Santana Golf sits between La Cala de Mijas and Fuengirola, tucked into the hillside with the Sierra de Mijas as a constant backdrop. What I like here is that it still feels properly rural by Costa del Sol standards, with fairways running through orange and avocado groves rather than rows of villas.
Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, the course makes the most of the natural terrain. You'll get plenty of elevation change, so expect a few holes where club selection is more about the slope and the breeze than the yardage on the card. The routing is varied too, mixing uphill drives, downhill approaches and greens that can be deceptively quick once the sun has baked them out.
In terms of challenge, Santana is more about positioning than power. The fairways can run firm and fast, the bunkering is well placed and if you miss the short grass you can be fighting kikuyu rough or an awkward sidehill lie. Water features on a handful of holes, but it's the angles into the greens and the natural movement in the land that do most of the defending.
If your group wants a quieter round away from the busy resort belt, Santana is a strong shout. It's a course that rewards a bit of planning, but it's still enjoyable for mixed abilities if you play the right tees.
Include Santana Golf in your next Costa del Sol golf break with Your Golf Travel.
Who is this for? Golfers who want a more natural Costa del Sol round, with elevation changes, firm fairways and a layout that rewards course management.
Who is it best for? Groups and couples who prefer a quieter tee sheet and a course that suits confident ball-strikers, while still being playable for mid-handicaps from sensible tees.
