Golfing Holidays in Greece

Golfing holidays in Greece are flourishing and in a short time, they have developed all the necessary facilities, required by you to have an enjoyable and a relaxed vacation.
Greece is a perfect vacation for golfers as well as their families.

The peak season in Greece begins from May and lasts till September. With bright sunny days you are sure to have a very special vacation and you will not see much of rains in summer, but it can get a little windy.

Golf is a sport that in recent years has developed rapidly in Greece and is continuing to acquire more and more fans. Today there are seven international standard golf courses (18-hole) throughout the country, situated in Athens (Glyfada), on Corfu, on Rhodes, in Chalkidiki, in Messinia (2) and in Hersonisos on Crete, as well as a 9-hole course in Elounda on Crete. Over 1,300 players play regularly on these courses.



1)The Porto Carras Golf Course (in Chalkidiki)offers a combination of difficult holes, tactically placed bunkers and water bodies which require precision with skill.

It is situated near the Aegean Sea on the Sithonia peninsula and is bordered by the pine forest of Mount Melitonas and the Porto Karras Estate vineyards.
It is about 100 kilometers from the airport and is open for play all through the year.

This 6058 meters course was initially designed as 9-holes and in 2003 Roy Machary created the present 18-hole course. S. Cornish and William G. Robinson have also given their contribution in making this an exciting course for professionals as well as amateur players.
The first nine holes are tough with two long Par 5s, two Par 3s and five Par 4s, and the golfers need significant skill to tackle the strategically placed bunkers.
The last nine go on a path along and next to ponds, where the player has to hit daring strikes, which makes a round of golf on the course a challenging experience.

• Hotel Porto Carras Golf Course
Sithonia
630 81 Chalkidiki
Tel: +30 23750-77000,
Fax: +30 23750-71 229
URL: Porto Carras Golf Course
E-Mail: info@portocarras.com


2)The Crete Golf Course  (in Hersonisos) is an excellent addition to rich reservoir of golf courses in Europe and is developing as amongst the best test for golf in the whole of the south Mediterranean. It is a masterpiece from Bob Hunt and can be best expressed as a desert golf course emerging from the undulated countryside, very close to the international Heraklion airport.

There are a number of unforgettable holes here to test every aspect of a golfer's skill with incredible panorama of the magnificent mountainous landscape.
Crete Golf Club provides wide-ranging practice facilities and commendable service at the course and in the club house.

•Hersonisos Golf Course
P.O.Box 106 Hersonisos,
70014 Crete
Tel: +30 28970 26000
Fax: +30 28970-30180
URL: The Crete Golf Club
E-Mail: info@cgc.gr


3)The Corfu Club has a brilliant golf course, considered by many as the hidden gem of Europe. Donald Harradine the well known Swiss architect has designed it by integrating natural wealth of the spectacular Ropa Valley, with the man made perils to add to the difficulty of the course. It is a joy to play here for the scratch golfer as well as a high handicapper.
It also has a junior academy for children between the ages of 8 to 16.

Corfu Golf Course is situated in the Ropa Valley in the heart of the island of Corfu. You can enjoy this 18 hole course all through the year with lots of sunshine and blue skies.
The club has all basic services .There is a bar, a lounge area offering snooker and satellite TV and a restaurant where appetizing meals are served at reasonable prices.
The course has a practice area with a putting green, driving range and chipping area.

Corfu Golf Course is a busy and popular courses especially during May, September and October.

•Corfu Golf Course
P.O.Box 71 - Ropa Valley
49100 Corfu
Tel: +30 26610-94220
Fax: +30 26610-94220
URL: Corfu Golf Club
E-Mail: cfugolf@hol.gr


4) Glyfada Golf Course is situated about 12 kilometers from Athens, the seaside town of Glyfada. It was opened for play in 1966 and is home to the Hellenic Golfing (Greek Golf Federation).

Donald Harradine and Robert Trent Jones Sr have designed this brilliant course and it hosts annual events like the Hellenic Golf Championships in October.
Glyfada Golf Course has been hosting big events regularly like the World Cup Tournament in 1979, the Mediterranean Gamers in 1992, as well as the PGA Senior Greek Open in the last three years.
The golf course is a green sanctuary of gently sloping hills, with mature trees and undergrowth.

•Glyfada Golf Course
P:.O.Box 70034
16610 Glyfada
Tel: +30 210 89.46.820, 210 89.42.338
Fax: +30 210 89.43.721
URL: Glyfada Golf Club of Athens



5)  Afandou Golf Course is situated in Afandou Bay, about 18 km from Rhodes town, on Rhodes Island.
This 18-hole championship course, is open for play all through the year and offers the test of championship golf course with the pleasures of the Rhodes scenery and the Afandou beach.

