There’s nothing like teeing off in the sunshine, but as we all know, the UK weather can be temperamental. To help you find the sun-drenched golf holiday you’ve been dreaming of, we’ve rounded up the top 5 singles golf holidays in Europe.
1) Vilamoura, Portugal
Situated in Portugal’s Algarve region, Vilamoura is a bustling resort known for its golf courses and large sandy beach.
It’s home to the internationally-known Vila Sol Golf Championship course, one of the most sought after courses in the Algarve. Designed and inaugurated in 1991 by renowned architect Donald Steel, the course blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment and takes full advantage of the umbrella pine, fig and cork trees which frame each fairway.
As tempting as it might be, you can’t spend your whole singles golf holiday on the fairway. Base yourself at the 4-star Pestana Vila Sol resort, and spend your afternoons off in the indoor and outdoor pools, or head into cosmopolitan Vilamoura to watch the boats bob in and out of the town’s lively marina.
2) Monte Gorde, Portugal
One of the most up-and-coming destination for singles golf holidays in Europe, Monte Gorde is also home to arguably the best beach in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve. While once a sleepy fishing village, the modern resort town now buzzes with life, attracting families, beach-goers and golfers alike.
It’s here that you can play three of the Algarve’s most highly regarded golf courses: Quinta do Vale, Castro Marim and Monte Rei Golf Courses.
Designed by Seve Ballesteros, Quinta do Vale uses strategically placed hazards to challenge even the best of players, while Castro Marim is made up of three 9 hole segments, all of which are teeming with wildlife.
The golf at Monte Rei, however, is unrivalled in the region. Enjoying a privileged position at the foothills of the Eastern Algarve, the course features an enjoyable series of eight par-4s, five par-3s and five par-5s in a brave and distinctive layout.
3) Mar Menor, Spain
On the south-east coast of Spain lies Mar Menor, Europe’s biggest salt water lagoon.
The area around the lagoon is also a popular place for golfers, with the luxurious 5-star Caleia Mar Menor Golf & Spa Resort offering the best golfing holidays in the area.
When you’re not unwinding in the hotel spa or losing yourself in a book by the poolside, the resort’s Nicklaus-designed golf courses beckon.
Mar Menor Golf and El Valle are sure to challenge golfers of all abilities. The former is the hotel’s own course, and a tricky one that requires straight hitting off the tee and accurate approach shots, while El Valle is situated in a beautiful desert valley about 30 minutes from the Mar Menor resort.
4) North Cyprus
One of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets, blessed with unspoilt beaches, a laid-back pace of life and stunning scenery, North Cyprus is a golfer’s paradise.
For a singles golf holiday that incorporates exceptional golf and stunning panoramic views, base yourself at the 5-star Korineum Golf & Beach Resort – home to the first 18-hole golf course in the country.
Surrounded by pine and olive trees, the course has views of the Mediterranean on one side and the spectacular Besparmak Mountains on the other.
And, when you’re not practicing your swing, you can take a short 25-minute drive to the historic harbour town of Kyrenia where a picturesque castle, local markets and bobbing boats will all fight for your attention.
5) Belek, Turkey
The popular resort town of Belek in south-eastern Turkey is known for its clean white beaches, historic sites and exquisite golf courses and hotels.
The golf scene here is truly huge and is only set to grow, with championship-level green courses right on your doorstep wherever you decide to stay. A total of 14 courses are dotted around the area’s indigenous pine forests, benefiting from the region’s wonderful year-round climate.
Three of the best hotels in the area are the 5-star Sueno Deluxe, Titanic Deluxe Golf and Cornelia De Luxe hotels – all of which boast excellent facilities, first-class service and a wide selection of courses to hop between.
