Best golf resorts in Europe

Europe is home to some of the world’s most iconic golf destinations. In this guide, we highlight the very best European resorts from the sun-drenched fairways of Portugal and Spain to the luxury escapes of France and Italy, and the emerging hotspot of Greece.

Whether you explore them one trip at a time or plan a grand Europe golf adventure, each resort promises world-class golf combined with culture, food, and hospitality you’ll never forget.

To create this list, we’ve included resorts with at least 20 verified reviews and ranked them based on customer feedback, ensuring a selection that reflects real player experiences.

Golf: Monte Rei North Course (Jack Nicklaus Signature) | Customer rating: 4.8 | Best for: Luxury, exclusivity & Portugal’s No.1 golf experience

Why stay here? Tucked away in the Algarve, between the Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic coastline, Monte Rei is one of the best golf resorts in Portugal. Home to one of Jack Nicklaus’ only Signature designs in the country, it combines championship golf with impeccable five-star service.

With spacious luxury villas, fine dining led by Michelin-starred chef Rui Silvestre, and a secluded setting just 45 minutes from Faro Airport, Monte Rei offers a level of privacy and indulgence rarely matched in Europe.

Accommodation is in elegant one- to four-bedroom villas and residences, each featuring modern design, private terraces, and access to pools and landscaped gardens. Guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine at Vistas Rui Silvestre, relaxed dining at the Clubhouse, or cook in fully equipped kitchens.

Golf course:

Monte Rei North Course: A Jack Nicklaus Signature design and one of the perennial top courses in Portugal according to Golf Digest. Set across rolling hills, it offers wide fairways, dramatic bunkering, immaculate conditioning, and breathtaking views. A second Nicklaus course (South) is under development, further elevating Monte Rei’s status.

Resort highlights:

• One of Portugal’s highest-ranked golf courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus
• Luxury villas with private pools and world-class service
• Michelin-starred dining at Vistas Rui Silvestre
• Tennis courts, swimming pools, gym, and spa facilities
• Peaceful, exclusive setting away from the busier Algarve resorts

Travel tips: Monte Rei is one of Portugal’s top-ranked courses and extremely popular; reserve your tee slots early, especially in spring and autumn.

Golf: The Dunes, The Bay, The Hills & International Olympic Academy Course | Customer rating: 4.8 | Best for: Family-friendly luxury & world-class Mediterranean golf

**Why stay here?**Costa Navarino is one of Europe’s finest golf destinations, combining beachfront luxury with four championship courses designed by golfing legends. Set in Greece, just 45 minutes from Kalamata Airport, it offers a perfect balance of golf, leisure, and family activities.Looking out at the Ionian Sea, with award-winning service, and an emphasis on sustainability, it’s an exceptional base for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Accommodation options are varied, each offering its own style and atmosphere:

• The Westin Resort Costa Navarino – Family-friendly luxury with spacious rooms, aqua park, and kids’ clubs.
• The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort – An upscale beachfront property with private pools and refined dining, ideal for couples.
• W Costa Navarino – A stylish, adults-only escape with contemporary design and vibrant nightlife.

Golf courses:

• The Dunes Course: Designed by Bernhard Langer, blending coastal links-style holes with olive grove landscapes.
• The Bay Course: A Robert Trent Jones II seaside design, with holes overlooking Navarino Bay.
• The Hills Course: A José María Olazábal layout through rolling terrain with wide fairways and mountain views.
• International Olympic Academy Course: Another Olazábal design, offering a championship challenge with dramatic bunkering.

Resort highlights:

• Beachfront location with family-friendly pools and aqua park
• Access to four world-class championship golf courses
• Wellness facilities including spa, yoga, and cycling trails
• Huge variety of dining, from local tavernas to Michelin-starred menus
• Kids’ clubs, cultural excursions, and sports academies for all ages

Travel tips: The Westin is ideal for families and groups, with the resort’s full range of leisure activities. Spring and autumn offer the best combination of sunshine and comfortable golf conditions.

Golf: Château Course & Le Riou Course | Customer rating: 4.8 | Best for: French Riviera luxury & championship golf in a Provençal setting

Why stay here? Just 45 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, Terre Blanche is spread across 750 acres of natural landscape. It combines two championship Dave Thomas–designed courses with five-star Relais & Châteaux hospitality.

Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside while indulging in world-class dining, a 35,000 sq. ft. spa, and the serenity of Southern France. Perfect for golfers, couples, and families seeking a blend of relaxation and sporting excellence.

Accommodation is in elegant suites and villas, each with private terraces and contemporary Provençal décor. Dining includes gourmet cuisine at Le Faventia (Michelin-starred), Mediterranean flavors at Le Gaudina, and relaxed poolside options.

Golf courses:

• Château Course: A championship layout stretching over 7,200 yards, with wide fairways, large bunkers, and fast greens. It is ranked within the top 10 in France and the top 30 in Europe by Top 100 Golf Courses.
• Le Riou Course: A more technical course with undulating fairways and water features, exclusive to hotel guests and members.

Resort highlights:

• Two championship courses with an on-site European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI)
• Award-winning spa with pools, saunas, and hydrotherapy circuits
• Michelin-starred dining and multiple casual options
• Indoor and outdoor pools, kids’ club, and fitness facilities
• Set in 750 acres of pristine Provençal countryside

Travel tips: Book a late-afternoon tee time. The courses are stunning at golden hour, when the Provençal light softens the landscape and the views stretch across the hills.

Golf: Faldo Course, O’Connor Jnr. Course & Academy Course | Customer rating: 4.6 | Best for: Modern Algarve golf, spacious villas & group getaways

Why stay here? Set in the tranquil countryside, just 35 minutes from Faro Airport, Amendoeira Golf Resort is a modern complex with two championship courses and one of the Algarve’s best practice facilities. Its spacious apartments and villas, all with full kitchens and contemporary design, make it especially popular with groups and families.

The resort’s elevated position offers sweeping views across the region, while the on-site dining, sports facilities, and swimming pools ensure there’s as much to enjoy off the course as on it.

Accommodation ranges from one- and two-bedroom apartments to luxury four-bedroom villas with private pools. Guests can dine at the clubhouse restaurant and bar, which serves Portuguese and international dishes, or make use of the fully equipped kitchens in their residences.

Golf courses:

• Faldo Course: A desert-style championship design with dramatic bunkering, rocky outcrops, and elevated tees, a true test of strategy.
• O'Connor Jnr. Course More forgiving, with wide fairways and plenty of water hazards weaving through the valleys.
• Academy Course: A floodlit 9-hole par-3 layout, perfect for practice or fun evening rounds.

Resort highlights:

• Two championship courses plus a floodlit par-3 Academy Course
• Luxury apartments and villas with modern amenities
• Practice academy, driving range, and short-game areas
• Multiple pools, gym, and kids’ club for families
• Football pitches, tennis courts, and other sports facilities on-site

Travel tips: The floodlit Academy Course allows for evening golf, perfect for practice or a fun night round.

Golf: Praia D’El Rey Golf Course & West Cliffs Golf Links | Customer rating: 4.6 | Best for: Oceanfront golf & Silver Coast escapes

Why stay here? Located on Portugal’s rugged Silver Coast, just over an hour north of [Lisbon][2], Praia D’El Rey Golf Resort offers the perfect combination of championship golf and sweeping Atlantic views. The on-site Praia D’El Rey Golf Course, a Cabell B. Robinson design, mixes pine forest fairways with dramatic seaside holes. Its sister course, West Cliffs, has quickly become one of Europe’s most acclaimed modern layouts, adding true bucket-list status to the resort.

Accommodation comes in two distinct styles to suit different types of travelers:

• Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort – A luxury oceanfront hotel offering stylish rooms and suites, many with private balconies overlooking the Atlantic. Facilities include a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple restaurants and bars.
• The Village, Praia D’El Rey – Self-catering apartments and townhouses set among landscaped gardens, with access to communal pools and easy proximity to the golf courses. An ideal choice for those who prefer the flexibility of independent living within the resort.

Golf courses:

• Praia D’El Rey Golf Course: A classic design with a mix of pine-lined inland holes and stunning seaside holes set against the Atlantic dunes.
• West Cliffs Golf Links: A dramatic Cynthia Dye layout ranked among Europe’s Top 100, with panoramic ocean views on nearly every hole.

