Golf Holidays - Which European Countries Have The Best Courses?

Golfing holidays are big business with thousands of people each year heading abroad for a few relaxing rounds of golf in the sun. What could be better? For many people, the quintessential Mediterranean golfing holiday is Spain. Spanish resorts boast a number of bustling and popular golf courses not only along the Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa Del Sol, but on the islands of Tenerife and Mallorca to name just two. In Spain, the sun is always shining and the sangria is always flowing. Add to that a week of golf, and you've got a truly heavenly combination.

On a par with Spain, if you'll forgive the pun, is nearby Portugal. The Algarve has been rated for its fantastic quality of golf courses for almost twenty years. The beaches are simply beautiful, the golf courses are stunning and the Algarve is full of local charm and character. Portugal has long been a popular destination for golfing holidays, and it is still by far one of the most popular destinations not only in Europe, but in the entire world.

If the Mediterranean climate isn't quite your thing, you may fancy a golfing holiday which is almost on your doorstep. Ireland has a number of reputable, high-quality golf courses and the local hospitality is world famous. As Ireland is close to home, the value for money aspect makes this a worthy consideration - not to mention the fact that Ireland's playable golf courses are sought after by golfing holidaymakers the world over.

Even including Ireland, there are few European golfing holiday destinations which are more convenient than France. UK golfers can simply put their golf clubs in the back of the car, head for the Channel Tunnel and be playing golf in France within a couple of hours. The popular courses of Le Golf National, Chateau d'Augerville, Golf du Medoc, Domaine de la Bretesche and Evian Royal Resort are often considered to be the top five golf courses France has to offer. After you've finished a round, why not enjoy the local cuisine and delicious wine?

What kind of list of European golfing destinations would this be without mentioning the world-renowned home of golf? Scotland is home to over 550 top class golf courses and many golfing enthusiasts from all over the world make the essential pilgrimage to such famous courses as Turnberry, St Andrews and Carnoustie. With gorgeous scenery and stunning golf hotels, this is an essential golfing holiday and certainly one to remember.