Christmas in Marbella 2024: Your guide to activities and events
Do you want to spend Christmas in Marbella? In this guide we’re sharing all the best activities, things to do and the Spanish traditions that you should know about.
The countdown is on to the Marbella Legends Tournament, taking place at the Aloha Golf Club in Nueva Andalucia’s Golf Valley from the 14th to the 16th of February. This tournament is the first of the Legends Tour 2025, which was previously known as the European Senior Tour.
This tournament is wonderful to watch and it’s free to attend for the general public. Not only that, but there are opportunities for amateurs to play alongside their heroes too.
Whether you’re watching or playing, why not organize a holiday on the Costa del Golf to coincide with the Marbella Legends Tournament? You can play on some of the best courses, watch this great tournament and enjoy amazing restaurants, bars, nightlife and activities. Check out our Marbella vacation rentals, which make the perfect base for your golfing holiday.
It’s an honour to have Marbella chosen by the Legends Tour to be their first event of the new season. However, it’s not a surprise, when this is such a golfing hotspot, with some incredible golf courses and amazing facilities for golfers, such as golf shops, luxury accommodation and things to do, for players and spectators alike.
Marbella Legends is a three-day seniors tournament featuring some big names in the world of golf, including past winners of the Ryder Cup and the Masters. It also has a Pro-Am event taking place the day before. It is part of the PGA European Tour, so you can expect some very high-level play.
Aloha Golf Club is the venue for this three-day tournament. They are no strangers to hosting major competitions, having hosted the PGA Tour three times in recent years. Designed by Javier Arana, it is widely considered one of the best on the Costa del Sol, with a par of 72 and an overall length of 6,900 yards. It’s praised for its fast and well-maintained greens and the challenges of the narrow fairways and water hazards. It is also friendly, with a magnificent restaurant and social club.
It is located in Nueva Andalucia, which has a number of fantastic golf courses, very close together, as well as some excellent restaurants and bars, and is within easy reach of Puerto Banus and Marbella. Search for holiday rentals in Nueva Andalucia.
Who is playing in the Marbella Legends?
There are some big names playing in this tournament, including Spanish players Jose Maria Olazabal, who won the Ryder Cup twice and Miguel Angel Jimenez, who is a two times Masters Champion. Colin Montgomerie will also be playing, who was the Ryder Cup Captain and a five times Ryder Cup Winner.It also features Scottish golfer Paul Lawrie, New Zealand legend Michael Campbell who won the US Open in 2005, Argentina’s Angel Cabrera and England’s Roger Chapman.
You can see these amazing golfers playing at Aloha for free, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty and friendly welcome of this club. If you’re a golf fan who usually watches on the TV, it’s a great experience to see it in the flesh.
There are also opportunities to play alongside these greats with the Championship Pro-Am experience on the 13th of February, or the complete Legends Experience, where you can play alongside these incredible players in the tournament itself and live the life of a professional golfer. Find out more about these playing experiences.
About The Legends Tour
This is the new name for the European Seniors Tour which was formed in 1992 for professional golfers over the age of 50. It’s part of the PGA European Tour, DP World Tour and European Challenge Tour.
In 2020, there was an exciting new addition to this established tour, adding into the golf format the ability for amateurs to play along the professionals. The new look tour collaborates with top golf clubs and legendary golfers and creates a fantastic show for spectators who watch live and via TV. It then adds in the opportunity for amateurs to get involved and have unprecedented access to the professionals and all the aspects of a professional golf tournament.
Who organizes the Legends Tour?
It is organized by the European Tour Group and Staysure Founder and Group CEO Ryan Howsam to create a great experience for players and spectators alike.
What countries does the Legends Tour visit?
After Marbella, the Legends Tour will travel the globe starting in Barbados, then moving on to Ireland, USA, Greece, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Mexico, before coming to an end in India in December. Check out the Schedule
Golf Holidays in Marbella
We’d love to welcome you to enjoy an amazing golf holiday in 2025. Come and watch amazing tournaments like the Marbella Legends, and stay a few more days to play on some of the area’s world-class courses, improve your game with golf classes and eat in some wonderful restaurants. You can play golf in Marbella throughout the year, thanks to our fantastic climate, but the peak golf season is spring and autumn. Contact us if you’re coming to watch the Marbella Legends and we’ll let you know what accommodation is available for you close to Aloha Golf Club, or in the area of your choice.
[post_title] => Marbella Legends, the tournament that will open the Legends Tour season
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[post_content] => Andalucia is a paradise for golfers, with over 90 courses in all – that’s more than any other region in Spain! With so many fantastic golf courses in Andalucia, plus wonderful weather all year round, this area is an obvious choice for organizers of golf tournaments. Add to that the top-class accommodation and everything visitors could want, and it’s no wonder that so many golf tournaments are played in Andalucia every year.
As big golf fans, we’re really looking forward to seeing some of the world’s best golfers play in Andalucia in 2025. There are so many golf tournaments to look forward to. There are many professional tournaments where you can see some amazing players in action, and many others for amateurs, which you can take part in yourselves.
