Golf capital of Europe – tell us something we don’t know

It certainly comes as no surprise to learn that the Costa del Sol has the largest concentration of golf courses in mainland Europe, about 60 at last count. The climate positively reels the punters in, many from northern Europe - why battle a windy Links when you can play in short sleeves followed by Sangria on the terrace, all within three hours of the front door?

What may come as a surprise however is that the Costa del Sol boasts the largest golf resort in the country bar none - La Cala. The 1,000 acre La Cala Resort situated between the Sierra de Mijas National Park and the Mediterranean has just been named by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation as the largest golf resort in Spain for the third consecutive year.

With three 18-hole golf courses – Campo America, Campo Asia and Campo Europa – all designed by Cabell B Robinson and a David Leadbetter Golf Academy with driving range, video analysis, putting green and a six-hole par three short game practice facility, it’s fitting that La Cala Resort also acts as the winter headquarters for a number of European golf federations. Whilst in 2007 the resort drove itself into the record books when a Guinness World Record was set for the highest number of golfers to play in a single competition in one day, an astonishing 614 players took part.

Of the 359 golf courses in Spain Andalucía is the region with the most, a mammoth 93, coming in second is Cataluña with a less significant 42. During 2007 ten 18-hole courses, two 9-holes and five pitch-and-putts were inaugurated in Andalucía, further confirming southern Spain’s significance as a major golfing destination on the global stage.

Carrington Estates has a selection of plots for self-build available within La Cala Resort and prices start from just 250,000 euros for 1,400m² with a generous build permission of 25%. Golfing aside, other facilities within the complex include an Andalucian-styled five star La Cala Hotel with Caracala Spa, two all-weather floodlit tennis courts, squash, a gymnasium, swimming pools and a full-sized football pitch. There are also nature trails for trekking and horse riding. The developer offers a full range of on-site property management services, including rentals, house cleaning, linen changing, garden, pool and property maintenance and 24 hour security.

For more information, visit carrington-estates.com.