The well known British golf course architect Donald Harradine has designed the course and it opened for play in 1972.

The initial three holes are along the sea and golfers have a mixed opinion as some find the course as unexpectedly ordinary, while others consider it as a fun course to play. There is a local championship golf course, (international standards), very active Golf Club, which organizes an International Championship Cup twice a year.
The Club House is very simple with all facilities (changing rooms, lockers, showers, pro shop, snack bar) all offered with the friendly and helpful service. The Club is closed on Mondays.

Fall and spring are the best time to visit the club when the famous Greek sun is less intense.

•Afandou Xenia Golf Course
Afantou Beach
Rhodes
Tel: +30 22410-51451
Fax: +30 22410-51122
URL: Afandou Golf Course
E-Mail: info@afandougolfcourse.com

6) Costa Navarino - Dunes Course

The impressive seaside Dunes Course was designed by former two times US Masters Champion and Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer in association with European Golf Design.

The championship course, set in a landscape of diverse topography with spectacular sea and river views, incorporates some links-style features in areas closest to the sea, with tall dunes dividing some of the holes adjacent to the golden beach. Parts of the course venture into olive and fruit groves, while some holes run along a small river that meanders through the site.
Each hole has multiple sets of tees to allow the player to select the course length that best suits his or her game. Measuring just over 5000m from the front tees, and almost 6200m, the course has a par of 72. Generously wide fairways and large greens make good targets which will be appreciated by most golfers.

Much of the course had been crafted to reflect the rugged outlines of the distant mountains. As you move further inland, the course evolves as the character softens to fit with its typically Messinian surroundings of olive and citrus groves.

On-course facilities

18-hole, par-72 course measuring almost 6200 meters from the back tees and a little more than 5000 meters from the front tees.
3500m2 clubhouse with full-service locker and guest-changing facilities. Dining and banquet space for pre- and post- tournament activity. A fully-equiped shop offering the latest in golf equipment and apparel from a range of international brands.
Extensive practice facilities including a well-appointed full-size driving range, putting green and short-game practice area.

A team of golf professionals is also available for private lessons and individual coaching lessons.
State-of-the-art fleet of golf carts available for hire.
A selection of quality equipment available for guests traveling without their clubs.
Full-service group and tournament activities, including scoring and tournament services from 10 to 120 players.
Team-building golf packages can be tailor made regardless of playing ability.


-Costa Navarino - Dunes Course
24 001, Messinia
Greece
Phone(s): +30 (2723) 090-200
Website: Costa Navarino

7) Costa Navarino - Bay Course (Opening Autumn 2011)

 Just a few minutes from Navarino Dunes, at the Navarino Bay development, the Bay Course offers an alternative set of challenges and choices in a quite different setting. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The par 71 course places a greater emphasis on strategic play and positional golf than The Dunes Course. The Seaside, Canyon, and Grove holes will provide striking contrasts that create a dramatic and memorable golf round.


-Costa Navarino - Bay Course
24 001, Messinia
Greece
Phone(s): +30 (2723) 090-200
Website: Costa Navarino


The golf courses at Costa Navarino are managed by Troon Golf, the world's largest luxury-brand golf management, development and marketing company.



8) Porto Elounda Golf Course is situated in the Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort on the east coast of the island of Crete. Heraklion is the closest airport which is about 50 minutes from the Resort.

This nine hole course is designed near a hillside with the backdrop of mountains and amalgamates harmoniously with its environment. There is a breathtaking panorama over the Bay of Mirabello.

Chris Pittman has designed the nine hole par 3 course at Hotel Porto Elounda Mare and is the perfect place for relaxing as well as enjoying a game of golf as you holiday in one of the best hotels in Crete.

Every hole offers two playing options and the length of the hole ranges from 25 and 55 meters. The course was established in 1996 and also has a Golf Academy.

The Club House has been built in the pictorial Cretan village square and includes a pro shop also. Only guests of the resort can use the course and proof of handicap is essential.

•Hotel Porto Elounda Mare Golf Course
Elounda, Lasithi, Crete
Tel: +30 28410-41512
Fax: +30 28410-41307
URL: Elounda Mare
E-Mail: mare@elounda-sa.com


For more information about Golfing in Greece :

World Golf
SunGolfer
1Golf eu
Hellenic Golf Federation

Tower towns in Greece

Beautifully preserved stone-built settlements and fortified towns spread all over Greece form a harmonious combination of local architecture and western influences. Silent witnesses of the country’s fascinating history are the ideal settings for you to rediscover romance. Whether in mainland Greece or on an island, beautiful sites await to offer you a journey through time and the opportunity to find yourself in places where the past and the present meet.


