It’s that time of the year when you pack your bags and leave on a family vacation: but you would rather golf. Make life easier for you by combining the two in Marbella, decidedly the best spot on the globe where golfing lends itself easily to a family outing. Here you have some of the best courses in the Costa del Sol area, in addition to sunny skies, golden beaches, and stunning landscapes, with all the associated pleasures.

Golfing for the family man – Places like the Atalaya Golf & Resorts take the strain out of vacationing with family and golfing at the same time. Here they have the perfect proposition that combines two fabulous 18-hole courses, with provisions for adventure activities like kayaking, rock climbing and water sports that should keep older kids engaged. You can concentrate on a good game of golf while they can probably hear your “fore.” However, this may not always work as perfectly as it sounds.

What are we supposed to do when you go golfing?!!! Now you knew that was going to come up. Not to worry, Marbella accommodates all types, not just golfers. Funny Beach is where young children get a piece of action with Go-Karts, Mini-motorbikes, trampolines and water sports. Or they might prefer bowling at the Mega Bowl Sports Bar, which caters to all levels from professionals to the drop-ball-on-own-foot beginners; after which one might choose to limp to the Video games centre to soothe an aching ego. Another Marbella speciality is jet-skiing using cables rather than a motor-boat.

For the golf-widow – The Contemporary Spanish Engravings Museum houses works by Picasso, Dali and others. If art is not really your thing, you can proceed to the Bonsai Museum situated in the Arroyo de la Repressa Park. If architecture is what fascinates you, head down to the Orange Square where you can gaze at the Town Hall, Magistrate’s House, and the Santiago Chapel, all dating back to the 15th century or so. If it’s a Monday make sure you drop in on the street market, which runs from 9.00a.m to 2 p.m. next to the Recinto Ferial Marbella, where you might find ancient treasures at bargain prices. If you are in a particularly daring mood you might even sign up for flamenco dancing classes at the Escuelas de Flamenco en Marbella.