Golf has long been a major driver of sports travel, and Europe offers a wealth of options for those seeking a golfing getaway. But for many, the challenge is finding a destination that feels fresh, away from the well-trodden paths of the Algarve or the Costa del Sol.
Recent data from Golfbreaks, a golf travel operator, shows a surge in interest in quieter, more authentic experiences. UK Google searches for “golf package holiday” jumped 750% year on year, while interest in “quiet golf courses” rose nearly 140% over three months, according to figures current to September 2026.
In response, Golfbreaks has identified seven destinations it considers underrated, based on internal booking data comparing 2026 with the same period in 2025. The list spans from Bulgaria to Norway, with Portugal appearing twice.
Why golfers are looking beyond the classics
“Golf is steeped in tradition, and course quality is often judged by history and reputation,” said Cameron Ritchie, Head of Product – Europe at Golfbreaks. “But some of Europe's most rewarding experiences can be found away from the established resorts.”
Ritchie added: “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.”
This shift aligns with broader travel trends, as Europeans increasingly prioritise holidays but look for cheaper travel options. The appeal of lesser-known golf spots is part of a wider move towards anti-optimised holidays, where doing less and avoiding crowds is the goal.
Varna, Bulgaria: value on the Black Sea
Bulgaria is often overlooked by golfers, but that is changing. Golfbreaks reports a 173% rise in demand in 2025, and a further 47% in 2026 to date. The area around Varna, on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, is a standout. Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort is the headline attraction, with sea views from every hole. Other options include BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas and Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort.
Comporta and Tróia Peninsula, Portugal
Better known for surfing than golf, the Tróia Peninsula and Comporta are seeing demand up 85% year on year. Golfers can play the Dunas and Torre championship courses at Terras da Comporta, plus the Robert Trent Jones-designed Tróia Golf Club. Between rounds, the beaches and the Sado Estuary offer plenty of appeal.
North-east Majorca, Spain
Away from Palma and the island’s south-western resorts, Club de Golf Son Servera offers tree-lined fairways and water hazards. It is Majorca's only private members' club but welcomes visitors. Capdepera Golf Club brings mountain scenery and Mediterranean views, while Club de Golf Alcanada is another option. When not on the course, golfers can explore the beaches and traditional towns of the north-east.
Gimsøya, Norway: golf under the midnight sun
Above the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Links Golf Club offers the chance to play beneath the midnight sun during summer. Its coastal layout winds through dunes and rugged terrain, framed by sea and mountain views. Lofoten Links Lodges provides a nearby base for visiting golfers.
Biarritz, France: history and challenge
One of the oldest golf courses in France, Golf de Biarritz le Phare combines a long history with fast greens and challenging bunkers. At the nearby Golf d’Arcangues, rolling terrain and Pyrenees views welcome players, while Golf de Seignosse expands the regional choice.
Tavira, Portugal: the Algarve’s quiet side
The charming town of Tavira in the eastern Algarve is often overshadowed by Vilamoura and Albufeira. Nearby playing options include Quinta da Ria Golf Club, overlooking the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and neighbouring Quinta de Cima, with undulating fairways and water hazards. Monte Rei Golf Resort adds a Jack Nicklaus Signature course to the options around Tavira.
Costa Navarino, Greece: a rising star
Golf in Greece has “long flown under the radar”, said Golfbreaks, but that is “starting to change” with a 140% rise in demand for Costa Navarino. Its four courses include The Dunes and The Bay, plus the International Olympic Academy Course and The Hills Course, the latter two designed by José María Olazábal and opened in 2022. This destination in the Peloponnese offers variety and quality, and is part of a broader trend of underrated European destinations gaining attention.
For golfers willing to venture off the beaten path, these seven destinations offer a mix of value, scenery, and quality that rivals the traditional hotspots. Whether it’s the dramatic cliffs of Bulgaria, the Arctic light of Norway, or the historic links of France, Europe’s underrated golf scene is ready to be discovered.
