 editions of the European Tour Spanish Open. You can enjoy the beaches and towns and of course fit in a visit to the amazing city of Barcelona during a golf break on the Costa Brava.
Golf Breaks in Mallorca
Although it’s a relatively small island, Mallorca is big on golf! There are 24 golf courses in total, with 21 open for non-members to play. The top courses are the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Alcanada and Son Gual, which are highly regarded, but there are many more to enjoy and the travel time is low due to the island’s size. As well as the golf, you have the wonderful, historic city of Palma to enjoy, the party hotspot of Magaluf and wonderful ports such as Andratx. It’s also a hotspot for sailing, with lovely ports and coves dotted around the coastline.
Golf Breaks in the Canary Islands
There are 23 courses in the Canary Islands, most of which can be found on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It’s a favourite winter golf destination as the temperatures don’t dip below 15°C and there’s very low rainfall. Gran Canaria is home to the oldest golf club in Spain, the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, which has been offering golf since 1891. There are wonderful courses designed by leading golf course architects including Anfi Tauro Golf Course on Gran Canaria and the Dave Thomas designed Abama Golf in Tenerife. Off the golf course, you can visit the volcanoes, enjoy amazing hiking, enjoy art, culture, wines and nightlife, soak up the sun on beautiful beaches and even spot dolphins and whales too.
Why book a golf holiday to Spain?
As you can see, Spain is an amazing golf destination, with a huge range of golf courses, in beautiful places. There are frequent and low-cost flights from the UK, Ireland and Europe, which makes it very easy to get here. Plus, as the golf season in Spain tends to be the low season for the rest of the holidaymakers, flights and accommodation are much better value and easier to come by too.
Andalucia offers the widest choice of courses and travel is easy between them. We’d recommend basing yourself in Marbella or Estepona for lots of great things to see and do, within very easy reach of a wide range of golf courses. Trust in the holiday experts and golf lovers at Vacation Marbella to help you plan the best golf holiday in Andalucia.
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The weather is getting colder, the nights are drawing in and the countdown is on to Christmas. Where are you spending yours?
If you’re not sure where to spend Christmas and you’d rather have a Christmas holiday abroad, we’ve got you! There are loads of fantastic places to go, where you can experience the magic of Christmas like never before. In this article, we’re counting down the Top Ten places for a Xmas holiday, to help you find your perfect place.
1. Marbella, Spain
Marbella is a wonderful place to spend Christmas, with lots to do and see, plenty of Christmas spirit, plus bright sunny weather. It’s super easy to get here from Europe, with many airlines offering regular flights. This is the ideal short haul destination for a Christmas holiday in the sun.
Although you can’t expect the temperatures that you’d get in more tropical climes, the thermometer rarely dips below 10⁰C, even at night, and you can expect blue skies and daytime temperatures in the low to mid 20s. These pleasant temperatures make it so much fun to visit Christmas markets, see the Christmas lights, tour the traditional nativity scenes and make a visit to see Santa in his many grottos.
We recommend seeing the beautiful lights in Marbella’s picturesque Old Town and following the tour of the beautifully crafted nativity scenes in the churches, chapels and squares. You definitely need to take a day trip to Malaga for one of the very best sound and light shows around and try the delicious Christmas treats – roscón de reyes, turron and polvorones.
There are many restaurants to enjoy delicious food, with options for the traditional turkey dinner, as well as Michelin star taster menus, Spanish feasts and every cuisine under the sun. The Spanish celebrate their big Christmas meals on the 24th of December and the 5th of January, but as it’s such an international destination, there are special Christmas menus from every part of the globe on offer here.
Marbella is a fantastic shopping destination too, and there are lots of events and special festive activities taking place between the end of November and the 6th of January, so Christmas in Marbella just keeps giving! Walk on the beach by day and feel festive under the sparkling Christmas lights by night – the perfect combination, just a short flight away. Check out our guide to things to do and places to go at Christmas on the Costa del Sol and start planning your trip.
