As the leaves turn golden and the days grow crisp it’s the perfect time to pack your clubs and head for an autumn golf getaway and escape the impending rain. But why stay local when you can tee off on some of Europe’s finest courses and stay at high quality golf resorts, all just a hop, skip, and within a six-hour trip from Oxfordshire?
Whether you’re looking to dodge the with autumnal weather and British drizzle or just want to swap your morning commute for a drive down the fairway, we’ve got the best destinations that promise a mix of great golf, stunning scenery, and a bit of cheeky adventure.
September is the ideal time to play golf in Europe, with comfortable temperatures and warm weather expected. So grab your golf clubs, polish your shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable autumn golf break abroad on the links.
Please note, the information was found using online research and prices may vary subject to availability and rooms were not necessarily comparable so please use this as a guide only. Also, transfer times can vary based on factors such as traffic or time of the day.
Finally, travel time is literally that, so I’ve not counted the time waiting for your flight or factored in potential delays or weather conditions changing the flight path, although optimal conditions and minimal delays is the dream.
The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is a picturesque region located in the southernmost part of Portugal, known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches that stretches for 96 miles along the Atlantic Ocean from the border with Spain to the southwestern tip of Europe at Cape St. Vincent. It’s huge, at 1,929 square miles (for context Oxfordshire is 1,006 square miles and the Cotswolds 800) so worth splitting down into more detail on possible locations for golf breaks.
In September, the Algarve enjoys a warm and pleasant golfing climate, with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall and average temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C. It’s a popular choice for premium golf holidays in Portugal for good reason.
Vilamoura, Portugal
The popular resort town located in the Algarve region on the southern coast of Portugal. Vilamoura is known for its marina and beaches, and offers a range of activities for visitors, including water sports and boat trips.
If you want to mix up your golf weekend, you can relax on the beautiful sandy beaches like Praia da Marina and Praia da Falésia, or explore the marina, which is lined with chic bars, restaurants, and shops. For those interested in history, the Cerro da Vila Museum provides insight into the Roman ruins of Vilamoura.
It’s also a popular destination for a golf trip with an abundance of courses and resorts available.
Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
- Time to Airport (Oxford to London Heathrow): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- Flight Time (London Heathrow to Faro Airport): About 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Transfer Time (Faro Airport to Resort): Approximately 30 minutes by car or shuttle.
- Total Travel Time: Around 4 hours 45 minutes.
- Cost: The average price for a standard room for a weekend in September is around €150-€300 per night.
- Note: The resort does not have it’s own golf course, but is very close to Dom Pedro.
Hilton Vilamoura is a luxury resort offering close access to some of the best golf courses in Vilamoura, including Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course. It provides high-end accommodation, a spa, several dining options, and a complimentary shuttle service to nearby courses, making it ideal for both golf enthusiasts and families.
Golf Courses
The nearby Dom Pedro courses offer a variety of challenges suitable for all skill levels. These courses are well-maintained and feature varied layouts that appeal to a broad range of golfers.
Facilities and Services
The resort offers multiple swimming pools, a kids’ club, and a business centre. It is designed to cater to both leisure and business guests, providing a well-rounded experience for all visitors.
Ideal For
Golfers looking for a luxury stay with easy access to several top-tier golf courses, families, and business travellers seeking comprehensive amenities and services.
Customer Reviews Summary
Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa receives positive feedback for its luxurious amenities and excellent location near the marina, beach, and several top golf courses. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, as well as the variety of facilities, including multiple swimming pools, a spa, and dining options.
The resort’s kid-friendly amenities, such as a kids’ club and outdoor play areas, are also well-regarded by families. However, some reviews mention that certain services can be overpriced, and there have been occasional complaints about crowded facilities during peak times and issues with lighting and soundproofing in rooms.
Dom Pedro Golf Collection
- Time to Airport (Oxford to London Heathrow): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- Flight Time (London Heathrow to Faro Airport): About 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Transfer Time (Faro Airport to Resort): Approximately 30 minutes by car.
- Total Travel Time: Around 4 hours 45 minutes.
- Cost: The average price for a standard room for a weekend in September is around €150-€250 per night.
