The key facts
- Golfbreaks highlighted seven 'underrated' golf destinations in Europe; first place — Varna, Bulgaria
- Search interest in the UK for 'golf package holiday' grew by 750% year on year, and for 'quiet golf courses' by almost 140% over three months (Google Trends, September 2026)
- Demand for Costa Navarino (Greece) grew by 140%, for Comporta and the Tróia peninsula — by 85%
Growing demand for golf travel
Golf remains one of the main drivers of sports tourism, and travellers face the choice of a destination — especially if they want to get away from the usual tourist centres. According to tour operator Golfbreaks, search interest in the UK for the query 'golf package holiday' on Google grew by 750% year on year, while interest in 'quiet golf courses' grew by almost 140% over three months. The Google Trends statistics are current as of September 2026. In response to growing demand, the company's experts compiled a list of seven destinations they consider 'underrated', based on internal booking data for 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
Quote and selection logic
'Golf is steeped in tradition, and the quality of a course is often judged by its history and reputation,' said Cameron Ritchie, head of the European product direction at Golfbreaks. According to him, some of the most interesting experiences in Europe await those who choose less hyped resorts: a less familiar destination usually means calmer courses, better prices and a more authentic experience, while retaining championship-level golf in spectacular natural settings.
The list of destinations
The list is topped by Varna in Bulgaria; Portugal is represented twice (Comporta with the Tróia peninsula and Tavira), and it also includes north-east Mallorca (Spain), Gimsøya (Norway), Biarritz (France) and Costa Navarino (Greece).
Bulgaria, Portugal and Spain
Bulgaria is often overlooked, but according to Golfbreaks, demand grew by 173% in 2025 and by a further 47% since the start of 2026. The main gem of the Varna area on the Black Sea coast is the Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, where the sea is visible from every hole; BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas and Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort are also available. Comporta and the Tróia peninsula are better known for surfing, but demand grew by 85% year on year: golfers have access to the championship courses Dunas and Torre at Terras da Comporta and the Robert Trent Jones-designed Tróia Golf Club, and between rounds there are beaches and the Sado river estuary. In north-east Mallorca, far from Palma, Club de Golf Son Servera offers narrow fairways and water hazards; it is the island's only private golf club open to guests. Also mentioned are Capdepera Golf Club with mountain scenery and views of the Mediterranean and Club de Golf Alcanada.
Norway, France and Portugal (Tavira)
Above the Arctic Circle on Gimsøya, Lofoten Links Golf Club in summer allows play under the midnight sun: the coastal course winds among dunes and rugged terrain with views of the sea and mountains, and the Lofoten Links Lodges complex is located nearby. In Biarritz, one of France's oldest courses, Golf de Biarritz le Phare, combines a rich history with fast greens and challenging bunkers; at the nearby Golf d'Arcangues there is rolling terrain and views of the Pyrenees, while Golf de Seignosse expands the choice in the region. Tavira in the eastern Algarve often remains in the shadow of Vilamoura and Albufeira; nearby are Quinta da Ria Golf Club with views of the Ria Formosa natural park and Quinta de Cima with hilly fairways, while Monte Rei Golf Resort adds a Jack Nicklaus Signature course.
Greece: golf steps out of the shadows
According to Golfbreaks, golf in Greece 'has long remained in the shadows', but the situation 'is beginning to change': demand for Costa Navarino grew by 140%. There are four golf courses there — The Dunes, The Bay, International Olympic Academy Course and The Hills Course. The latter two were designed by José María Olazábal and opened in 2022, adding to the playing opportunities in the Greek Peloponnese.