Here’s our guide to some of the best golf tournaments in Andalucia, plus when and where they are taking place. More information is released by the organizers and golf clubs closer to the dates, so check back if you’re planning to visit one in particular, or contact the golf club, or the Andalusian Golf Federation directly to enquire about playing or watching the action.
February
Campeonato de Sevilla 2025, Real Club Pineda de Sevilla, Seville
Date: 8th & 9th February
Find out more https://www.nextcaddy.com/tour/55486
The beautiful and historic Real Club Pineda is hosting this competition in February. This is one of the first Andalucia golf tournaments of the year. Operating since 1940, this golf club and equestrian centre is a lovely place to visit to watch or play golf, tennis, padel, football, croquet and more. The cafeteria and the bar are open for refreshments and there will be lots of great golf on show. Prizes will be presented on the 9th of February around 16.30 if you want to see who will be crowned the winner.
Date: 14th - 16th February
Marbella’s Aloha Golf Course is hosting the first tournament of the Legends Tour from the 14th to the 16th of February. This golf tournament in Andalucia is a European Senior Tour, for players over 50. This event is free to attend for the general public, so you can see Legends of the game up close and personal! There’s also the opportunity for passionate amateur players to play alongside their idols with their Legends Experience.
Date: 10th - 11th May
This golf tournament in Andalucia is hosted by the Bellavista Golf Club in Huelva, which opened its doors in 1916. It’s a wonderful location for a golf tournament, which hosts over 100 sporting events per year. This 18-hole championship course is in a stunning setting, with fast greens, wide fairways and offers a highly technical challenge.
Date: 19th May
The tour organized by the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation year after year continues to add competitiveness, excitement and talent among the participants.
Date: 24th – 25th May
The Almerimar Golf Course is a 27-hole course, designed by Gary Player, which is well known for its beauty. It is a favourite for golf tournaments because of its versatile and flexible layout. It will be hosting two golf tournaments in May, and more details will be released shortly.
Date: 26th May
The Professional Circuit is an Andalusian golf tournament, which was launched in 2016 by the RFGA and the Andalusian Professional Golfers’ Association. This tournament offers professional players in the region the chance to compete for cash prizes on some of the most iconic golf courses in Andalucia.
In May, it’s coming to the Chaparral Golf Club, in the Malaga province. This is a spectacular parkland forest course, with amazing scenery, within easy access of Malaga airport. Designed by the so-called “Picasso of Golf” Pepe Gancedo, it offers a unique golfing experience with stunning views and is a wonderful place to play and watch golf.
Date: 9th June
The Andalusian Professionals’ Circuit is heading to Cordoba on the 9th of June, for a golf tournament at the Club de Campo de Cordoba. This course is in a stunning area of woodland, and is a 18-hole, par 72 course, which is technically challenging. As well as the golf course, there’s great tennis and padel tennis facilities, pool, gym and kids’ playgrounds and some great options to relax and socialise with other passionate golfers. This makes it an excellent place to watch all the action as part of this golf tournament in Andalucia.
Date: 23rd June
The action returns to the Costa del Sol later in the month, to the golfing hotspot of Sotogrande. La Cañada Golf plays host to the tournament. This golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is known for its entertaining fairways and fast greens. The restaurant is great, and it is popular as one of the most affordable golf courses to play on in the Sotogrande area.
Date: 27th – 29th June
This tournament in Jerez is part of the World Amateur Golf Ranking, where male and female amateur golfers can earn points for their personal rankings from official events such as these. It is open to all ages and follows a Stroke Play format. Sherry Golf is a fantastic 18-hole course and the location of this tournament. It also offers a natural grass driving range, putting green and chipping green. Combine a visit to this golf tournament in Andalucia with a tour of the Tio Pepe Sherry Factory and a stroll around the historic city of Jerez.
July
In July, the Isla Canela Links Course in Huelva hosts two amateur golf tournaments.
Date: 9th – 10th July
This is an amateur tournament for senior players, over 50 years old, playing in pairs. Players must have a licence from the Spanish Golf Federation and a handicap certificate. It follows a Stroke Play Scratch format over two consecutive days. The first day will be played 18 holes Four Balls Best Ball. The second day will be played 18 holes, under the individual formula (Canada Cup), adding for classification purposes the three rounds played. Registrations need to be made via the Andalusian Golf Federation. This tournament is taking place in Isla Canela Golf Course in Huelva, ranked in the top 100 golf courses in continental Europe.
Date: 11th – 13th July
One of the biggest golf tournaments in Andalucia for 2025 is Liv Golf. This new golf league is shaking up the world of golf and serving up even more high-octane action through 2025, with the sport’s biggest personalities showcasing their skills on the world stage. You can get tickets to watch all the action at the iconic Valderrama golf course in Sotogrande. They say, “This is golf, but not as you know it. 13 teams. 54 Players. No cuts. And shotgun starts.”