The Dom Pedro Golf Collection includes several renowned courses, such as The Old Course, Millennium, Pinhal, and Laguna. These courses are designed to offer varying levels of difficulty, making them suitable for golfers of different abilities.
Facilities and Services
Dom Pedro hotels offer convenient accommodation with direct access to the golf courses. They provide golf-related services like pro shops, practice facilities, and golf instruction.
Ideal For
Avid golfers seeking variety and challenge in a single destination, and groups looking for comprehensive golf packages.
Customer Reviews Summary
The Dom Pedro Golf Collection is highly rated by golf enthusiasts for its range of well-maintained courses, such as The Old Course, Millennium, and Victoria Golf Course. These courses offer a variety of challenges suitable for golfers of different skill levels.
Guests commend the professionalism of the staff and the quality of the facilities, including the pro shops and practice areas. Accommodation associated with the Dom Pedro hotels is described as comfortable and conveniently located for accessing the golf courses. Some reviewers suggest that during peak seasons, the courses can become busy, which might affect the pace of play.
Dom Pedro Golf Collection Golf Courses
Each course in the collection has unique characteristics, such as the classic parkland layout of The Old Course and the strategic play required at the Pinhal Course. The collection is known for its quality maintenance and excellent facilities.
The Old Course Golf Club
Designer: Frank Pennink
Technical Review: The Old Course is a classic parkland-style course known for its mature pine trees, tight fairways, and strategically placed bunkers. The course requires precise driving and careful course management, particularly on the narrow, tree-lined fairways. Its gently undulating terrain adds to the challenge, making it a favourite among more experienced golfers.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course
Designer: Arnold Palmer
Technical Review: This course is known for its expansive fairways and large, undulating greens. It includes several water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, making it a challenging course for even skilled golfers. The Victoria Course regularly hosts professional tournaments like the Portugal Masters, which attests to its high level of difficulty and quality.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Dom Pedro Millennium Golf Course
Technical Review: The Millennium Course features a mix of parkland and links-style holes, providing a varied challenge. Some holes have wide, open fairways, while others are tighter and more strategic, demanding a versatile game from golfers. It’s probably the best for a beginner of this list.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Dom Pedro Laguna Golf Course
Technical Review: With its open layout and significant water hazards, the Laguna Course is designed to test players precise shot-making, especially around the numerous water features. It combines elements of both links and parkland styles, requiring strategic thinking and accuracy.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course
Designer: Frank Pennink, redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Technical Review: Pinhal is characterised by its tight, tree-lined fairways and well-protected greens. The course layout demands strategic play and accurate driving, especially due to the numerous pine trees lining the fairways.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Albufeira, Portugal
The popular coastal town in the Algarve region, is easily accessible from Faro airport, which is about 40 km (25 miles) to the east.
Albufeira offers a wide range of activities and things to do for visitors. You can relax on its beautiful beaches, such as Praia da Oura, Praia dos Pescadores, and Praia de São Rafael, which are known for their golden sands and clear waters.
For those interested in exploring local culture and history, the Albufeira Old Town features narrow cobblestone streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and various historical sites like the Church of Sant’Ana.
The town is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants offering entertainment into the early hours. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy water sports like jet-skiing, parasailing, dolphin-watching tours, and scenic hiking trails along the coastline.
Pine Cliffs Resort
- Time to Airport (Oxford to London Heathrow): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- Flight Time (London Heathrow to Faro Airport): About 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Transfer Time (Faro Airport to Resort): Approximately 40 minutes by car.
- Total Travel Time: Around 4 hours 55 minutes.
- Cost: The average price for a standard room for a weekend in September is around €200-€400 per night.
Pine Cliffs Resort offers a unique golf experience with its 9-hole course set atop cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The resort combines luxury accommodation with stunning natural scenery and facilities.
Facilities and Services
The resort features multiple swimming pools, a wellness centre, and various dining venues, making it suitable for both golfers and those looking to relax.
Ideal For
Golfers interested in a unique golfing environment, families, and couples looking for a scenic and luxurious holiday spot.
Customer Reviews Summary
Pine Cliffs Resort is well-regarded for its stunning location on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and its unique 9-hole golf course is a favourite for its scenic views and challenging holes. The resort’s amenities, such as multiple pools, a wellness centre, and dining options, receive positive feedback.
