October 13, 2022

Retire in Europe | The Best Region for Golf Lovers

And the winner is....

Costa Del Sol, Spain

Great courses can be found all along Spain's Mediterranean coast, from the Costa Brava to Gibraltar. But golf aficionados are drawn to the Costa Del Sol, home to more than 70 golf courses - the largest concentration of courses in Europe.

Choose one of the three M’s of the Costa Del Sol for access to great golf courses

Marbella

Pricy and lively, Marbella is where to see and be seen. Charity events, parties, and nightlife are the name of the game.

The city has a quieter side too. Enjoy a stroll or cycle along the beautiful Marbella promenade, which winds from Puerto Bajadilla in the east to Puerto Banús west of the city (and connects with the larger Malaga Coastal Path). Enjoy Sierra Nevada national park or Doñana National Park, located on a migratory bird route.

From Marbella, quick day trips can take you to the stunning Caves of Nerja and the many Pueblos Blancos, villages named for their striking white architecture set against a deep blue sky.

Malaga

If you are looking for a more Spanish and less jet-set vibe, the city of Malaga is a great choice. Malaga has a strong cultural life, many museums, and great cuisine. An added bonus? The ski resorts of the Sierra Nevada are only around 2 hours away.

Malaga’s indoor and outdoor markets are at the heart of commercial and culinary life. The famous Malaga Atarazanas Food Market, housed in a 14th century Moorish shipyard, offers fresh produce, meats and seafood. Small stalls and bars serve tapas and cañas. El Zoco market along the portside sells artwork, jewellery and clothing.

Spain

Mijas

If your dream of retiring in Spain looks less like a city and more a charming small village, look no further than tiny Mijas village perched high above the Med.

Mijas is beloved by expats for its winding streets and picturesque town square. Summer concerts are played at the outdoor auditorium, and the nearby Sierra Mijas are popular with hikers and cyclists. Mijas is conveniently located just 8 kilometres from the coast and 25 minutes from the Malaga airport.

Most important to our golfing friends…. Mijas is located a very short drive from more than more than a dozen excellent golf resorts and within an hour of some of the top golf courses in Europe.

Club de Golf Finca Cortesin — Home to the 2023 Solheim Cup

Marbella Golf & Country Club — Offering social get-togethers throughout the year

Chaparral Golf Club — Surrounded by protected parkland forest

Real Valderrama Golf Club — Famous for its cork tree-lined fairways

Andalucía has the second-lowest tax burden in Spain

Andalucía recently announced that it was ending its "wealth tax" on individuals with Spanish assets in excess of 700,000 euros. This recent change puts the region second only to Madrid for lowest tax burden in the country. Good news!

The Costa Del Sol earns its name as the 'Sun Coast' and the 'Costa del Golf'. With 300+ days of sunshine per year, you can spend (almost) every day of your retirement on the links.

Wherever you choose to retire in the Costa del Sol, you will be spoiled for choice of fantastic food, nature, cities and, of course, impeccable golf courses.

For more information, check out our complete guide to Moving to Spain.

Best region in Europe for golfers -- honourable mentions

The Algarve, Portugal

We won’t be breaking any news if we say that the Algarve is a fantastic retirement destination for golfers. Among Its famous courses are the Quinta do Lago golf club (with three courses and the only Paul McGinley Academy in Europe) and the natural terrain of the The West Cliffs and Praia D'El Rey.

Once you tire of the golf courses (if possible), you can enjoy the Algarve's lovely coastline, great wines and excellent cuisine.

Siena and the Tuscan countryside, Italy

Sigh.. who doesn’t want to retire in Tuscany? The city of Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its surrounding countryside and villages are the stuff of retirement dreams. This is a top region for wine lovers, foodies, history buffs and people who just want to enjoy la dolce vita.

Tuscany is home to excellent golf courses, including the private Castiglion del Bosco. This spectacular course is set in a UNESCO-protected landscape, where its undulating contours blend seamlessly into the Tuscan countryside.