Golf in North Cyprus

North Cyprus may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a golfing holiday, but those who discover it are often pleasantly surprised. With year-round sunshine, spectacular Mediterranean scenery and a championship-standard course, North Cyprus offers an unforgettable golfing experience without the crowds or high prices found at many European golf resorts.

Whether you're an experienced golfer looking for a challenging round or a beginner wanting to learn the game, North Cyprus provides the perfect setting to combine golf with a relaxing Mediterranean holiday.

Why Play Golf in North Cyprus?

Golf in North Cyprus offers a unique combination of natural beauty, excellent playing conditions and genuine hospitality.

Benefits include:

• Over 300 days of sunshine each year

• Championship-standard golf course

• Stunning sea and mountain views

• Excellent value for money

• Quiet, uncrowded fairways

• Modern practice facilities

• Luxury accommodation and spa facilities

• Easy access from Kyrenia (Girne)

Unlike many popular golfing destinations, tee times are generally easier to book, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxed pace of play.

The Home of Golf in North Cyprus

Korineum Golf & Beach Resort is the premier golfing destination in North Cyprus and is currently the island's only international-standard 18-hole championship golf course.

Located approximately 20 minutes east of Kyrenia in the beautiful village of Esentepe, the course sits between the Mediterranean Sea and the magnificent Beşparmak (Five Finger) Mountains, creating one of the most scenic golfing locations in Europe.

The Championship Course

Opened in 2007, the course was designed by renowned golf course architect David Hemstock, with construction consultancy by Peter Harradine, one of Europe's leading golf course specialists.

Course Facts

• 18 holes

• Par 72

• 6,232 metres in length

• Five tee positions on every hole

• Suitable for golfers of all abilities

• Paspalum grass maintained throughout the year

• Two lakes

• Numerous strategically placed bunkers

• Undulating fairways and greens

The course winds through more than 65 hectares of natural olive and carob woodland, with almost every hole offering breathtaking views of either the Mediterranean Sea or the mountains.

A Course That Challenges Every Golfer

Korineum has been designed to appeal to golfers of all skill levels.

Beginners will enjoy:

• Wide fairways on many holes

• Professional tuition

• Practice facilities

• Equipment hire

• Friendly atmosphere

Experienced golfers will appreciate:

• Elevated tee shots

• Fast, undulating greens

• Carefully positioned bunkers

• Water hazards

• Strategic doglegs

• Variable wind conditions

The changing elevation throughout the course means that many holes require careful club selection rather than simply power.

Practice Facilities

Before heading onto the course, golfers can take advantage of excellent practice facilities including:

• Driving range

• Practice putting greens

• Chipping area

• Bunker practice

• Golf academy

• PGA coaching

• Equipment rental

Lessons are available for beginners through to experienced players looking to improve specific aspects of their game.

Golf Academy

If you've always wanted to learn golf, North Cyprus is an ideal place to start.

Professional instructors offer:

• Beginner lessons

• Individual coaching

• Group tuition

• Junior coaching

• Swing analysis

• Short game improvement

• Course management coaching

Many visitors take a lesson during their holiday before playing a full round.

Resort Facilities

Golf is only part of the experience.

The resort also features:

• Boutique hotel

• Spa and wellness centre

• Outdoor swimming pool

• Tennis courts

• Restaurants

• Sports bar

• Café

• Private beach club

• Pro shop

• Locker rooms

• Clubhouse terrace overlooking the course

Non-golfing partners often enjoy the spa or beach while golfers are on the course.

Golf Holidays

Many visitors choose North Cyprus specifically for golf holidays.

Packages often include:

• Airport transfers

• Hotel accommodation

• Breakfast

• Multiple rounds of golf

• Buggy hire

• Practice facilities

• Golf tuition

• Spa access

A golf holiday can easily be combined with sightseeing, beaches, mountain walks and historic attractions around Kyrenia and the Karpaz Peninsula.

Wildlife and Scenery

One of the things that makes golf in North Cyprus special is the natural setting.

The course is home to:

• Olive trees

• Carob trees

• Wild flowers

• Rabbits

• Partridges

• Foxes

• Native Mediterranean plants

The nearby Alagadi Turtle Beach is only a few miles away, and the resort uses desalinated water and sustainable landscaping practices to help protect the local environment.

Best Time to Play

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, golf can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Spring (March–May)

One of the best times to play.

• Comfortable temperatures

• Green fairways

• Wildflowers

• Excellent playing conditions

Summer (June–August)

• Hot afternoons

• Early morning tee times recommended

• Beautiful blue skies

• Long daylight hours

Autumn (September–November)

Another favourite period.

• Warm weather

• Pleasant temperatures

• Excellent course conditions

Winter (December–February)

Winter golf is one of North Cyprus' hidden secrets.

Daytime temperatures are often perfect for golf, making it an attractive escape from colder northern European climates.

Equipment Hire

Travelling without clubs isn't a problem.

Visitors can hire:

• Premium golf clubs

• Golf shoes

• Trolleys

• Electric trolleys

• Golf buggies

This makes it easy for holidaymakers to enjoy a round without transporting their own equipment.

Beyond the Fairways

A day of golf can easily be combined with many nearby attractions, including:

• Kyrenia Harbour

• Bellapais Abbey

• Alagadi Turtle Beach

• Esentepe coastline

• Local restaurants and tavernas

• Hiking in the Beşparmak Mountains

• Boat trips from Kyrenia

Many golfers spend the morning on the course before enjoying an afternoon exploring North Cyprus.

Is Golf in North Cyprus Good Value?

Compared with many golf destinations in Spain, Portugal and southern Cyprus, North Cyprus offers excellent value.

Visitors benefit from:

• Lower green fees

• More affordable accommodation

• Less crowded courses

• High-quality facilities

• Relaxed atmosphere

This combination has helped North Cyprus become an increasingly popular destination for golfers seeking something different.

Visitor Tips

• Book early morning tee times during summer.

• A buggy is recommended, as several holes feature significant elevation changes.

• Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water, particularly in warmer months.

• Allow time to enjoy the clubhouse terrace after your round—the panoramic sea and mountain views are among the best on the island.

• If you're new to golf, consider booking a lesson before your first round.

Why Golf Should Be on Your North Cyprus Itinerary

Golf in North Cyprus is about far more than simply playing 18 holes. It's an opportunity to enjoy championship golf in one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful settings, surrounded by mountain landscapes, ancient olive groves and spectacular sea views. With outstanding facilities, a welcoming atmosphere and excellent value for money, it's easy to see why more golfers are discovering this hidden gem each year.

Whether you're planning a dedicated golf holiday or simply want to enjoy a memorable round during your stay, North Cyprus offers a golfing experience that's both relaxing and rewarding.