Date: 11th – 12th August
The Final of the Professional Andalucian Golf Circuit will be fought out at Lauro Golf in Alhaurin de la Torre in August, to crown the champion, under sunny skies. This epic course has 27 holes and 30 years of history and hosts a wide range of professional and amateur golf tournaments throughout the year. View the tournament calendar. There’s also lots of other things to do, such as padel tennis, horse-riding and lawn bowls.
Golf Holidays on the Costa del Sol
Why not combine watching, or playing in one of these great golf tournaments in Andalucia, with a golf holiday on the Costa del Sol? This area is known as the Costa del Golf, due to the high concentration of excellent golf courses and it’s easy to take a day trip to watch one of these golf tournaments.
The peak golf season on the Costa del Sol is spring and autumn, but the weather is great all year round, so choose the tournament you like the look of the most, or a month with a few close together and book your holiday around that.
You’re spoilt for choice with some incredible golf courses on the Costa del Sol, as well as clubs with academies where you can improve your game during your holiday in Marbella with golf classes. Because it’s such a golfing hotspot, you’ll also find golf shops to update your gear and fantastic restaurants and bars to enjoy discussing your game.
We have a wide range of holiday rentals on the Costa del Golf, within easy reach of some amazing golf courses. These make the perfect base for any golf holiday on the Costa del Sol!
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[post_content] => We are very lucky to have some amazing restaurants in Marbella. Of course, there are lots of places to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine, as well as fine dining, Michelin star restaurants and places offering food from around the globe.
When you’ve had your fill of paella, tapas and seafood, and just want something easy, delicious and comforting, pizza is hard to beat. You’re not alone in craving pizza, even on holiday! Pizza was voted the most popular food in the world in 2020, and featured in the number 2 spot for best dishes of the world in CNN Travel’s world’s best food dishes too.
So, there’s no surprise that you’ll find many different pizzerias in Marbella, from the chain delivery options, to neighbourhood pizza joints, and international restaurants, which serve pizzas alongside a huge number of other dishes.
Here are our favourite places which we think serve the best pizza in Marbella.
1. Zozoi – The best pizza restaurant in Marbella Old Town
Tucked away in one of the pretty squares of Marbella Old Town is the fantastic restaurant Zozoi, with a charming Andalusian-style patio. We love the varied menu and wonderful atmosphere and service at Zoizoi and the pizzas and pastas are fantastic. There’s a small selection, but they are very well made and tasty. The steaks are highly recommended too!
It’s a great option if you are staying in a holiday rental in Marbella Old Town.
2. La Pappardella, one of the best pizzas in Puerto Banus
If you’re staying in Puerto Banus, La Pappardella has been delighting customers with classic pizzas and pasta dishes for over 30 years. It was opened by a family from Naples in 1993, who still run the restaurant today. They pride themselves on offering authentic Italian food and a friendly atmosphere from the South of Italy. You’ll find traditional antipasti like Vitello Tonnato, Beef Carpaccio, Bruschetta and Burrata and tomato, alongside some Spanish favourites.
They have a wonderful selection of pasta dishes, as well as risotto and gnocchi, which are very traditional. For example, their Lasagna della Nonna, is a taste of their grandmother’s kitchen in Naples here in Puerto Banus. They have 17 different pizzas to choose from, including the classic Napoli Margherita, calzone, buffalo mozzarella toppings and even white pizzas to try. Round the meal off with a classic tiramisu or panna cotta for a truly Italian experience. It will be sure to be a favourite, if you’re staying in a holiday rental in Puerto Banus.
3. Pizzeria Picasso, the traditional Italian pizza in Puerto Banus
Also in Puerto Banus is the legendary Picasso Pizzeria, which has been offering freshly baked pizzas and delicious pasta dishes on the front line of Puerto Banus, since 1982. This is a real institution and there are often people queuing for a table. They are most famous for their pizzas, and they have 19 on the menu.
They offer all the traditional favourites, plus some very interesting innovations such as chicken tikka pizzas, a Greek pizza with feta cheese, and even a kebab pizza! You can also find a fantastic selection of pasta dishes and risotto too. But it’s a lot more than just pizza and pasta. They also have a wide range of starters, salads, meat dishes, fish and seafood and some really epic burgers. Leave room for their puddings, such as their crepes, and signature cheesecake and banoffee pot.
Highly recommended!
4. El Kapricho, on the Golden Mile
El Kapricho opened in March 2024, and has quickly gained a fantastic reputation for delicious food and great service. It has an excellent selection of innovative tapas, and delicious traditional Spanish food, alongside international favourites. Their burrata and mortadella pizza is fantastic and their burgers are amazing too. Located on Marbella’s Golden Mile, you can expect a modern, comfortable interior and a very warm welcome.
5. Cibo Trattoria, specialists in wood-fired pizzas
Here’s another great restaurant on the Golden Mile, which specialises in traditional Italian food, in a contemporary, stylish setting. They have an amazing selection of Antipasti, including melanzane parmigiana, bruschetta, arancini and vitello tonnato. In Cibo Trattoria there are a lot of delicious dishes on their menu, from salads, to pasta and risotto, and meat dishes from their Italian grill. However, the standout are their pizzas, cooked to order in their wood-fired oven. There are 12 to choose from, plus a special pizza of the week, and gluten free pizza bases are available too. There’s also a lounge area where you can relax with one of their amazing cocktails.