Be the knight or princess of your childhood fairytales in the Byzantine town of Mystrás, Peloponesse.

The mystical tower town of Mystrás, was declared in 1989 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around the castle city and sense through the silence the city's sheer grandeur: the Palace of the Despots (Anáktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa, and of Our Lady Perivleptos.



Monemvasia: Unveil a medieval mystery!


Monemvasiá, founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century, is a breathtaking medieval tower town located on the south-eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Upon entering the castle, your journey through time begins. Peer into the history of the fortress –the so-called “Gibraltar of the East”–, which was occupied by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Turks in the past.

Sérvia: A lesser-known fortified town in Macedonia

Visit Sérvia, “the Mystrás of Macedonia”, a breathtaking castle city on the southern part of Kozaniarea in Western Macedonia. “Sérvia” actually means “observe” or “guard” from the Latin verb “servo”. This beautifully preserved Byzantine fortress and its settlement are situated at the top of a naturally fortified hill overlooking the valley of the Haliakmon River.


Mestá: A medieval treasure hidden on the island of Chios

Mestá is a famous traditional medieval settlement on the south-western part of Chios.Upon entering the gateway of the castle, the “Door of the Captain”, you will sense the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this medieval village, which was built during the Genoese domination, and is a model of defensive architecture.


Rhodes: The island of the knights

As you enter one of the largest medieval towns in Europe through the Gate of Freedom, it soon becomes obvious that the Old Town of Rhodes is a mosaic of different cultures and civilizations; rarely does a visitor have the chance to stroll within medieval walls and explore twenty-four centuries of history. The fascinating medieval fortress-like buildings, the bastions, walls, gates, narrow alleys, minarets, old houses, fountains, tranquil and busy squares make it feel like you have stepped back into medieval times.


Vathia’s traditional settlements , Peloponnese

Váthia is located in the southern part of Laconian Mani; it belongs to the group of settlements called "Inner Villages" (Mesa Horia). On the top of a 200m high hill, Váthia is a dense, stone-built settlement consisting of 144 buildings grouped into four distinct neighbourhoods. The architectural style of the buildings and the village's spatial organisation reflect the struggle between Mani families competing to settle on the hilltop, Váthia’s dominant strategic point during the medieval times.

Dodecanese Islands (Overview)

The island complex of Dodecanese in south-eastern Aegean is the sunniest corner in Greece. Twelve large islands and numerous smaller ones with crystal clear waters, sandy or pebbly beaches, important archaeological finds, imposing Byzantine and medieval monuments and unique traditional settlements are waiting to be discovered. If you are desperately seeking to discover lesser-known, unspoiled destinations visit Leros or Pserimos. But there is always Rhodes and Kos, larger and more cosmopolitan islands awaiting to offer you strong, and treasured memories. Just take your pick!

Welcome to Rhodes,

a medieval treasure beautifully preserved throughout the centuries. Wander around its magnificent Old City, surrounded by medieval walls with seven gates, and admire the Palace of the Grand Master, the most awe- inspiring building in the whole island. Take a romantic stroll around the famous Street of the Knights and feel like a holy warrior in shining armour, or a noble princess. Peer into the historic past of the city with a visit to the Archaeological Museum.
Mandráki, the (ancient) harbour, is distinguished from the outer harbour by the 3 windmills and the fortifications at the end of the dock. During your quest, you will encounter some of the city’s most remarkable buildings: the National Theatre, the Courts, the City Hall and the Governors Palace. Visit stunning wonders of nature, such as the Seven Springs, the Valley of the Butterflies and Rodíni Park, a green valley with running waters, small bridges and many peacocks, the trademark of the park! Get a deeper insight into the rich history of the island through your visit to the breathtaking Acropolis of Líndos and Ialissós as well as Ancient Kámiros, which were all powerful cities in ancient times. Well-preserved castles, like the ones of Kritinia and Monólithos are also waiting to be discovered!
Don’t forget to come back in spring to attend one of the most famous medieval festivals in Greece, the Sound and Light Festival, a visual extravaganza that you cannot afford to miss.

