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Best golf destinations in Europe

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St Andrews
Golf, Ruins and Coastal Magic
7.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore St Andrews Castle and its medieval dungeon
  • 🏌️‍♂️ Play or tour the world-famous Old Course golf links
  • ⛪ Visit the ruins of historic St Andrews Cathedral
Costa del Sol
Sun‑soaked beaches and vibrant coastal culture
8.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍤 Sample tapas at El Puerto's vibrant market
  • 🕌 Wander Alhambra gardens, capture sunset over palatial arches
  • 🌊 Sunbathe on Playa de la Malagueta, soak Mediterranean waves
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Lagos Old Town and its historic fortifications
  • 🌊 Relax on Praia da Marinha, one of Europe’s best beaches
  • ⛱️ Explore the stunning sea caves and cliffs of Benagil
Northern Ireland
Land of Epic Scenery and History
7.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk along the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
  • 🚢 Tour the historic Titanic Belfast museum and galleries
  • 🪨 Explore the dramatic Giant’s Causeway basalt columns
Ireland
Emerald Isle of timeless charm
7.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Marvel at the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Wild Atlantic Way from Cork to Donegal
  • 💋 Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
Scotland
Mystic Highlands and Historic Castles
7.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏚️ Walk through the mysterious Real Mary King's Close
  • ⛰️ Hike up to panoramic views from Arthur’s Seat
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle in Old Town
Girona
Medieval Walls, Colorful Rivers, Catalan Soul
7.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🕍 Explore the atmospheric Jewish Quarter El Call
  • 🏰 Walk along the medieval city walls, Passeig de la Muralla
  • ⛪ Climb Girona Cathedral steps, marvel at its Gothic nave
Sicily
Sun, Sea and Ancient Secrets
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Wander the charming streets of Taormina’s old town
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
  • 🌋 Climb active Mount Etna volcano for breathtaking views
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛳ Play a round of golf at the championship Victoria Course
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Praia da Falésia
  • ⛵ Stroll along Vilamoura Marina and admire the luxury yachts
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