2. Dominican Republic
If you want to spend your Christmas in an island paradise with tropical weather, then the Dominican Republic rates very highly on the list! It’s the epitome of a warm Christmas destination, where you can lounge on the beach, while enjoying Christmas traditions Caribbean style. This includes the beautifully decorated charamicos, hand carved wooden decorations hung with beautiful ornaments, just like a Christmas tree. Feast on traditional foods including roast pork, stuffed banana leaves filled with savory treats and lots of yummy desserts. They celebrate Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day with the family, as they do in Marbella, and they also share the tradition of giving gifts to the children on the 6th of January, rather than the 25th of December. Enjoy fireworks on the beach, traditional dancing on the streets, Dominican Christmas carols and dance the night away at the legendary Christmas parties known as Parrandas Navideñas.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a very popular warm Christmas destination, with really hot weather, blue skies and amazing activities and experiences to enjoy throughout the festive season. Temperatures can hit 40⁰C and as a country with a large Christian population, this is a big holiday and there’s plenty of Christmas spirit in the air. Some of the highlights include; carols by candlelight at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a festival of lights, live music and lots of Christmas markets. You can enjoy a gourmet experience at one of the many wine estates, enjoy outdoor cinema and spend your xmas holidays in the sun. Why not combine it with a big game safari too? Now that’s Christmas with a difference!
4. Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s many islands and white sand beaches are a draw to tourists year-round and December is a great time to visit, as the weather is glorious. Phuket is one of the largest islands and offers lots to do and see for tourists, as part of Xmas holidays in the sun. You can expect balmy temperatures and low humidity (for Thailand) and the water is really warm and crystal clear for diving, snorkeling or simply lounging. Although the locals don’t celebrate Christmas, the tourist areas are decorated and there are lots of events and parties going on.
You will find hotels and tourist restaurants offering international Christmas favorites, or you can stick to the delicious Thai food. There’s even a Christmas Market at Phuket Boat Lagoon. Recommendations – explore the Old Town, visit the Sunday market, marvel at the view from the Karon Viewpoint and visit some of the beautiful Buddhist temples.
5. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a magical and enchanting place all year round, and is a place where you can escape from the endless carols and commercialism of a western Christmas and dive into a vibrant culture. The temperature in Marrakech in December averages around 20⁰C, perfect for exploring and sightseeing and visiting all the amazing landmarks in the city. There’s no need to worry about things being closed on the holidays, as this is just a normal day, and so nothing’s standing in your way to explore the medina, the souk and the beautiful gardens. After a busy day seeing the sights, relax in a Hammam, and have an alternative Christmas meal in one of the city’s amazing rooftop restaurants.
Did you know that you could combine a Christmas holiday in Marbella, with a visit to Morocco? It’s so close that you can easily do a day trip to the northernmost city of Tangier, and enjoy a Spanish Christmas and a Moroccan Christmas too!
6. The Maldives
The Maldives is an island paradise, and if you want to spend Christmas holidays in the sun, it’s a great option. It’s lovely and warm, with temperatures between 27⁰C and 30⁰C, even at night, and mainly dry weather. The many beautiful hotels hold lavish gala dinners over the festive period, with amazing food and entertainment and they usually arrange a visit from Santa for the little ones. Once you’ve ticked the Christmas celebration boxes, then the crystal-clear waters await you and you can enjoy water sports, diving, boat trips, or simply lounge on the beach sipping a cocktail. Bliss!
7. Canary Islands, Spain
The Spanish Canary Island group is a great place to spend Christmas, with lots of festive cheer and temperatures between 19⁰C and 26⁰C during the day, with warm evenings too. Christmas is a big celebration in the Canary Islands, kicking off with the Christmas lights turning on at the end of November and lasting all the way through to the 6th of January.
Just like Marbella, you’ll find nativity scenes, lights and beautiful decorations, with a Spanish flair of course. There are also cultural activities on Lanzarote, with live, traditional music throughout December, open air Christmas concerts on Tenerife, and delicious traditional sweets called “trucha”, which must be tried. There are lots of Christmas markets and events too!
