Cyprus

If the two most important ingredients in the perfect recipe for a golf holiday abroad are amazing year-round weather and beautiful natural landscape, it is perhaps no surprise Cyprus is becoming so popular with golfers.

The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, this eastern Mediterranean island benefits from a stunning topography shaped by Mother Nature as well as one of the longest golf seasons in Europe – with 340 days of sunshine a year and extremely mild winters.

The four courses – Aphrodite Hills, Minthis Hills, Secret Valley and the new Elea – are located in the southwest of the island, where gently sloping hills, tranquility and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea are in abundance.

A visit to Cyprus is, though, about much more than golf.

For now, let us examine the island’s other attractions. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, it is an island of contrasts, whether in its changing landscapes or cosmopolitan resorts. There is picturesque countryside, there are hilltop wine-making villages offering fascinating Wine Routes, and there are coastline towns offering classic seaside holidays.

The capital, Nicosia, is steeped in history while Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos also have lots to offer – from events and culture to attractive beaches and bustling city lifestyle.

As well as being ideal for golf, the fabulous landscape is perfect to enthusiasts of hiking, cycling and watersports, among other sports.

You can discover the wonders of the underwater world by snorkelling or diving in the warm crystal clear sea, admiring sealife or exploring the famous Zenovia shipwreck.

Windsurfing and sailing can be enjoyed all-year-round, thanks to steady winds and calm, predictable seas. Coastal cruising and deep-water fishing are also popular. For a more adrenaline-filled experience, try rock climbing – including sport routes onthe hard limestone crag by the Dhiarizos river and on an elevated sandstone crag in Akamas peninsula.

Cyprus has numerous sign-posted nature trails which allow you to savour the island’s culture and the sounds and smells of its nature. The Troodos Mountain hiking trails traverse scented pine forests, past waterfalls and take in panoramic views while the wilderness of the Akamas Peninsula sees pine-clad cliffs plunge down into turquoise waters.

The European long distance path, E4, with a length of 537km, which starts in Gibraltar and ends in Cyprus, is popular among ramblers.

It begins at Paphos airport and follows the coast, taking in picturesque countryside, and ends at Larnaca airport. Or you can cycle along a network of routes, including scenic coastal paths and the Troodos Cycling Network with its 14 signposted
viewpoints.

With sunshine blessing Cyprus throughout the year, the island has long been a desired destination for relaxing breaks, lively beach holidays, family getaways and romantic retreats. Summer days and the scent of jasmine and geraniums in the air make the island, with its serene locations, ideal for nature lovers.

The coastline boasts an array of white-sand beaches, golden sands, pebble beaches and rocky coves, satisfying every visitor’s preference. Over 50 beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, the international accolade that signals eco-wareness, quality, safety and cleanliness.

Keen sailors can find many small ports, marinas and yacht harbours, with the biggest berthing spots including Larnaca Marina, St Raphael Marina in Limassol, and the Latchi Leisure Harbour.

Mediterranean and local gastronomy can be enjoyed in traditional tavernas while fine dining cuisine can be enjoyed in more sophisticated restaurants.

Reflecting Cyprus’ noble wine heritage, six Wine Routes were developed in the areas of Laona – Akamas, Vouni Panayias – Ampelitis, Dhiarizos Valley, Krasochoria Lemesou, Koumandaria and Pitsilia. All wine routes are signposted in the Lemesos and Pafos districts, offering the opportunity to visit regional wineries and taste local varieties. The perfect wine to accompany tasty Cypriot cuisine – and there is little better than a robust, rustic kleftiko or stifado – can be found in this way.

With a long history of welcoming visitors, Cyprus’ network of hotels covers every taste, from pretty stone buildings which reflect the island’s culture, to well-known international chains, including lavish five-star resorts and deluxe villas. They provide a perfect base for enjoying the beaches, nature, wine tasting, spa treatments, hiking, watersports… and of course, golf.

QUICK GUIDE

Getting there: A popular holiday destination means flights to Larnaca and Paphos from lots of UK airports are both frequent and relatively cheap.
When to go: Expect warmth all year round with a sun tan guaranteed from the start of March to the end of October.
Time difference: GMT +2
Telephone: 00 357 22 691100
Website: www.visitcyprus.com
Email: MaroKazepi@visitcyprus.com or cytour@visitcyprus.com

The golf…

There are four main courses on Cyprus – all in the Paphos region: Aphrodite Hills is a world-class resort with a course dominated by a dramatic gorge; Elea is a new star for the island, having been laid out by Sir Nick Faldo; Secret Valley summons precision and skill to navigate around its course; and Minthis Hills is well-known for its undulating terrain. We reveal much more about this quartet in the links below…

The climate…

Cyprus has arguably the most idyllic weather for golf in Europe. Its location in the south-east of the Mediterranean means you can expect the sun on your back in every month of the year with a sun tan guaranteed from the start of March to the end of October.

	Elea Golf Club Sir Nick Faldo is recognised all over the world for his excellence and attention to detail. He brought those qualities to Cyprus when he and his team laid out the Elea course. Find out more here >>>
	Aphrodite Hills Resort For over 20 years the standard bearer for golf in the eastern Med, Aphrodite Hills is laid out within 578 acres on two plateaux, divided by a dramatic ravine that overlooks the exact spot where ‘Aphrodite’ the Greek goddess of love is said to have emerged from the sea. Find out more here >>>
	Minthis Hills Resort The oldest course in Cyprus is situated in the grounds of a 12th Century monastery and tucked away in a valley surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Its setting and views provide the perfect backdrop for a challenging game, as its fairways swathe through mature trees and water features. Find out more here >>>
	Secret Valley Golf Club This scenic course is being refurbished so only nine holes are currently playable but it will be fully open again in September this year – and expectations are high of a fabulous new-look course. Find out more here >>>