Río Real Golf

Río Real Golf is an 18-hole, par-72 layout in Marbella, Andalusia, designed by Javier Arana — widely regarded as the finest Spanish golf course architect of all time. Opened in 1965, the course sits just five minutes from Marbella's centre in one of the area's most privileged locations. The Río Real river runs alongside the course from start to finish, accompanying play all the way to its mouth at the Mediterranean Sea — a feature that gives the course both its name and much of its character. At over 6,000 metres in length, the layout is recognised by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation as one of the best and most emblematic courses in Spain. A rich mix of trees — pines, palms, casuarinas, olive trees, and cypresses — lines the fairways throughout. Several holes border the sea, offering views across the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean climate means the course is playable year-round. Río Real Golf holds a 4.5 rating from Hole19 golfers, with over 100 reviews on the platform.