8. New York City, USA
While definitely not a warm weather destination for Christmas, New York is such a special place at this time of year, that we couldn’t leave it off the list! Wrap up warm and take a Christmas walking tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the festive favorites, such as the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the Bryant Park Christmas Market and of course the Empire State Building. The ultimate department store Macy’s is as pretty as a picture and is a great place to see Santa before the big day. We’d also advise a visit to The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland at Pier 15. For the most outrageously decorated houses, head to Dyker Heights Brooklyn – these homeowners really go all out! There are also Christmas markets and skating rinks a plenty and it’s the perfect place for some retail therapy, on Fifth Avenue and beyond.
9. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a great city to enjoy Christmas in, because it’s summer there, yet Christmas traditions are strong. You’ll find some great Christmas markets, festivals, and festive events a plenty throughout December. Check out the massive tree in Martin Place and the Canopy of Light in Pitt Street Mall and head to the Queen Victoria Building for High Tea with Santa. There are lots of live music events and carol concerts around the city throughout December. Because of the beautiful weather you can go true Ozzie style and opt for a barbie on the beach, or perhaps a picnic in the park. The restaurants are epic and there’s loads of culture and shopping to be enjoyed too.
10. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is an amazing city, which really embraces Christmas and looks pretty as a picture, even though culturally it’s not a big deal in Japan. Temperatures are cool but not cold – 12-7⁰C and the city artfully blends Western Christmas traditions with Japanese culture, to make it a unique place to spend the holidays. The lights in Tokyo for Christmas are epic, on the streets and in the stores, and will take your breath away. The Tokyo Christmas Market is a great place to get in some last-minute shopping and take part in activities and workshops. Enjoy live music, by going to one of the Christmas concerts or choir performances. Why not join the masses and have KFC on Christmas Eve? A peculiar Japanese tradition for the festive period, but finger licking good! Tokyo’s Disneyland is amazing at Christmas and there are even holiday themed tea ceremonies to try. We’d definitely recommend a cruise on Tokyo Bay and a visit to one of the outdoor skating rinks as well.
Why spend the Christmas holidays in Marbella?
These 10 destinations are all amazing places for a Christmas holiday, each offering a very different kind of Christmas. But for us (no surprise here I’m sure), Marbella and the Costa del Sol as a whole really are hard to beat! That’s because it blends many of the aspects of what makes Christmas great, and so you can have the best of all worlds.
Being a Catholic country, Christmas is a serious holiday, and celebrated by everyone, rather than simply put on for the tourists. Yet, it’s less commercial and more authentic than in a big city.
The weather strikes just the right balance for us Brits and Northern Europeans to feel festive. It’s cool enough in the evening to feel Christmassy when you’re strolling around the pretty streets, lit with twinkling lights, yet the days are usually mild and sunny and you can still enjoy lunch al fresco by the beach.
There are lots of events and activities for the whole family, up and down the coast and Malaga has one of the best Christmas light and sound shows that we’ve seen anywhere. And what’s more, you could even combine a Christmas in Marbella with one day on the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada and one day in Morocco. How’s that for a mix of experiences?
The shopping in Marbella is great, the restaurants in Marbella are amazing, and you will be able to find whatever food you want to make it feel like Christmas to you. All this, and it’s just a few hours from the UK and most of Europe and flights are very reasonable.
We hope you’ll join us for Christmas this year. Contact us and let us find you a beautiful vacation rental in Marbella to be your home from home at this special time of year and help you plan the dream Christmas holiday in the sun for your family.
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[post_content] => 2025 marks the 14th edition of Starlite Marbella, a music festival and amazing opportunity to party to live music and fantastic DJs, with delicious food and a great atmosphere. In this article, we’ll give you the low down on this epic live music event, who’s playing and where you can stay, so you can get planning a summer to remember.