RHODES OFFICIAL WEBSITE


Welcome to Kos

Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation, ancient and medieval monuments, tree-lined wide roads, large squares, parks, a superb city plan and an extensive bicycle-only routes network are the distinctive characteristics of the third largest island of the Dodecanese, Kos! The island’s trademark is its medieval castle (Nerantziá Castle) situated at the entrance of the port. Wander along the impressive avenue with the Palm Trees, or stroll around famous squares like Platánou Square and Elefthería Square and admire legendary buildings, remains of the Italian rule. Interested in history? Pay a visit to the ancient city of Kos and observe important archaeological finds dating back to the 4th century. Did you actually know that you can sit under the plane tree where Hippocrates himself, the Father of Medicine, used to teach his students and examine his patients? The plane tree must be over 2,500 years old, and it is in fact the oldest in Europe! Don’t miss the 4th century Asclipiion, the Antimáhia 15th century castle with its imposing battle tower, as well as one of the most scenic villages of Kos with a distinctive traditional character, Ziá nestled amongst a dense cedar forest.

KOS TRAVEL WEBSITE


Welcome to Kalymnos

Welcome the opportunity to visit the “island of the sea sponge harvesters”, an internationally known alternative tourism destination. Did you know that after WWII Kálymnos remained the only Greek sponge-harvesting industry supplying both domestic and international markets with sea sponges? The first picture to see upon arriving on the island is Póthia, both the capital and the port of Kálymnos, spreading amphitheatrically on two hills. Visit among others the castle of Chrissoheria and the Archaeological Museum. Set out on a day trip to the traditional settlement of Horió, the former capital of the island, and admire interesting Byzantine monuments (like the Great Castle). The early-Christian settlement at Eliniká is a must-see, since it is perhaps the best preserved settlement in Greece. A perfect occasion to visit the island would be the International Climbing Festival in May, a unique festival that will thrill the action fans! The culinary enthusiasts should taste mouth watering delights, such as sweet smelling thyme honey, juicy tangerines, homemade mizithra cheese, delicious sea-dried lobster tail, and sea ray preserved in sea water!

KALYMNOS TRAVEL GUIDE


Welcome to Pserimos
Pserimos means “looking for the ideal destination for serene, relaxing holidays”. Enjoy sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, swim in paradise bays (like the small bay of Vathí), rent a boat and sail around the island’s beaches, follow several hiking routes, participate in local fairs (the most famous ones take place on 15th August) or go scuba diving and climbing. Whether you are looking for an action packed holiday or a relaxing visit, you will be quite astonished by the choices on offer on such a small island!


Welcome to Telendos
Did you know that this tiny beautiful island formed part of Kálymnos in antiquity, but was separated in 554 AD due to a devastating earthquake? Today there is only one small village on the island. Follow walking paths through the dense pine forest on the south of the island, where also ruins of Byzantine residencies still stand. Swim in sun-drenched beaches (like Plaka, Potha, and Paradise), go scuba diving and explore the ancient city sunk between Kálymnos and Télendos or go hiking, climbing, wind surfing, canoe-kayaking and spear fishing! You can reach Télendos by boat departing from the cove of Mirtiés at Kálymnos.

Welcome to Karpathos

An island blessed with an abundance of streams, pine-tree forests, vineyards, olive groves, rocky caves (which are actually home to monachus monachus) and mountainous landscapes, Kárpathos is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and lovers of deep-rooted tradition. The villages of the island seem like open folklore museums, whereas their inhabitants are still dressed in old traditional costumes, and speak their local, old dialect. The rich folklore tradition of villages, such as Ólympos and Mesohóri, will weave a powerful spell over you. Even if you are a wind surfing fan, “anemoessa” Kárpathos (“she of the many winds”, according to Homer) is the perfect place to exercise your favourite sport. Visit also Kárpathos during Easter or Carnival time and participate with the locals in celebrations that will remain in your memory forever!

KARPATHOS OFFICIAL WEBSITE


Welcome to Tilos
Ragged mountainscape, densely forested ranges and hilly vistas, verdant valleys –home to four hundred species of flowers and herbs–, and habitat of rare species of birds. These are the ingredients of an unparalleled destination, a huge ecological park protected by international treaties. This is Tílos! Visit Meyálo Horió, the island’s capital, with its imposing stone houses and narrow alleys. The view from the medieval castle (built in the location of ancient Tilos) that stands imposingly at the top of the hill will certainly take your breath away.

Welcome to Leros
Welcome to the island of Artemis, the goddess of forests and hunting, according to mythology. If you are looking to spend peaceful holidays in a pure, dreamy environment with pine trees, olive groves and low plains with freshwater streams, then Léros is your destination! Swim in azure seas, admire exquisite works of Italian architecture in Ayia Marina, the capital of the island, wander around centuries-old magnificent castles (like Brouzi and Castle of Panayia), or go scuba diving to explore ship wrecks lying on the seabed since the Second World War. Don’t forget to come back in Carnival time when ancient old customs revive.


