We strive to design high-quality golf courses that appear as if they were designed by nature. pic.twitter.com/RNEF0WJjes
— RTJ2 Golf Design (@RTJ2GolfDesign) December 17, 2024
Greece, known for its picturesque islands, ancient history, and sunny beaches, is now turning its focus to becoming a premier golf destination. By investing in world-class golf courses and luxury resorts, the country is determined to attract more international travelers and extend its tourism season beyond the usual summer months.
Here’s how Greece is transforming into a hub for golf tourism.
Key Golf Developments
One of the most exciting projects is the redevelopment of the north Afantou golf course on the island of Rhodes. The site has been handed over to private investor M.A. Aggeliades Hellas for €27 million.
This initiative includes major upgrades to the golf course along with the development of a luxury residential-touristic village, a five-star hotel, and luxury residences overlooking the course.
The Costa Navarino resort is making strides toward becoming one of Europe’s most desirable golf destinations. Already home to two acclaimed golf courses, the resort has added two new ones designed by renowned golfer José María Olazábal: the International Olympic Academy course and the Hills course.
With these additions, Costa Navarino features a total of four top-tier golf courses alongside its luxury accommodations, spas, and culinary experiences.
In central Greece, the upcoming Delphi Golf Resort is poised to take luxury golfing to the next level. With a budget of €300 million, this project includes a 36-hole golf course, a five-star hotel featuring 300 rooms, conference facilities, and a wellness village.
It is estimated that the project will create 1,500 jobs, benefiting the local economy while offering visitors a premium golfing experience.
Other notable developments include the Jack Nicklaus Signature course in the boutique village of Kilada. This semi-private course is accompanied by a six-star hotel, Amanzoe, setting a new standard for golf tourism in Greece.
Additionally, the Nicklaus Design team is redesigning the beachside Afantou course on Rhodes, a project aimed at boosting tourism by bringing in avid golfers from across the globe.
The Tourism Impact
Greece’s focused investment in golf tourism is part of a broader strategy to drive year-round travel opportunities. Unlike traditional sun-and-sea vacations that focus solely on the summer, golf has the unique ability to attract tourists during shoulder seasons and even in winter.
This is a much-needed expansion for Greece’s tourism industry, which has long been associated with a short, summer-centric window.
By developing high-quality golf infrastructure and launching strategic marketing campaigns, the country is actively promoting the mainland as a destination packed with both cultural and sporting experiences.
These efforts aim to make Greece a competitive player in the global golf tourism market, joining other established destinations like Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
With so much on the horizon, there has never been a better time to add Greece’s golf courses to your travel bucket list. Whether you’re an amateur golfer or a seasoned pro, Greece’s diverse range of courses and luxury resorts offers something for everyone.
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