The magic of Starlite Marbella Festival
Since 2012, the Starlite Festival has been bringing some of the best musical acts to Marbella every summer. The organizers call it the “best boutique festival in the world” and it is a coming together of music, culture and gastronomy.
There are four restaurants, and apart from the packed schedule of concerts, you can also dance the night away to DJs. You can book tickets to the after party following the concerts, even if you don’t want to see the main show, just look out for what they call Starlite Sessions.
This year, it’s running from the 13th of June to the 29th of August, and you can enjoy delicious food and a fantastic night out from Monday to Saturday from 8pm.
Starlite Marbella Festival 2025: line-up
The organizers look for a mix of acts, to ensure there’s something for all ages and musical tastes. Every year, there are many great Spanish artists, alongside international superstars and there’s always excitement ahead of the lineup announcement.
The headline act for Starlite Marbella 2025 is the Pet Shop Boys, performing their greatest hits live. Other amazing artists performing at this year’s Starlite Marbella include; Camila Cabello, Marc Anthony, Duran Duran, Seal, The Script and Will Smith.
For all concerts on the auditorium stage, doors open at 8pm and the event starts at 10pm. You can buy tickets for Starlite concerts on their website and from the many booths that you’ll see around Marbella during the summer.
There are 32 amazing acts for 2025, here’s the full line up of Starlite Marbella 2025!
Starlite is held in a quarry in Marbella, which makes for a very impressive backdrop and great acoustics. It’s a residential area under 10 minutes by car from central Marbella and 15 minutes’ drive from Puerto Banus.
You can drive and park for free in the designated parking area, then be dropped off at the door with a shuttle service.
You can also take a taxi, or arrange for a private transfer to and from the venue, to avoid queuing for a taxi at the end of the night.
Starlite Gastro Experience
Foodies will love a visit to Starlite, as there are four amazing restaurants, plus a caviar bar, where you can enjoy delicious food and great shows.
There’s a Nikkei restaurant called Tanabata, which fuses Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.
Or how about trying their Mediterranean grill restaurant, Temazo? Here the talented chefs perfectly cook seasonal vegetables, fish and meat over fire, for drama and delicious chargrilled flavour.
You can also enjoy delicious Mexican food at Anima restaurant during your visit to Starlite Marbella. They promise authentic flavours and an awesome experience.
Last but not least, why not treat yourself to a luxury food experience at Sandra’s Caviar Bar. Dine on the very best ingredients selected by the creator of the festival Sandra García-Sanjuán, including of course caviar.
Find out more about these restaurants at Starlite on their website. Book your table early, to avoid disappointment.
Where to stay in Marbella to enjoy Starlite Festival?
We’d recommend Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile as a prime location if you’re planning a holiday around Starlite. It’s the closest area to the festival, which also has some excellent restaurants and bars nearby, and is within easy reach of the beach. Check out our vacation rentals on the Golden Mile in Marbella.
However, anywhere in Marbella is close to Starlite, so if you prefer charm and history and want to be within walking distance of shops, bars and restaurants, then Marbella Old Town would make a good base. Browse vacation rentals in Marbella Old Town.
We can’t wait for Starlite Marbella 2025 - how about you? If you’re planning to come and see some of these amazing musicians live in concert this summer, remember that this is peak season in Marbella. So, we recommend booking flights and accommodation and booking your tickets well in advance, to avoid disappointment. We hope to see you there!
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[post_content] => LIV Golf is returning to the legendary Valderrama Golf Club this July for three days of amazing golf action. Once again some of the biggest names in golf will be gracing this iconic course with the new exciting LIV format.
Why not plan a golf holiday around watching this fantastic tournament? You can watch the best golfers play, take to the fairways yourself and play on some of the other incredible golf courses on the Costa del Sol, all while enjoying the beaches, nightlife and amazing atmosphere in Marbella in the summer. As this isn’t the peak golf season in Marbella, the courses are quieter and the green fees are cheaper at this time of year and of course the weather is glorious.
When and where is LIV Golf Andalucía 2025?
