With online searches for ‘golf holiday’ increasing by 40% year-on-year and searches for ‘quiet golf courses’ increasing almost 25% in the last three months, more travellers are looking beyond the sport’s typical European hotspots, in search of quieter courses, better value-for-money and unique experiences.
In response to the growing demand, Golfbreaks, the world’s number-one-rated golf tour operator, has revealed its pick of Europe’s best under-the-radar golf gems. It features a championship course carved into the cliffs with a view of the Black Sea, courses designed by a two-time Masters Champion and one of France’s oldest golf venues.
While destinations such as Vilamoura, Marbella and Le Touquet have long been favourites among UK golfers, Golfbreaks’ sales data suggests interest is growing in alternative golf locations, with some areas seeing demand increase up to 85% year-on-year.
According to Cameron Ritchie, Head of Product – Europe at Golfbreaks, some of Europe’s best golf experiences can be found away from the traditional hotspots.
“Golf is steeped in tradition, and course quality is often judged by history and reputation,” says Cameron. “But some of Europe’s most rewarding experiences can be found away from the established resorts. Choosing a less conventional destination often means quieter courses, better value for money and a more authentic experience, while still enjoying championship-quality golf in spectacular surroundings.”
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Comporta and Tróia Peninsula (Portugal) – demand for the area has increased by 85%
Closest city: Lisbon
Closest airport: Lisbon Airport – 1 hour and 20 minutes away
Where to play: Terras da Comporta, Troia Golf Club
TERRAS DA COMPORTA
Where to stay: Pestana Comporta Village Residences, The Pearl Troia
Accessible by ferry from Setúbal are some of Portugal’s best emerging destinations, including the Tróia Peninsula and Comporta, which are seeing up to 85% growth year-on-year, according to Golfbreaks’ data. The area is beloved by surfers thanks to its picture-perfect white sand beaches and wild waves, whereas its golfing prowess often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by other parts of Portugal that are more synonymous with the sport.
Uniquely located on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, surrounded by wildlife, forests and the Atlantic Ocean, the Terra de Comporta Golf Resort is home to two world-class championship courses: the Dunas Course and the newly-opened Torre Course.
At the heart of the peninsula lies the Tróia Golf Club. A championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones, who selected the third hole on the course as the best he has ever designed, the golf course boasts incredible views of idyllic beaches and presents unique challenges to players. This includes the 18th hole, consisting of a par 5 dogleg with an elevated green and strategically placed bunkers.
The region’s proximity to the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve means wildlife watchers can spot the array of bird-life including the black-tailed godwits, curlew sandpipers and marsh harriers that reside in the rich wetlands of the reserve. A popular pod of bottlenose dolphins can often be spotted from the shoreline, with regular boat trips and outdoor beach activities also available.
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North East Majorca – demand has increased by 20%
Closest city: Palma
Closest airport: Palma – most resorts are 1 hour from the airport
Where to play: Club de Golf Son Servera & Capdepera Golf Club & Club de Golf Alcanada
CAPDEPERA GOLF CLUB
Where to stay: Iberostar Waves Cala Millor
The Balearic Island is already among Europe’s most reliable golf destinations, but most golfers gravitate towards the South-West of the island. Bookings to well-known resorts near Palma, Portals Nous and Palma Nova are common. Still, many golfers have yet to discover the North East of the island where picturesque beaches are paired with quintessential towns and welcoming Spanish hospitality.
Club de Golf Son Servera is Majorca’s only private members club, but it still welcomes guests to its outstanding facilities, ideal for those with mid to low handicaps. Surrounded by rolling mountains, many golfers are punished by the water hazards and oak, pine, olive, carob and palm trees placed throughout the course.
Capdepera Golf Club lies in the hills of the Llevant mountains and is designed by US golf architect Dan Maples. With a par of 72, the course has large greens, long fairways and six lakes, with beautiful views of the valley and Mediterranean Sea, particularly at the 15th tee.
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Gimsøya (Norway)
Closest city: Svolvær or Leknes
Closest airports: Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE), Leknes Airport (LKN), and Svolvær Airport (SVJ)
Where to play: Lofoten Links Golf Club
Where to stay: Lofoten Links Lodges
One of the most uniquely located golf courses in the world, at certain times of the year golfers at Lofoten Links Golf Club can play late into the Midnight Sun. The course sits above the Arctic Circle and receives 24-hour daylight from May to July, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. With outstanding views of the Norwegian Sea, jagged peaks and wild beaches, in the late season golfers may even catch glimpses of the Northern Lights.
The course combines dunes and rugged terrain, which are subject to changeable coastal weather that makes it challenging for even the best golfers.
