Europe's best-known golf destinations, such as the Algarve, the Costa del Sol and the famous links of Scotland and Ireland, are wonderful, but they can be busy and expensive in high season. Away from the hotspots, there are dozens of countries and regions with excellent courses, quiet tee sheets and much lower prices. Many are a short, inexpensive flight away and come with great food, culture and scenery. Here is a guide to Europe's best-value golf.
Central and Eastern Europe
Czechia
Czechia has a strong golf culture and many courses, from parkland layouts near Prague to courses in the historic spa towns of western Bohemia, such as Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně. Combine golf with Prague's architecture and the country's famous beer.
Hungary
Golf around Budapest and near Lake Balaton, central Europe's largest lake, combines well with thermal baths, wine regions and good food.
Poland
Poland has a growing number of courses, particularly near Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and on the Baltic coast near Gdańsk and Szczecin.
Slovenia
A small country with beautiful courses in the Alps near Lake Bled, in green hills and near the Adriatic coast. Ideal for combining golf with hiking and lakes.
Croatia
Croatia has few courses but some lovely settings, particularly in Istria and along the Adriatic coast, combined with historic towns and islands.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, near Balchik and Kavarna, has spectacular clifftop courses above the sea, and good value.
The Baltic states
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have a small but growing number of courses, near Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius and along the Baltic coast. Summer days are long, courses are quiet and the medieval old towns are a highlight.
Scandinavia
Golf is very popular in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Courses are numerous in southern Sweden and Denmark, many on links-style land near the coast, and green fees can be reasonable outside the best-known courses.
- Midnight-sun golf: in the far north in midsummer, it never truly gets dark, and you can play through the night.
- Season: roughly May to September.
Western Europe's value alternatives
Northern Portugal
The Porto area and the green Minho region in the north have fewer, quieter courses than the Algarve, with good food, wine and a cooler summer climate. Read golf holidays in Spain and Portugal.
Inland and lesser-known Spain
Murcia, Almería, the Costa Tropical, northern Spain and inland regions offer good-value golf away from the busiest coasts.
Italy
Italy's golf is spread across the country: the lakes of the north, such as Lake Garda and Lake Como, Tuscany, Rome, Sicily and Puglia. Courses are often uncrowded, and the food and culture are second to none.
France and Belgium
Outside the best-known resorts, much of France offers quiet, good-value golf. Read golf in France. Belgium has a compact cluster of courses, many of them traditional heathland and forest layouts.
Germany and Austria
Both countries have many courses, and some regions offer good value, particularly away from the Alps' best-known resorts.
Comparing the destinations
| Destination | Season | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Czechia and Hungary | April to October | Value, culture, spa towns |
| Slovenia and Croatia | April to October | Scenery, lakes and coast |
| Bulgaria | April to October | Clifftop golf, value |
| Baltic states | May to September | Long days, quiet courses |
| Scandinavia | May to September | Midnight sun, links-style courses |
| Northern Portugal and inland Spain | All year, best spring and autumn | Quieter alternatives to the hotspots |
| Italy | March to November | Food, culture, uncrowded courses |
How to get the best value
- Travel in the shoulder seasons: spring and autumn are cheaper and quieter.
- Play midweek: many courses offer lower weekday rates.
- Look for regional golf passes or multi-round packages.
- Fly to smaller airports with low-cost airlines; check sports-equipment fees.
- Hire clubs if baggage fees are high. Read travelling with golf clubs.
- Stay in towns rather than golf resorts, and drive to courses.
Read how to play golf on a budget.
Practical tips
- Handicap certificate: many European courses require proof of handicap or club membership, and some have maximum handicaps. Read the World Handicap System explained.
- Language: English is widely spoken at many courses, but a few words of the local language are appreciated.
- Dress codes are often traditional. Read what to wear on the golf course.
- Buggies may be limited; trolleys are common.
- Book ahead in summer, especially for weekends.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the cheapest golf in Europe?
Central and Eastern Europe, such as Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Bulgaria, often offer the best value, along with lesser-known regions of Portugal, Spain and Italy.
Is golf in Eastern Europe good quality?
Many courses are well designed and well maintained, and some host international events.
Can I play golf in Scandinavia at night?
Yes. In midsummer in the far north, the sun barely sets, and some courses offer midnight golf.
Do I need a handicap to play in Europe?
Many courses require proof of a handicap or membership. Carry your details.
The bottom line
Europe offers far more golf than the famous hotspots. Head to Central and Eastern Europe for value and culture, to the Baltics and Scandinavia for long summer days, or to the quieter corners of Portugal, Spain and Italy. Travel in the shoulder seasons, play midweek, carry your handicap details and enjoy discovering somewhere new. For winter sunshine, read winter sun golf destinations.
More European guides: the Netherlands and Belgium and northern Spain.