LIV Golf Andalucia will be played from July 11 to 13 at the Real Club Valderrama. This is one of the very best courses in Europe which has hosted the Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup, and hosted LIV Golf’s first edition in Spain last year.
It was a really popular course with the players and fans, and the action was electric. Everyone is hoping that this year will match the epic scenes from 2024, when the home favorite, Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia beat Anirban Lahiri in a playoff to win the individual title, and his team the Fireballs GC also won. As you can imagine, the local fans went wild!
After the win Garcia said: “For me, it’s a dream come true to do it on my favorite course in front of my family and friends and in front of my teammates. But to make it even better by winning the team championship too, it was amazing. To be totally honest, there’s a connection between Valderrama and myself that I can’t even explain.”
How to get tickets for LIV Golf?
Tickets aren’t yet on sale for the 2025 LIV Golf, but you can sign up for alerts for pre-sale access. After the popularity of last year’s event, we expect this one to be a sell-out, so we recommend doing that to avoid disappointment, especially if you’re planning a golf holiday around the event.
Who will participate in the LIV Golf of Andalusia?
Everyone is waiting with baited breath for the announcement of the player list for this year’s LIV Golf, but the organizers promise the “sport’s biggest personalities”, so you know it’s going to be a great lineup.
Names confirmed when they announced the dates late last year include; defending champion Sergio Garcia, captain of the Fireballs GC team. Also confirmed are Spanish legend Jon Rahm (Legion XIII); the current U.S. Open 2024 champion, Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC); Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Cameron Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC) and many more will be announced in the run up to the tournament.
What is LIV Golf Andalusia?
This is a new, innovative golf tournament, which broke away from the original PGA tour, setting itself up as a rival to the traditional format and it’s been a dramatic journey.
Talks began behind the scenes in 2020 and some big names started to get behind the idea. In October 2021 it was unveiled and the fight between the PGA and the new tournament began in the media and behind the scenes.
In May 2022, the first LIV Golf teed off in the UK, with big names supporting the new format including Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, leading to the PGA suspending the players that compete. Fast forward through legal battles and emergency meetings and in 2025 we’re getting closer to a merger between LIV and PGA and an end to all the conflict. Donald Trump is even getting involved and there’s a cautious optimism that the two tournaments could come together. Find out more about LIV and PGA
While this was all going on, fans were loving the new, more dynamic format, which has been created to “modernize and supercharge the wonderful sport of golf.”
Liv Golf organizers say, “Our events represent an opportunity to revitalize and reinvigorate golf, while helping to bring new audiences to the game. Golf is a sport full of existing traditions. The LIV Golf League intends to create new ones through our innovative and transformational approach. We believe our new format will bring fans closer to the game and generate fresh levels of excitement for the sport.”
The LIV Golf format includes 54 players and 13 teams, competing in a 14-event season and there are two titles – team and individual. There are 14 three-day events between February and August and all the groups of players tee off at the same time, for action around the course. There’s also no knockouts, so all players play the whole tournament, for more action for the fans and a better experience for the players. The individual players score points for their team, as well as competing for the individual trophy, so there’s lots to play for!
Read on to find out more about LIV Golf Andalucia.
What to do on your golf holiday?
The Costa del Golf boasts over 70 golf courses, in a very small area, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to where to play. As well as watching the LIV Golf Andalucia action we’d advise you take some golf classes in Marbella to improve your game to the maximum. Play a few rounds on the many championship courses within easy reach of Marbella. Pop in to one of the excellent golf shops to refresh your gear or pick up a little something to remind you of your holiday.
In the evening, you can enjoy the nightlife and incredible gastronomy on offer in the many restaurants in Marbella and of course a trip to Marbella in July would not be complete without a day at the beach and a visit to one of the beach clubs.
You can browse holiday rentals on the Costa del Sol on our website, to find the perfect base for your next break. We’re passionate golfers and golf fans here at Vacation Marbella, so feel free to get in touch for advice and support for making your next golf holiday the best!