One of the favourite Italian restaurant groups in Marbella is Da Bruno. It’s been going since 1994 in Marbella, and they have four restaurants, on Marbella’s seafront promenade and Golden Mile, in San Pedro and in Cabopino. They offer authentic Italian food, in a beautiful setting, and often have live music, which makes for a special experience. Their pasta and pizza selection is delicious, as are their meat dishes and salads. As well as their restaurants, they also offer home delivery and takeaway and you can order online.
This is just a tiny selection of the pizzerias in Marbella. Wherever you’re staying, you’re sure to find a fantastic restaurant near you. Please feel free to ask us for our recommendations near your holiday rental in Marbella.
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Christmas in Marbella 2024: Your guide to activities and events
The countdown is on to Christmas and if you’re planning a Christmas getaway, you still have time to come and join the celebrations in Marbella. The lights have been switched on across the Costa del Sol, and the packed Christmas programmes have been released, and we’re all getting very excited. It’s a wonderful time of year to visit, and we hope that this guide will help you make the most of your Christmas holiday in Marbella.
Why visit Marbella at Christmas?
Winter is a great season to visit Marbella full stop, with mild temperatures, blue skies and sunshine and lots going on. But when December begins, it ramps up to the next level!
Marbella is beautiful at Christmas! As a Catholic country, the Spanish really love this season, and as Marbella is such an international destination, the cultures of its many residents blend to create magic. You’ll love the streets of the Old Town decorated in pretty lights, the Christmas markets and events, the parades and parties. From the end of November to the 6th of January the fun never stops!
But it’s not just Marbella…There’s lots going on at Christmas across the Costa del Sol, with activities in Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Estepona and in all the pretty white villages too. Read our guide to Christmas on the Costa del Sol
Celebrating Christmas in Marbella in 2024
Christmas 2024 began in earnest in Marbella at the end of November, with the switch on of the lights and the presentation of the Christmas programme. We have a very busy month ahead, with lots of activities, events and Christmas spirit and we can’t wait. Here are the highlights that you can’t miss if you’re in Marbella for Christmas this year.
Christmas Events
Santa Arrives – On the 12th of December, there’s a parade to welcome Santa to Marbella and mark the opening of his grotto in the Plaza de la Alameda. It starts in the Santo Cristo square at 17.00 and winds around the streets of the Old Town, bringing festive fun and laughter for all the kids. The parade will feature lots of well-known and loved characters and of course Santa himself and there will be a kids show in the Paseo de la Alameda. His grotto will then be open every day between the 13th and 24th of December.
Christmas Eve – The 24th of December is Noche Buena, and the biggest day of the celebration for Spanish families. They tend to gather en masse for a wonderful dinner, which often features fish and seafood, platters of delicious cured meats and cheeses, and of course the famous Iberian ham, which you will see a leg or shoulder for carving at most Spanish houses this time of year. Expect the cava and Spanish wine to be flowing!
Christmas Day – As the most diverse town in Andalucia, with 153 nationalities living in Marbella, there’s no need to worry that there won’t be celebrations taking place on Christmas Day itself. The many international restaurants host Christmas lunches, dinners and events, with a host of different cuisines to try. Thanks to the strong British community, you’ll be able to find plenty of places serving up the traditional turkey and all the trimmings, singing carols, and pulling crackers. But that’s far from the only option, you really are spoilt for choice and can celebrate Christmas your way in Marbella.
New Year’s Eve – The Spanish really know how to party and there are New Year’s Eve parties in bars, restaurants and clubs. There are also parties organized by the Town Hall, with live music and DJs, which are usually free to attend. However, everything starts a lot later than in the UK, as people will often eat with the family and then head out to party around 11pm, with the celebrations lasting for many hours into New Year’s Day. In Marbella, the party starts at 11pm in the Represa Park, behind the Old Town and features a performance from, Los Calvin, as well as DJs.
The Arrival of the Three Kings – The fun doesn’t stop on New Year’s Day here in Spain! The big day is still on the horizon. The kids wait patiently for the arrival of the Three Kings, who bring their presents on the night of the 5th of January. On the 4th of January, the kings arrive in style by boat and have a little parade around the town to the main church, where they are presented with the keys to the city and able to prepare for the big day.
On the 5th of January, they are welcomed with a parade through the streets, with floats, bands, DJs, big mascots and fun designs featuring kids’ favorite characters. Families line the streets waiting for it to begin, ready with a bag or two, to catch the many sweets that rain down on them from the floats. It’s a mad scramble, but a really fun occasion for young and old.
The 6th of January is a family day, with the children opening their presents, enjoying a meal with the family and often taking a stroll.
