The Surprise European Golfing Destination That's Building Quite A Reputation

If you travel about as far to the south and east as it is possible to journey in Europe, Cyprus is an ancient and mountainous island offering history, culture, cuisine and more. For many years it has been a popular holiday destination, with many even choosing to up sticks and relocate here. Unlike many such locations, golf hasn’t taken off in terms of volume of courses, but what is lacks in numbers is made up for by an eclectic mix which is also on offer at rates that are favourable to many of the more famous golfing hotspots.

The country itself has a chequered history with conflict a regular feature, perhaps ironically as it is by legend the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The southern two-thirds of the island is under self-rule, and is a delightful destination for European holidaymakers as well as home to a large population of ex-pats. With the exception of the highly-rated Korineum Golf and Beach resort which is on the northern coast, all of the golf in Cyprus is towards the south and west of the island. The modern road system makes travel from the main airport in the east, Larnaca, very easy.

As well as the three featured courses, all of which come highly recommended, there are a couple of others not too far from them. Minthis Golf Club was designed by Donald Steel and used to be known as Tsada. It is the beneficiary of a Mackenzie and Ebert upgrade which included two new holes as recently as 2018. Vikla is further to the east near Larnaca and only uses water to irrigate the tees and greens leaving nature to do the rest. Cyprus has a wealth of archaeological sites as well as the superyacht marina at Limassol and is an excellent destination for a family holiday.

Aphrodite Hills

Designed by Cabell Robinson, the man responsible for many fine European courses such as Las Colinas in Spain. This excellent and very varied course runs either side of a deep gorge. The challenging landscape is home to a thrilling course over high ground and cliff-tops, with both the 7th and 8th absolute stunners. The former is a breath-taking par 3 played over a gorge, while the latter is an eye-catching short par 4 to the edge of the cliff with the distracting backdrop of the shimmering sea and an ancient olive press in the middle of the fairway. Aphrodite Hills and its accompanying charms make for a very enjoyable stay.

• Par 71, 6,302 yards

Eléa

This desert-style course was designed by Sir Nick Faldo and opened for play in 2010. It features plenty of his bold, trademark bunkering, and runs over a gently-sloping and elevated hillside setting which results in some beautiful panoramas out to sea.

It is kept in fine condition and there are plenty of challenging holes with a lake separating the greens at the 5th and 9th. The penultimate hole is a super-tough par 4 with a long approach at an angle over a rocky wasteland.

• Par 71, 6,313 yards

Secret Valley

Bordering on the sprawling Aphrodite Hills estate but hidden away below it, Secret Valley is less well known and provides a very attractive and enjoyable alternative. It runs along an old river valley that is flanked by steep, rocky hills. A key factor here is the wind that blows in from the sea and can swirl up through the river basin. 

There are also plenty of bunkers and pine trees as well as rocky outcrops, and a friendly and informal atmosphere both on and off the course.

• Par 71, 5,921 yards