Golf holidays in Portugal, Spain and France are still the most popular choice with golfers heading to Europe.
These tried and tested destinations, are not only the closest to home, but also are packed with the continents best and most established golf courses, hotels and resorts. For the assurance of quality and convenience, Europe’s glorious triumvirate remains number one for golf breaks and golf holidays.
Central Algarve
Rated 8.4 by 121 golfers (Read reviews of Vila Gale Ampalius)
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
Sotogrande
Rated 9.6 by 24 golfers (Read reviews of SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel)
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
Belek
Rated 9.2 by 54 golfers (Read reviews of Sueno Hotels Deluxe Belek)
5 Nights, 2 Rounds
The golfing landscape in Europe is varied and often stunning, from the tournament regulars of Valderrama and Dom Pedro Victoria, coastal treasures like Vale do Lobo and Thracian Cliffs to the inland gems of Fontainebleau, Monte Rei and PGA Catalunya.
There are courses throughout Europe to suite golfers of all abilities, making their golf holiday an enjoyable and memorable one.
The Algarve is synonymous with golf holidays, Portugal’s star attraction has developed a remarkable concentration of top golfing venues. Countless European Tour venues are strung along the coast, where famous names like San Lorenzo, Quinta Do Lago and Vale Do Lobo complement the incredible Vilamoura area, Europe’s no.1 destination. The Algarve’s success sparked development on the Lisbon coast, which is among the continent’s best new options with resorts like Praia D’El Rey and Quinta Da Marinha.
Beginning on the Costa Del Sol, where the golfing delights stretch from Valderrama and the Sotogrande area to Marbella’s buzzing nightlife and myriad of golf courses. In La Manga, Spain has the most recognised and comprehensive golf and leisure resort in Europe, while pretenders to the throne such as La Cala and Montecastillo underline the amazing options on offer under the Spanish sun. As the development continues, new options emerge, amongst which Murcia’s Nicklaus Golf Trail stands out; there is little doubt that Spain has the capability to satisfy every golf holiday demand.
Over the channel lies the bountiful golfing landscape of France. Phenomenal courses await at Arras, Hardelot, Wimereux & St Omer surround the renowned holiday resort town of Le Touquet. The coastlines of Normandy & Brittany are littered with golfing gems, while further south, the new star of French golf; Bordeaux is surrounded by the fantastic resorts of Lacanau, GCabot Bordeaux and Margaux, while the Biarritz golf pass combines a succession of phenomenal courses.
Turkey’s golfing landscape is dominated by the hot spot of Belek, just a short drive from the international airport at Antalya. In Belek, the concentration of brand new championship courses and 5* resorts is astonishing – head to Gloria, Gloria Verde, Sirene or Cornelia Deluxe for impeccable levels of customer service and extraordinary facilities. Purpose built to welcome resort golfers, Belek is the newest star attraction on the golfing landscape.
Golf in Italy has taken off in recent years, becoming a go to destination in the heart of Europe, the sport has become ever more popular amongst the local population and amongst UK golfers. You can choose to base yourself around the ‘eternal city' of Rome, the magnificent centre of Florence or chic Milan or head to the glamourous Italian lakes of Garda and Como for a golf escape in style, where the magnificent hotels exude class.
European golf has expanded over recent years with many Countries boasting great golf break regions and experiences, from luxurious golf courses to winter sun popular golf locations, take a look at what they have to offer:
Designed by the European Tour specifically to host major professional events, the Stadium Course at Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort (formerly PGA Catalunya) is an absolute must-play and one of best layouts in all of Europe.
When playing the Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort golf courses you can choose to stay at the Hotel Camiral or the LAVIDA Hotel
Monte Rei became an instant superstar when it opened in 2007, with epic views over the rolling hills of the Algarve, it has been heralded as one of the Golden Bear’s best designs.
The links at West Cliffs run along the Silver Coast, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from every hole, the striking layout is already being talked about as the best golf course in Portugal.
A stunning heathland-style course, set on the rolling sand hills of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Carya is a truly unique golfing experience.
The first course of its kind to be built in Turkey, Carya has since become the number one course in the country, considered a must-play track by golfers across Europe.
Considered by many to the best golf course in Spain, Valderrama is one of Robert Trent Jones’ greatest designs and one of the country’s most recognisable courses after hosting the Ryder Cup. Arguably Valderrama is the benchmark for quality golf in Spain.
When playing Valderrama you can stay at the Hotel Encinar de Sotogrande or choose the fantastic hotel at Finca Cortesin
Quickly becoming one of Europe’s best layouts since opening in 2001, the majestic course at Oitavos Dunes is now one of the brightest jewels in Lisbon’s ever-growing golfing crown.
La Manga Resort is recognised as one of the best golf resorts on the planet, with three outstanding championship course to play, the West Course is one of Europe’s top tracks.
One of the best golf resorts in Portugal, if not Europe, combining 5-star accommodation with world-class championship golf, when it comes to on resort golf breaks in Portugal Penina is as good as it gets.
Widely-regarded as one of the best golf resorts in Continental Europe, Le Touquet boasts 45-holes worth of golf and a European Tour pedigree.
Located on the outskirts of the popular golf holiday destination of Belek on Turkey’s sunny southwestern coast, Gloria offers a wonderful combination of golf, beaches and resort luxury, all just 40-minutes from Antalya Airport.
The 5-star resort hotel is an outstanding establishment, with over 500 rooms of stylish luxury and unparalleled service. As well as the courses at Gloria Golf Club there are numerous restaurants and leisure facilities, La Source Spa is a resort highlight.
Spectacular, all-encompassing resort, regarded as not only the largest in Spain but one of the best golf destinations in all of Europe. Featuring 3 Championship golf courses in a superb location.
Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, the course is found upon the cliff-tops to the south of Paphos and provides incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.
From the back tees, the course measures 6,889 yards with two extremely memorable holes; the short 7th, at the foot of a gaping ravine, and the island green on the 18th.