Are there good golf courses in Cyprus?

Over 300 sunny days a year. Temperatures ranging from 10 to 30°C throughout the season. While courses in Poland are closed, in Cyprus you can play practically non-stop — in December, January, and February. That’s exactly why the island has become one of the favorite golf destinations for Poles looking to escape the winter. Are there good golf courses in Cyprus? We’ll try to answer that for you today!

From Warsaw, it’s less than a 3-hour flight—and you land in a place where the sun shines even when it’s raining and snowing back home. Cyprus doesn’t focus on the number of courses (you won’t find offerings like in the Algarve or Costa del Sol here), but on quality and exceptional location. The courses are designed with the landscape in mind—cliffs, gorges, olive groves, sea views. You play more peacefully than at the crowded Spanish resorts, and at the same time, you can be sure the infrastructure is top-notch.

What will you find in this article? The answer to the question of whether there really are good golf courses in Cyprus—with an emphasis on standards and playing conditions. An overview of the top 5 places worth visiting. And an explanation of what championship courses in Cyprus are and why some of them enjoy an excellent reputation among European players. We start with the basics—that is, whether Cyprus is even worth considering as a golf destination.

Are there good golf courses in Cyprus?

Yes, Cyprus truly has excellent golf courses – and they’re even better than most tourists expect. We’re talking about facilities designed by world-class architects, 18-hole courses maintained at championship level, with greens that meet USGA standards.

How many golf courses can you find in Cyprus?

The island focuses on quality, not quantity. Here you will find:

• about 8 large 18-hole courses (mainly around Pafos)
• several smaller (9- and 27-hole)
• concentration in the western part – Pafos and surroundings
• no crowded resorts like in Spain

The Cypriot philosophy is exclusivity, not mass tourism. This means fewer players on the course, more space, and a more relaxed game.

Standard, prices, and who are Cypriot golf courses for?

Conditions: You can play all year round, but the best months are March–May and September–November (it can get too hot in summer). The greens are kept in perfect condition – speed of 10–11 ft on the Stimpmeter, watered and mowed almost daily. Golf academies, driving ranges, pro shops, online reservations – facilities on par with a top European resort.

Prices: Green fee for guests is around €50-150 (depending on the course and season). Hotel + golf packages are available, which reduce costs. Typical handicap limits: men 24-28, women up to 36 – making it friendly for both advanced and intermediate players.

Comparison: Fewer courses than in the Algarve or Costa del Sol, but more beautiful views, fewer tourists, and better value for money. For a Polish golfer? A quality alternative to overrated Portugal – warmer, quieter, and more intimate.

The best golf courses in Cyprus – top 5

Although Cyprus doesn’t have a dozen courses like Spain or Portugal, its absolute top five can easily compete with the best tracks in the Mediterranean region. All of them receive ratings of 8.5–9.5/10 from leading golf websites and frequently appear in “must-play” rankings in Europe. The rankings are surprisingly consistent: almost all experts point to the same lineup, taking into account course design, maintenance quality, tournament level, and player reviews (data for 2025).

Top 5 ranking – summary of key parameters

Aphrodite Hills – this is the absolute number one, and calling it the jewel of Cyprus golf is no exaggeration. The course runs along cliffs, crosses a deep gorge (signature hole par 3, hole 15), offers sea views, and is technically demanding – suitable for intermediate players and those with a handicap below 18.

Eléa Estate – Nick Faldo reportedly called it his favorite project in the region; full of elevations, narrow fairways, strategic bunkers – a course for patient and precise players.

Minthis Hills – the oldest among the top courses, set amidst vineyards and olive groves, featuring the challenge of significant elevation changes; the climate is distinctly Mediterranean.

Secret Valley – located in a gorge, surrounded by forests, less touristy than the top 2 – perfect for those seeking peace and wanting to avoid crowds.

Tsada – scenic, but windy; the fairways are more generous, making it perfect for a warm-up before tackling the more challenging Pafos courses.

Honorable mentions: it’s worth mentioning smaller, developing projects – the 9-hole Golf at Dreamgates and Adele Golf Park. New investments are emerging in the north of the island, but established, tournament courses are still concentrated around the Pafos region. All of the top 5 meet championship standards – we’ll explain exactly what “championship courses” are in a moment.

