Golf and Athens: A Growing Relationship
Greece is not traditionally thought of as a golf destination, but that perception has changed dramatically. Year-round sunshine, mild winters and stunning coastal scenery make the country ideal for golf, and a series of world-class resort courses has put Greece firmly on the international golfing map. For golfers living in or visiting Athens, the capital offers a classic course of its own in Glyfada, plus easy access by road, ferry or short domestic flight to some of the finest courses in the Mediterranean.
This guide brings together the best golf experiences available to Athens-based players, starting in the city itself and extending to the courses that Athenians most often visit for golfing weekends.
The Top 10 Golf Courses for Athens Golfers
1. Glyfada Golf Club of Athens
The Glyfada Golf Club is the heart of golf in the capital. Opened in the 1960s in the coastal suburb of Glyfada, its 18-hole layout winds through mature pine trees with views towards the Saronic Gulf. It has hosted national and international tournaments and offers a driving range, practice facilities, lessons and a welcoming clubhouse. Its proximity to the city centre makes it ideal for an after-work round or a quick game for visitors.
2. The Dunes Course, Costa Navarino
Located in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese, The Dunes Course is one of the signature courses that transformed Greek golf. Designed by Bernhard Langer with European Golf Design, it combines dunes, olive groves and sea views, and it is regularly ranked among the best courses in Europe.
3. The Bay Course, Costa Navarino
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., The Bay Course offers dramatic elevation changes and holes running alongside the Bay of Navarino. Its varied terrain and spectacular panoramas make it a favourite for golfers travelling from Athens.
4. The International Olympic Academy Golf Course, Costa Navarino
Designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, this course connects golf with the Olympic spirit and Greek heritage. Its Mediterranean landscape and strategic design have earned it widespread acclaim.
5. The Hills, Costa Navarino
The newest addition to the Costa Navarino collection, The Hills offers sweeping views and a modern design that complements the destination's other courses, making a multi-day golf trip from Athens especially rewarding.
6. Porto Carras Golf, Halkidiki
Set on the Sithonia peninsula in northern Greece, Porto Carras offers an 18-hole course surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and the Aegean Sea. It is a popular choice for golfers combining a round with a beach holiday.
7. Corfu Golf Club
Located in the Ropa Valley, the Corfu Golf Club is one of the oldest courses in Greece and is admired for its natural parkland setting, water features and strategic design.
8. Crete Golf Club
Near Hersonissos, the Crete Golf Club is a desert-style course with dramatic mountain views. Reachable by short flight or overnight ferry from Piraeus, it offers a distinctive challenge.
9. Afandou Golf Course, Rhodes
On the island of Rhodes, the Afandou course provides a relaxed resort experience with sea views and a layout that suits golfers of all abilities.
10. Indoor Golf Simulator Studios in Athens
For practice during busy weeks, Athens now has a growing number of indoor golf simulator studios. Using advanced launch monitors and virtual versions of famous courses, they allow players to analyse their swing, take lessons and play rounds in any weather.
Golf Trends in Greece
Golf tourism is one of the fastest-growing niches in Greek tourism, with resorts investing in new courses, academies and luxury accommodation. The sport is also gaining popularity among younger Greeks, encouraged by junior programmes and simulator studios. Sustainability is a priority, with modern courses using recycled water and native vegetation to minimise environmental impact in a dry climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a golf course in Athens itself?
Yes. The Glyfada Golf Club of Athens is located in the southern suburbs, around half an hour from the city centre depending on traffic.
When is the best time to play golf in Greece?
Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures. Winter is mild and suitable for golf on most days, while summer rounds are best played early in the morning or late afternoon.
Can beginners take lessons near Athens?
Absolutely. Glyfada and several simulator studios offer lessons for beginners, including equipment rental and introductory programmes.
Tips for Golfers in Athens
- Book tee times in advance, especially on weekends.
- Carry plenty of water and sun protection during warm months.
- Combine golf trips with cultural visits for a richer experience.
- Check dress codes and handicap requirements before visiting clubs.
Conclusion
Athens offers golfers a unique combination of a historic city course and access to some of Europe's most celebrated resort layouts. Whether you are teeing off among the pines of Glyfada or planning a golfing escape to the Peloponnese or the islands, the courses above deliver memorable rounds under the Greek sun.