Families particularly appreciate the resort’s family-friendly environment and facilities. Some guests mention that the resort can be pricey, particularly during high season, but many feel the quality of the amenities justifies the cost.
Golf Course
The course, while only 9 holes, is famous for its challenging par-3 6th hole, known as the “Devil’s Parlour,” which requires a shot over a deep gorge.
Pine Cliffs Golf Course
Technical Review: This 9-hole cliff-top course is renowned for the par-3 “The Devil’s Parlour,” a signature hole requiring a shot over a deep ravine that has claimed many a ball. The course offers dramatic views and requires careful shot placement, especially due to its unique cliffside location. This puts extra pressure on the swing, but helps hone your technique.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Almancil, Portugal
The charming town is just a short drive inland from the coast and about 15 km (9 miles) northwest of Faro. Almancil is best known for its proximity to the prestigious resort areas of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, making it a hub for luxury tourism and golfing enthusiasts.
For culture enthusiasts, the nearby Church of São Lourenço is a must-visit, famous for its beautiful Baroque architecture and intricate blue-and-white azulejo tiles. Almancil is also close to several stunning beaches, such as Praia do Garrão and Praia do Ancão.
Quinta do Lago
- Time to Airport (Oxford to London Heathrow): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- Flight Time (London Heathrow to Faro Airport): About 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Transfer Time (Faro Airport to Resort): Approximately 20 minutes by car.
- Total Travel Time: Around 4 hours 35 minutes.
- Cost: The average price for a standard room for a weekend in September is around €300-€600 per night.
Quinta do Lago is a prestigious golf resort featuring three renowned courses: South, North, and Laranjal. It is known for its high standards of course maintenance and service.
Facilities and Services
The resort offers luxurious accommodation, numerous dining options, and a variety of recreational activities, making it ideal for a comprehensive golf holiday.
Ideal For
Golfers looking for a high-end golf experience with multiple course options, as well as those seeking a luxury resort with various amenities.
Customer Reviews Summary
Quinta do Lago is a top-rated destination for golf enthusiasts, featuring three well-designed and maintained courses that offer a variety of challenges. The resort is known for its luxurious accommodation, high-quality dining, and extensive recreational facilities. Guests often highlight the professionalism of the staff and the excellent service provided. A few reviews note that the resort can become quite busy, especially during peak golfing seasons, which might impact the overall experience.
Golf Courses
Each course at Quinta do Lago provides a different challenge, with the South Course being a favourite among professional golfers. The courses are designed to test all aspects of a golfer’s game while being set in a stunning natural environment.
South Course
Designer: William Mitchell
Technical Review: The South Course is a championship layout known for its mix of long par-4s and reachable par-5s. It requires both distance and accuracy, with water hazards and strategically placed bunkers adding to the challenge.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
North Course
Designer: Redesigned by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley
Technical Review: This course features modern design elements with strategically placed hazards and undulating greens. It favours precise shot-making and requires strategic thinking to navigate its challenges. A single slice or hook here and you are in guaranteed bogey territory.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Laranjal Course
Designer: Jorge Santana da Silva
Technical Review: Known for its narrow fairways and water hazards, Laranjal is a par-72 course set in a beautiful setting that offers a challenging layout. It tests a golfer’s ability to control their shots and manage the course effectively.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Costa del Sol, Spain
The renowned Costa del Sol runs 93 miles along the Mediterranean coastline in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. The name “Costa del Sol” translates to “Coast of the Sun,” which is fitting given its reputation for sunny weather and beautiful beaches.
In September, the Costa del Sol has a similar climate to the Algarve, making it another ideal destination for an autumn golf break abroad. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) during the day, and evenings are mild and comfortable.
You can relax on its famous beaches, such as Playa de la Malagueta or Playa de Puerto Banús, or explore the region’s towns like Marbella, Málaga, and Fuengirola. For culture and history buffs, the region offers numerous attractions, such as the Alcazaba and Picasso Museum in Málaga, the historic white villages (pueblos blancos) like Mijas and Ronda, and a variety of local markets and tapas bars to experience authentic Spanish cuisine and culture.
