Swing into the sun with a warm weather golf getaway this winter
Autumn is upon us, and winter is just around the corner, but there is no need to put your golf clubs away in the garage just yet!
Instead of hibernating until the warmer weather arrives, why not treat yourself to a winter golf getaway from London Stansted?
With direct flights to destinations all over Europe and beyond, the airport is the perfect gateway to escape the British cold and tee off on some lush green fairways in the sunshine.
From Spain and Portugal to Morocco and Dubai we’ve narrowed down the top 10 destinations for a warm weather golf getaway this winter.
Neringa Ohrstrom, Head of Brand Marketing at London Stansted, said:
“Now is an ideal time to jet away on and enjoy a golf break to sunnier climes. It’s often cheaper and less crowded now the kids are back at school, the temperatures are not hitting those baking hot highs of July and August, and the autumn colours make the courses even more beautiful than normal.
“Each of the destinations we’ve picked offer some stunning courses and variety of other activities to enjoy during your stay. So why not escape the winter chills and hone your game in one of these great locations. Just remember to pack your clubs and sunscreen!”
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Weather: 31°C -24°C
Flight time: 7 hours
Flights: £535 return with Emirates
Golf: The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club offers an exceptional golfing experience, featuring championship courses designed by renowned architects. Dubai also offers several world-class golf courses, including Emirates Golf Club, where the Dubai Desert Classic is held every year, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and The Els Club.
The Algarve, Portugal
Weather: 20°C -16°C degrees (Faro)
Flight time: 3 hours
Flights: Ryanair offers one-way fares to Faro from £15.99
Golf: Known for its pristine golf courses and stunning coastal landscapes, the Algarve is a golfers' paradise. Among the golf courses in the region are Vilamoura, which hosts the annual Algarve Open, and Quinta do Lago Championship Course or Vale do Lobo Ocean Course.
Costa Del Sol, Spain
Weather: 20°C-16°C (Malaga)
Flight time: 3 hours
Flights: Ryanair offers one-way fares to Malaga for £21.99.
Golf: Valderrama, host of the Ryder Cup and European Tour, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, and Finca Cortesin are among the world-class golf courses on the Costa del Sol. These courses offer a challenging experience for all golfers, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Golfers can also take advantage of the many golf academies in the area to improve their game.
Majorca, Spain
Weather: 18°C -15°C
Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Flights: Ryanair offers one-way fares to Palma from £14.99
Golf: Play golf against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches. A number of renowned courses are available in the area, including Son Vida Golf Club, Vall d'Or Golf, and Golf de Andratx. The courses are designed for players of all levels and feature stunning views of the Mallorca coastline. Golfers can also enjoy a variety of other activities, such as spa treatments, fine dining, and shopping.
Marrakech, Morocco
Weather: 23°C – 19°C
Flight time: 3 hours 40 hours
Flights: Ryanair offers one-way fares from £24.99 to Marrakesh
Golf: The area boasts numerous golf courses, including the Royal Palm Golf Club, the Amelkis Golf Club, and the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. Morocco offers a variety of other activities, such as quad biking, camel riding, and hot air balloon rides. Visitors can also explore the ancient medinas and markets, explore the impressive Atlas Mountains, and sample traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Antalya, Turkey
Weather: 15°C and 20°C
Flight time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Flights: Jet2, Pegasus and Sun Express all fly to Antalya with prices starting at £39 one way
Golf: The Belek-Antalya region boasts courses designed by Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie. With stunning views of the Mediterranean, Antalya Golf Club offers a challenging and scenic course, while the National Golf Club is surrounded by mature pine and eucalyptus forests.
Gran Canaria, Spain
Weather: 19°C -16°C
Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Flights: Jet2 and Ryanair both fly direct with fares from £19.99 one way
Golf: Maspalomas Golf Course and Gran Canaria Golf Club offer breathtaking views and challenging layouts. Both courses are perfect for golfers of all abilities. The Gran Canaria Golf Club also offers a range of luxury amenities, including a spa and fitness centre.
Tenerife, Spain
Weather: 23°C -20°C
Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
Flights: Jet2 and Ryanair both fly direct with fares from £26.26 one way
Golf: Golf del Sur offers a peaceful setting with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Golf Costa Adeje golf club offers two championship courses, including the challenging Old Course and the New Course. Both courses provide a unique golfing experience, with breathtaking views and challenging holes.
South of France
Weather: 16°C -12°C
Flight time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Flights: Ryanair fly direct to Nice with fares starting at £14.99 one way
Golf: The French Riviera has some fabulous courses to choose from. They’re not cheap but Cannes- Mougins and Terre Blanche Golf resorts are not to be missed. Golf du Palais Royal offers a beautiful and challenging course with views of the Med.
Cyprus
Weather: 14°C - 20°C.
Flight time: 4 hours 35 mins
Flights: Jet2 and Ryanair fly direct to Cyprus with fares starting at £27.99 one way
Golf: Cyprus Golf Club offers a stunning course surrounded by olive trees and sea views. Cyprus National Golf Club is renowned as one of the best in Cyprus, with challenging holes and breathtaking views of the coastline. Also popular are Elea Golf Club, designed by Nick Faldo, Aphrodite Hills and Minthis Hills.