A golf holiday guide to Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura

by Scott Crowe, Villa Plus Contributor

Few destinations combine year-round sunshine, high-quality golf courses and laid-back coastal charm quite like Caleta de Fuste. Located on the east coast of Fuerteventura, it benefits from the consistent warmth blown westwards from the Sahara desert, making it one of the premier spots for a golf holiday in the Canary Islands.

Browse our range of stunning holiday villas in Caleta de Fuste and start practising your pitches and putts.

Why choose Caleta de Fuste for a golf holiday?

When it comes to golf holidays, several factors make Caleta de Fuste the place to go in Fuerteventura and quite possibly the Canary Islands as a whole. One of its biggest advantages is proximity and accessibility to some of the best golf courses in the region. Travel time is kept to a minimum, with the resort just a 10-minute drive from Fuerteventura Airport, which serves flights from a huge range of destinations throughout the UK and beyond.

The climate is, of course, another major draw. With average temperatures typically ranging between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year, Caleta de Fuste golf courses are some of the most sun-soaked you’ll find for a relatively short flight time.

Beyond the fairways, the area itself offers a relaxed atmosphere that’s inclusive of all. It centres around a sheltered bay with a sandy beach, a marina and a wide range of restaurants and bars. It’s lively without being overwhelming, making it suitable for both groups of golfers and families travelling together.

The best time to go on a Caleta de Fuste golf holiday

Warmth and lack of rainfall, akin to its neighbouring Sahara Desert, make Caleta de Fuste a genuine year-round destination for a golf holiday. However, certain times of the year may suit your preferences, depending on your priorities.

Winter: By using the term winter, we really mean northern European winter! From December to March, local golf courses enjoy temperatures in the low 20s, making it perfect for long rounds without excessive heat. Choose dates outside of the UK and German school holidays for a quieter atmosphere around the resort.

Spring: Given its balance of slightly warmer temperatures and lack of crowds, April to June is considered by many golf holiday veterans to be the best time to go to Caleta de Fuste.

Summer: Hotter temperatures mean that you’d want to avoid being out on a Fuerteventura golf course in the middle of the day, but this can be used for wining and dining! Early morning and late afternoon tee times are recommended and popular.

Autumn: Another strong contender, given that the summer crowds thin out and the temperature remains stubbornly high after the peak summer period. The Atlantic Ocean off Playa del Castillo is at its warmest at this time, too.

The best golf courses in Caleta de Fuste

Caleta de Fuste is home to two outstanding golf courses, each offering a distinct experience:

Fuerteventura Golf Club

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Difficulty: Moderate

The first 18-hole club to open on Fuerteventura, Fuerteventura Golf Club hosted the Open de España in 2004, which speaks volumes about its quality. Designed by Juan Catarineu, it features picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean, palm-lined fairways and three lakes across its spotless resort that remains the most established on the island.

Complete with wide fairways and generous greens, it’s a golf course for all levels and abilities. However, it isn’t a figurative walk in the park either, as a total of 67 bunkers and pretty, yet punishing water hazards can capture wayward shots. 

Salinas de Antigua Golf Club

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Difficulty: Challenging

This course offers a more modern and visually striking challenge. Designed by Manolo Piñeiro, its 18 holes are exposed to the Atlantic’s winds via its elevated greens. There are volcanic rock formations that tie in perfectly with the wider Fuerteventura landscape.

Tighter fairways mean that strategic shots are rewarded to a greater extent here, with no let-up when you reach the greens, which offer hidden dips and peaks that reward tactical play. Flat and walkable, it’s a course that rewards finesse rather than sheer power.

The best holiday villas in Caleta de Fuste

Villa Strelitzia and Villa Hibiscus

Pair these neighbouring three-bedroom villas together for the ultimate group golf holiday in Caleta de Fuste. Both are newly built contemporary homes, with plush interiors and an outdoor space that’s befitting of holiday memories.

As you can expect, both have an outdoor pool to enjoy the Fuerteventura sunshine from and are located within easy reach of the best golf courses in Caleta de Fuste.

Distance from Salinas de Antigua: 1km

Distance from Fuerteventura Golf Club: 3.5km

Villa Humaik

A large villa that’s suitable for seven guests, Humaik has an en-suite double bedroom, two twin bedrooms and one single bedroom.

A generous outdoor space is characterised by tall palm trees and pristine artificial turf. You’re literally neighbours with the Salinas de Antigua course here.

Distance from Salinas de Antigua: on the course itself, 2km from the course entrance

Distance from Fuerteventura Golf Club: 3km

Villa Ocean Paradise

Another villa that’s on the Salinas de Antigua course itself, Ocean Paradise enjoys expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and easy access to the vast coastline.

A traditional interior gives way to a covered outdoor space that’s the perfect place to relax and dine alfresco after a round of golf. A large canopy bed by the pool is the icing on the cake.

