5 reasons to book a golf holiday to Paphos

With year-round sunshine and spectacular golf, Paphos is one of our favourite golfing getaways. Located on Cyprus’ south coast, the region is just over 4 hours from the UK, making it ideal for a golf holiday year-round. The temperature rarely climbs much higher than 30˚C, creating an ideal golfing climate throughout the year.

The city is often thought of as the epicentre of golf on the island, with the Nick Faldo-designed Elea Golf Course, as well as the European Tour stop at Aphrodite Hills, both much-visited by our customers. Combine these with an extensive range of luxury hotels and residences, as well as stunning beaches with a warming sea, and the allure of a golf holiday to Paphos can be hard to resist!

Paphos is a coastal city, with a local airport flying into various regions of the UK throughout the day. A former European Capital of Culture, the city is the perfect base for a fun-filled golf holiday, providing easy access to the island’s best courses, the sea, a vibrant town centre, and a well-served airport. Its southerly location provides year-round sunshine, with the island regularly hosting professional golf events early in the season, due to the idyllic golfing conditions which can be found here in the spring.

The city’s beachfront location is home to an abundance of seaside bars and restaurants, and is known for its incredible local cuisine. You’ll find seafood aplenty here, with the local fishermen coming into shore each morning with that evening’s specials. However, you’ll also find plenty of authentic Greek food on the island, including koftas and moussaka for those wanting a traditional eating experience.

If you’re after something more familiar, downtown Paphos has also got you covered, with tourism from the UK over recent years aiding the advancement of Indian restaurants and British pub food in the region!

There are four main golfing destinations to check out in Paphos. The aptly named Aphrodite Hills Resort hosted back-to-back European Tour events in 2020 at the on-site PGA National Golf Course. The course here stretches out to almost 7,000 yards off the back tees and is lined throughout by olive and carob trees, placing a strong emphasis on keeping your ball in the fairway. Fear not though, the venue’s fantastic on-site practice facilities will give you plenty of opportunities to get your game in order before tackling the course.

Another of our favourites here is the Troon-managed Secret Valley. Based close to the birthplace of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou), the course has a traditional out and back layout, with stunning views throughout. Similarly, the nearby Minthis Golf Course frequently delights our guests. Following the natural undulations of its hillside location, the course is a demanding par 72 which also navigates a 12th-century monastery… for those who may need a bit of divine inspiration on the way round.

Lastly, the aforementioned Elea Golf Course was designed by 6-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo and since its opening in October 2010, has become one of the must-play golf courses in the Mediterranean. There’s a variety of accommodation which can be tied in with Elea, with even more options for dining – perfect, whether you want to relax on site, or head out into town for an evening.

Speaking of the hotels here, variety is the name of the game. Whether you’re after five-star luxury,all-inclusive or self-catering, Paphos has some splendid options. Some of our favourites include the Aphrodite Hills Hotel (with its proximity to the golf course), or the five-star Olympic Lagoon Resort. This popular resort is amongst the highest-rated in our entire portfolio, with guests loving the stunning pools and all-inclusive dining.

If you’re after the luxury, with more flexibility in the evenings, check out the half board options at the five-star Almyra Hotel. With four of Paphos’ best courses nearby, this central location is a great spot for those looking to explore the island.

However, those looking to own the dining decision should check out the Aphrodite Hills Rentals. These self-catering apartments are a perfect ‘home away from home’, providing the ultimate flexibility for your trip!

Away from its excellent golf, the island of Cyprus is arguably most well-known as the birthplace of Aphrodite. The Ancient Greek Goddess of Love is said to have risen from the sea at Paphos and maintains a central position in Greek mythology. As such, it’s imperative that you spend time on your holiday exploring some of Paphos’ historical delights. You’ll find trips to see both Aphrodite’s rock, as well as the ruins of her ancient temple – said to stretch back to before 12BC.

Comparatively recent, you’ll also be stunned by the exhibitions at both the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaeological Museum, with artefacts dating back towards the 3rd century AD, including some of the earliest mosaic flooring, depicting iconic moments from Greek mythology.