Christmas Restaurants
There are Christmas meals available in almost every restaurant on the Costa del Sol. You can have a seafood feast on the beach, or a gala dinner at a fancy hotel such as the Kempinksi in Estepona, or the Marbella Club. Here are two really festive and fun restaurants that are very famous for their Christmas dinner in Marbella.
The Harbour Marbella overlooks the Marbella port, and goes all out on their Christmas decorations. They create a veritable grotto and run festive events throughout December, including visits from Santa and Disney characters. They offer a festive lunch menu for under 40€ per head from the 30th of November to the 31st of December, but not available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They also have a festive dinner menu for under 50€, throughout the festive period. Highly recommended!
La Sala Banus is a firm favorite throughout the year, but is beautiful at Christmas, with delicious food and live entertainment. There are special events with live music on the 18th and the 28th of December, and a great Christmas party menu for groups of 6 and over for very reasonable prices (29€ lunch and 39€ dinner). A local choir will sing carols on the 21st, 22nd and 24th. They are holding a big party on Christmas Day itself with live music throughout the day and into the evening for 120€ per person. The group also has Oak and The Clubhouse, offering Christmas menus and events and you can download their Christmas brochure for all the details.
Christmas Markets
There are a number of Christmas markets in Marbella throughout December. The two main ones for 2024 are in the Alameda Park in the center of Marbella and the market at the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá, which are both open for the whole month.
If you’re here earlier in the month, we’d recommend the beautiful market in the La Virginia area of town on the 8th of December, which is really magical. There’s also a charity Christmas Market in the Palacio de Congresos from the 12th to the 15th of December.
Recommended Christmas Activities in Marbella in 2024
Tour the Nativity Scenes – There are 16 nativity scenes dotted around Marbella throughout December and there is a route you can follow to visit them all. It’s a unique way to explore Marbella, and visit some of the churches, chapels and squares, as well as see the pretty winding streets decked with wonderful lights.
See the light and sound show in Orange Square – Marbella Old Town’s central square is stunning at Christmas and they are following in Malaga’s footsteps, by putting on a spectacular light and sound show every day. You can see it at 18.30, 19.30 and 20.00 and grab a drink in one of the bars, or have a bite to eat while you’re there.
Enjoy a Christmas Concert in the Señora de la Encarnación Church in the Old Town – It’s a stunning building, and they are holding regular concerts during the festive period, including the 10th of December at 20.30, the 15th of December at 17.00, the 16th of December at 19.30 and the 19th of December at 19.30.
Stroll down the paseo – Any time of year it’s a pleasure to stroll down the beachfront promenade, and stop in to one of the bars or restaurants for a drink, and they are all beautifully decorated for Christmas. It’s a great way to walk off those festive feasts!
Spanish Christmas Traditions
To feel like a local at Christmas you need to take part in these festive traditions –
Play the lottery – One of the big Christmas traditions is “El Gordo” or “The Big One”, the largest lottery of the year and in fact one of the largest worldwide. It is drawn on the 22nd of December and buying a decimo for €20 and then watching the draw on TV is a Christmas ritual.
Eat Christmas sweet treats – No Spanish Christmas would be complete without sampling polvorones (little crumbly biscuits), turron (nougat) and the roscon de reyes cake. Pop into a local bakery and ask what they recommend, or pick up a selection from any supermarket or shop.
See the Christmas lights – A visit to Marbella town center and the Old Town to marvel at the decorations is a must. Many also take a trip to Malaga, for their legendary light and sound displays and to enjoy the city looking at its best.
Go to a Zambomba – These traditional Christmas parties feature music and dancing, with Spanish Christmas songs and a flamenco vibe, which makes them unique.
Carve ham – Most Spanish households will have a leg or a shoulder of the delicious Spanish ham in their kitchen over the Christmas period. Carving the ham and sharing with friends and family is a very delicious ritual.
Eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve – You need to eat one per chime of the bell for good luck.
Welcome the Three Kings on the night of the 5th of January by attending the parades and collecting as many sweets as you can
We hope that this guide has inspired you to spend Christmas in Marbella. Vacation Marbella has a wonderful selection of beautiful holiday rentals which make the perfect base for a Christmas getaway. We’d recommend browsing our lovely vacation rentals in Marbella Old Town, which is the most festive place to be. Please also contact us with your requirements and we will send you some recommendations.
The countdown is on to the Marbella Legends Tournament, taking place at the Aloha Golf Club in Nueva Andalucia’s Golf Valley from the 14th to the 16th of February. This tournament is the first of the Legends Tour 2025, which was previously known as the European Senior Tour.
This tournament is wonderful to watch and it’s free to attend for the general public. Not only that, but there are opportunities for amateurs to play alongside their heroes too.
Whether you’re watching or playing, why not organize a holiday on the Costa del Golf to coincide with the Marbella Legends Tournament? You can play on some of the best courses, watch this great tournament and enjoy amazing restaurants, bars, nightlife and activities. Check out our Marbella vacation rentals, which make the perfect base for your golfing holiday.
