Cabell Robinson's 2002 design routes 6,876 yards across plateaus separated by a dramatic ravine, creating spectacular par-3 holes. The €2.5 million 2018 renovation preceded the Cyprus Open hosting, establishing the venue as the island's premier championship course.
Cabell Robinson's 2002 design routes 6,876 yards across plateaus separated by a dramatic ravine, creating spectacular par-3 holes. The €2.5 million 2018 renovation preceded the Cyprus Open hosting, establishing the venue as the island's premier championship course.
Aphrodite Hills measures 6,876 yards (6,289 metres) across two dramatic plateaus separated by a ravine that shapes the Cypriot course's defining architectural character. American architect Cabell Robinson opened the layout in 2002 before leading its €2.5 million reconstruction, completed in January 2018, when the venue became PGA National Cyprus—the island's first and only course carrying this prestigious designation.
Experience championship golf on Cyprus's first PGA-designated course, where Robinson's design incorporates a dramatic ravine into two spectacular par-3 holes. The venue's 2020 hosting of consecutive European Tour events confirms its standing amongst Mediterranean courses.
Robinson spent five years developing Aphrodite Hills before its 2002 opening as Cyprus's pioneering integrated golf resort. The architect considered the project the pinnacle of his 35-year career, building the layout across two plateaus divided by a natural canyon that became the foundation for the 3rd and 7th holes.
The course achieved PGA National Cyprus status in August 2017, coinciding with the commencement of comprehensive modernisation works. The €2.5 million renovation included the complete reconstruction of all greens and bunkers, with Robinson again leading the design process. The upgraded venue reopened in January 2018 with enhanced playing surfaces and strategic modifications.
Aphrodite Hills marked a watershed moment for Cypriot golf tourism in October 2020 when hosting the inaugural Cyprus Open—the European Tour's 50th country destination. Englishman Callum Shinkwin claimed the title with a dramatic 54-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole, defeating Finland's Kalle Samooja in a playoff. The resort immediately hosted a second European Tour event, the Cyprus Showdown, cementing its credentials for international tournament golf.
The par-71 layout routes across two distinct plateaus positioned at different elevations, creating diverse playing characteristics across the 6,876-yard (6,289-metre) routing. Robinson supplemented indigenous carob and olive trees with additional Mediterranean plantings to establish mature landscaping throughout the property.
The deep ravine bisecting the site produces the layout's architectural centrepieces. Both the 3rd and 7th demand precise carries over the canyon floor, with the par-3 7th recognised amongst Europe's most visually arresting short holes. Historical elements, including an 18th-century kiln on the opening fairway and an ancient olive press at the 8th, provide cultural context within the golfing experience.
Robinson's design vocabulary incorporates horseshoe-shaped greens averaging generous dimensions, strategic cross bunkers positioned at landing zones, and water features at the 10th and 18th holes. The Bermuda grass fairways contrast with tiered putting surfaces that require careful approach positioning. The routing maximises Mediterranean vistas whilst the canyon adds dramatic elevation changes to otherwise moderately contoured terrain.
Cyprus's Paphos district concentrates four championship courses within practical touring distances. Secret Valley Golf Club lies approximately 1.2 miles (2km) from Aphrodite Hills—roughly 5 minutes' driving—offering Tony Jacklin's design through a scenic valley near Petra tou Romiou. The par-71 layout provides year-round play with evening floodlit holes available.
Elea Golf Club, designed by Sir Nick Faldo and opened in 2010, sits approximately 8.7 miles (14km) away—around 15-20 minutes' driving via coastal routes. The par-71 course commands hillside positions overlooking the Mediterranean with extensive bunkering characteristic of Faldo's design philosophy.
Minthis Golf Club, Cyprus's oldest course dating from 1994, occupies foothills positions at 500 metres elevation, approximately 12 miles (20km) north, roughly 25-30 minutes' driving. The elevated setting provides cooling breezes during the summer months, with the 12th-century monastery backdrop adding historical dimension.
Aphrodite Hills Resort provides comprehensive accommodation options serving as an efficient base for multi-course itineraries. The property's hotel facilities and residential villas position golfers within immediate walking distance of the course, whilst maintaining proximity to alternative venues.
The Aphrodite Hills Resort integrates the 18-hole championship course with comprehensive practice facilities, including a 350-metre double-ended driving range, target greens with bunkers, dedicated short-game areas, and two substantial putting surfaces. A three-hole academy layout provides additional training opportunities under PGA professional instruction.
The five-star hotel offers 290 rooms and suites with Mediterranean views. Holiday residences include villas with private pools and apartments with communal facilities, all incorporating full property management services. The resort village features traditional Cypriot architectural elements with local quarried stone, alongside restaurants, boutiques, and spa facilities.
Green fees operate on seasonal pricing, with booking recommended during peak periods. The venue maintains mandatory buggy policies on certain tees due to distances between holes across the plateau routing.
The pro shop provides full rental equipment, including Cobra clubs, with locker facilities and changing rooms available.
Paphos International Airport: 10.5 miles (17km), approximately 15-20 minutes' driving via the A6 motorway. Major car rental facilities operate at the airport with direct motorway access to Aphrodite Hills. Taxi transfers cost approximately €25-30 for the journey.
Larnaca International Airport: 87 miles (140km), approximately 90 minutes' driving for alternative international connections.
Public Transport: Limited bus services connect Paphos city centre with the resort area via routes 630 and 631, though journey times exceed one hour with transfers. Private transfer services and rental vehicles provide more practical transport solutions for golf holiday planning.
Ground Transport: The A6 motorway provides principal access between Paphos and Limassol, with clearly signposted exits directing to Aphrodite Hills. The coastal B6 road offers a scenic alternative route passing Petra tou Romiou.
Spring (March-May): Optimal playing conditions with temperatures ranging 18-25°C and minimal rainfall. Fairways achieve peak condition following winter growing periods. Advance booking is essential as European golf tourists target shoulder-season visits.
Summer (June-September): Peak visitor season with temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C. Early morning and late afternoon tee times are recommended. Mediterranean breezes from elevated plateau positions provide some temperature moderation. Resort facilities operate at full capacity.
Autumn (October-November): Excellent playing conditions with warm temperatures and reduced humidity. The 2020 European Tour events demonstrated autumn suitability for championship golf. Regional accommodation rates decrease following the summer peak.
Winter (December-February): Year-round play is maintained with temperatures typically 12-18°C. Cyprus's Mediterranean climate ensures consistent playing conditions when northern European courses face closure. Occasional rainfall periods require flexible scheduling.
Robinson's incorporation of natural ravine features into strategic par-3 design distinguishes Aphrodite Hills within Mediterranean golf. The venue's evolution from pioneering Cypriot resort course to PGA-designated European Tour host demonstrates sustained investment in playing standards, with the 2018 renovation modernising surfaces whilst preserving the architect's original routing concept. The integrated resort model combines championship golf with comprehensive holiday facilities, positioning the venue as a practical base for exploring Cyprus's emerging golf tourism infrastructure.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
California, United States
New Jersey, United States
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
New York, United States
New York, United States
Overall rating
4.5
Overall rating
4.5