Welcome to Patmos

The “island of the Apocalypse” or “Jerusalem of the Aegean” welcomes you! Pátmos is quite popular amongst pilgrims since in one of the island’s caves John the Theologian, one of Christ’s disciples, wrote the “Book of Revelations”. The stunning beauty of Hóra, a carefully preserved medieval settlement with narrow, maze-like alleys and stone-built houses will take your breath away. Don’t miss the imposing fortified monastery of Saint Ioannis and the Theologian Apocalypse cave! Visit Patmos at Easter, when deeply religious and spiritual celebrations are held throughout the Holy Week.

PATMOS TRAVEL WEBSITE


Welcome to Arki and Marathi
Visit a dreamy cluster of islands east of Pátmos with sparse vegetation, old whitewashed houses, and cute little tavernas. Get into a boat and sail around Maráthi, another small island with a beautiful beach covered with lentisks and tamarisk (salt cedar).

Welcome to Astipalea

Astipalea is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese, located at the point where the Dodecanese meet the Cyclades. This is the reason why in Astipálea the characteristics of both island complexes blend together to create the island’s uniquely varied scenery. Visit Hóra, the island’s capital and port, one of the most picturesque settlements of the Aegean. At the hilltop stands imposingly Hora’s castle, surrounded by small houses with whitewashed walls, blue doors and wooden balconies overlooking the open blue sea below.

ASTIPALEA OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Welcome to Kassos
Despite its small size, Kássos was once a mighty maritime and commercial power. The well-preserved mansions that still stand in Fre, the island’s capital and main port, reflect today this former grandeur. Take a stroll around Boúka, an old pirate lair, with moored small fishing boats, traditional coffee shops and its old lighthouse. Don’t forget to visit Armáthia, the largest of the islands around Kássos, where you can find some excellent beaches, like Marmara and Karavostassi!

Welcome to Simi

There are many reasons to visiting Simi apart from experiencing its unique cosmopolitan atmosphere, and wandering around its remarkable neo-classical settlement. Many visitors, for instance, come here to venerate the miraculous icon of Archangel Michael kept at the monastery of Panormítis, one of the most significant monasteries of the Dodecanese. Alternatively, you can come to Sími in summer to attend the famous Simi Festival, which includes among others classical music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions.

SIMI TRAVEL WEBSITE


Welcome to Halki

Enjoy peaceful holidays in the “Island of Peace and Friendship”, where young people from all over the world gather here every year for their annual meeting! The town of Halki or Niborió, the island’s capital, is listed as a traditional settlement and it is amphitheatrically built overlooking the clear-blue sea, whereas impressive neoclassical mansions reveal the prosperity the island enjoyed in the past.




Welcome to Nisyros

Take the opportunity to visit an unspoiled destination formed by volcanic eruptions. It is rather impressive that today Nísyros is still an active volcanic centre together with the volcanic centers of Milos, Santorini and Methana! Actually at the village of Nikia there is a “Volcanic Museum”, the only one of its kind in Greece, exhibiting samples from the most characteristic volcanic rocks of Nisyros. Strolling along the narrow streets of beautiful Mandráki, the island’s capital and port, is a richly rewarding experience. Don’t forget to observe its colourful houses which are actually built with hewn slabs of andesite and dacite (volcanic material)!


Welcome to Lipsi

which is the largest island belonging to a cluster of many others islets. It forms part of the Natura Network. It is an ideal destination for relaxing, and serene holidays. Here, both landscape and people will definitely help you find inner peace and tranquility. Lipsi is also surrounded by countless uninhabited islets ideal for bird watching.

Welcome to Agathonissi
which is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese; it consists of three large traditional settlements (Agios Georgios, Megalo Horio and Mikro Horio). Agathonissi has a significant and vulnerable ecosystem rendering it an important habitat of rare bird species. Together with the nearby islands it belongs to the Natura Network as well.

AGATHONISSI OFFICIAL WEBSITE


Welcome to Kastelorizo

which lies at the easternmost end of Greece, a stone’s throw away from the Turkish coast. Its main settlement is filled with cheerfully painted houses of exceptional architecture, awe-inspiring churches and picturesque alleys. Taste the island’s traditional sweets katoumári and stráva, and organise a boat excursion to Galazio Spileo, the largest and most spectacular sea cave in Greece. Don’t forget to visit the nearby legendary island of Ro where the famous
ASTIPALEA OFFICIAL WEBSITE“Lady of Ro” Despina Achladioti used to raise the Greek flag every day.