By
Savvas Savvaidis
President & CEOGreece has a quiet tradition of golf that many people are unaware of, although it has actually been a privé golfing hub for enthusiasts of the sport since 1962. Since then, the game has grown in popularity and golf courses can now be found in Athens, Crete, Corfu and Rhodes. In addition, the bar has been raised enormously by the Costa Navarino courses in the Peloponnese, which combines top-notch golfing with a luxury hospitality experience in epic surroundings.
The first course in Athens was designed by the golf architect Donald Harradine over 50 years ago in Glyfada, the affluent southern seafront suburb of the Greek capital. The 530-acre grounds are unique to the capital and offer the large international community and visitors not only a great 18 hole course but also a sense of being a member of a ‘country club’. Here, business and pleasure meet over pine-lined dunes on the prime strip of coast known as the Athenian Riviera. Events such as the 27th Golf Amateur World Cup and the XI Mediterranean Games have taken place here, as well as the Faldo Series Greece Championship for children in 2012. The area’s mild year-round climate means that it is a really attractive option for those wanting to combine a relaxing stay with a few rounds even in winter. The Club is also easily accessible for yacht owners who fancy dropping anchor at the nearby marina for some holes or just to catch up with friends in its smart restaurant and bar.
For those who want to get out of the city, the Peloponnese region boasts a superb golfing destination at Costa Navarino with not one but two world-class greens. The Dunes Course provides golfers with an 18 hole par-71 course designed to reflect the beautiful mountainous surroundings amongst fruit orchards and olive groves. Its Bay Course has distracting sea views and interestingly named features such as the Seaside Canyon and the Grove holes while the resort itself offers excellent spa and thalassotherapy facilities after a long day’s play.
Greece Sotheby’s International Realty Properties near Golf Courses
With the sky as your canopy: Stardust Memories
The only thing between you and the sky is the stars in this elevated penthouse boasting panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf and its sunsets. A split level residence offering every home comfort plus the latest smart systems, this is one where quality and space go hand in hand to provide you with a true escape from city living, while only being a short drive from the heart of it all.
Sunset views in a golfer’s paradise: Beachfront III, Costa Navarino
Settled amongst the 5* Navarino Dunes resort in Costa Navarino, this is one of a limited number of properties designed to offer golfing enthusiasts a delightful base from which to practise their swing. Owners of the two-winged beachfront villa on the 3.000 sq. m plot becomes part of a gated community, with immediate access to the two signature golf courses and the award-winning ANAZOE spa.
Perfect family retreat: Freya, Aghios Nikolaos, Crete
At a 30′ drive from Crete’s Golf Course Freya is an inviting sea-view home perfect for a family retreat. With luxurious and elegant spaces, a large heated swimming pool and just 200m from the sea Villa Freya has all the elements to make you want to stay and never leave.
Ocean Vista, Rhodes:
A contemporary villa finished using the highest quality materials to exacting standards. With five bedrooms this is a spacious home which could be used very comfortably and successfully to generate a rental income, or could just be kept for your special family moments. Ten minutes walk from Rhodes Golf Course!
