The 7 best under rated golf destinations in Europe

As the sport continues to grow in popularity, more players are looking beyond golf’s typical European hotspots, in search of quieter courses, better value-for-money and unique experiences, especially during peak season.

To help players discover Europe’s hidden golf gems and plan their next trip, our team of experts have unveiled seven destinations, which include a championship course carved into the cliffs with a view of the Black Sea and one of France's oldest golf venues.

They’ve all been selected based on Golfbreaks' customer demand data, the quality and variety of golf available, accessibility and the wider experiences on offer.

• Comporta & Tróia Peninsula, Portugal – Best for beach and golf escapes
• North East Majorca, Spain – Best for a quieter alternative to Palma
• Gimsøya, Norway – Best for dramatic scenery and bucket-list golf
• Biarritz, France – Best for golf, culture and history
• Varna, Bulgaria – Best for value and spectacular coastal golf
• Tavira, Portugal – Best for luxury golf in the Algarve
• Costa Navarino, Greece – Best for luxury resorts and modern golf facilities

1. Comporta and Tróia Peninsula (Portugal)

Best for: Beach and golf escapes Closest city: Lisbon Closest airport: Lisbon Airport - 1 hour and 20 minutes away Where to play: Terras da Comporta, Troia Golf Club Where to stay: Pestana Comporta Village Residences, The Pearl Troia

Accessible by ferry from Setúbal are some of Portugal’s best emerging destinations, including the Tróia Peninsula and Comporta, which are seeing up to 85% growth year-on-year, according to Golfbreaks’ data. The area is beloved by surfers thanks to its picture-perfect white sand beaches and wild waves, whereas its golfing prowess often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by other parts of Portugal that are more synonymous with the sport.

Uniquely located on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, surrounded by wildlife, forests and the Atlantic Ocean, the Terra de Comporta Golf Resort is home to two world-class championship courses: the Dunas Course and the newly-opened Torre Course.

At the heart of the peninsula lies Tróia Golf Club. A championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones, who selected the 3rd hole on the course as the best he has ever designed, the golf course boasts incredible views of idyllic beaches and presents unique challenges to players. This includes the 18th hole, consisting of a par 5 dogleg with an elevated green and strategically placed bunkers.

The region’s proximity to the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve means wildlife watchers can spot the array of bird-life including the black-tailed godwits, curlew sandpipers and marsh harriers that reside in the rich wetlands of the reserve. A popular pod of bottlenose dolphins can often be spotted from the shoreline, with regular boat trips and outdoor beach activities also available.

Why choose Comporta & Tróia? For golfers who want championship golf alongside beaches, nature and a quieter alternative to Portugal's more established golf resorts.

2. North East Majorca

Best for: A quieter alternative to Majorca's traditional golf resorts Closest city: Palma Closest airport: Palma - most resorts are 1 hour from the airport Where to play: Club de Golf Son Servera & Capdepera Golf Club & Club de Golf Alcanada Where to stay: Iberostar Waves Cala Millor

The Balearic Island is already among Europe’s most reliable golf destinations, but most golfers gravitate towards the South-West of the island. Bookings to well-known resorts near Palma, Portals Nous and Palma Nova are common. Still, many golfers have yet to discover the North East of the island where picturesque beaches are paired with quintessential towns and welcoming Spanish hospitality.

Club de Golf Son Servera is Majorca’s only private members club, but it still welcomes guests to its outstanding facilities, ideal for those with mid to low handicaps. Surrounded by rolling mountains, many golfers are punished by the water hazards and oak, pine, olive, carob and palm trees placed throughout the course.

Capdepera Golf Club lies in the hills of the Llevant mountains and is designed by US golf architect Dan Maples. With a par of 72, the course has large greens, long fairways and six lakes, with beautiful views of the valley and Mediterranean Sea, particularly at the 15th tee.

Why choose North East Majorca? For golfers who want Majorca's established golf infrastructure without staying in the island's busiest golf resorts

3. Gimsøya (Norway)

Best for: Bucket-list golf and dramatic scenery Closest city: Svolvær or Leknes Closest airports: Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE), Leknes Airport (LKN), and Svolvær Airport (SVJ) Where to play: Lofoten Links Golf Club Where to stay: Lofoten Links Lodges

One of the most uniquely located golf courses in the world, at certain times of the year golfers at Lofoten Links Golf Club can play late into the Midnight Sun. The course sits above the Arctic Circle and receives 24-hour daylight from May to July, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. With outstanding views of the Norwegian Sea, jagged peaks and wild beaches, in the late season golfers may even catch glimpses of the Northern Lights.

The course combines dunes and rugged terrain, which are subject to changeable coastal weather that makes it challenging for even the best golfers.

Whilst it’s certainly desirable and a bucket list destination for many experienced golfers, the long journey puts off many travellers. This means that for the determined golfers who do visit, they could reap the rewards of a quieter course and a choice of available tee times.

