Best Golf Courses in Europe: Top Resorts & Destinations

When I think about the best golf courses in Europe, I measure them against six key criteria: design, setting, memorability, playability, consistency, and presentation. For me, it’s not just about how a course looks on the scorecard; it’s about how it feels to walk the fairways, the strategy the architecture demands, and the lasting impression a round leaves behind.

What makes European golf stand out compared to other parts of the world is the extraordinary diversity of its landscapes. On one trip, you might find yourself battling coastal winds on rugged links, while on another, you could be threading drives through ancient forests, playing at the base of Alpine mountains, or navigating desert-style layouts under year-round sun. This variety is what makes Europe one of the best places to golf in the world.

The continent is also steeped in history and architectural heritage. Many of the greatest names in golf course design, Harry Colt, Tom Simpson, Robert Trent Jones Sr., have left masterpieces across Europe. Add to that a pedigree of championship venues, from Ryder Cup host sites like Valderrama, Le Golf National, and Marco Simone, to European Tour regulars like Finca Cortesin or Oitavos Dunes, and you start to see why this region is a world-class golf destination.

In this guide, I’ll share personal experiences and insights from the courses I’ve played, alongside expert recommendations for those I’ve yet to visit. We’ll explore Europe’s leading golf resorts country by country, from Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol to Portugal’s clifftop wonders, France’s elegant parklands, Italy’s Ryder Cup venue, and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of the best golf holidays in Europe or simply curious about the top golf courses, this is your complete guide.

Spain: Home to Championship Golf and Year-Round Sunshine

Spain captures the essence of what makes the continent so special: world-class course design, a welcoming golf culture, and that irresistible Mediterranean climate. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Spain has become home to some of the best golf resorts in Europe.

The Costa del Sol in particular has earned its reputation as the “Costa del Golf,” with dozens of championship courses within easy reach. Yet the Basque Country and Catalonia also offer distinct flavors of Spanish golf, blending culture, cuisine, and dramatic landscapes. Timing your visit is key. Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable playing conditions, though the region is a true year-round destination.

Real Club Valderrama

Valderrama is the jewel of Spanish golf, and playing here is an unforgettable experience. Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s design is as demanding as it is beautiful, with narrow fairways framed by ancient cork oaks and immaculate conditioning that rivals anywhere in the world.

The club’s Ryder Cup history (1997) adds a layer of prestige, and few who have played here forget the drama of the 17th hole. Every shot demands precision, and yet it’s the atmosphere of walking these storied fairways that sticks with you long after the round.

Green fees are among the highest in Europe, but worth every euro for the chance to play what is often regarded as one of the continent’s finest. Advance booking is essential, and autumn is an especially good time to visit for both weather and presentation.

Real Club de Sotogrande

Known as the “cathedral of European golf,” Real Club de Sotogrande remains one of my personal favorites in Spain. Another Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, it balances strategy with elegance, rewarding intelligent course management. The cork oaks and pines create a tranquil setting, and while it has the atmosphere of an exclusive member’s club, visitors can still access it with proper planning.

Finca Cortesin

Finca Cortesin represents the modern face of Spanish golf. Set against the rugged Andalusian hills, Cabell Robinson’s design is bold and dramatic, with wide fairways but punishing rough and bunkers. As host of the 2023 Solheim Cup, its European Tour pedigree shines through in every detail. Beyond golf, the resort itself sets a new standard for luxury, making it one of the best golf courses in Europe for those who want championship golf with five-star comfort.

Portugal: Europe’s Hidden Gem for Golf Enthusiasts

With over 300 days of sunshine annually, coastal beauty, and exceptional value compared to other European golf destinations, Portugal has become a rising star on the golf map.

The Algarve remains the country’s most famous region, but Lisbon’s coastal courses and the emerging clifftop designs north of the capital have added new layers of appeal. The European Tour’s growing presence here reflects the world-class standards Portugal now offers.

Quinta do Lago South

Quinta do Lago South is a course I’ve returned to multiple times, thanks to its blend of challenge and charm. The recent renovations have sharpened the design, particularly around the water holes that define the back nine. The 15th and 17th holes stand out for their beauty and strategic demands. As part of a wider resort with multiple courses, world-class practice facilities, and luxury accommodations, it’s considered a standout golf resort in Europe, thanks to its variety and quality.

Monte Rei

Jack Nicklaus rarely misses, and Monte Rei in the eastern Algarve may be his finest European creation. Every hole feels like a signature, carved into the natural landscape with immaculate conditioning that makes it feel like a tour-level venue on any given day. For me, it’s the variety of shot values and the sense of seclusion that make this course unforgettable.

Oitavos Dunes

Playing Oitavos Dunes, just outside Lisbon, is as close as you’ll get to Scottish links in southern Europe. The Atlantic Ocean is your constant companion, and the coastal winds ensure no two rounds are the same. It’s a test of patience and precision, but also one of the most scenic experiences in European golf.

West Cliffs

West Cliffs may be Portugal’s most photogenic course, perched high above the Atlantic with views that stop you in your tracks. The design balances modern strategy with natural drama, forcing tough decisions on nearly every hole. While the wind can be unforgiving, it’s hard to think of a more spectacular setting to play golf in Europe.

France: Architectural Masterpieces and Classic Elegance

French golf has always fascinated me for its sophistication. The country’s architectural legacy is second to none, with Tom Simpson, Harry Colt, and, more recently, Gil Hanse and Robert von Hagge leaving timeless work. Each region offers something different: Normandy’s coastal winds, Paris’s elegant forest parklands, and Provence’s rolling landscapes.

