As we careen down the hairpin bends of the Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus, I feel simultaneously both terrified and exhilarated. Hoping the brakes on the golf buggy are in good working condition, I cling on tightly as we tackle every bend for nearly a kilometre down the canyon.
We arrive at the tee-off, situated on the edge of the precipice. Not having a good head for heights, I approach with caution, hardly daring to look over the edge. It’s a long way down.
The 7th hole is one of the defining features of the Aphrodite Hills championship 18-hole course, and is one of the most spectacular par-3s in Europe. The hole plays steeply down across the ravine on to a large green, nestled in a grove of olive and carob trees.
The Luxury Golf Course Aphrodite Hills Cyprus. Pic: Shutterstock
I stare across to the green, trying not to look down, and drive the ball clean across the canyon. It lands just off the green but bounces down on to a ledge, a ball I definitely won’t be retrieving.
The course at Aphrodite Hills Resort offers the perfect mix of challenging bunkers, manicured fairways and generous tiered greens, all with sea views across the legendary birthplace of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Rumour has it that if you swim three times around Aphrodite’s Rock, you will be forever young.
Golf tourism is growing steadily in Cyprus, thanks to the island’s year-round good weather. The European Golf Travel Media Association is on the island to try out all its golf courses.
Cathy at Minthos Golf Club. Pic: Supplied
Next up is Minthis Golf Club, which includes not only a superb 18-hole golf course but also a nature reserve where you can go hiking along trails past waterfalls, and mountain biking through the club’s own vineyard and olive groves.
You can also get married in the 12th century monastery, situated in the middle of the course surrounded by grape vines and lavender and rosemary bushes, with views towards the Troodos mountains. The perfect choice for a golf-mad couple.
Three per cent of the land has been given over to the building of luxury suites, which have outstanding mountain views over the rugged terrain.
Aphrodite Hills Resort. Pic: Supplied
There is also a clubhouse, bar and spa on site.
We base ourselves for the week in Paphos in the southwest of the island, and only 8km from there is Elea Golf Club, part of the prestigious, award-winning Elea Estate.
It is a challenging 18 holes, designed by the legendary British golfer Nick Faldo. The bunkers are certainly difficult – many of them are 2-3m deep, you feel you could almost abseil down them The course has breathtaking views of the Paphos coastline. It blends numerous rugged features of the natural landscape, including endless rolling countryside and weathered outcrops of limestone, which contrast well with the dark green fairways.
Aphrodite Hills, Golf. Pic: Supplied
Open since 2010, Faldo carefully designed the course for each hole to pose a ‘strategic riddle’ for ‘thoughtful’ golf, surrounded by Mediterranean flora and a variety of wild, native plants, allowing local wildlife to thrive.
Inspired by the traditional architecture of the island, the stylish clubhouse incorporates bars and restaurants, a library area and cosy fireplaces. As with Minthis Golf Club, the estate also features luxurious villas and apartments.
Our last club of the week is the Secret Valley, which lies right next door to Aphrodite Hills Resort. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by trees, and was rebuilt in 2013 with former winner of the British and US Opens, Tony Jacklin, providing his signature for the golf course’s new look.
Abandoned Edro III Shipwreck at seashore of Peyia, near Paphos, Cyprus. Pic: Shutterstock
With the course carefully laid out in the natural landscape, the setting is distinctly Cypriot, with a unique Mediterranean feel. Using the steep hillside terrain, the course offers spectacular tee locations and stunning views towards the valley and the sea.
The elegant clubhouse is decked out in wood and stone, with cosy seating areas and fireplace, as well as valley vistas from two balconies, and a menu of fine international cuisine at its restaurant.
Covering four golf courses in a few days is demanding timewise, but we still manage to get in some sightseeing. The whole of Paphos has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site and a must see is the Kato Paphos Archaeological Site.
Cyprus – Archaeological Site of near Paphos with an lighthouse from drone view, Archaeological Park of UNESCO. Pic: Shutterstock
During the Roman period, Paphos was an important stop on the trading route between Alexandria, Egypt and Rome.
Wealthy citizens built a city with grand houses and public buildings, like baths and a theatre, and inside the houses of the most wealthy, the floors were decorated with remarkable mosaics.
Many of these still remain and they area highlight of a visit to Paphos. The House of Dionysos at Kato has one of the most spectacular collections of floor mosaics in the world and elevated walkways above them allow you to see them up close.
Tombs of the Kings. Pic: Supplied
The Tombs of the Kings is a site just north of Paphos, and this majestic cemetery was used from about the 4th century BC until the 3rd century AD as the burial place for the wealthy and powerful. Despite its name, no kings were buried here.
The underground tombs were cut into the rock and decorated with columns and wall paintings. They are extremely well preserved and it is possible to enter the various tombs.
We do a two-hour walking tour of Paphos, which brings us along a busy, pedestrianised walkway full of interesting shops and cafes. We continue into the old town and the harbourside, which is protected by Paphos Castle. We stop off at ‘The Place’ in the old town, a renovated warehouse which once housed a farmer’s market, and is now transformed into a unique and fascinating home of arts, Cypriot craft and traditions.
View on medieval castle in Paphos, Cyprus. Pic: Shutterstock
Offering a hands-on experience, you can enjoy pottery, mosaic and weaving demonstrations, and also get to try out the pottery wheel to create your own piece of art. A wide range of local products, such as award-winning wines and spirits, natural herbs, extra virgin olive oil, carob syrup and pure honey are for sale.
More local heritage can be experienced at the traditional House of Sofia and Andreas in Letymvou, a couple of kilometres outside Paphos. The couple opened up their home to visitors, and serve up their own freshly baked bread, homemade sheep’s yoghurt, olives and halloumi, a delicious cheese made out of goat’s and sheep’s milk that melts in the mouth.
Halloumi cheese making in Sofia And Andreas Traditional House in small village Letymbou. Pic: Shutterstock
Dessert is an unexpected delight, with a quick stop-off at the Cyprus Delights workshop in nearby Lefkara. We get to see how their sweets are produced in the small factory behind their shop, and sample the different flavours.
We stay at the luxurious four-star Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel along the seafront in Paphos.
Every morning, breakfast on the open balcony terrace, with the hotel’s resident black and ginger cat to greet you, is a delight. The views over the garden to the waves rolling on to the shore are stunning.
Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach. Pic: Supplied
The hotel has three restaurants serving a delicious mix of international and Cypriot cuisine, and nightly entertainment ranges from singers, to magic shows, and even an Elvis impersonator from Dublin. It’s now or never – so get booking.
TRAVEL FACTS
Cathy was a guest of the Cypriot Tourism Board, more information at visitcyprus.com. Flights from Dublin to Paphos from €150 return with Ryanair, see ryanair.com. Rooms at Constantinou Bros Athena Royal Beach Hotel from €210 per night, see athenaroyalcbh.com.