The Sicilian resort has been named Europe's Best Golf Hotel for the second year running and held second place in two leading European resort rankings.
Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel on Sicily's southwest coast, has received further recognition as one of Europe's leading golf destinations, securing two honours at the 2026 World Golf Awards and retaining second place in two prestigious European golf resort rankings.
Double delight at the World Golf Awards
The Sicilian resort was named Europe's Best Golf Hotel for the second consecutive year at this year's World Golf Awards in Egypt, while also receiving the title of Italy's Best Golf Hotel. The awards recognise excellence in golf tourism and hospitality, with Verdura acknowledged for its established offering on Sicily's southwest coast.
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Further recognition came in Golf World's updated ranking of the Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe, where Verdura retained second place while improving its overall points total compared with the previous year. The resort also maintained its position at number two in National Club Golfer magazine's new list of the Top 100 European Golf Resorts 2026.
Championship golf on the Mediterranean
The recent accolades reflect the breadth of the golf experience available at Verdura Resort, which is home to two 18-hole championship courses, East Links and West Shore, designed by renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips.
Occupying a 230-hectare estate, both layouts make use of the natural Mediterranean landscape, with coastal holes, wide fairways and varied playing conditions providing a distinctive test of golf. The championship courses are complemented by a nine-hole par-three course, extensive practice facilities, a golf academy and Italy's only European Tour-approved Performance Institute.
Sir Rocco Forte, founder and chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition, particularly as it reflects the consistency of our golf offering at Verdura Resort. To retain our European title and maintain such strong positions in two respected rankings is a significant achievement. It is a credit to the dedication of our teams, whose continued hard work ensures that guests enjoy an exceptional experience both on and off the golf course."
Year-round golf for the first time
The latest achievements come as Verdura Resort introduces year-round golf for the first time. Following the opening of its golf facilities at weekends during the previous winter, the resort's championship courses will now remain available to golfers throughout the 2026/27 winter season.
The extended season will give visitors access to both championship layouts, alongside the pro shop and private or group lessons with Verdura Resort's professional coaches. The Clubhouse lounge will also remain open throughout the winter, providing additional facilities for golfers visiting Sicily outside the traditional season.
Away from the course, guests can make use of the 4,000m² Irene Forte Spa, the resort's private coastline and a selection of restaurants and bars drawing on Sicily's culinary heritage.