Each year, the World Golf Awards comes together to celebrate the golf tourist destinations that have excelled above the rest, shining the spotlight on a bustling industry that provides a major boost to the economies of numerous countries across the continent and beyond.
Their latest ceremony has once again showcased an intriguing array of venues that deliver an experience that golfers absolutely love.
Winning one of these accolades - which are part of the World Travel Awards - is a significant feather in the cap of the location chosen as that success will instantly enhance its status and draw greater interest from potential visitors who perhaps wouldn't have otherwise considered travelling there.
Sifting through the various winners, we have uncovered a collection of the standouts that are worthy of your attention should you be on the lookout for your next golf holiday.
If you're keen to play some of the best golf courses in Europe, you should consider starting with these wonderful, spectacular and, now, award-winning layouts.
Old Course Vilamoura
Vilamoura's Old Course, one of the most historic and iconic designs in the Algarve, was named Europe's Best Golf Course 2026, which is testament to the investment and expertise of DETAILS - Hospitality, Sports, Leisure, the golf course management operator who have given this classic property a fresh injection of life.
Golfshake's Travel Editor Andy Waple is a big fan of the Old Course, writing here: "Another long favourite of mine that’s undergone improvements in recent years particularly to its formerly dodgy drainage. The Old Course is very pleasing on the eye, is more traditional than many and is now very well maintained under new ownership of DETAILS, a sports management company backed by significant funds. Vilamoura in general is getting a quality uplift, but it’s hard to imagine this being beaten in the area if the very private and exclusive Els Club is discounted."
You could make this your next tee time through our travel partners Golfbreaks by clicking here.
Aphrodite Hills Golf Course
Cyprus is a breathtaking place to visit and, for golfers, it doesn't get much better than Aphrodite Hills, which was named the island's Best Golf Course 2026.
We have previously covered this remarkable creation extensively, and it's somewhere that deserves a place on your bucket list, but it's Golfshake Ambassador Andy Picken who can provide the most detailed insight, which he shared in this review: "Playing Aphrodite Hills was a total delight that will live long in my memory."
If you want to discover what the hype is about, Golfbreaks can make that a reality.
Le Golf National - L'Albatros Course
Following its reopening after works to accommodate the new Paris Metro Line 18, it was no surprise that Le Golf National was named France's Best Golf Course 2026.
Regular host of the Open de France for decades now, its reputation was solidified when it staged the Ryder Cup in 2018 and the Olympic Games in 2024.
We recently wrote about how it was time for you to finally experience Le Golf National - which was proven to be a prophetic declaration given the awards recognition that it soon received.
Perhaps you would like to walk in the footsteps of Ryder Cup heroes - Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Francesco Molinari, etc - and take on L'Albatros Course. See Golfbreaks for more information today.
Costa Navarino - The Dunes Course
When it comes to drawing golfing visitors to Greece, there is nowhere else quite like Costa Navarino. There are four superb 18-hole courses to play here, but it was the Dunes Course that was named Greece's Best Golf Course 2026 by the World Golf Awards.
Reviewing it for us, Golfshake's Andy Waple said in this detailed review: "Bernhard Langer, in association with European Golf Design, put this course together along the shores of the Ionian Sea, and it has already matured into a classic. Its name derives from the sweeping dunes that separate some of the holes by the side of the beach. As it weaves inland by the side of a small river, the region’s typical olive trees and lemon groves are in evidence and the hills in the background add to the fine views. Large contoured greens, wide fairways and deep pot bunkers are the trademark of this course."
Costa Navarino has also been named among the overlooked European golf destinations you must experience by Golfbreaks.
You can see their latest deals to the venue by clicking here.
Royal Golf La Bagnaia
Golf is growing in prominence within Italy and is becoming a credible part of the tourist industry. We've recently written about the courses located around Lake Garda, but what about Royal Golf La Bagnaia, which has just been named Italy's Best Golf Course 2026?
Situated just to the south of the unforgettable city of Siena, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site by virtue of its striking medieval and Gothic architecture, the layout itself was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and makes the absolute most of its surrounding environment to offer a golf experience that is a feast for the senses and that will live long in the memory.
Want to know more? We can suggest that you visit Golfbreaks.
Monte Rei
Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the North Course at Monte Rei has long been considered to be a jewel of Portugal, which is a reputation surely enhanced after it underwent a renovation project earlier this year.
Such works have clearly had an impact as it was declared Portugal's Best Golf Course 2026 at the World Golf Awards.
When Golfshake reviewed this fabulous layout, we wrote: "Where can I start? How about this, Monte Rei is stunning. Simply stunning.
"The whole experience is one that you never want to end. The customer service is exceptional, and the golf course is to die for. Every hole you feel like you are the only people on the course, and it helps that every hole is amazing. If I could only play one golf course for the rest of my life, it would be this one."
If that sounds enticing, then you need to see what Golfbreaks can offer you!
Real Club de Golf El Prat - Pink Course
You might be wondering which of Spain's golf courses was unveiled as the best at the World Golf Awards - and there is certainly no shortage of possibilities - but the answer was the Pink Course at Real Club de Golf El Prat.
Located just outside Barcelona, this truly exceptional layout was crafted by former world number one Greg Norman, who put together a design that encompasses 45 holes that can be broken down into several interchangeable combinations.
This is one very intriguing venue - overlooking one of Europe's greatest cities. And Golfbreaks will help you to get there by clicking here.
Cullinan Links Golf Club
Turkiye is a vast, transcontinental country that covers territory in both Europe and Asia, with the overwhelming majority in the latter, but for the sake of this feature, we'll consider to be a European golf destination.
Part of the famed resort expanse of Belek on the southern Mediterranean coast, Cullinan Links received the distinction of being Turkiye's Best Golf Course 2026, with its proximity to Antalya and its busy airport being just one of many appeals.
There are two layouts to play here, the longer and challenging Olympos Course, and the scenic Aspendos Course, both of which combine to create a truly rewarding golf experience, with the back nine of the two designs being brought together to additionally craft a unique 18-hole night golf loop known as Termessos.
All considered, that makes Cullinan Links a formidable destination, and it's one you can discover for yourself by visiting Golfbreaks.
Those are just some of the big winners from the World Golf Awards, which has brought to wider attention some of the very best courses golfers can play across Europe.
If you are planning your next golf trip abroad, you may have just found it by choosing one of these magnificent hotspots shared above.
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