It’s an honour to have Marbella chosen by the Legends Tour to be their first event of the new season. However, it’s not a surprise, when this is such a golfing hotspot, with some incredible golf courses and amazing facilities for golfers, such as golf shops, luxury accommodation and things to do, for players and spectators alike.
Marbella Legends is a three-day seniors tournament featuring some big names in the world of golf, including past winners of the Ryder Cup and the Masters. It also has a Pro-Am event taking place the day before. It is part of the PGA European Tour, so you can expect some very high-level play.
Aloha Golf Club is the venue for this three-day tournament. They are no strangers to hosting major competitions, having hosted the PGA Tour three times in recent years. Designed by Javier Arana, it is widely considered one of the best on the Costa del Sol, with a par of 72 and an overall length of 6,900 yards. It’s praised for its fast and well-maintained greens and the challenges of the narrow fairways and water hazards. It is also friendly, with a magnificent restaurant and social club.
It is located in Nueva Andalucia, which has a number of fantastic golf courses, very close together, as well as some excellent restaurants and bars, and is within easy reach of Puerto Banus and Marbella. Search for holiday rentals in Nueva Andalucia.
Who is playing in the Marbella Legends?
There are some big names playing in this tournament, including Spanish players Jose Maria Olazabal, who won the Ryder Cup twice and Miguel Angel Jimenez, who is a two times Masters Champion. Colin Montgomerie will also be playing, who was the Ryder Cup Captain and a five times Ryder Cup Winner.It also features Scottish golfer Paul Lawrie, New Zealand legend Michael Campbell who won the US Open in 2005, Argentina’s Angel Cabrera and England’s Roger Chapman.
You can see these amazing golfers playing at Aloha for free, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty and friendly welcome of this club. If you’re a golf fan who usually watches on the TV, it’s a great experience to see it in the flesh.
There are also opportunities to play alongside these greats with the Championship Pro-Am experience on the 13th of February, or the complete Legends Experience, where you can play alongside these incredible players in the tournament itself and live the life of a professional golfer. Find out more about these playing experiences.
About The Legends Tour
This is the new name for the European Seniors Tour which was formed in 1992 for professional golfers over the age of 50. It’s part of the PGA European Tour, DP World Tour and European Challenge Tour.
In 2020, there was an exciting new addition to this established tour, adding into the golf format the ability for amateurs to play along the professionals. The new look tour collaborates with top golf clubs and legendary golfers and creates a fantastic show for spectators who watch live and via TV. It then adds in the opportunity for amateurs to get involved and have unprecedented access to the professionals and all the aspects of a professional golf tournament.
Who organizes the Legends Tour?
It is organized by the European Tour Group and Staysure Founder and Group CEO Ryan Howsam to create a great experience for players and spectators alike.
What countries does the Legends Tour visit?
After Marbella, the Legends Tour will travel the globe starting in Barbados, then moving on to Ireland, USA, Greece, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Mexico, before coming to an end in India in December. Check out the Schedule
Golf Holidays in Marbella
We’d love to welcome you to enjoy an amazing golf holiday in 2025. Come and watch amazing tournaments like the Marbella Legends, and stay a few more days to play on some of the area’s world-class courses, improve your game with golf classes and eat in some wonderful restaurants. You can play golf in Marbella throughout the year, thanks to our fantastic climate, but the peak golf season is spring and autumn. Contact us if you’re coming to watch the Marbella Legends and we’ll let you know what accommodation is available for you close to Aloha Golf Club, or in the area of your choice.
[post_title] => Marbella Legends, the tournament that will open the Legends Tour season
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[post_content] => Andalucia is a paradise for golfers, with over 90 courses in all – that’s more than any other region in Spain! With so many fantastic golf courses in Andalucia, plus wonderful weather all year round, this area is an obvious choice for organizers of golf tournaments. Add to that the top-class accommodation and everything visitors could want, and it’s no wonder that so many golf tournaments are played in Andalucia every year.
As big golf fans, we’re really looking forward to seeing some of the world’s best golfers play in Andalucia in 2025. There are so many golf tournaments to look forward to. There are many professional tournaments where you can see some amazing players in action, and many others for amateurs, which you can take part in yourselves.
Here’s our guide to some of the best golf tournaments in Andalucia, plus when and where they are taking place. More information is released by the organizers and golf clubs closer to the dates, so check back if you’re planning to visit one in particular, or contact the golf club, or the Andalusian Golf Federation directly to enquire about playing or watching the action.
February
Campeonato de Sevilla 2025, Real Club Pineda de Sevilla, Seville
Date: 8th & 9th February
Find out more https://www.nextcaddy.com/tour/55486
The beautiful and historic Real Club Pineda is hosting this competition in February. This is one of the first Andalucia golf tournaments of the year. Operating since 1940, this golf club and equestrian centre is a lovely place to visit to watch or play golf, tennis, padel, football, croquet and more. The cafeteria and the bar are open for refreshments and there will be lots of great golf on show. Prizes will be presented on the 9th of February around 16.30 if you want to see who will be crowned the winner.
