New Top Golf Course In Cyprus

Some sports, and in particular golf, is an important part of many holiday area's overall travel trade, and a new world class golf course can bring back previous visitors looking for a new challenge, and new golfers eager to play on a new course.

And Cyprus could see an influx of visitors for a new course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, former Ryder Cup captain, which has received excellent reviews from industry magazines, and will be read by golfers throughout Europe, including the important UK and Irish markets.

Located near Paphos, one influential magazine has already put the Elea couse in its top ten of new international courses, while a top UK magazine described Elea as 'one of the world's most exciting courses in its first 2011 issue - a description bound to spark interest among its readers - and conveniently the course isn't too far from Paphos Airport - one of two on the island for Cyprus flights with plenty of Cyprus villa holidays available locally - and all just over four hours flight time from the UK.

When opening the course Sir Nick Faldo commented 'I'm convinced this golf course will be pivotal in establishing the south west of Cyprus as a leading European golf destination. When we designed it we decided to put the emphasis on thoughtful, rather than big-hitting golf and there are plenty of strategic riddles for the golfer to explore and unravel over all 18 holes.'

Commenting on the positive reviews in the golf industry press, a spokesman said:

"For the course to be receiving these accolades so soon after opening, and from the world's most influential golf journalists, is a clear endorsement of how special this experience is. By creating Cyprus' first ‘golfer's golf course' we can now offer every visitor to the island the challenge of a world-class layout in first-class surroundings."

And for anyone visiting the island this year and researching areas and Cyprus hotels, the good news is that there are other first class courses available too - the Aphrodite Hills Golf Club is a short drive from the Paphos-Limassol motorway and overlooks the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. The Secret Valley Golf Club is also closeby, and the Tsada Golf Club is on the grounds of a magnificent 12th century monastery near Tsada village when you look at a map of Cyprus.

But apart from sports, what else would attract people to consider Cyprus holidays? For the younger generations Ayia Napa is a magnet, with her clubs and night life which is renowned throughout Europe, and attracts groups of friends who are looking for a lively time, with good beaches closeby if they manage to get up during daylight hours!

For those who prefer their holidays to be in the light rather than the dark but still want a touch of action, about a mile east of Ayia Napa, Konnos Bay and Cape Greco are good for those want a quieter and relaxing time away. The sunsets are breathtaking, and the water is really clear. You won't need snorkelling equipment to see some fascinating sea life, especially the starfish that abound. Cape Greco is studded with sea caves. Any one of the many boat tours are worth the trip for a close up experience. If water sports are your thing, you'll find them all at Konnos Bay and Cape Greco. You can also rent a speedboat to do your own sightseeing. For the more adventurous, jet skis are also available.

And some people will choose a location because of good beaches. A good one is called Ladies Mile Beach which is ideal for families, while for those who like swimming Alagadi Turtle Beach is worth heading for - there's also a blue flag one called Nissi beach which has a lot of water based activities on offer.

For the adventurous visitor the hiking trails winding through the rugged terrain are worth the trip. The rural areas that tour guides generally do not put on their schedule brings visitors in touch with traditional Cypriot life in remote villages along the way. Cyprus, since its earliest history, has been inhabited by Romans, Egyptians, Persians, Venetians, Ottomans and the British. Each of them imparted cultural values that remain a part of the island today. Cultural artefacts from these civilisations can be found throughout the island. Castles and abbey ruins among other things are found particularly in the north.

Golfer or not, if you're considering a holiday at the moment Cyprus is well worth a trip.