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Morfontaine (Grand Parcours)

If I had to pick one course in continental Europe that stands above all others, it’s Morfontaine. Tom Simpson’s design is as subtle as it is brilliant, set within ancient forestland where every shot requires thought. Playing here feels like stepping back into a golden age of golf course architecture: strategic, charming, and endlessly engaging. Its exclusivity only adds to its mystique.

Le Golf National (L’Albatros)

Le Golf National is the polar opposite of Morfontaine, yet equally impressive. As host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, its dramatic water carries and stadium-style design create a thrilling championship atmosphere. I’ve played it in tournament-like conditions, and the test is unrelenting, especially on the closing stretch around the lakes. For visiting golfers, its proximity to Paris makes it one of the most accessible world-class courses.

Les Bordes

Few destinations offer a better one-two punch than Les Bordes, with its Old Course by Robert von Hagge and New Course by Gil Hanse. Playing both is like traveling through different eras of design: the Old is bold, artistic, and occasionally wild, while the New is understated and strategic, blending seamlessly into the forest. Together, they represent some of the best golf in Europe.

Italy: Where History Meets Championship Golf

Italian golf is still somewhat underrated, but every time I’ve played here, I’ve been struck by the hospitality, scenery, and growing pedigree of its courses. From the Alpine north to the Mediterranean south, the landscapes are as varied as the culture itself.

Marco Simone Golf Club

As host of the 2023 Ryder Cup, Marco Simone has already cemented itself in European golf history. Dave Sampson’s redesign emphasizes risk-reward shot-making, particularly on the back nine. I was fortunate to play here both before and after the Ryder Cup, and the transformation for tournament play elevated the experience without compromising its playability for amateurs.

Villa d’Este

Nestled near Lake Como, Villa d’Este is pure old-world charm. It’s a traditional parkland layout, surrounded by chestnut and birch trees, with a serene Alpine backdrop. The course isn’t long by modern standards, but it doesn’t need to be since it’s all about precision and strategy. Add in the historic clubhouse and luxurious resort setting, and it’s one of Italy’s must-play golf experiences.

Greece: Mediterranean Paradise for Golf

Greece has only recently emerged as a serious golf destination, but the development of Costa Navarino has put it firmly on the map. Combine warm Greek hospitality, spectacular coastal landscapes, and modern course design, and you’ve got one of the best golf holidays in Europe.

Costa Navarino

Costa Navarino isn’t just a golf resort; it’s a destination with four magnificent courses. The Dunes Course, designed by Bernhard Langer, runs alongside olive groves and the Ionian Sea, offering a dramatic coastal backdrop. The Bay Course, by Robert Trent Jones II, feels entirely different: tighter, hillier, and more intimate, with panoramic sea views from nearly every hole.

Playing both in the same trip showcases the variety and quality of Greek golf. The resort amenities, local cuisine, and cultural richness make it the full package.

Other Notable European Golf Destinations

Beyond the big names of Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece, several countries deserve recognition for their unique offerings. These destinations may not dominate the headlines, but for adventurous golfers, they provide unforgettable experiences.

Netherlands – Links and Heathland Masters

Dutch golf surprised me with its quality and accessibility. Kennemer Golf Club offers a true links-like experience near the North Sea, while Royal Hague combines clifftop drama with championship history. Courses here often blend links and heathland elements, making them some of the most distinctive in Europe.

Germany – Hidden Championship Venues

Germany’s golf is defined by its understated excellence. Hamburger Golf Club, a Harry Colt heathland masterpiece, is as strategic as anything you’ll find in the UK. The country’s growing presence in European rankings reflects its depth of quality, and accessibility for international visitors is better than many realize.

Belgium – Classic European Elegance

Belgium quietly boasts some of Europe’s oldest and most charming courses. Royal Zoute offers authentic seaside links, while Royal Antwerp combines tradition with architectural pedigree. The country’s central location makes it easy to add Belgian golf to a wider European itinerary.

Planning Your European Golf Adventure

Over the years, I’ve learned that timing and planning make all the difference when organizing a European golf trip. Spring and autumn are generally the best times to play, with cooler weather in the Mediterranean regions and milder conditions in northern Europe.

If you want to immerse yourself deeply, a single-country trip like a week in Spain’s Costa del Sol or Portugal’s Algarve is ideal. But if variety excites you, multi-country tours let you experience links in the Netherlands, parklands in France, and sun-soaked coastal resorts in Spain, all in one journey.

Transportation between countries is straightforward thanks to Europe’s excellent air and rail networks, and budget planning is important. Portugal often offers more value than Spain, while northern Europe tends to be more expensive. Cultural etiquette also varies; in some countries, golf is highly traditional, while in others it’s more relaxed and resort-oriented.

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Europe’s Golf Excellence

What makes Europe’s top courses truly special is their balance of diversity, history, and world-class design. Nowhere else can you play Ryder Cup venues, century-old classics, seaside links, and mountain parklands all within a few hours of travel.

Having played across Europe, I’ve come to appreciate the continent not just as a collection of great courses, but as a golfing experience that blends culture, cuisine, and landscapes as much as architecture and strategy. Whether you’re chasing championship pedigree, breathtaking views, or hidden gems, Europe has something for every golfer.

If you’re ready to start exploring, now is the perfect time to plan your journey.

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