Why choose Gimsøya? For experienced golfers looking for a genuinely unique golf experience where the scenery is as memorable as the course itself.

4. Biarritz (France)

Best for: Golf, culture and history Closest city: Bayonne Closest airports: Biarritz Airport and Bordeaux Where to play: Golf d’Arcangues, Golf de Biarritz le Phare, Golf de Seignosse Where to stay: Tonic Hotel

Despite the area having one of the oldest golf courses in France, Golf de Biarritz le Phare, Biarritz isn’t as closely associated with golf as its well-known French counterparts such as Le Touquet and Hardelot.

The historic course at Golf de Biarritz le Phare encompasses fast greens, wiry rough and 70 bunkers. There are natural hazards that can ruin a round. At nearby Golf d’Arcangues, which has beautiful views of the Pyrenées, the course lies in rolling hills with 198 acres of oak trees and meadows, demanding aggressive approach shots and receptive greens.

Biarritz is a seaside town with art deco architecture and stunning sunsets, ideal for golfers seeking a cultural experience as well as impressive courses. Biarritz has a vibrant atmosphere with organised day trips to bordering San Sebastian in Spain, or visitors can frequent one of the many beautiful vineyards in the surrounding wine regions.

Why choose Biarritz? For golfers who want a European golf holiday that combines historic courses with food, culture, beaches and sightseeing.

5. Varna (Bulgaria)

Best for: Value and dramatic coastal golf Closest city: Varna Closest airport: Varna Airport Where to stay & play: Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort, Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas

Bulgaria is often overlooked as a holiday destination, with travellers favouring the traditional hotspots. However, the budding scene and excellent value courses and hotels are beginning to be recognised by lovers of the sport, with Golfbreaks reporting demand to the country is up 173% year-on-year for 2025 and up 47% in 2026 to date.

Just one hour from Varna Airport lies some of Europe’s true hidden golf gems, including a course that is cleverly carved into the cliffs. The Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort is one of Europe’s most spectacular settings and golfers enjoy picture-perfect views of the Black Sea from every hole. Tripadvisor reviews testify to the resort’s serene atmosphere, with one visitor saying “it was so quiet and peaceful and seemed like you had the whole place to yourself at times.”

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The close by BlackSeaRama Golf is a links-style course set atop stunning cliffs, with the rest of the Varna area boasting beautiful beaches, thermal springs and ample hiking trails too.

Why choose Varna? For golfers looking for a less conventional European destination with coastal scenery, high-quality resorts and potentially better value than established golf hotspots.

6. Tavira (Portugal)

Best for: Luxury golf in the Algarve Closest city: Faro Closest airports: Faro Airport Where to play: Quinta Da Ria Golf Club, Quinta de Cima Golf Club, Monte Rei Golf Resort Where to stay: Monte Rei Golf Resort, AP Cabanas Beach & Nature

Overshadowed by classic golf locations such as Vilamoura or Albufeira, Tavira is a charming, quintessential Portuguese town located in the heart of the Algarve, and is home to the Quinta Da Ria Golf Club.

Surrounded by five lakes, the course is designed by renowned Rocky Roquemore and enjoys sensational views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Located just next door is the Quinta de Cima Golf Club, which poses more of a challenge to players with undulating terrain, water hazards and varying elevations.

For a truly luxurious experience, the nearby Monte Rei Golf Resort is home to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Portugal, combining world-class golf, sensational service and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.

Why choose Tavira? For golfers who want the infrastructure and weather of the Algarve but prefer a quieter destination with luxury accommodation and a more traditional Portuguese atmosphere.

7. Costa Navarino (Greece)

Best for: Luxury resorts and modern golf facilities Closest city: Kalamata Closest airports: Kalamata International Airport Where to play: International Olympic Academy Course, The Hills Course, The Dunes Course Where to stay: The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, The Romanos Resort, W Hotel Costa Navarino

Whilst Greece remains a hugely popular holiday destination for British travellers, its golf culture has historically remained under the radar. However, data from Golfbreaks reveals that Costa Navarino is emerging as one of the country’s most exciting golf locations, with demand increasing by 140%, suggesting holidaymakers have a growing interest in Greece for their golf holiday.

The area is becoming more accessible for Brits thanks to the increasing number of direct flights to Kalamata International Airport. Complementing the well-established Dunes Course and Bay Course, the destination now boasts several new golf courses, including the International Olympic Academy Course and The Hills Course, designed by two-time Masters Champion José María Olazábal and unveiled in 2022.

Both courses are par 72, offering panoramic views across the Peloponnesian countryside and Ionian Sea. With dramatic elevation changes, deceptive fairways and well-guarded greens, it’s ideal for players seeking a competitive challenge.

Golfbreaks selected these destinations based on a combination of customer demand, the quality and variety of golf available, accessibility from the UK and the wider experiences available to visitors. Golfbreaks booking data was also used to identify destinations where demand is increasing, helping to highlight emerging golf destinations alongside established European favourites.