The phrase “leisure activities” is a bit of a misnomer as it seems a bit of a contradiction.

To be honest, Cyprus is not normally seen as an activity holiday destination – most people come for the sun and relaxation. However, in the Paphos area we’ve seen an upsurge in new sporting activities recently and so if you want more than sun and sea, then Paphos could have it.

A local land mark – the Honduran-flagged Demetrios II which ran aground on rocks close to Chloraka, it is reported has been ear marked to become the latest project to attract marine tourism. It is hoped state funding will be approved to scuttle the ship to create an attraction for divers from all over the world. The idea was originally suggested in 2006 following the success of a similar project at Limassol. Government Departments are working together to undertake a study aimed at finding the ideal position to place the ship on the seabed. If given the go ahead, the project should be ready for next summer.

For the last few years we’ve had 3 golf courses – Aphrodite Hills, Secret Valley and Tsada, which is now called Minthis Hills. Late in 2010, the new Elea course at Geroskipou opened. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, it’s a par 71 with an elevated club house that is the only one on the island from which you can see the whole 18 holes. Work starts soon on the boutique hotel and villas that will provide accommodation. In the Polis area, new courses are being created starting this year, so for golfing enthusiasts, there’ll be plenty to choose from.

Driving Range On the coast road from Paphos to Peyia, the driving range has become very popular since its opening 18months ago. Whether you’re a complete novice or a keen amateur, then at a very reasonable price you can “bash” a bucket of balls virtually all year round.

Island Cove Mini Golf is next to the Aliathon Holiday Village, (the top end). Take the road opposite the Cypria Maris Hotel on Poseidonos Avenue and it’s at the top. It’s not your standard mini golf course, it’s an American style designed 18 hole course with streams, mini lakes and a café for a cooling drink while you add up the scores and see who’s won!! It’s been here many years but gets resurfaced on a regular basis and people return time and time again to play.

Next to the Mini Golf is one of a few karting tracks in the area, probably the biggest by far, with a tunnel and bridge as well. Great fun for everyone with staff who are safety conscious – no messing around here, it’s serious stuff!! A smaller course can be found at Coral Bay and in the Polis area, there’s Karting at Argaka.

Recently opened, situated next to the UKCA Club, opposite the St. George Hotel, this is the place to go for all budding Robin Hoods!! Don’t expect bows and arrows whittled from a bit of wood – this is the real thing. You can hire all the equipment which is probably necessary as not many people take a bow on holiday!!!!!

Make a day of it, sail from Latchi Harbour, have lunch, shoot a few clays, do a bit of snorkeling. If you don’t want a full day, just have an hour back in Paphos at the range near the Azia Hotel.

Found next to the Mini Golf and Go-Karting in Paphos, this is definitely one of the more active sports. Safety is of primary concern with full protective gear provided and 8 years old is the very minimum age to play. Certainly for the less energetic amongst us, maybe the height of summer is not the best time to play.

Very popular here in Paphos with quite a few hotels in the area having flat or crown green bowling rinks. Neos Sports Club in Peyia has 8 rinks and at all venues, you can pay membership or just have a game ad hoc, Spring and Autumn being the perfect weather for outdoor bowling.

There are 2 bowling alleys in Paphos – one near the E&S supermarket on the road from the Old Town to the Harbour and the other on the famous “Bar Street”. Open all year round, it’s great fun for all the family and in Summer, it’s a great place to cool down and have a good time.

Swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, speedboats, yacht outings, catamarans, torpedo boats, paragliding, whatever you fancy doing, you’re sure to find it. All along the coast and the harbour, hotels and independents provide all these opportunities and more.

So, if you thought Cyprus was for sun and sea only, then you’re wrong. There’s even more sports such as mini football, badminton, darts and others, but that’s for another month.