Resort highlights:

• Marriott hotel with ocean views and luxury amenities
• Self-catering apartments and townhouses at The Village
• Outdoor pools, spa, tennis courts, and kids’ club
• Beachfront location with direct access to golden sands

Travel tips: The seaside holes at Praia D’El Rey are often considered to be Portugal’s answer to Pebble Beach.

Golf: Les Châteaux & Les Vignes Courses | Customer rating: 4.6 | Best for: Wine country escapes & championship golf in southwest France

Why stay here? Set in the heart of Bordeaux’s famed Médoc wine region, Cabot Bordeaux is a luxury four-star golf hotel with two on-site championship courses. Les Châteaux is the resort’s flagship, a former French Open host and ranked 15th in Europe, while Les Vignes offers a more forgiving but equally scenic round. Alongside world-class golf, guests enjoy refined dining, a relaxing spa, and the charm of Bordeaux’s wine country, perfect for a golf and gastronomy getaway.

Golf: South Course, North Course & Laranjal Course | Best for: A vibrant golf & lifestyle community with endless options

Why stay here? Located just 20 minutes from Faro Airport, close to Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago is a vibrant resort town that attracts golfers from all over the world. It boasts private villas, first-class hotels, lively bars and restaurants, and three outstanding golf courses set against the scenic Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Accommodation options in this expansive resort town vary, but highlights include The Conrad, The Magnolia, a stylish Miami-style boutique hotel, and Hotel Quinta do Lago, a prestigious five-star property with a private beach and easy access to local golf courses. Both hotels ensure a memorable stay with excellent services, including a shuttle to the golf courses.

Golf courses:

• South Course: A Portuguese Open host with tree-lined fairways and lakes, considered Quinta do Lago’s crown jewel.
• North Course: Redesigned in 2014, modern and more forgiving, with bold bunkering and wide fairways.
• Laranjal Course: A beautifully maintained course set in a former orange grove, offering a more tranquil and scenic round.

Resort highlights:

• Three championship courses, each with a distinct style
• Luxury villas, apartments, and boutique hotel options
• The Campus: sports & wellness centre for tennis, padel, cycling & more
• 10+ restaurants and bars, from steakhouses to seafood on the lake
• Safe, community-style atmosphere with leisure for all ages

Travel tips: Quinta do Lago is perfect for longer stays, as the resort has everything you need in one place. Car hire is still recommended if you’d like to explore Vilamoura, Faro, or Algarve’s beaches and towns.

Golf: The Alto Club Golf & 9-hole par-3 Academy Course | Customer rating: 4.5 | Best for: Stylish Costa del Sol golf & five-star wellness

Why stay here? Nestled in the hills of Sotogrande with views of the Mediterranean and Andalusian countryside, SO/ Sotogrande is a chic five-star retreat blending luxury with golf and wellness. The resort offers the Alto Club Golf, an 18-hole parkland layout by Dave Thomas (remodelled by Manuel Piñero), plus a 9-hole par-3 academy course, making it perfect for golfers of all levels. Beyond the fairways, the hotel is known for its modern rooms, private terraces, fine dining, and the exceptional SO/ Spa & Wellness Club

Golf courses:

• The Alto Club Golf: 18-hole parkland layout winding through oaks, pines, and lakes, offering scenic and varied golf.
• Academy Course: A 9-hole par-3 layout, ideal for practice or a relaxed warm-up round.

Resort highlights:

• Luxury 5* hotel with 152 guestrooms and private terraces
• SO/ Spa & Wellness Club with thermal circuits, pools, and fitness classes
• Stylish dining venues with Mediterranean and Andalusian cuisine
• Outdoor pools, tennis, padel, and family-friendly facilities
• Located in Sotogrande Hills with views over the Mediterranean

Travel tips: Gibraltar Airport (30 mins) and Málaga Airport (1 hour) both provide easy access. Extend your stay to explore Sotogrande’s other championship courses, including Valderrama and La Reserva, located nearby.

