THE legend of Aphrodite Rock, the birthplace of the Goddess of Love, says if you swim around the rock you will be blessed with eternal beauty.
Well, after a hair-raising round of golf on one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses I have played on, I could have done with the swim to erase the worry lines from my face.
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Cyrpus has a stunning coastline according to Ann
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Cyrpus is home to some stunning historic sights
In Cyprus, driving to the Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, I was blessed with one of the most beautiful coastlines I’ve ever seen – and that’s coming from someone lucky enough to live in Cork!
It’s about a 25-minute drive from Paphos, and the stunning views create a feeling of calmness and wellbeing.
Arriving at the course along with my fellow golfers from Ireland, the UK and Europe, we were greeted with real warmth and hospitality.
Golfers will know this is a PGA National Course, kept in superb condition.
Different to any I’ve played before, there are unique challenges – especially Hole 7, the signature hole, which is built high up overlooking the sea and the five-star resort.
It is one of the most spectacular courses, offering endless views of the Mediterranean, but to get to it you have a crazy buggy ride along paths with hairpin bends that would outdo some of the worst roads in Ireland.
After surviving that heart-stopping drive, it proved well worthwhile. Hence the need for Aphrodite’s help.
I stood on the tee-box and looked over to the green that seemed a hundred miles away.
Of course, it wasn’t, but the tree covered ravine added to the sense of ‘what am I going to do with this’.
I took out my driver and hit the ball as hard as I could and, to my astonishment, I got over every obstacle and landed on the green about 10ft from the flag to the cheers of my playing companions who didn’t quite make it across.
All the free activities Cyprus has to offer
I didn’t get a birdie but I did get the par on the Par 3, a feat I will boast about for a long time.
This course offers endless views of the blue sea and the legendary birthplace of the Ancient Greek Goddess Aphrodite.
MAGNIFICENT COURSES
A striking feature of the par 71 championship course is the deep canyon that separates two plateaus and the olive and carob trees that are dotted around the venue.
I would never have thought of Cyprus as a golfing destination. But with four magnificent courses within easy reach of Paphos, word is spreading.
And it is easy to understand why more and more golfers are heading to this sun-filled and historical destination, where the courses are fresh, without the jaded feel of other European golfing destinations.
As F Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “Breathing dreams like air” with such an emphasis on nature, history, great food and local wines, along with the best of golf courses, staying in Cyprus is definitely living the dream.
The four courses – Aphrodite Hills, Minthis, Elea, and Secret Valley – within striking distance of Paphis are all surrounded by beauty. They are integrated into the natural landscapes, using the ravines, cliffs, and sea views to their best advantage.
The Minthis course was my favourite meandering as it goes past a 12th century monastery, which can be visited and is a haven of beauty, peace, and tranquility.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
I even managed to jump out of the golf buggy and get some memorable pictures here.
This 18-hole course offers breathtaking views of the Toodos Mountains.
It has water features and ancient groves with hundreds of olive trees, orchards, and grapevines, and is part of Natura 2000 site with the emphasis on eco-friendly sustainability and commitment to nature, conservation, and community.
I also really liked the Elea course, designed by Nick Faldo, which he created to have each hole posing a “strategic riddle for thoughtful golf”.
It is just 8km from Paphos, so it is easily accessible.
It wasn’t all about the links though, we managed a visit to nearby Mrs Sofia’s house where we learned all about halloumi and bread-making.
Halloumi is the island’s most famous cheese and comes with a distinctive texture.
UNESCO PARK
It has been produced for centuries in Cyprus and is traditionally prepared with goat or sheep’s milk, or a combination of both, plus cow’s milk.
Sofia makes it the traditional way, and with her freshly baked bread it is delicious.
While we went for the golf, which can be played year round in Cyprus, there is a wealth of interesting places to visit in Paphos.
Top of my list is the UNESCO Archaeological Park by the harbour in Paphos – one of the most important sites of Cyprus.
The park includes sites and monuments dating from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages.
The amazing intricate mosaic floors of the four Roman villas – the house of Dionysos, Theseur, Lion, and Orpheus – depict various scenes from Greek Mythology, and when you think how old they are and how they have remained in such good condition it is truly mind boggling.
GO: CYPRUS
GET THERE: Ann travelled with Ryanair direct from Dublin Airport to Paphos Airport. Return flight cost around €90.
STAY THERE: Stay in the adult-only Athena Royal Beach Hotel located right on the seaside, with great rooms and services. Prices from €350 per night including breakfast.
DO THIS: Play the best golf in the Mediterranean on four courses within easy distance of Paphos. For further information on playing golf on the island and the tournament calendar, visit the website of the Cyprus Golf Federation.
EAT THERE: Dine in amazing Pagkratious restaurant where you can savour delicious Greek and Cyprian dishes, and enjoy traditional dancing and entertainment.
We visited the Tombs of Kings, although we learned there are no kings buried there, just rich and famous people, including high ranking officials and aristocracy.
The amazing and oftentimes huge underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
There is so much to see and do in Cyprus I just can’t wait to return and discover more about this sun filled glorious island.
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Golf enthusiast Ann travelled to Cyprus
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The island has strong ties to Greek mythology
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There are multiple PGA golf courses on the island
