Top 5 Golf Break Destinations in Europe
There’s nothing quite like a round of golf whilst on holiday. Long walks in the fresh air, socialising with friends and family and topping up the tan – all whilst playing the game many of us love. Simply put, a round of golf offers the chance to truly de-stress and unwind. We’ve picked our top 5 favourite European golfing destinations to make your next golf break one to remember!
1. Algarve
The Algarve in Southern Portugal remains one of Europe’s best for golfing holidays and for good reason! With an abundance of stunning golf courses offering so much variety, the Algarve’s reputation really does speak for itself. From the award-winning San Lorenzo course in Quinta do Lago, to Nick Faldo’s famous ‘Faldo Course’ further inland or the Royal Golf Course in Vale de Lobo with its popular ‘cliff-top carryover’ offering mesmerising views, this spectacular region really does have it all.
2. Balearic Islands
With a generous year-round climate and over 20 golf courses to choose from, it’s easy to see why people return to the Balearic Islands year after year for their golfing break. The majority of the Balearic’s golf courses can be found on its largest island, Mallorca, meaning you’re never far away from the fairway whether you choose to stay in the bustling Alcudia in the North or the more laid-back Cala D’Or in the South. Alcanada Golf Course near Alcudia is located on the coastline and offers stunning views of the lighthouse with the Mediterranean in the distance, whilst the Golf de Andratx course close to Palma is one of the island’s more challenging courses, with one of the longest holes in Europe measuring at 609 meters! Menorca’s only golf course can be found in a picturesque setting, surrounded by pine trees in Son Parc in the North, whilst Ibiza offers two challenging courses close to the capital set within the valleys.
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3. Costa del Sol
Boasting beautiful weather, delicious food and some of the finest golf courses on the continent, it’s no wonder the Costa del Sol makes our list. This popular region in Southern Spain, commonly referred to as ‘Costa del Golf’ thanks to its huge variety of golf courses for all levels, has already played host to some of the world’s leading tour events and championships, including the 1997 Ryder Cup at Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande. There are over 150 golf courses in this region, stretching from the Costa Blanca on the East Coast right round to the Portuguese border in the West, so you’re definitely spoilt for choice!
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4. Canary Islands
Famed for year round sunshine and dramatic landscapes, the Canary Islands are a tranquil haven and the ideal choice for golf lovers. There aren’t many places in Europe where you can tee off in the winter months under glorious sunshine but the Canaries offer just that. Each island on the archipelago offers something a little different, from the challenging Costa Teguise course which lies on a dormant volcano in Lanzarote, to the Maspalomas course surrounded by Gran Canaria’s shimmering sand dunes, and the Fuerteventura Golf Club which is cleverly designed to use the impact of the wind. There’s enough variety here to make you want to return again and again.
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5. Cyprus
With most of its golf courses built in the 21st Century, Cyprus is fast becoming the new ‘go to’ place for golfing getaways. This charming island has forever been a popular European holiday destination thanks to its many lively seaside resorts, and it is now becoming a great alternative to Portugal and Spain for golf lovers. Cyprus is home to four testing courses all within close proximity of Paphos, including the Secret Valley course in Kouklia and Nick Faldo’s Elea Estate boasting stunning Mediterranean views. However, perhaps the most popular and memorable is the Aphrodite Hills course which opened in 2002. Spread across two plateaus which are separated by a dramatic ravine, this course provides challenges for keen golfers of all levels. From straight forward putting options to the staggering 130 meter gorge dividing tees at the 7th hole testing even the most skillful golfer, Aphrodite Hills has attained the highest standard recognition in golf – the PGA National, which is the only one of its kind on the island.
Staying in a private villa on your golf break is, to many, the perfect choice. Take a splash in your own private swimming pool, dine under the stars with a late night BBQ or enjoy a game of table-tennis in-between tee times! Villas offer complete privacy whilst still remaining in close proximity to the fairway.