When it comes to planning a golf break, convenience matters. The best trips aren’t just about great courses, they’re about getting there quickly, settling in easily and maximising your time on holiday.

Fortunately, some of Europe’s top golf destinations are also the most accessible from the UK. With short flight times, well-served airports and quick transfers, you can leave home in the morning and be teeing it up later that same day.

Our team of Golf Travel Experts have been on countless trips all over Europe and have put together a list of the easiest golf destinations to reach from the UK, along with where to stay, where to play, and how to make the most of your trip.

Costa del Sol, Spain

The ultimate destination for variety and flexibility

Flight time: London Heathrow (LHR) - Malaga Airport (AGP): 2h50 London Gatwick (LGW) - Malaga Airport (AGP): 2h55 Manchester (MAN) - Malaga Airport (AGP): 3h00 Glasgow (GLA) - Malaga Airport (AGP): 3h15 Dublin (DUB) - Malaga Airport (AGP): 3h00

Transfer time: 30-60 minutes (most resorts)

With over 70 courses along the coast, the Costa del Sol offers unbeatable choice and getting there couldn’t be easier. Malaga is one of the UK’s best-served airports, with frequent daily flights making it ideal for both short breaks and longer trips.

Once you arrive, the region’s well-connected road network and golf-focused resorts make getting around simple, whether you’re travelling as a group or a pair.

La Cala, Europa course

Best nearby resorts: La Cala Golf Resort – around 30 minutes from Malaga Airport, a golf-focused resort with three on-site courses and everything in one place

SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort – approximately 60 minutes from Malaga Airport, a premium base for some of Spain’s most prestigious go

Must-play courses:

Travel tips

  • Choose your base depending on where you plan to play—distances can vary
  • Hiring a car is a good option for groups playing multiple courses
  • Book tee times early, especially during peak seasons

Algarve, Portugal

The benchmark for hassle-free golf travel

Flight time: London Heathrow (LHR) - Faro (FAO): 2h45 London Gatwick (LGW) - Faro (FAO): 2h50 Manchester (MAN) - Faro (FAO): 2h55 Glasgow (GLA) - Faro (FAO): 3h10 Dublin (DUB) - Faro (FAO): 2h55

Transfer time: 20–40 minutes (most resorts)

The Algarve has long set the standard for easy golf travel. Faro Airport is perfectly positioned for the region’s top resorts, meaning short, straightforward transfers and minimal travel time once you land.

Everything here is geared towards golfers, with high-quality resorts, excellent infrastructure and a huge choice of courses all within close proximity.

Quinta do Lago, South Course

Best nearby resorts:

  • Quinta do Lago – around 20 minutes from Faro Airport, one of Europe’s premier golf resorts offering luxury accommodation, world-class courses and everything in one place
  • Kimpton Atlântico Algarve – around 40 minutes from Faro Airport, a stylish base near Albufeira with easy access to a wide range of courses
  • Amendoeira Golf Resort – approximately 40 minutes from Faro Airport, a golf-focused resort with two on-site courses, ideal for a seamless stay-and-play experience

Must-play courses:

  • South Course (Quinta do Lago) – a European Tour venue known for its immaculate conditioning and memorable water-lined closing stretch
  • Old Course, Vilamoura – classic parkland layout set among umbrella pines, offering a traditional and highly enjoyable round
  • Monte Rei North Course – a Jack Nicklaus Signature course delivering a premium, world-class experience from start to finish

Travel tips:

  • Early flights from the UK make same-day golf very achievable
  • Transfers are quick and reliable, pre-booking keeps things seamless
  • Ideal for both short breaks and longer, premium golf holidays

Majorca, Spain

Island golf with minimal travel time

Flight time: London Heathrow (LHR) - Palma (PMI): 2h20 London Gatwick (LGW) - Palma (PMI): 2h25 Manchester (MAN) - Palma (PMI): 2h30 Glasgow (GLA) - Palma (PMI): 2h45 Dublin (DUB) - Palma (PMI): 2h35

Transfer time: 10–25 minutes

Majorca offers the perfect balance of accessibility and escape. Palma Airport is just minutes from many of the island’s top courses, making it one of the quickest destinations in Europe from plane to first tee.

Its compact size also means less time travelling between rounds, making it ideal for shorter breaks.

Best nearby resorts:

  • Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel – just 15 minutes from Palma Airport, with access to multiple top courses in a premium setting
  • Zafiro Palace Palmanova – around 25 minutes from the airport, a modern and comfortable base close to several of Majorca’s standout layouts
  • Castillo Hotel Son Vida – approximately 15 minutes from Palma Airport, offering a luxury stay with excellent access to the island’s best golf

Must-play courses

  • Son Gual – widely regarded as Majorca’s best course, combining immaculate conditioning with a challenging but fair design
  • Alcanada – a spectacular coastal layout with views of the Mediterranean on almost every hole, delivering one of Spain’s most scenic rounds
  • Son Muntaner – a beautifully maintained course offering a premium yet playable experience close to Palma

Travel tips

  • Stay in the southwest for the easiest access to multiple courses
  • Ideal for long weekends thanks to short flight and transfer times
  • Book tee times in advance during peak travel periods

Published 20 March 2026