La Cala Resort
- Time to Airport (Oxford to London Gatwick): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- Flight Time (London Gatwick to Malaga Airport): About 2 hours 50 minutes.
- Transfer Time (Malaga Airport to Resort): Approximately 35 minutes by car.
- Total Travel Time: Around 4 hours 55 minutes.
- Cost: The average price for a standard room for a weekend in September is around €150-€200 per night.
La Cala Resort is known as a premier golf destination in Spain, offering three championship courses: America, Europa, and Asia. It provides a unique blend of golfing excellence and off-course luxury with its traditional Andalusian style.
Facilities and Services
In addition to golf, the resort includes a spa, various dining options, and upgraded accommodation. The resort is celebrated for its outstanding service and amenities, making it a well-rounded choice for golf enthusiasts.
Ideal For
Golfers looking for a diverse range of challenging courses, as well as those who appreciate high-quality service and amenities in a serene environment.
Customer Reviews Summary
La Cala Resort is praised for its three championship golf courses, which provide a range of challenges for different skill levels. The resort itself is appreciated for its traditional Andalusian design, spacious rooms, and comprehensive facilities, including a spa and multiple dining options.
Guests often highlight the resort’s scenic beauty and the excellent maintenance of the golf courses. However, some reviews note that the resort’s remote location may require additional planning for off-site dining or activities.
Golf Courses
The resort’s courses are designed by the renowned architect Cabell Robinson, each providing a different golfing experience. The America Course features wide fairways and challenging greens, while the Europa and Asia courses offer dramatic elevation changes and scenic views.
Campo America
Technical Review: This course features wide fairways with fewer water hazards, making it more forgiving. However, the greens are well-protected by bunkers, requiring accurate approach shots.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Campo Asia
Technical Review: Known for its tight, narrow fairways and steep slopes, Campo Asia demands precision and strategic shot-making and expert control with the driver. The course is considered more challenging due to its layout and the need for accurate play to avoid the bunker.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Campo Europa
Technical Review: With more open fairways but significant water hazards, Campo Europa requires careful navigation, particularly on approach shots. It provides a mix of difficulty levels, catering to a wide range of golfers.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Finca Cortesin Golf Club
- Time to Airport (Oxford to London Gatwick): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- Flight Time (London Gatwick to Malaga Airport): About 2 hours 50 minutes.
- Transfer Time (Malaga Airport to Resort): Approximately 45 minutes by car.
- Total Travel Time: Around 5 hours 5 minutes.
- Cost: The average price for a standard room for a weekend in September is around €500-€800 per night.
Finca Cortesin is a luxurious golf resort known for its challenging 18-hole golf course, which has hosted several professional tournaments. The resort offers a high-end experience with fine dining, a world-class spa, and luxurious accommodation.
Facilities and Services
The resort provides a wide range of luxury services, including personalised golf instruction, a spa offering holistic treatments, and several gourmet dining options.
Ideal For
Golfers seeking a high-end, challenging golf experience, as well as those looking for a luxury retreat with excellent service and facilities.
Customer Reviews Summary
Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa receives high praise for its luxurious accommodation and exceptional service. The golf course is described as challenging but fair, with beautifully maintained greens and a picturesque setting. The resort’s fine dining options and world-class spa are also frequently highlighted in reviews. Many guests appreciate the attention to detail and personalised service provided by the staff. A few reviewers mention that the resort’s high standards come with a corresponding price tag, making it a premium option for those seeking luxury.
Golf Course
The course at Finca Cortesin is considered challenging due to its length and undulating terrain. It is meticulously maintained and offers a world-class golfing experience for serious golfers.
Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
Technical Review: Finca Cortesin is an 18-hole championship course known for its length and challenging terrain, including more than 100 bunkers. The course demands strategic planning and precision on approach to the green, especially given its varied terrain and the challenges posed by its bunkers. You need to be skilled with the putter to get a birdie or eagle here.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Belek, Turkey
Located on the southern coast of Turkey, in the Antalya province, and set against a scenic backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. Belek is situated approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) east of Antalya city, and known as a premier golfing destination boasting numerous world-class golf courses designed by famous golfers and architects.
