Greece

Why Choose Greece for Your Golf & Spa Holiday

Greece is unlike any other golf destination in Europe. The landscape — ancient olive groves, rocky coastline, the deep blue of the Ionian and Aegean seas — creates a backdrop that no purpose-built resort region can manufacture. Golf courses here sit within scenery that has centuries of history behind it, and the combination of a properly challenging round with that kind of setting is something specifically Greek that you can't find elsewhere.

The spa culture at Greece's finest resorts draws on Mediterranean traditions — olive oil treatments, thalassotherapy, sea salt rituals, herbal infusions from local mountain flora — that feel authentic rather than generic. Add the food culture (Greek cuisine at resort level is exceptional, with outstanding local wine and olive oil), the cultural sightseeing, and the unhurried rhythm of life this country does better than anywhere else in Europe, and Greece becomes one of the most compelling golf and spa destinations on the continent.

Where to Go in Greece

The Peloponnese — The Peloponnese is Greece's premier golf region, offering championship courses set against a backdrop of mountains, ancient ruins and coastline that stretches along the Ionian Sea. The pace here is gentler than the Greek islands, the landscape more dramatic, and the resort facilities designed for guests who want a complete experience — golf, spa, exceptional food and genuine tranquillity in equal measure.

Crete & Rhodes — Both islands offer warm season golf alongside extensive beach and cultural alternatives. Crete in particular has a rich culinary tradition and some of the Mediterranean's most spectacular coastline. Both are well served by direct UK flights throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for golf in Greece?

April to June and September to October are the sweet spots — warm and sunny without the intense heat of July and August when midday temperatures can make golf uncomfortable. Spring in particular is exceptional: courses are in excellent condition after the winter rains, the landscape is lush and green, and the resorts are quieter. The shoulder months combine the best golf conditions with more manageable crowds and prices.

What is the golf like in Greece?

Greece has a growing collection of resort courses, with the Peloponnese the most established golfing region. Courses here combine challenging layouts with scenery that draws on the Mediterranean coastline, ancient olive groves and mountain backdrops that are unique to this corner of Europe. The combination of a properly demanding round with genuinely spectacular natural surroundings is something Greek golf does better than most.

Is Greece suitable for non-golfers?

Greece is one of Europe's great cultural destinations regardless of golf. Ancient history, exceptional food, the Aegean Sea, local wine and olive oil, and a pace of life that encourages slowing down all provide compelling reasons to be off the course. The spa facilities at luxury Greek resorts draw on Mediterranean traditions — olive oil body treatments, thalassotherapy, sea salt rituals — that are both effective and specific to the destination.

How long is the flight from the UK?

The Peloponnese (served by Kalamata Airport) is approximately 3.5 hours from the UK — a very manageable short-haul trip. Athens is around 3 hours. Crete and Rhodes are around 4 hours. Direct flights operate from most major UK airports in season, and the Peloponnese is also reachable via Athens with a connecting domestic flight or a scenic drive through the mountains.

What makes Greek golf different from other Mediterranean destinations?

Greece offers something genuinely different from Spain, Portugal or Italy — the landscape is more rugged and dramatic, the pace is unhurried in a way that's particular to Greek culture, and the food and wine scene at the best resorts is exceptional. The combination of serious golf with ancient history, Aegean coastline and outstanding local cuisine creates a holiday that works on multiple levels simultaneously.