There’s nothing quite like a game of golf with the sun on your back. Sadly, the British summer doesn’t always deliver on that front. So, if you’d rather swap unpredictable showers for guaranteed sunshine, Europe (and beyond) is calling. Imagine it now: 18 holes in the morning, cocktails by the pool in the afternoon, and a buggy ride or two in between. That’s the holiday vibe we’re after.
How to plan a golf holiday
The hardest bit? Deciding where to go. Ask yourself what kind of trip you want. Is it a fun lads’ weekend some beers? Or a serious golf getaway with mates who live for tournaments?
Once you’ve got that nailed down, pick a destination that suits. Hotels with on-site courses or partnerships make planning easy – plus they often throw in perks like reduced green fees or complimentary rounds. Remember to check if you need to book tee times in advance, and factor in things like course difficulty, travel time, and who you’re travelling with.
We recommend browsing different travel providers to see what suits you best. We would say to book a package holiday, for full ATOL protection, it’s usually cheaper and easier and the full holiday is booked together, no messing around trying to sort everything seperately!
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Is it expensive to play golf abroad?
Costs vary depending on the course, season, and country. Green fees in Spain and Portugal usually sit between €60 and €200, while extras like buggies will cost a bit more. The good news? Many hotels with golf courses offer discounted rates or even free rounds as part of your stay – so it’s worth checking the fine print before you book.
Bottom line: if you stay smart, you’ll have a quali-tee holiday without breaking the bank.
Top Tips for Golfing Holidays
Pack smart – clubs and beyond – Your clubs are a no-brainer, but don’t forget the extras. Stock up on golf balls (you’ll thank yourself when that tricky water hazard claims a few), plenty of tees, and a couple of gloves in case one gets wet or worn out. A lightweight waterproof jacket is also handy – even in sunny spots, showers can sneak up on you.
Book tee times in advance – Some courses, especially the championship-level ones, get booked up weeks in advance. Save yourself the stress and lock in your tee times before you travel. Many hotels partnered with courses will even do this for you – worth asking about when booking.
Mix it up with downtime – As tempting as it is to play 36 holes a day, give yourself some chill-out time too. Most golf resorts are in stunning locations, so swap a morning on the fairway for an afternoon by the pool, a spa session, or exploring the local area. It’ll make your holiday feel like more than just golf, golf, golf.
Think about who you’re travelling with – Your trip will look very different if it’s a lads’ getaway, a couples’ escape, or a family holiday. Pick a destination that suits everyone – places like Spain’s Costa del Sol or Turkey’s Belek have plenty to keep non-golfers happy while you’re out on the course.
Take advantage of hotel deals – Lots of golf hotels throw in perks like free rounds, discounted green fees, or even complimentary buggies if you book directly. Look out for these deals when planning – they can save you a bundle and give you more time on the fairway.
From dramatic Mediterranean courses to Spain’s famous Costa del Golf, here are some of the very best golfing destinations for your next escape:
Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus
This championship course stretches over 6,289 metres and offers jaw-dropping views across the Med. Olive groves line the fairways, and the 7th hole – a gorge-spanning challenge – is the stuff of legend. Aphrodite Hills also boasts the biggest golf shop in Europe, so you can stock up on gear while you’re there.
Better yet, it’s part of the luxe TUI BLUE Sensatori Atlantica resort, meaning you can follow your game with spa treatments, fine dining, and five-star comfort. Basically, it’s golf, sun, and indulgence rolled into one.
The Algarve, Portugal
Golf in the Algarve is legendary, and Vilamoura is its star player. Four courses – Pinhal, Millenium, Victoria, and Laguna – sit within minutes of each other, each offering something different. Victoria has even hosted the PGA Portugal Masters, so you’ll be teeing off where the pros have played.
Stay at the stylish Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, and you’ll have the Victoria course literally on your doorstep. You might not want to leave.
Palma, Majorca
Majorca packs a lot into its fairways. Son Gual’s par-threes are world-renowned, Son Vida is steeped in history with sweeping mountain views, and Golf de Andratx tempts you with raised tees overlooking the sea. If you’re after a more relaxed game, Santa Ponsa II is a gentler but still rewarding option.
Base yourself at the RIU Festival Hotel, where you can balance your rounds with tapas, beaches, and cocktails. Quiet gardens meet city buzz here – the perfect combo.
Golf del Sur, Tenerife
With 27 championship holes, cactus-lined fairways, and striking black-sand bunkers, Golf del Sur is unlike anywhere else. It’s even hosted long-drive records – one shot soaring an incredible 408 yards. Think you can beat it?
Stay nearby in Playa de las Americas for a mix of golf and nightlife. Hotel Villa Cortes gives you golden-mile beaches, seven restaurants, a spa, and a pool with its own waterfall. Golf by day, party (or chill) by night.
Costa del Sol, Spain
They don’t call it the Costa del Golf for nothing – with 70+ courses, you’ll find a fairway for every mood. Estepona’s Real Club de Sotogrande offers a real pro-level challenge, while resorts like the TUI BLUE Riviera place you next door to three courses and close to plenty more.
If your travel buddy isn’t a golf fanatic, don’t worry – there are wellness centres, chic restaurants, and adults-only hotels to keep them happy while you practice your swing.
👉 Book your Costa del Sol holiday
Belek, Turkey
If you’re after big, bold, and luxurious, Belek on Turkey’s southern coast is the place to be. Known as the country’s golfing capital, this stretch of the Antalya region is home to more than a dozen world-class courses – many of them designed by golfing legends like Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie. The fairways here are framed by pine forests and mountain backdrops, and the scale is seriously impressive.
Most of the resorts in Belek are five-star and all-inclusive, so you can roll straight from the green to the swim-up bar or the spa. It’s golf, but with that extra layer of Turkish luxury.
Dubai, UAE
When it comes to golfing with a touch of glamour, Dubai takes the crown. This is where you’ll find perfectly manicured championship courses that have played host to the European Tour, alongside iconic backdrops like the Burj Khalifa and the desert dunes. Courses like Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates are world-famous, offering both challenging layouts and scenery that will blow your socks off. Off the course, you can swap your clubs for cocktails at a rooftop bar, shop in mega-malls, or relax on golden beaches. Dubai really is the definition of golf meets luxury.
Whether it’s Cyprus’ dramatic cliffside holes, Majorca’s mountain views, or the endless courses of Spain’s sunny south, Europe is a golfer’s dream. Add in Turkey, Dubai, and the Canaries, and you’re truly spoilt for choice. Pack your clubs, brush up your swing, and get ready for some unforgettable rounds in the sunshine.
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