Europe is home to some of the finest golf resorts in the world, offering world-class courses, superb accommodation, breathtaking scenery, and hospitality to rival anywhere in the world. Whether it’s the ever-popular golfing destinations of France, Spain and Portugal, the home of the sport itself in the UK, or the relatively newer golfing hotspots of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, the continent is spoiled for choice when it comes to picking your next golf break. If you're a seasoned golfer looking to challenge yourself or just looking for a scenic and luxurious escape, there’s a perfect golfing break waiting for you.
Finca Cortesin
Location: Casares, Spain
It is unlikely that you will ever read a list of the best golf resorts, without Finca Cortesin featuring somewhere. Situated in the Andalusian hills between Marbella and Sotogrande, this award-winning resort is a name synonymous with luxury and excellence. The gem of a resort has hosted a cluster of high-profile tournaments, including the 2023 Solheim Cup and despite fierce competition, Finca Cortesin remains a benchmark for excellence in luxury golf experiences.
The course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson and spans more than 7,000 yards. Its views over the Mediterranean Sea are stunning, as are the impeccably maintained greens and fairways, with each hole offering a blend of technical precision and superb panoramas.
Beyond golf, the resort features a five-star hotel, a world-class spa, and exceptional dining options, specialising in the local Andalusian cuisine. And, with easy access to the beach, you don’t just need to rely on the bunkers to feel the sand between your toes. Excelling in quiet opulence and attention to detail, nothing has been spared in the master planning of this resort —the golfing experience at Cabell Robinson's Finca Cortesin simply cannot be bettered.
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Location: Algarve, Portugal
Set in the eastern Algarve, Monte Rei has quickly entered the World 100 top golf courses and is the second-highest ranked international course designed by the legendary golfer and respected course designer Jack Nicklaus. The exclusive resort is only 3.5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean’s expansive beach.
The course itself is immaculate, with rolling fairways and aggressive bunkering and shallow, angled greens that hook around water hazards – challenging even the most experienced of golfers. With an eye on guest satisfaction, there are only a limited number of tee times per day, meaning players can enjoy an unhurried round, with holes that roll over 1,000 acres of arid foothills overlooking sweeping views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic to the south.
Monte Rei’s luxury villas and exceptional service only serve to amplify the resort’s quality. Guests relax poolside and take in the cinematic views while indulging in the Michelin-starred Vistas Rui Silvestre, making it a true five-star destination.
Costa Navarino
Location: Messinia, Greece
Located in southwest Peloponnese, Costa Navarino boasts one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean and on views alone, it could top this list. Opening its doors in 2010 to much acclaim, the resort has gone from strength to strength, increasing its size to a total of 72 holes in 2022 and demonstrating that up-and-coming golfing destinations like Greece are more than a match for their more established European cousins.
The destination not only features four exceptional 18-hole signature golf courses but also offers a range of luxury accommodations. With its blend of world-class golf and premier hospitality, Costa Navarino is a truly inviting course that will pleasantly challenge you without beating you up – a good place to tee it up and enjoy service of very high standard.
Terre Blanche Golf Resort
Location: French Riviera, France
Golfing in France doesn’t get much more spectacular than the luxurious Terre Blanche Golf Resort, nestled near the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur – one of the most stunning and prestigous regions in France and just a 40 minute drive from Nice.
The resort offers an exceptional golfing getaway for players of all abilities. With two stunning golf courses designed by renowned course designer Dave Thomas, efforts to sympathetically respect the existing landscape with its ravines, woods, lakes and valleys are clearly evident as you make your way through each hole. The Chateau course has hosted Senior European Tour events, while the Le Riou course is reserved for hotel residents, members and their guests and both are a true haven for those seeking both challenge and a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ on the fairways.
Yes, the golf is world-class, but Terre Blanche is far more than a sporting retreat. Days begin with early swims in the infinity pool overlooking the surrounding hills, and end with candlelit dinners rooted in Provençal tradition, with olive oil from local mills, rosé from local vineyards, and dishes that celebrate the land. Suites and villas, all with private terraces and sublime views, blend quietly into the landscape, combining five-star comfort with a distinct sense of place.
Gleneagles
Location: Perthshire, Scotland
No list of European golf resorts would be complete without the world-famous Gleneagles. As most golf aficionados will know, Scotland is the home of golf, with roots dating back to the 15th century. The sport is in the country’s DNA and it shows with this Scottish institution based in the heart of glorious Perthshire. While you can’t guarantee quite the same Mediterranean climate as its southern European rivals, Gleneagles is a must visit for so many reasons.
Since opening in 1924, it has hosted the Ryder Cup (2014) and the Solheim Cup (2019), cementing its status as one of the most celebrated golfing venues in the world.
The estate features three championship courses: the King’s Course, Queen’s Course, and PGA Centenary Course. Each offers its own charm, from the traditional Scottish links feel to more modern layouts. The surrounding scenery is nothing short of spectacular, with rolling hills and majestic woodlands framing every tee shot.
Gleneagles also excels off the course, with a luxury hotel, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, courtesy of chef Andrew Fairlie, a world-class spa, and country pursuits like falconry and clay pigeon shooting.
From the historic fairways of Scotland to the sun-soaked coastlines of the Mediterranean, our picks balance not only the quality of the golfing offer but also their commitment to hospitality, luxury, and the overall guest experience to ensure a one-of-a-kind golfing experience.