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[post_content] => Spain is a golfer’s paradise, with 497 courses in total. Add to the number of courses, a great climate, delicious food and plenty of things to do and see off the fairways and it’s no wonder that Spain is one of the world’s top destinations for golf holidays.
But Spain is a very big country – more than double the size of the UK in fact, so where in Spain should you look for your next golf holiday?
Golf Breaks in Spain: Best Destinations
There are a number of regions with a high density of golf courses in Spain. They are often popular with tourists throughout the year too, so they have the facilities you need for a golf break.
Andalucia is the area of Spain with the most golf clubs. It has 104 golf clubs, as well as wonderful beaches, warm weather and lots of vacation rentals and hotels for you to stay in.
Catalonia is the next biggest area for golf breaks in Spain with 53 golf clubs, followed by the Valencian community with 34, Castile and Leon with 33, Madrid with 28, the Balearic Islands with 24 and the Canary Islands with 23.
Let’s drill down a little further into the most popular destinations for golf breaks in Spain and what else these areas have to offer visitors.
Golf Breaks in Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is also known as the Costa del Golf and this area accounts for a large proportion of Andalucia’s 104 golf clubs. This area stretches from the city of Malaga and its international airport to the area of Manilva and includes tourist hotspots such as Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella, Benahavis and Estepona. Contrary to popular belief, Sotogrande isn’t in the Costa del Sol, but is in Cadiz province, which is known as the Costa del la Luz – more on that later!
There are golf clubs all the way along the Costa del Sol, and they are of excellent quality. We’ve reviewed our favourite golf courses on the Costa del Sol on our website, to help you choose where you want to play on your next golf holiday and we also have a list of golf shops in Marbella if you need extra kit. There are also excellent academies and golf pros, and taking golf classes on the Costa del Sol during your holiday is a great way to really boost your skills and enjoy the courses to the full.
With golf courses dotted all around the Costa del Sol, you can choose your favourite town and easily travel to the courses you like the best. Alternatively, if you’re looking to be in the centre of the golfing action, the area with the highest density is Nueva Andalucia. This is nicknamed Golf Valley, because of having five golf courses along the valley just behind Puerto Banus. All five courses are very highly regarded and have great club houses and training facilities.
We recommend it because it’s very close to Marbella and Puerto Banus, so it ticks all the boxes for golf, restaurants, bars, beaches, history, culture and awesome nightlife. There’s no wonder this is one of the very best golf destinations in Spain. Browse vacation rentals in Nueva Andalucia.
Golf Breaks in Almería
Another area of Andalucia which is well known for its golf is Almeria. This is less visited than the Costa del Sol, but you may have seen it on the silver screen, as many Westerns were filmed in the Cabo de Gata natural park. It’s also known as Europe’s greenhouse and produces millions of tons of vegetables for export.
There are several popular tourist resorts in this area, including; Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce, El Ejido, Mojacar, Vera and Cabo de Gata. Thanks to tourism and a great climate, 11 golf courses were built in this area. The Almerimar Golf resort is one of the oldest courses in Spain, designed by Gary Player and Rob Kirby and opened in 1976, which still attracts many golfers from around the world. There’s also Europe’s first and second desert course in Almeria – Desert Springs Golf Club and Golf Valle Del Este. Many of the golf resorts in Almeria also feature hotels and spas with fitness and wellness facilities to appeal to non-golfers too.
Golf Breaks in Murcia
The Murcia region has 17 golf clubs boasting 19 courses and a total of 348 holes between them. Golf in Murcia began with the La Manga Club being built by golfer and businessman Gregory Peters in 1972. This was a pioneering resort, based around golf, with two courses, which was unheard of in Spain at that time. It has since developed into a resort with lots of sports facilities and accommodation including an excellent tennis centre. Since then, more and more courses have been built, including Alhama Signature, designed by Jack Nicklaus, El Valle Golf, which has hosted many world-class competitions, and Dave Thomas’ Golf Altorreal. The golf resorts in the area, plus the beaches and calm waters of the Mar Menor, make this a great golf destination.