Date: 14th - 16th February
Marbella’s Aloha Golf Course is hosting the first tournament of the Legends Tour from the 14th to the 16th of February. This golf tournament in Andalucia is a European Senior Tour, for players over 50. This event is free to attend for the general public, so you can see Legends of the game up close and personal! There’s also the opportunity for passionate amateur players to play alongside their idols with their Legends Experience.
Date: 10th - 11th May
This golf tournament in Andalucia is hosted by the Bellavista Golf Club in Huelva, which opened its doors in 1916. It’s a wonderful location for a golf tournament, which hosts over 100 sporting events per year. This 18-hole championship course is in a stunning setting, with fast greens, wide fairways and offers a highly technical challenge.
Date: 19th May
The tour organized by the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation year after year continues to add competitiveness, excitement and talent among the participants.
Date: 24th – 25th May
The Almerimar Golf Course is a 27-hole course, designed by Gary Player, which is well known for its beauty. It is a favourite for golf tournaments because of its versatile and flexible layout. It will be hosting two golf tournaments in May, and more details will be released shortly.
Date: 26th May
The Professional Circuit is an Andalusian golf tournament, which was launched in 2016 by the RFGA and the Andalusian Professional Golfers’ Association. This tournament offers professional players in the region the chance to compete for cash prizes on some of the most iconic golf courses in Andalucia.
In May, it’s coming to the Chaparral Golf Club, in the Malaga province. This is a spectacular parkland forest course, with amazing scenery, within easy access of Malaga airport. Designed by the so-called “Picasso of Golf” Pepe Gancedo, it offers a unique golfing experience with stunning views and is a wonderful place to play and watch golf.
Date: 9th June
The Andalusian Professionals’ Circuit is heading to Cordoba on the 9th of June, for a golf tournament at the Club de Campo de Cordoba. This course is in a stunning area of woodland, and is a 18-hole, par 72 course, which is technically challenging. As well as the golf course, there’s great tennis and padel tennis facilities, pool, gym and kids’ playgrounds and some great options to relax and socialise with other passionate golfers. This makes it an excellent place to watch all the action as part of this golf tournament in Andalucia.
Date: 23rd June
The action returns to the Costa del Sol later in the month, to the golfing hotspot of Sotogrande. La Cañada Golf plays host to the tournament. This golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is known for its entertaining fairways and fast greens. The restaurant is great, and it is popular as one of the most affordable golf courses to play on in the Sotogrande area.
Date: 27th – 29th June
This tournament in Jerez is part of the World Amateur Golf Ranking, where male and female amateur golfers can earn points for their personal rankings from official events such as these. It is open to all ages and follows a Stroke Play format. Sherry Golf is a fantastic 18-hole course and the location of this tournament. It also offers a natural grass driving range, putting green and chipping green. Combine a visit to this golf tournament in Andalucia with a tour of the Tio Pepe Sherry Factory and a stroll around the historic city of Jerez.
July
In July, the Isla Canela Links Course in Huelva hosts two amateur golf tournaments.
Date: 9th – 10th July
This is an amateur tournament for senior players, over 50 years old, playing in pairs. Players must have a licence from the Spanish Golf Federation and a handicap certificate. It follows a Stroke Play Scratch format over two consecutive days. The first day will be played 18 holes Four Balls Best Ball. The second day will be played 18 holes, under the individual formula (Canada Cup), adding for classification purposes the three rounds played. Registrations need to be made via the Andalusian Golf Federation. This tournament is taking place in Isla Canela Golf Course in Huelva, ranked in the top 100 golf courses in continental Europe.
Date: 11th – 13th July
One of the biggest golf tournaments in Andalucia for 2025 is Liv Golf. This new golf league is shaking up the world of golf and serving up even more high-octane action through 2025, with the sport’s biggest personalities showcasing their skills on the world stage. You can get tickets to watch all the action at the iconic Valderrama golf course in Sotogrande. They say, “This is golf, but not as you know it. 13 teams. 54 Players. No cuts. And shotgun starts.”
Date: 11th – 12th August
The Final of the Professional Andalucian Golf Circuit will be fought out at Lauro Golf in Alhaurin de la Torre in August, to crown the champion, under sunny skies. This epic course has 27 holes and 30 years of history and hosts a wide range of professional and amateur golf tournaments throughout the year. View the tournament calendar. There’s also lots of other things to do, such as padel tennis, horse-riding and lawn bowls.
Golf Holidays on the Costa del Sol
Why not combine watching, or playing in one of these great golf tournaments in Andalucia, with a golf holiday on the Costa del Sol? This area is known as the Costa del Golf, due to the high concentration of excellent golf courses and it’s easy to take a day trip to watch one of these golf tournaments.
The peak golf season on the Costa del Sol is spring and autumn, but the weather is great all year round, so choose the tournament you like the look of the most, or a month with a few close together and book your holiday around that.
You’re spoilt for choice with some incredible golf courses on the Costa del Sol, as well as clubs with academies where you can improve your game during your holiday in Marbella with golf classes. Because it’s such a golfing hotspot, you’ll also find golf shops to update your gear and fantastic restaurants and bars to enjoy discussing your game.
