Did you know golf is the third most popular spectator sport in Europe? You might be surprised to learn that, but it’s true. More than 100 million Europeans enjoy playing the game or watching others tackle challenging courses. For this reason, many appealing golf courses have been built throughout the continent. But not all of them are created equal. Some offer challenging terrain with astonishing views, while others… not so much. If you’re looking for somewhere scenic to play a round of golf, check out our list of the top 5 most scenic golf courses in Europe below.
Top 5 Most Scenic Golf Courses in Europe
Canary Islands, Spain
If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with Spain, it’s sun. That’s why the Canary Islands are the perfect destination for golfers who want to play a round while enjoying warm weather. In fact, the southernmost of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, has the most hours of sunlight per year than any other part of Europe. The climate in the islands is tropical and subtropical, so you can expect lots of warm days and cool nights. The best golf course on the island is Las Americas Golf Course, which is located in the island’s capital, Las Palmas.
With three stunning par-3 holes and plenty of stunning views of the ocean, this course is the perfect mix of challenging terrain and stunning scenery. It’s truly one of the most Scenic Golf Courses in Europe! If you’d like to play more than one round of golf while visiting Gran Canaria, you can head to Golf del Sur, which is another top-notch course. Just keep in mind that these courses are incredibly popular with tourists, so you might want to book your tee times early.
Royal Dunes, Belgium
If you’re looking for a course to challenge even the most experienced golfers, you’ll want to travel to Belgium. There, you’ll find Royal Dunes, which has been named one of the most scenic courses in the world. The course was designed by Pete Dye, who is famous for courses with large sand dunes. If you’re not careful, you may lose a golf ball or two in the sand, as the dunes can be extremely challenging. What’s truly special about this course is that, during low tide, you’ll be able to see sand from the dunes washing ashore on the beach below.
It’s a truly stunning sight. If you visit during low tide, you’ll be able to walk along the beach and see the sand washing ashore. If you visit during high tide, you’ll get to walk along the beach and see a beautiful lake that’s formed among the sand dunes. Way cool, right? Royal Dunes has also hosted quite a few notable golf tournaments, including the Senior Open and the Women’s Open. It’s also a popular course for regular rounds, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait a bit for a tee time.
Royal Dunes, Belgium is one of the most Scenic Golf Courses in Europe and you must visit this if you’re a Golf maniac!
Colina del Sol, Spain
For those who appreciate natural beauty, there’s no better place to play golf than Colina del Sol in southern Spain. This course is located in the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park, which is home to everything from cork oaks and cacti to sandstone outcroppings and a river that flows through the park. This course is one of the most scenic on the planet and has been endorsed by the likes of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. And if you play during the fall months, you may even see a few colorful leaves scattered across the course.
The best way to experience all the natural beauty at Colina del Sol is to play the full par-72 course. Of course, you’ll want to keep in mind that this course is located in a natural park, so you may encounter some wildlife on the course. Although you probably won’t see any snakes (they’re not found in this part of the country), you may see some rabbits and other small creatures. Regardless of which holes you play, you’ll get to take in some truly spectacular views and see parts of this park that very few people get to see.
El Paraíso, Spain
If stunning views of water are what you’re after, you’ll want to head to El Paraíso, which is located in the southern part of Spain. This course features spectacular views of the Ebro Delta Natural Park, which is home to several marshes that are rich with wildlife. While there, you’ll have a chance to see everything from flamingos to herons, kingfishers, and more. If you’re visiting during the winter months, you may even see ice skating on the nearby lakes.
If you choose to play El Paraíso, you’ll want to play the “Full Course,” which is par-72 and offers the most varied scenery. If you’d like, you can also play the “Short Course,” which is par-65 and traverses less of the Ebro Delta. The best way to experience this course is to play it during the fall or winter months, when the marshes are at their most beautiful.
Costa Navarra, Spain
If you’re a fan of golf and you live in Europe, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve at least heard of the Costa Navarra Golf Resort. It’s a top-notch resort with three golf courses, including the renowned Torre Golf Course. This course is the most challenging of the three and is known for its scenic beauty. During your round, you’ll get to walk along several sandy beaches and creeks, as well as pass by a nature reserve.
While it may be the most challenging course in the resort, it’s also the most scenic. The Torre Course is best enjoyed during the fall months, when there are fewer people on the course and you can truly appreciate the scenic beauty. If you visit during the summer, you may want to consider playing during the early morning hours or later in the evening, as the course is extremely popular with tourists and can get very crowded during the peak season.
Final Words
If you’re looking for somewhere scenic to play a round of golf, you can’t go wrong with any of the courses on this list. From the lush green of northern Europe to the sandy beaches of southern Spain, there are many spectacular places to play golf in Europe. So if you’re planning a golf trip, be sure to add one of these courses to your itinerary. You won’t regret it! Also don’t forget to checkout our list of Best Golf Courses from around the World!