Distance from Salinas de Antigua: on the course itself, 500m from the course entrance

Distance from Fuerteventura Golf Club: 4km

Villa Maresia

A contemporary place to stay that leaves no stone unturned, complete with a putting green to practice before you hit the golf course. Its five bedrooms make it ideal for a group golf holiday.

High ceilings indoors allow natural light to filter in from its raised windows, and there’s a generous outdoor terrace to relax and unwind on. It’s a beautiful, airy Caleta de Fuste property.

Distance from Salinas de Antigua: 2km

Distance from Fuerteventura Golf Club: 3km

Villa Opal

Opal is a great choice as another five-bedroom villa. The open plan layout makes it an ideal spot for socialising as you overlook the Salinas de Antigua golf course. 

This signature villa is luxury personified, with a putting green and table tennis table to keep the competition going long after you’ve left the golf course.

Distance from Salinas de Antigua: on the course itself, just 200m from the entrance

Distance from Fuerteventura Golf Club: 4km

Villa Naipa Golf

A prestigious spot next to Fuerteventura Golf Course and within easy reach of Salinas de Antigua.

A large outdoor saltwater swimming pool is overlooked by a spacious covered terrace with loungers and a dining table. There are sun loungers to relax after a long round of golf.

Distance from Salinas de Antigua: 4.5km

Distance from Fuerteventura Golf Club: 500m

Our tips for a golf holiday in Caleta de Fuste

  1. Book tee times in advance

While the Caleta de Fuste courses are rarely overcrowded, the peak winter months can be busy. Securing tee times ahead of arrival ensures you get your preferred schedule.

  1. Consider hiring your clubs

Travelling light is often worth it. Both main courses offer good-quality club hire, saving you the hassle and cost of transporting your own set.

  1. Use a hire car if playing multiple courses

Although the resort is compact, having a car gives you the flexibility to explore more of the island or easily travel between your Villa Plus villa and the courses.

  1. Stay hydrated and sun-protected

Even in the ‘cooler’ months, the sun can be strong. Sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are essential for comfortable rounds.

  1. Mix golf with downtime

Caleta de Fuste isn’t just about golf. Take full advantage of the amenities in your Villa Plus villa and explore the beach, marina and restaurants to balance your itinerary.

Planning the perfect group golf holiday in the Costa del Sol

by Scott Crowe, Villa Plus Contributor

Nothing quite gets you away from the hustle and bustle like a good old round of golf, and if there’s one region that captures the essence of golf holidays, it’s the Costa del Sol.

Formed by a wide area that stretches from Malaga in the east to Gibraltar in the west, this sun-drenched area has earned the nickname ‘Costa del Golf’ for good reason. In this guide, we’ll take you through all there is to know about teeing off in this popular region of Spain, from the best time to go to a range of things to consider before you head off. We’ll also round up the best places to head to, add a set of golf courses to tackle and the perfect large Villa Plus villa to host you and your fellow players for some downtime.

Why choose the Costa del Sol for a group golf holiday?

Costa del Sol holidays are almost unrivalled when it comes to golf. The area’s charms are a key reason Valderrama became the first European course outside of Britain to host the Ryder Cup in 1997. Whether you’re a beginner with a higher handicap that plays a simple course at a snail’s pace, or a seasoned player with an intricate eye for detail, you’ll find holes to suit you amongst a region with an impressive range of options. From a round of links along the coast to inland rugged layouts, there are well over 70 courses to choose from for every level of skill, making the Costa del Sol perfect for a group holiday with a range of different abilities in your party.

Quality, variety and crucially, convenience combine to provide a setting that holidaymakers return to time and time again. It’s incredibly easy to travel between the main golfing hubs, meaning you can play multiple courses during your time away. When you step off the course for some post-round analysis, you’re never too far from a place to relax, unwind and dine, exemplified by our stunning range of Costa del Sol villas.

The best time to go on a Costa del Sol group golf holiday

Great weather is key to a great round of golf, and as a region with an average of over 320 days of sunshine a year, a golf holiday in the Costa del Sol is a genuinely world-leading choice throughout the calendar.

Playing affordable golf and getting the best bang for your buck is always a win. The shoulder seasons of March to June and September to November give any golfing party the perfect balance between stunning weather and maximum value. Temperatures hover between 20 and 25 degrees throughout the day – a comfortable level without being too excessive.

Golf courses and driving ranges are also in prime condition, and tee times are a lot less busy compared to the summer peak. You’ll also find a sharper contrast in spring and autumn between the relatively unsettled weather conditions in northern Europe and the glorious weather in southern Spain. Check out our Villa Plus best price finder to find a golfing holiday time that ticks all the boxes.

The best places to play golf in the Costa del Sol

With a wealth of options along Spain’s southern coastline, we’ve whittled down the numbers into a shortlist of the very best for you to fill out a scorecard on, conveniently grouped by Costa del Sol resort. We’ll take you through their difficulty, highlights and a large Villa Plus villa for you and your fellow golfers to put your feet up in after a long day out on the fairway.

