Golf Breaks and Holidays
Golf is a sport that has gradually developed over the past decade or so and more and more people are taking an interest in it. The Hellenic Golf Federation says that there are approximately 1200 registered members who are active golf players in Greece.
Greece isn’t the first destination that will spring to mind when discussing golfing holidays, but there are a number of beautiful golf courses around the country that are attracting locals and visitors from afar who are looking to enjoy the sport in a totally new location.
The excellent weather throughout the year and with lots of sunshine make the country a perfect golfing destination. The concept of a golfing holiday is something that tourism in Greece has been looking to expand on, and a great effort has, and still is, being made to offer a wide variety of alternative tourism and activities for visitors to Greece.
You’ll find golf clubs on the Greek mainland and the islands, so if you are planning your next golfing trip, why not consider one of the beautiful destinations below and try your hand at the sport you love in a totally new and exciting environment. There are 7 golf courses in Greece of international standard ( 18-hole ) located in Athens, Chalkidiki and the islands of Corfu, Rhodes and Crete.
Below you will find information about the main golf destinations in Greece.
Athens
The Glyfada Golf Club in Athens first opened in 1966 and is an 18-hole par-72 course set in a beautiful location surrounded by old trees and shrubbery, allowing you to play your game and enjoy the wonderful scenery at the same time. The golf course has practise range areas, a Golf Academy for young golfers, restaurant, bar and other facilities. The coastal area of Glyfada is located south of the city centre and is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Glyfada Golf Course | Tel: ( + 30 ) 210 8946 820 | www.glyfadagolf.gr
Rhodes
The Afandou Golf Course is located on the island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese and is one of the top locations for golf in Greece. It is a championship 18-hole ( par 73 ) course that opened in 1973 and ideal for playing on throughout the year. The golf course was designed by Donald Harradine, the eminent golf course architect.
Afandou Xenia Golf Course | Tel: ( + 30 ) 22410 51451 | www.afandougolfcouse.com
Corfu
Located just 14km from the main town, the Corfu Golf Club was also designed by Donald Harradine and combines his own interventions with the natural beauty of the Ropa Valley. The course combines lakes and sand traps and is a really beautiful location to enjoy golf in Corfu. It is open throughout the year and is ideal for all levels of player.
Corfu Golf Club | Tel: ( + 30 ) 26610 94220 | www.corfugolfclub.com
Chalkidiki
The Porto Carras Golf club is located at the Porto Carras Grand Resort in Chalkidiki, 120km from the city of Thessaloniki in North Greece. This is the perfect destination for those who are looking for a high standard of golfing, and the luxurious hotel complex is located just a short distance from the golf course. This is an international standard 18-hole golf course and has state of the art facilities, making it the ideal location for golfing in Greece throughout the year.
Porto Carras Golf Resort | Tel: ( + 30 ) 23750 77300 | www.portocarras.com
Crete
The Horto Porto Elounda Mare golf course is located in the popular coastal resort of Elounda in East Crete and offers guests two options for playing golf. The first is the golf links that belong to the 5 Star hotel, or alternatively the 18-hole golf course located close by. The hotel course is a 9-hole course and is ideal for those who want to enjoy some golf but still be close to their hotel. The professional golf link course is just a 30 minute drive from the hotel and it a professional golf course.
Horto Porto Elouda Mare Golf Course | Tel: ( + 30 ) 28410 41512 | www.eloundamare.gr
You will also find the Crete Golf Club located in the Heronissos area of the island which is an 18-hole golf course, designed in 2003 by Bob Hunt. The facilities at this course are extremely high and combined with the Cretan weather, this is a place where you can enjoy golf throughout the year. The landscape around the course is inspiring and the mountains and green combine perfectly.
Crete Golf Club | Tel: ( + 30 ) 28970 26000 | www.cretegolfclub.com
Peloponnese
In the Navarino area of Messinia, you will find two beautiful golf courses where you can enjoy the game. The Dunes Course was the first signature designed 18-hole golf course in Greece and was designed by Bernhard Langer, the former Ryder Cup Captain and US Masters Champion. The course here blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape and the setting is the perfect Greek combination of mountain and sea, with rich olive and citrus groves thrown into the mix.
The Bay Course is situated just a few minutes from the Navarino Dunes and offers a great alternative range of challenges in a very different setting. This was the second signature designed golf course in Greece, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, a leading American architect. The course here plays to a par of 71 and is designed to test the skills of golfing pros and amateurs.
Dunes Course & Bay Course | Tel: ( + 30 ) 27230 90200 | www.costanavarinogolf.com