Golf Breaks in Costa Blanca
The stunning beaches of Spain’s “white coast” in the Alicante province stretches from Denia to Pilar de la Horada and contains many holiday hotspots, including Benidorm and Alicante. There are over 20 golf courses in the Costa Blanca. The area is split into the North and South region, with 10 in the North (Javea to Alicante) and 10 in the South (Alicante to Torrevieja). Las Colinas Golf Club is an outstanding course designed by Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Font del Llop, the Club de Golf Jávea and the historic Villamartín Golf are all highly recommended. As well as golf and beaches, you can also climb in the Costa Blanca, as part of an active holiday and the city of Alicante is stunning.
Golf Breaks in Costa de la Luz
Sotogrande is the pinnacle of golf in Spain, and although it’s close to the Costa del Sol, it is in fact in an area known as the Costa de la Luz in the Cadiz province. It is home to what’s considered the best course in Spain and one of the very best courses in Europe – Valderrama. This legendary course has played host to the Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup and is a must play for many golfers. But there’s more on offer for golfers in Sotogrande, a total of seven golf courses in a very small area. The area is also known for its white sand beaches, yachting, polo and gastronomy, as well as beautiful countryside.
There isn’t much of a hub for nightlife in Sotogrande, particularly during the winter months. Many travellers base themselves at a holiday rental in Estepona, a vibrant and cultural town with great restaurants and several good golf courses of its own. This town sits between Marbella and Sotogrande, so can be a great base for both.
Golf Breaks in Costa Brava
We already mentioned that Catalonia has 53 golf courses, and the Costa Brava is one of the most important tourist areas in this region. It stretches from the town of Blanes, 60 km northeast of Barcelona to the French border and has been a very popular tourist destination since the 1950s. Golf in Costa Brava is very well developed, with 8 golf clubs and 11 golf courses and it has a long history, with the first course Golf de Pals opening in 1966. PGA Catalunya is ranked one of the top ten courses in Europe and the Real Club Golf El Prat hosted 10 editions of the European Tour Spanish Open. You can enjoy the beaches and towns and of course fit in a visit to the amazing city of Barcelona during a golf break on the Costa Brava.
Golf Breaks in Mallorca
Although it’s a relatively small island, Mallorca is big on golf! There are 24 golf courses in total, with 21 open for non-members to play. The top courses are the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Alcanada and Son Gual, which are highly regarded, but there are many more to enjoy and the travel time is low due to the island’s size. As well as the golf, you have the wonderful, historic city of Palma to enjoy, the party hotspot of Magaluf and wonderful ports such as Andratx. It’s also a hotspot for sailing, with lovely ports and coves dotted around the coastline.
Golf Breaks in the Canary Islands
There are 23 courses in the Canary Islands, most of which can be found on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It’s a favourite winter golf destination as the temperatures don’t dip below 15°C and there’s very low rainfall. Gran Canaria is home to the oldest golf club in Spain, the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, which has been offering golf since 1891. There are wonderful courses designed by leading golf course architects including Anfi Tauro Golf Course on Gran Canaria and the Dave Thomas designed Abama Golf in Tenerife. Off the golf course, you can visit the volcanoes, enjoy amazing hiking, enjoy art, culture, wines and nightlife, soak up the sun on beautiful beaches and even spot dolphins and whales too.
Why book a golf holiday to Spain?
As you can see, Spain is an amazing golf destination, with a huge range of golf courses, in beautiful places. There are frequent and low-cost flights from the UK, Ireland and Europe, which makes it very easy to get here. Plus, as the golf season in Spain tends to be the low season for the rest of the holidaymakers, flights and accommodation are much better value and easier to come by too.
Andalucia offers the widest choice of courses and travel is easy between them. We’d recommend basing yourself in Marbella or Estepona for lots of great things to see and do, within very easy reach of a wide range of golf courses. Trust in the holiday experts and golf lovers at Vacation Marbella to help you plan the best golf holiday in Andalucia.
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