According to Grand View Research, the global golf tourism market was valued at over $27 billion in 2025 and is projected to more than double to $60 billion by 2033, reflecting surging demand for destination-driven play paired with luxury hospitality and cultural immersion.
Below, find a curated selection of standout European stays where world-class golf is seamlessly paired with exceptional design, elevated dining, and immersive local experiences – perfect for travelers looking to turn a round of golf into a fully realized getaway.
Grand Hotel Fasano | Lake Garda, Italy
Grand Hotel Fasano reopened for the 2026 season on March 27, offering an elegant base for golfers seeking both proximity and indulgence on Lake Garda. Just 15 minutes from two of the region’s top courses – Golf Bogliaco and Golf Il Colombaro – the historic lakeside retreat invites guests to seamlessly transition from the fairway to the dolce vita. Off the course, days unfold with wine and olive oil tastings in nearby vineyards, private excursions across the lake aboard a vintage Riva boat, or leisurely aperitive on the terrace. For deeper relaxation, the recently renovated AQVA Spa and Wellness Centre offers a sanctuary of restoration, with signature treatments such as the 1888 GHF ritual, alongside indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and steam facilities. Evenings are defined by exceptional dining at the Michelin-starred Il Fagiano and night caps at Ramas Lounge Bar. Whether on the greens or at leisure, Grand Hotel Fasano delivers a sophisticated golf escape where sport, culture, and lakeside serenity converge.
Octant Praia Verde | Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve, Portugal lends itself to be one of the best European golf getaways as its home to famed beaches and some of Europe’s most scenic and diverse golf courses – many just a short ride away from Octant Praia Verde. Complementing its barefoot-luxury vibe, family golf day experience, and golf lessons, Octant Praia Verde has introduced a fresh lineup of experiences for 2026. This includes scenic horseback rides along the beach and a new beachfront terrace offering seasonal light bites and refreshing drinks. Guests can also unwind by the outdoor pool, or take part in curated activities like picnics, oyster tastings, and cycling adventures. Guests of the hotel have seamless access to some of the country’s most stunning courses including: Quinta da Ria, a scenic 18-hole course located in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve on the Eastern Algarve coast, known for its stunning views and rich biodiversity; Quinta de Cima, a challenging championship course by Rocky Roquemore featuring undulating greens, natural streams, and ancient trees; and Quinta do Vale, a diverse 18-hole layout designed by golf legend Severiano Ballesteros, spanning 75 hectares and suited for players of all levels.
Knipoch House Hotel | Oban, Scotland
Knipoch, a Sonas Hotel, offers the perfect home base for a Scottish golf escape, blending relaxed Highland charm with access to some of the West Coast’s most celebrated courses. Set on the shores of Loch Feochan just outside Oban – the seafood capital of Scotland and gateway to the Isles – this family-run retreat pairs cosy rooms, classic dining, and panoramic views with a sense of true Highland hospitality that makes it easy to switch off after a day on the greens. From nearby Oban courses to bucket-list links like Machrihanish, where dramatic Atlantic views and Tom Morris heritage create an unforgettable round, and the storied fairways of The Machrie on Islay, renowned for its imaginative design and natural beauty, golfers are perfectly positioned to experience the diversity of Scotland’s west coast golf. Between rounds, guests can explore distilleries, boat trips, and scenic hikes, returning each evening to warm, welcoming comfort. It’s an ideal balance of world-class golf, local adventure, and restorative retreat.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express | Italy
This new experience blends world-class golf with the elegance of luxury rail travel, inviting guests to explore destinations like Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, San Domenico Golf Club, The Club at Castiglion del Bosco and Argentario Golf Club. Designed to elevate Italy’s standing as a premier golf destination, the journey pairs competitive play with postcard-perfect landscapes, Michelin-starred cuisine and immersive cultural discovery. Guests will also be accompanied by an internationally renowned professional golfer throughout the trip. Additional itineraries, including the Northern Greens route departing May 16, 2026, are now available for booking.
The new experience aims to elevate Italy’s status as a premier golf destination, celebrating the country’s rich sporting heritage through a refined and immersive journey. A unique encounter between sport and slow travel, this experience embodies the essence of Italian elegance – both on and off the green.
The new itineraries invite golfers, enthusiasts, and their companions to embark on an extraordinary voyage across some of Italy’s most prestigious golf destinations. Complementing the train’s existing portfolio of itineraries, this curated experience combines world-class courses with postcard-perfect landscapes, Michelin-starred cuisine, and the timeless charm of Italian lifestyle. Aboard, guests will be accompanied by an internationally renowned professional golfer for the duration of the journey.
The first itinerary, Italian Swing, will begin at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club – host of the 2023 Ryder Cup – following a welcome reception in the exclusive La Dolce Vita Lounge at Rome’s Ostiense Station. Subsequent stops include Puglia’s San Domenico Golf Club, and in Tuscany, The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, and Argentario Golf Club. Each destination offers a refined blend of competitive play, scenic beauty, and exceptional hospitality. The second offered itinerary, Northern Greens will depart May 16th to Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Franciacorta Golf Club in Lombardy, Royal Park I Roveri on the outskirts of Turin, and Argentario Golf Club in Tuscany.
The journey will be enriched with bespoke technical masterclasses and personalized services. Each stop will offer a warm welcome, exclusive materials, and gourmet moments on the green – seamlessly merging the pleasure of play with the discovery of Italian excellence.
Anthology of Athens | Athens, Greece
Anthology of Athens offers a refined urban base for travelers looking to pair cultural discovery with access to one of Greece’s premier golf experiences. Located in the heart of the capital, the design-forward boutique hotel is just 25 minutes from the prestigious Glyfada Golf Club of Athens, an 18-hole seaside course known for its historic status as one of the country’s oldest clubs. Guests can spend mornings on the greens before returning to the city to explore Athens’ rich culture, from the Acropolis to its vibrant dining scene. Back at the hotel, thoughtfully designed spaces, elevated gastronomy, and a calm, contemporary atmosphere provide the perfect contrast to a day of play. Blending sport, style, and a true sense of place, Anthology of Athens is an ideal stay for a sophisticated golf-meets-city escape.