Golf: Verdura Links & Shore Course | Customer rating: 4.5 | Best for: Luxury Sicilian escapes & European Tour pedigree

Why stay here? Set on 230 hectares of pristine Sicilian coastline, just outside Sciacca and 80 minutes from Palermo Airport, Verdura Resort is Italy’s ultimate luxury golf destination. A Rocco Forte property, it features two championship courses by Kyle Phillips, a nine-hole par-3 layout, and has hosted multiple European Tour events. With its private beach, world-class spa, and focus on local gastronomy, Verdura combines five-star indulgence with authentic Sicilian charm.

Accommodation includes elegant rooms, suites, and villas, all with private terraces and views of the Mediterranean. Dining ranges from fine Sicilian cuisine at Zagara to casual beachfront meals at Amare, plus farm-to-table menus using produce from the resort’s own gardens.

Golf: Stadium Course & Tour Course | Customer rating: 4.4 | Best for: Championship golf & luxury wellness escapes in northern Spain

Why stay here? Just 10 minutes from Girona Airport and under an hour from Barcelona, Camiral Golf is a top golf resort. The resort blends championship-standard golf with five-star luxury, offering stylish rooms, a world-class spa, and cutting-edge wellness programs. Set in the scenic Costa Brava, it’s the ideal destination for golfers who want a mix of challenge, relaxation, and Mediterranean charm.

Accommodation is in contemporary rooms and suites at the Hotel Camiral, many with views over the courses or surrounding countryside. Dining ranges from farm-to-table fine dining to relaxed Mediterranean options, with a focus on fresh, local produce.

Golf courses:

• Stadium Course: A demanding Ángel Gallardo & Neil Coles design with dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and water hazards, consistently ranked among Europe’s Top 10.
• Tour Course: More forgiving, with wider landing areas and shorter yardage, ideal for a relaxing but still high-quality round.

Resort highlights:

• Five-star accommodation with modern luxury design
• Wellness centre, hydrotherapy spa, yoga and fitness programs
• Outdoor pool, tennis, padel, and nature trails
• Located in the heart of Costa Brava, close to Girona and Barcelona

Travel tips: Girona’s medieval old town is just 15 minutes away, ideal for a cultural day out alongside championship golf.

Best time to visit: Europe offers year-round golf, but the best time depends on where you’re heading. Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey) is prime from March–June and September–November, with warm sunshine and ideal playing conditions. Northern Europe (France, Scandinavia) shines in the May–September window, when days are long and courses are in peak shape. Winter golf is still great in southern Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands.

What to expect: Europe is a golfer’s dream, combining historic championship venues and Ryder Cup hosts with modern luxury resorts and breathtaking scenery. Expect everything from classic links, to sun-soaked layouts. Resorts often feature multiple courses, spas, fine dining, and leisure facilities, while off the course, Europe delivers culture, gastronomy, and sightseeing opportunities that few other destinations can match.

Booking tips:

• Plan ahead – Iconic venues fill up quickly, requiring bookings well in advance.
• Consider shoulder seasons – Spring and autumn often offer better value, fewer crowds, and great playing conditions in southern Europe.
• Group smartly – Many world-class courses are clustered (e.g. Algarve, Costa del Sol, etc), so base yourself near a hub to minimise travel time.

Q: Is Europe good for golf? A: Absolutely. Europe is home to some of the world’s most iconic golf experiences, from historic links to luxury resorts, and beyond. The variety, quality, and cultural add-ons make it unique.

Q: When is the best time to play golf in Europe? A: For northern destinations like Scotland, Ireland, and Scandinavia, May–September offers the best weather and course conditions. For southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece), March–June and September–November are prime, though golf is playable year-round.

Q: What are the best golf regions in Europe?

• Portugal’s Algarve & Lisbon coast
• Spain’s Costa del Sol & Sotogrande
• Northern France
• Italy & Greece

Q: Is golf expensive in Europe? A: Costs can vary widely. Prestige venues like Valderrama are premium experiences, but excellent value packages are available in places like Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, especially outside peak months.

Q: Do I need a handicap to play golf in Europe? A: Some top-tier venues request proof of handicap, but many resorts and public-access courses welcome golfers of all abilities.

Europe offers the widest variety of golf experiences in the world, from links steeped in centuries of tradition to sun-drenched Mediterranean resorts with multiple championship layouts. Add in world-class hospitality, fine food, wine, and culture, and it’s easy to see why Europe is a bucket-list destination for golfers everywhere.