Mijas golf courses

1. Mijas Golf International

Difficulty: Moderate

Featuring not one, but two 18-hole courses, this complex is unmissable on any Mijas golf holiday. The Los Lagos and Los Olivos courses offer wide fairways, large greens and scenic backdrops of the surrounding rolling hills. Both were designed by the experienced golf architect Robert Trent Jones.

It’s accommodating enough for those with a mid-handicap without being too easy for experts.

Mijas Golf International, Costa del Sol

2. Santana Golf

Difficulty: Moderate

Set within a former avocado plantation, this is another great Mijas golf course to tick off the Costa del Sol bucket list. Expect gently rolling terrain, water features, mature tree hazards and well-positioned bunkers. These strategic obstacles make it a satisfying course to navigate, without being one that’s solely for experienced players.

The setting is everything, making the relaxation of every round what a golf holiday is all about.

Santana Golf, Costa del Sol

3. La Cala Resort

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Three championship 18-hole courses form one of the largest golfing complexes in Spain, set amongst the scenic foothills of Sierra de Mijas. Each of America, Asia and Europe (as they’re named) has its own quirks, but all combine picturesque mountain and valley views on one side with the picture-perfect sight of the Mediterranean Sea on the other.

There’s variety for all skill levels without the need to travel when you choose to play some rounds here.

La Cala Resort, Costa del Sol

Where to stay in Mijas?

Stay at: Villa Cala Beach, Mijas Costa or Villa Alqueria, Mijas

Fuengirola golf courses

1. Cerrado del Aguila Golf and Resort

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This compact course is conveniently located just outside Fuengirola. Formed of nine holes, the course is beautifully maintained and cleverly laid out, featuring wide fairways, strategic bunkers and well-placed water hazards. A friendly, low-key atmosphere makes it an enticing place for beginners or for a warm-up round. 

Given its proximity to the centre of town, it’s the ideal choice for a morning tee time followed by an afternoon at the beach.

Cerrado del Aguila Golf and Resort, Costa del Sol

2. Chaparral Golf

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

This popular choice weaves dramatically through a pine forest, complete with scenic sea views from several holes along the way. No two holes feel alike as you navigate the 18, with significant elevation changes adding an extra challenging layer to a round here. Being one of the more technical choices along the Costa del Sol means you’ll want to devote more time to getting to and from the clubhouse!

It’s worth noting that the impressive range of golf courses in Mijas are also easily reachable from the Fuengirola area.

Chaparral Golf, Costa del Sol

Where to stay in Fuengirola?

Stay at: Villa Paraisos Sol, Fuengirola or Villa Cala Beach, Mijas Costa

Calahonda golf courses

1. La Siesta Golf

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Nestled in an incredibly convenient position for a Calahonda villa holiday is La Siesta Golf. This charming nine-hole course is compact but was cleverly designed by Enrique Canales Busquets. There’s attention to detail in abundance through the mix of uphill and downhill holes.

Greens reward accuracy over power, making it a great option to practice and refine your short game. All in all, it’s a great option to warm up any Costa del Sol golf holiday.

La Siesta Golf, Costa del Sol

2. Miraflores Golf

Difficulty: Moderate

Forgiving holes and intricate technical challenges combine to make Miraflores Golf an immensely intriguing proposition for both beginners and golfing purists alike. To pinch another sporting saying, it’s a real tale of two halves, with the front nine warming players up with generous fairways and open approaches. 

The back nine is a refreshing contrast, rewarding strategic play of the percentages, given its water hazards and elevation changes.

Miraflores Golf, Costa del Sol

3. Capobino Golf Marbella

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Spectacular sea views and a layout full of character greets every player who steps on the fairway at Capobino Golf Marbella. Scenic surroundings combine with a solid hole design to make this an unmissable stop on your Costa del Sol golf holiday.

The friendly clubhouse is well worth a visit here, complete with a terrace overlooking the 10th and 18th holes.

Capobino Golf Marbella, Costa del Sol

Where to stay in Calahonda?

Stay at: Villa Solea or Villa Casa Jaska, both in Calahonda

Our tips for a group golf holiday in the Costa del Sol

Book early

Given their popularity, tee times at our recommended courses can sell out well in advance so it’s important to check availability and tailor your Costa del Sol golf holiday around this.

Create an itinerary

Make the most of your time by planning it all ahead of time. Make a checklist of golf courses you want to tackle and work out the logistics. Build in some free time. Things often take longer than anticipated, and you’ll still want time to relax.

Consider your transport

The needs of a larger group require greater consideration when getting from A to B and back to your Villa Plus villa on the Costa del Sol. Look at the options of hiring transport and consider a designated driver or minibus service – both handy for any post-round drinks!

Pack smartly

Check the dress codes of the courses that catch your eye and pack your case appropriately. Have practical options to change into and bring a generous amount of sun cream, given the amount of time you’ll be spending outdoors.

Assign a group leader

Having a focal point for green fees and holiday payments can minimise the back and forth of planning a large group holiday. Find a responsible member of the group to handle these key components of a great golf holiday in the Costa del Sol.