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.
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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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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.
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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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