Atalaya Old Course
Designed by the celebrated German architect Bernhard von Limburger and opened in 1967, the Old Course at Atalaya is one of the elder statesmen of Costa del Sol golf. A par 72 of about 6,405 yards set between Marbella and Estepona, it is a mature, tree lined parkland that has matured into one of the most enjoyable resort rounds on the coast.
Photo: Atalaya Golf & Country Club via Google.
The verdict
The Old Course at Atalaya is a piece of Costa del Sol golf history. It opened in 1967 to a design by Bernhard von Limburger, one of Germany's most respected architects and the man behind dozens of European courses, though this remains his only work in Spain. Decades of growth have turned it into a handsome, tree lined parkland that feels a world away from the newer, more manufactured layouts along the coast.
It is a par 72 of about 6,405 yards, gentle enough off the tee to suit the holiday golfer yet full of mature trees and clever bunkering that keep the better player engaged. Set between Marbella and Estepona with La Concha mountain as a backdrop, and paired with the more modern New Course alongside it, Atalaya offers reliable, good value golf in the heart of one of Europe's busiest golf regions.
Atalaya Old at a glance
- Opened
- 1967
- Designer
- Bernhard von Limburger
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,405 yds
- Green fee
- From about 131 EUR (indicative)
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Atalaya Golf & Country Club and leading course databases. The Old Course was designed by Bernhard von Limburger and opened in 1967, a par 72 of about 6,405 yards. The indicative 2026 green fee is from about 131 euros for 18 holes, with sunset and summer rates lower; it is a resort course open to visitors. Fees change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Old Course shows its age in the best way, with tall, mature trees lining fairways that have settled into the landscape over more than half a century. It is not a long course, and the holiday golfer will enjoy the generous corridors, but the trees and well placed bunkers demand position rather than power, especially on the approach.
Von Limburger's routing flows naturally with the gentle slope toward the sea, and the greens are fair and receptive, rewarding a well judged iron. There is water in play on a handful of holes, but the defining challenge is keeping the ball below the trees and on the correct side of the fairway to open the angle to the flag.
The closing holes bring the round back toward the clubhouse with La Concha mountain framing the scene, a reminder of why golfers have flocked to this coast for decades. Atalaya Old pairs easily with the resort's New Course and the many great layouts nearby, making it a dependable stop on any Costa del Sol golf trip.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort and members course open to visitors by tee time |
| Green fee | From about 131 euros for 18 holes, with sunset 9 hole and summer rates lower (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Book online or through the golf reception; the resort also offers stay and play packages |
| On the day | Buggies are standard on the Costa del Sol; the clubhouse and country club facilities are extensive |
| Getting there | Between Marbella and Estepona, about 45 minutes from Malaga airport |
| Best months | Autumn to spring for the mild Costa del Sol season; summers are hot, so play early |
Access and fee guidance verified June 2026; Costa del Sol rates vary widely by season, so always confirm current pricing and tee time availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Most golfers base themselves in Marbella, Estepona or along the surrounding coast, where resorts, villas and hotels cater to every budget and the beaches and dining are first class. Atalaya's own resort accommodation puts you on the doorstep of both its courses.
The western Costa del Sol is one of the densest golf regions in Europe, so Atalaya slots easily into a trip alongside the great courses of the Marbella area. A week here, with reliable winter sun and dozens of courses within half an hour, is a classic European golf escape.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near the Costa del Sol.
Build a Costa del Sol golf trip
We pair Atalaya with the best of the Marbella and Estepona courses, secure the tee times and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Atalaya Old questions
Who designed the Atalaya Old Course and when did it open?
The Old Course at Atalaya was designed by Bernhard von Limburger and opened in 1967. It is the only Spanish course by the noted German architect, set between Marbella and Estepona.
What is the par and length of the Atalaya Old Course?
The Old Course is a par 72 of about 6,405 yards, a mature, tree lined parkland that favours position over power.
How much does it cost to play Atalaya Old?
The indicative 2026 green fee is from about 131 euros for 18 holes, with lower sunset and summer rates. It is a resort course open to visitors. Always confirm current rates before booking.
What is the difference between the Old and New courses at Atalaya?
The Old Course, from 1967, is the mature, tree lined parkland, while the New Course is a more modern, open layout. Many visitors play both during a stay on the Costa del Sol.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.