Destination: Golf in Paphos, Cyprus

The small Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a relative newcomer to the golf tourism sector, and whilst its cultural, mythological and archaeological heritage is widely known throughout the world, it’s golfing heritage is not. Indeed, the Cyprus Golf Foundation was only founded in 2000, and the island only possesses eight golf courses. That being said, most of the courses currently in operation are of the highest quality, and the Cypriote government have announced plans in recent years to augment this number, recognising the increasing importance of golf in the all-round tourist product of their nation. Such news is undoubtedly positive, as there are few better places to play golf. Cyprus is famed for being the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, who has certainly left her mark on the island, which possesses a perfect climate, all-year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, rugged, striking scenery, great restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, friendly locals and a laid back way of life.

History

It hasn’t always been plain sailing for Cyprus, though, and it still displays elements of a chequered past, mostly in the north. Seen as a strategic stronghold in the Middle East, the Greeks settled there in two waves more than two millenniums ago, and again in 333 AD. The third-biggest island in the Mediterranean has been governed by a range of major powers, including the Romans, the Venetians, the Persians and, more recently, the Ottoman Empire, who controlled the island for more than three centuries until the 1880s. In 1960, Cyprus became independent and joined the Commonwealth a year later, but a dispute in 1974 saw Turkey occupy the north of the island under a ‘safeguarding’ pretext. Turkish forces still illegally occupy the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’, which isn’t recognised by the rest of the world.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the north of Turkey has stagnated, and suffers from a limited infrastructure, a lack of money and a lower standard of life than the south. In a stark contrast, southern Cyprus has prospered and is a thriving modern country. The quality of life is very high, with a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars, beaches and tourist attractions littered throughout the region. The golf in Cyprus is a reflection of political factors, meaning the north is relatively sparse, while the south features some top-quality resorts. Most of these resorts are located in and around Paphos, which, in recent times, has come to the fore as one of the most promising golf locations in Europe.

Elea Golf Club

Elea Golf Club, opened in 2010, is another highly-regarded Faldo design course with a number of stand-out holes, including the par 4 7^th, which has been described as the ‘most outrageously bunkered hole in Europe’.

Set within a stunning natural environment with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean you can indulge yourself with fantastic views from any one of the five terraces overlooking the 18th green, across the course and beyond to the Mediterranean.

Designed to impress, the clubhouse has been thoughtfully created combining comfort with a contemporary décor to capture the essence of Cyprus as well as the traditional golf club.

The 18 hole par 71 course has been designed to make the most of the stunning natural environment and it will truly test your strategic skills and precision which is a joy to play for all golfers.

Visit here for our full feature review of Elea Golf Club.

Aphrodite Hills

Aphrodite Hills isn’t just a five-star golf course, it’s a five start golf resort. The 290-room hotel is the epitome of quality and luxury, overlooking the idyllic Mediterranean, and possessing an award-winning spa and restaurant, three practice holes, a 350 metre driving range, an academy and two residential professionals. The resort is located in an exquisite setting on the shores of the sea, only 10 minutes away from vibrant Paphos and less than an hour from Larnaca International Airport.

The championship golf course is just shy of 7,000 yards, surmounting the spot where Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the sea. The course was designed by international architect Cabell Robinson, who views Aphrodite Hills as the culmination of his work over a 35-year period.    The course boasts deep pot bunkers, Bermuda fairways, horseshoe greens and ponds, and was built over two relatively level landforms separated by a deep canyon, which has been incorporated into the design. Many holes run parallel to the stunning Mediterranean coastline offering eye-catching views in an idyllic setting, with other inland holes framed by indigenous carob and olive trees.

The supreme quality of the course is also supplemented by some quirky design features – such as an 18^th century kiln and an old olive press in the middle of the first and eighth fairways - and many consider a number of holes on the course to be among the most spectacular in Europe.  The third hole is a stunning, 570 yard par 5, with one of the most memorable tee shots you will play. With panoramic views of the rugged hills of the tranquil Cypriote countryside and the Mediterranean all around, tee shots must carry 220 yards to clear a deep gorge, with the fairway seemingly miles away in the distance. The seventh hole is similarly spectacular, with no margin for error whatsoever. The 210 yard par three demands a perfectly hit iron shot to carry more than 180 yards over a deep ravine, with wind swirling overhead. With holes like this, it isn’t surprising that the course has taken its rightful place among the best the Mediterranean can offer.

Read our full feature review of Aphrodite Hills Golf Course.

Other Courses

Minthis Hills Golf Club is a par-71 set in the grounds of a 12^th century monastery. It meanders through natural and artificial bodies of water and mature trees, with mesmerising views, courtesy of its setting 550 metres above the sea level. 

The Secret Valley Golf Course is set in a valley with views of rolling hills and dramatic rock formations.

Off the Course

Off the course, there is so much to enjoy in Paphos, both in terms of culture and entertainment. The Mosque of Pathos is architecturally superb and well worth a visit, along with the Tomb of the Kings, which are carved out of solid rock and provide an impressive example of Greek architecture.

For those with less of an affinity for culture, Coral Bay is a sun-worshippers paradise, with soft sand, mild sea breezes and views over the Mediterranean. At night, stroll along the illuminated city promenade, eat in high-quality restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, and enjoy the numerous bars and nightclubs that have sprung up in recent times as Paphos’ reputation as a lively night spot spreads.

Paphos in Cyprus is a golf tourists’ paradise, with several championship courses, great weather, stunning beaches and scenery, cultural activities, vibrant night life and an easy way of life. It really is the complete package, and with low prices and great deals on offer all year from www.golfbreaks.com, why not go and discover it for yourself.