Head to Cyprus for Winter Sun

For a great holiday head to Cyprus for winter sun. This sub tropical island enjoys 300 – 340 days of sun per year and it’s climate is considered as one of the healthiest in the world. Average temperatures in the winter hover between 13 and 17 °C.

I visited Cyprus in December and flew from London Stansted to Larnaca. Long airport transfers often frustrate the most seasoned of traveler, the 75 minute journey to my resort was fine and gave me a chance to see the surrounding countryside and coastline. Flying into Paphos is the other option depending on the location of your accommodation.

I booked to stay at 5* hotel located at Aphrodite Hills Resort. The facilities are first class. The restaurants and bars inside the hotel and those to be found at the Village Square offer everything you could wish for. I ate at The Fig & Olive Restuarant on my first night, followed by a meal at the Asian à la carte Jasmine Restaurant. More informal, but very cosy and relaxing is the Anoi Pub & Bar that’s in the Village Square – perfect for a cold beer or gin & tonic on the terrace in the winter sun!

My first round was at Aphrodite Hills Golf Club, PGA National Cyprus. The course underwent a complete modernization in 2017 featuring relaid greens and bunkers, consequently it’s in great condition. Amazing far reaching, panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea are visible from many of the holes. In particular, look forward to the Par 3 “signature hole” 7th hole where the tees are divided by a 130 metre gorge! 

Second on my itinerary was Eléa Estate Golf Club, a  Nick Faldo design. The condition of the course, from the tees to the greens was immaculate. A good variety of different holes from short Par 3’s to long Par 5’s. In comparison to the three other course there were lot’s more bunkers so bring your sand wedge! Hence strategy is key to plot and negotiate your way around this excellent course. 

Thirdly was Minthis Golf Club. Set high in the hills 550 metres above sea level the views across the valley, 12th century monastery and nearby Troodos Mountains are especially breathtaking. With 18 relaid greens and lush fairways flanked by rows of olive and fruit trees, the course is beautiful. The “signature” 15th hole, a brilliant downhill Par 3 has the only island green in Cyprus!

Lastly Secret Valley Golf Resort. It’s situated in the lower part of a historic valley surrounded by rock formations and mature vegetation. Great views of the Mediterranean Sea glistening in the winter sun. Although the shortest in yardage of the four courses, the design features lots of doglegs and undulations. Because of it’s layout is suitable for golfer’s of all abilities. The course condition and playing surfaces was impressive and as a result matched those of its’ three neighbouring courses.

Because of the variety of these courses within a 25 minute radius makes this area of Cyprus a “hidden gem” for golf in the Mediterranean. Furthermore Aphrodite Hills Resort provides the perfect base to play these courses and explore the region.  

Join us this December on our Tuition Holiday to Cyprus for some great golf and fun in the winter sun!

For more information click here