Best golf destinations in Europe
Best golf destinations in Europe
Historic coastal links tracks and classic championship courses in Europe
The British Isles gave the world golf, surrounded by links courses shaped by coastal wind rather than designed from scratch. Southern Europe offers a completely different, more reliably sunny version of the sport along its coastlines.
The destinations on this list range from historic links courses with centuries of golfing tradition to modern resort courses built specifically around guaranteed sunshine and year-round play. Some require membership connections to access. Others welcome visiting golfers without restriction.
Booking tee times well ahead is essential at the continent's most famous courses, several of which allocate visitor slots through a ballot system months in advance. Caddies at the most traditional clubs can offer genuinely useful local knowledge. Checking forecasted wind conditions before a round also matters considerably, since it can dramatically change how a course plays.
Lists by region
Town in United Kingdom
St Andrews
Golf, Ruins and Coastal Magic
Golf was first played on these links in the early 15th century. The 18 hole format was set in 1764. The Old Course has hosted the Open 30 times since 1873, most recently in 2022. It measures 7,305 yards at par 72. The course closes on Sundays to rest.
Region in Spain
Costa del Sol
Sun‑soaked beaches and vibrant coastal culture
IAGTO rated the Costa del Sol the Best European Golf Destination for 2025. It has over 70 golf courses and averages 325 days of sunshine a year. Valderrama in nearby Sotogrande hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup. That was the first held in continental Europe. Robert Trent Jones designed the course.
Region in United Kingdom
Scotland
Mystic Highlands and Historic Castles
The Scots Parliament condemned golf in an act dated March 6, 1457. The first Open Championship was held at Prestwick in 1860. Scots have won the Open 42 times, one more than Americans. Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Muirfield, Kingsbarns, Turnberry and Royal Troon are among the famous courses.
Region in Portugal
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
Seven Algarve courses made Golf World's 2015/16 list of the top 100 in continental Europe. Monte Rei ranked 14th, Onyria Palmares 21st and San Lorenzo 28th. Oceanico Old Course placed 44th. Quinta do Lago South placed 58th. The south coast gets well over 3,100 hours of sunshine a year.
Region in United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Land of Epic Scenery and History
Royal Portrush hosted the first Open held in Northern Ireland in 1951. Shane Lowry won there in 2019 with a 269 and set the Dunluce Links record of 63. Royal County Down in Newcastle opened in 1889. Golf Digest ranked it first on its 2024 list of the world's 100 greatest courses.
Country
Ireland
Emerald Isle of timeless charm
The Irish Open began in 1927 and was revived in 1975. Portmarnock has hosted fifteen editions. Around 300 courses cover the island of Ireland. Links layouts line the entire coast on sandy soil. Lahinch Golf Club dates from 1894. Royal Curragh, founded in 1858, was the first golf club in Ireland.
Island in Italy
Sicily
Sun, Sea and Ancient Secrets
Verdura near Agrigento has two 18 hole courses by Kyle Phillips, East and West. The West finishes along the shore. Donnafugata offers a Links course by Franco Piras and a Parkland course by Gary Player. Il Picciolo climbs the lower slopes of Mount Etna. Summer heat from July to September firms the fairways.
City in Spain
Girona
Medieval Walls, Colorful Rivers, Catalan Soul
The 2031 Ryder Cup will be held at Camiral in Caldes de Malavella, the first time on the Costa Brava. Camiral has two championship courses, the Stadium Course and the Tour Course. The Costa Brava has nine golf clubs. Golf visitors mainly travel in spring and autumn.
Neighbourhood in Faro
Vilamoura
Elegant Coastal Resort Town
Five golf courses are run by Dom Pedro Golf, which took them over in 2016. Banker Cupertino de Miranda founded the resort. The marina opened in 1974. Roman ruins at Cerro da Vila include baths and a museum. The site was important for producing garum, a Roman fish paste.
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