Championship golf courses in Cyprus

When someone says “championship course,” most golfers picture a solid 18-hole layout with quality greens. But in Cyprus, it’s not just marketing—there are specific criteria that must be met to truly earn that name. It’s worth knowing what sets a real championship course apart from an average one.

How to recognize a championship course in Cyprus?

The basic requirements are quite clear: it must have 18 holes, a par of around 71-72, a length of over 6,000 m (often even 6,200-6,500 m from the back tees). The typical layout is an average of 4 par-3 holes, 10 par-4s, and 4 par-5s. Fairways must be sufficiently wide, greens perfectly maintained (green speed in the range of 10-11 ft on the Stimpmeter), and the entire facility adapted for tournaments—with infrastructure for officials, spectators, and broadcasting.

Cypriot courses were designed by renowned architects: Cabell B. Robinson at Aphrodite Hills, Sir Nick Faldo at Eléa Estate, Donald Steel at Minthis. This ensures that the layout of the holes truly requires strategy, not just power. Moreover, the fact that tournaments are held there—European Tour qualifiers, Faldo Series for juniors—confirms the quality.

Playing conditions and ecology on championship courses

The technical conditions are specific: elevation differences can range from 100 to 300 meters above sea level, along the route you’ll encounter gorges, natural riverbeds, and bunkers with white sand. The wind varies from 10 to 20 km/h — not extreme, but it should be taken into account when choosing a club.

Importantly, Cypriot championship courses take ecology seriously. They use drought-resistant grasses, irrigate with recycled water (about 70%), and aim for near-total water neutrality by 2030. Recent EU reports give them high marks in this regard.

Practical checklist before departure:

1. Check the course parameters on the club’s website – length, par, hole layout
2. Look for information about tournaments held there in recent years
3. Read reviews on golf portals (e.g., Golf Advisor, Leadingcourses)
4. Compare the course rating/slope with your own handicap – if the difference is significant, consider playing from the forward tees

The championship field is not just about prestige – it also comes with greater technical and tactical demands. It’s good to know what you’re signing up for.

How to plan your own golf trip to Cyprus

Cyprus stands out among other golf destinations mainly for three reasons: you can literally play all year round (320+ sunny days), the courses are truly high quality—including several championship ones—and at the same time, the prices aren’t as dizzying as in Spain or Portugal. On top of that, there’s excellent accessibility from Poland (direct flights from Warsaw, Kraków, or Katowice) and the fact that almost every venue offers views you’ll remember for years.

The future of golf in Cyprus – why is now the time to go?

The island is developing. By 2030, 2-3 new courses are planned, mainly in the northern part, which will increase accessibility for tourists. The number of junior and professional tournaments is growing, and clubs are investing in technology — online reservations work efficiently, training simulators are appearing, and some companies are even testing “AI caddies” (mobile assistants suggesting club selection). Moreover, golf in Cyprus’s economy is more than just a hobby — tourism accounts for 20-25% of the island’s GDP, and over 50,000 rounds are played annually. After the pandemic, activity increased by 15%, and forecasts predict another jump of around +20% in the coming years.

The best time to travel and how to look for deals

Practically? Plan your trip for March-May or September-November – the temperature is perfect (20-26°C), the courses are less crowded, and prices are lower than in summer. Look for “hotel + 3 rounds” packages – for example, 5 nights and 3 rounds cost around €793 in the 2026 season. Book your tee time at least a week in advance (in season it’s usually fine, but better not to risk it). Check out:

• Travel agencies specializing in golf trips (they offer packages for Poles)
• Club websites directly – sometimes better deals than intermediaries
• Golf portals with price comparison

Why is it worth going right now, and not in a few years? Because the infrastructure is growing, but the crowds haven’t arrived yet. Prices are still relatively stable, before new investments raise the standards—and the cost. And if you’re not sure, try a “test run”—a long weekend, 2-3 rounds, no pressure. You can compare Cyprus with Spain or Portugal and decide for yourself if it’s worth coming back.

MAYK

sports & moto editorial team

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