We have a wide range of holiday rentals on the Costa del Golf, within easy reach of some amazing golf courses. These make the perfect base for any golf holiday on the Costa del Sol!
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[post_content] => We are very lucky to have some amazing restaurants in Marbella. Of course, there are lots of places to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine, as well as fine dining, Michelin star restaurants and places offering food from around the globe.
When you’ve had your fill of paella, tapas and seafood, and just want something easy, delicious and comforting, pizza is hard to beat. You’re not alone in craving pizza, even on holiday! Pizza was voted the most popular food in the world in 2020, and featured in the number 2 spot for best dishes of the world in CNN Travel’s world’s best food dishes too.
So, there’s no surprise that you’ll find many different pizzerias in Marbella, from the chain delivery options, to neighbourhood pizza joints, and international restaurants, which serve pizzas alongside a huge number of other dishes.
Here are our favourite places which we think serve the best pizza in Marbella.
1. Zozoi – The best pizza restaurant in Marbella Old Town
Tucked away in one of the pretty squares of Marbella Old Town is the fantastic restaurant Zozoi, with a charming Andalusian-style patio. We love the varied menu and wonderful atmosphere and service at Zoizoi and the pizzas and pastas are fantastic. There’s a small selection, but they are very well made and tasty. The steaks are highly recommended too!
It’s a great option if you are staying in a holiday rental in Marbella Old Town.
2. La Pappardella, one of the best pizzas in Puerto Banus
If you’re staying in Puerto Banus, La Pappardella has been delighting customers with classic pizzas and pasta dishes for over 30 years. It was opened by a family from Naples in 1993, who still run the restaurant today. They pride themselves on offering authentic Italian food and a friendly atmosphere from the South of Italy. You’ll find traditional antipasti like Vitello Tonnato, Beef Carpaccio, Bruschetta and Burrata and tomato, alongside some Spanish favourites.
They have a wonderful selection of pasta dishes, as well as risotto and gnocchi, which are very traditional. For example, their Lasagna della Nonna, is a taste of their grandmother’s kitchen in Naples here in Puerto Banus. They have 17 different pizzas to choose from, including the classic Napoli Margherita, calzone, buffalo mozzarella toppings and even white pizzas to try. Round the meal off with a classic tiramisu or panna cotta for a truly Italian experience. It will be sure to be a favourite, if you’re staying in a holiday rental in Puerto Banus.
3. Pizzeria Picasso, the traditional Italian pizza in Puerto Banus
Also in Puerto Banus is the legendary Picasso Pizzeria, which has been offering freshly baked pizzas and delicious pasta dishes on the front line of Puerto Banus, since 1982. This is a real institution and there are often people queuing for a table. They are most famous for their pizzas, and they have 19 on the menu.
They offer all the traditional favourites, plus some very interesting innovations such as chicken tikka pizzas, a Greek pizza with feta cheese, and even a kebab pizza! You can also find a fantastic selection of pasta dishes and risotto too. But it’s a lot more than just pizza and pasta. They also have a wide range of starters, salads, meat dishes, fish and seafood and some really epic burgers. Leave room for their puddings, such as their crepes, and signature cheesecake and banoffee pot.
Highly recommended!
4. El Kapricho, on the Golden Mile
El Kapricho opened in March 2024, and has quickly gained a fantastic reputation for delicious food and great service. It has an excellent selection of innovative tapas, and delicious traditional Spanish food, alongside international favourites. Their burrata and mortadella pizza is fantastic and their burgers are amazing too. Located on Marbella’s Golden Mile, you can expect a modern, comfortable interior and a very warm welcome.
5. Cibo Trattoria, specialists in wood-fired pizzas
Here’s another great restaurant on the Golden Mile, which specialises in traditional Italian food, in a contemporary, stylish setting. They have an amazing selection of Antipasti, including melanzane parmigiana, bruschetta, arancini and vitello tonnato. In Cibo Trattoria there are a lot of delicious dishes on their menu, from salads, to pasta and risotto, and meat dishes from their Italian grill. However, the standout are their pizzas, cooked to order in their wood-fired oven. There are 12 to choose from, plus a special pizza of the week, and gluten free pizza bases are available too. There’s also a lounge area where you can relax with one of their amazing cocktails.
One of the favourite Italian restaurant groups in Marbella is Da Bruno. It’s been going since 1994 in Marbella, and they have four restaurants, on Marbella’s seafront promenade and Golden Mile, in San Pedro and in Cabopino. They offer authentic Italian food, in a beautiful setting, and often have live music, which makes for a special experience. Their pasta and pizza selection is delicious, as are their meat dishes and salads. As well as their restaurants, they also offer home delivery and takeaway and you can order online.
This is just a tiny selection of the pizzerias in Marbella. Wherever you’re staying, you’re sure to find a fantastic restaurant near you. Please feel free to ask us for our recommendations near your holiday rental in Marbella.
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