Whilst it’s certainly desirable and a bucket list destination for many experienced golfers, the long journey puts off many travellers. This means that for the determined golfers who do visit, they could reap the rewards of a quieter course and a choice of available tee times.
- Biarritz (France)
Closest city: Bayonne
Closest airports: Biarritz Airport and Bordeaux
Where to play: Golf d’Arcangues, Golf de Biarritz le Phare, Golf de Seignosse
GOLF DE BIARRITZ LE PHARE
Where to stay: Tonic Hotel
Despite the area having one of the oldest golf courses in France, Golf de Biarritz le Phare, Biarritz isn’t as closely associated with golf as its well-known French counterparts such as Le Touquet and Hardelot.
The historic course at Golf de Biarritz le Phare encompasses fast greens, wiry rough and 70 bunkers. There are natural hazards that can ruin a round. At nearby Golf d’Arcangues, which has beautiful views of the Pyrenées, the course lies in rolling hills with 198 acres of oak trees and meadows, demanding aggressive approach shots and receptive greens.
Biarritz is a seaside town with art deco architecture and stunning sunsets, ideal for golfers seeking a cultural experience as well as impressive courses. Biarritz has a vibrant atmosphere with organised day trips to bordering San Sebastian in Spain, or visitors can frequent one of the many beautiful vineyards in the surrounding wine regions.
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Varna (Bulgaria) – demand grew by 173% in 2025 and in 2026 they’re up 47%
Closest city: Varna
Closest airports: Varna Airport
Where to stay & play: Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort, Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas
THRACIAN CLIFFS, GOLF & BEACH RESORT
Bulgaria is often overlooked as a holiday destination, with travellers favouring the traditional hotspots. However, the budding scene and excellent value courses and hotels are beginning to be recognised by lovers of the sport, with Golfbreaks reporting demand to the country is up 173% year-on-year for 2025 and up 47% in 2026 to date.
Just one hour from Varna Airport lies some of Europe’s true hidden golf gems, including a course that is cleverly carved into the cliffs. The Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort is one of Europe’s most spectacular settings and golfers enjoy picture-perfect views of the Black Sea from every hole. Tripadvisor reviews testify to the resort’s serene atmosphere, with one visitor saying “it was so quiet and peaceful and seemed like you had the whole place to yourself at times.”
The close by BlackSeaRama Golf is a links-style course set atop stunning cliffs, with the rest of the Varna area boasting beautiful beaches, thermal springs and ample hiking trails too.
- Tavira (Portugal)
Closest city: Faro
Closest airports: Faro Airport
Where to play: Quinta Da Ria Golf Club, Quinta de Cima Golf Club, Monte Rei Golf Resort
QUINTA DA RIA
Where to stay: Monte Rei Golf Resort, AP Cabanas Beach & Nature
Overshadowed by classic golf locations such as Vilamoura or Albufeira, Tavira is a charming, quintessential Portuguese town located in the heart of the Algarve, and is home to the Quinta Da Ria Golf Club.
Surrounded by five lakes, the course is designed by renowned Rocky Roquemore and enjoys sensational views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Located just next door is the Quinta de Cima Golf Club, which poses more of a challenge to players with undulating terrain, water hazards and varying elevations.
For a truly luxurious experience, the nearby Monte Rei Golf Resort is home to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Portugal, combining world-class golf, sensational service and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
- Costa Navarino (Greece) – demand increased by 140% in 2025
Closest city: Kalamata
Closest airports: Kalamata International Airport
Where to play: International Olympic Academy Course, The Hills Course, The Dunes Course
COSTA NAVARINO BAY
Where to stay: The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, The Romanos Resort, W Hotel Costa Navarino
Whilst Greece remains a hugely popular holiday destination for British travellers, its golf culture has historically remained under the radar. However, data from Golfbreaks reveals that Costa Navarino is emerging as one of the country’s most exciting golf locations, with demand increasing by 140%, suggesting holidaymakers have a growing interest in Greece for their golf holiday.
The area is becoming more accessible for Brits thanks to the increasing number of direct flights to Kalamata International Airport. Complementing the established Dunes Course and Bay Course, the destination now boasts several new golf courses, including the International Olympic Academy Course and The Hills Course, designed by two-time Masters Champion José María Olazábal and unveiled in 2022.
Both courses are par 72, offering panoramic views across the Peloponnesian countryside and Ionian Sea. With dramatic elevation changes, deceptive fairways and well-guarded greens, it’s ideal for players seeking a competitive challenge.
ARTICLE CREDIT; Golfbreaks
About Golfbreaks – the number one rated golf tour operator with over 25 years’ experience sending more than 3.5 million golfers away, Golfbreaks is one of the world’s longest established and most trusted golf travel companies. It organises golf breaks, holidays and tournament experiences at over 2,000 resorts and golf courses in the UK, Europe, and further afield.
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