It’s a bit further afield, but in September Belek is warmer with average temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Which makes it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports, such as jet skiing and windsurfing on the stunning Mediterranean beaches. It’s still close enough for a long weekend, but also ideal for longer golf holidays.
Beyond golf and beaches, Belek is close to several significant historical sites. Visitors can explore the ancient Roman city of Perge, with its impressive ruins, or the Aspendos Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Nature lovers can visit the nearby Köprülü Canyon National Park for hiking, rafting, and exploring the beautiful landscape.
For a more relaxing experience, Belek offers numerous luxury spas and wellness centres where visitors can enjoy traditional Turkish baths (hamams) and a range of treatments. The town also has a variety of dining options, from local Turkish cuisine to international fare, ensuring a well-rounded holiday experience.
Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa
- Time to Airport (Oxford to London Heathrow): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- Flight Time (London Heathrow to Antalya Airport): About 4 hours.
- Transfer Time (Antalya Airport to Resort): Approximately 30 minutes by car.
- Total Travel Time: Around 6 hours.
- Cost: The average price for a standard room for a weekend in September is around €200-€400 per night.
Cornelia Diamond is renowned for its Nick Faldo-designed course, which provides a challenging yet scenic golfing experience. The resort caters to both golfers and non-golfers with its luxurious accommodation and wide range of amenities.
Facilities and Services
The resort offers several dining options, a full-service spa, multiple swimming pools, and entertainment activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all guests.
Ideal For
Golfers looking for a challenging course designed by a renowned golfer, as well as families and couples seeking a luxury resort experience.
Customer Reviews Summary
Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa is popular for its Nick Faldo-designed golf course, which offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers. The resort is commended for its luxurious accommodation, excellent dining options, and a wide range of amenities, including a full-service spa and multiple pools. The service is generally praised for being attentive and professional, although some guests have noted that the resort can be busy during peak times, which may affect the availability of certain amenities.
Cornelia Faldo Course
The course is designed with a focus on strategy, requiring precision and skill. It is well-maintained and offers a beautiful setting for a round of golf.
Designer: Nick Faldo
Technical Review: The Cornelia Faldo Course comprises 27 holes divided into three 9-hole loops (Prince, Queen, King). It features narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, and numerous water hazards, demanding high-level precision and strategic shot-making.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Gloria Golf Resort
- Time to Airport (Oxford to London Heathrow): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
- Flight Time (London Heathrow to Antalya Airport): About 4 hours.
- Transfer Time (Antalya Airport to Resort): Approximately 40 minutes by car.
- Total Travel Time: Around 6 hours 10 minutes.
- Cost: The average price for a standard room for a weekend in September is around €200-€400 per night.
Gloria Golf Resort features two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole course, providing ample variety for golfers. The resort is known for its comprehensive amenities and high standards of service, and has it’s own beach.
Facilities and Services
The resort includes multiple dining options, a spa, several swimming pools, and other recreational facilities, making it ideal for a family holiday or a golfing retreat.
Ideal For
Golfers of all skill levels, families, and groups looking for a well-rounded resort with plenty of amenities and a variety of golf courses.
Customer Reviews Summary
Gloria Golf Resort receives positive feedback for its two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole course, which cater to various skill levels. The resort’s comprehensive amenities, including multiple dining options, a spa, and several pools, are appreciated by guests. Families find the resort to be a great option due to its child-friendly facilities. Some reviews mention that while the resort is generally of high quality, it can be crowded, particularly during peak seasons.
Golf Courses
The courses at Gloria are well-designed and maintained, offering challenges for all levels of golfers. The Old Course is particularly notable for its strategic layout and beautiful surroundings.
Gloria Old Course
Technical Review: The Old Course is a championship layout with mature trees and water hazards, requiring precise and strategic play. It is designed to challenge golfers with its thoughtful layout and natural obstacles.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Gloria New Course
Technical Review: Similar to the Old Course in style but offers a slightly different challenge with more varied terrain and additional water features. The course is slightly more forgiving but still requires careful play.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Gloria Verde Course
Technical Review: This 9-hole course offers a variety of challenges suitable for practice or a quick round. It is designed to provide a mix of different playing conditions, making it a versatile course.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
