Great Golf Magazine Sep/Oct 2017 September October 2017 | Page 50

Cyprus.qxp_St Enodoc 05.10.2016 22.17 Side 5

Aphrodite Hills

recommend a round later in the day to witness the sun setting
into the Mediterranean. It is a joy for all and as easy or as hard as
you want to make it.
SECRET VALLEY. This course is very close to Aphrodite Hills, to
the point that you can see several of its neighbour’s fairways
perched on the hills above. I have wondered on previous trips,
whether it would be possible to take a shot from one course to
the other, maybe for the big hitters. As the name ‘Secret Valley’
suggests, it is tucked away in a valley and surrounded by the very
same hills as Aphrodite. The course has recently undergone
extensive work to expand its offerings to golfers.
The course offers superb golf in a relaxed environment. As you
work your way from hole to hole down the valley, you are treated
to views of the sea and the surrounding hillside. And after a round,
a meal at the modern clubhouse is not to be missed.
ELÉA GOLF CULB. Located close to town, this is a superb Nick
Faldo designed golf course, but beware, it’s wonderfully deceptive.
From the clubhouse above the course, it all seems relatively flat
and quite tame. But once you get out there and in the thick of it,
you soon realise that the terrain is extremely varied. You really
need to have your game hat on, but it’s an absolute delight to play.
Starting off from the elevated first tee, a lovely par-4 with a
dogleg left, gives you an impressive view of what is to come… the
bunkers! Be wary of the bunkers. I am not saying that every hole
is littered with them, but they are tactically placed to make you
think and push yourself. It’s when you reach the second hole you
will really see what I mean. Teeing off on this par-5, you will need
to keep to the right to avoid a veritable army of the things. Should
you survive this, your second shot will require some serious
thought as you have bunkers on both sides of the green and
another protecting it. Then you have the fourth hole to deal with,
and yes, there are more bunkers.
But it is fantastic to play here. I recommend this c ourse for
the thoughtful golfer rather than your hit-hard-and-hope types.
MINTHIS HILLS. Located roughly 15 minutes away from Paphos,

just off the road to Polis, this club enjoys a backdrop of the
Troodos Mountains. It commands superb views of the surrounding
peaks and the course gives you a real Cypriot experience. It is, in
50

GREAT GOLF MAGAZINE

fact, situated on the grounds of a twelfth century monastery, and
some buildings can be found near the fourth hole.
Minthis Hills is always in exceptional condition and the
surroundings are just inspiring. Being located 550 metres above
sea level guarantees a cool breeze, which can be very welcome on
a hot day. With a good combination of lengths and hazards, I
would defy anyone not to enjoy a round here. This is a delightful
course in tranquil surroundings and it’s very accessible to anyone
staying in the vicinity.
WHEN TO VISIT. Any time of the year can be good but I love to
come here in either spring or autumn. But even during the dark
months of January and February, when northern Europe is cold
and wet, you will find warm temperatures here. I have visited in
February and enjoyed a round in the most temperate of climates.
Late winter is a great time to also experience the orange harvest,
and why not take a trip up into the Troodos Mountains and visit
some of the amazing wineries to be found here. If you think that
you know Cyprus, think again.
GGM

GOOD TO KNOW
Book your Cyprus Golf Holiday direct with Great Golf Holiday
www.greatgolfholiday.com
GETTING THERE
EasyJet, Monarch and Ryanair all have as flights to Cyprus, as do British
Airways and many other national carriers.
Cyprus Information – read previous articles on Cyprus at
www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk or visit the Cyprus Tourism site at
www.visitcyprus.com
GOLF COURSES
Minthis Hills - www.minthishills.com
Elea - www.eleaestate.com
Secret Valley - www.secretvalleygolfclub.com
Aphrodite Hills - www.aphroditehills.com
WHERE TO STAY
Aphrodite Hills Hotel - www.aphroditehills.com
Asiminia Suites - www.asimina-cbh.com
Capital Coast Resort & Spa - www.capitalcoastresort.com
Thanos Almyra - www.almyra.com
Thanos Anassa - www.anassa.com