Golfing Special: A different kind of clubber hits the Med

From Ibiza to Mallorca, the Mediterranean offers a warm welcome to golfers

Ibiza is dancing to a different tune. On an island best known in recent years for its raves, the latest generation to discover Ibiza are more likely to visit the clubhouse on the golf course where they have bought a villa than hang out at the clubs playing house music.

Ibiza is dancing to a different tune. On an island best known in recent years for its raves, the latest generation to discover Ibiza are more likely to visit the clubhouse on the golf course where they have bought a villa than hang out at the clubs playing house music.

Ulrike Hatscher, of agents Engel & Völkers, has lived in Ibiza for the last eight years and remains enchanted by its diverse charms. "Ibiza offers crystal clear seas, exclusive culinary delights with a glamorous international flair, and for those who do want to party - you can do so big time," she said. "Additionally, golf will become a big draw as the island government has given permission for the development of three more golf courses to supplement Ibiza's only current course, Roca Llisa."

Located near Santa Eulalia on the island's east coast and just 15 minutes' drive from Ibiza town, the 27-hole Roca Llisa golf course comprises an 18-hole private course with clubhouse and driving range. Relatively flat, with wide fairways and fast greens, the courses are considered a gentle challenge for a handicap player.

Properties for sale on the course, through Engel & Völkers, include a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a large garden located beside one of the greens. The apartment has several terraces, a swimming pool, outside bar and a chill-out area, and is priced at €345,000 (£231,150); and a three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa built two years ago and complete with terrace and pool is priced at €540,000 (£361,800).

On the neighbouring Balearic island of Mallorca, Santa Ponsa Golf Club is located on the Santa Ponsa Urbanisation, about 20 minutes' drive from the international airport and 15 minutes from the island's capital, Palma de Mallorca. Surrounded by more than six kilometres of coastline, there are two 18-hole and one nine-hole golf course (Golf Santa Ponsa I, II and III).

Santa Ponsa I was designed by Folco Nardi and it is not considered a particularly demanding course, although it has several water hazards and is long. The properties for sale at Santa Ponsa are similarly notable. Located in an elevated position at the edge of the course, Knight Frank has the palatial La Moye on its books. Set in grounds of approximately 3.75 acres, the villa has eight bedrooms and several reception and dining rooms located over three floors, as well as a guest apartment. Naturally, gardens, terraces, and swimming pool are part of the package for the £5m price tag.

Also on Mallorca is the Royal Bendinat Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 70 course that due to its elevated tees, sloped and tree-lined fairways, and difficult greens is considered to be challenging. Located in a valley near to Palma, the course is picturesque and enjoys great views over the capital's bay. In what is seen as a progressive step, the club has created its own nature reserve and presents open-air concerts and art exhibitions.

On the development, Engel & Völkers has a five-bedroom, three-bathroom Mediterranean-style villa, with a top-floor studio apartment that would make an ideal office or au pair accommodation. The property has terraces, air-conditioning, swimming pool, and double garage. Set on 1,200 metres sq of land, the price is €2m (£1.4m).

With million pound-plus price tags being the norm for frontline golf properties - increasingly, individuals are forming syndicates to help spread the burden.

Simon Attrell, Conti Financial Services' regional manager for Spain, outlines what group purchasers should expect. "As long as all applicants are able to provide proof of income and the usual guarantees are in place it is quite straightforward for a group to purchase. Each individual will be named on the mortgage and title of the property," he said. "The only limitation is to numbers: on mainland Spain it is possible for up to eight individuals to buy as a group, however on the islands this is limited to four."

The same numerical buying restrictions apply on the Eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus, where the 578-acre Aphrodite Hills golf, leisure and real estate development is located just outside Pafos on the island's southwest corner. Opened in 2002, the Cabell Robinson-designed golf course is considered to be a moderate test with each hole having a distinct personality.

Properties for sale at Aphrodite Hills include 69 low-rise, one- two- and three-bedroom apartments at Adonis Village, marketed by Halcyon Properties, with prices from CY£109,000 (£123,000) to terraced and detached villas. At Hestiades Greens, 38 luxury two- and three-bedroom terraced villas, priced from CY£250,000-CY£360,000 (£282,000-£406,000), are being constructed by Cybarco, for completion by the end of 2005. Additionally, Headlands International is marketing the individual exclusive homes, Artemis Villa and Era Villa, where prices are available on application.

Elsewhere in the Mediterranean islands, Sardinia is home to the Robert Trent Jones-designed Pevero Golf, whose clubhouse overlooks the Gulfo del Pevero and the Cala di Volpe, where millionaires' yachts are anchored. UK-based Italy agents Casa Travella has for sale a five-bedroom villa with swimming pool and views of the green and the sea for €4.5m (£3.2m), and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment for €420,000 (£300,000.)

Casa Travella: 01322 660988, www.casatravella.com;

Cybarco: 020-8371 9700, www.cybarco.com;

Engel & Völkers: Ibiza 00 34 971 31 13 36 Mallorca 00 34 971 67 68 36, www.engelvoelkers.com; Halcyon Properties: 01323 891639, www.halcyon-properties.co.uk;

Headlands International: 01933 654000, www.headlands.co.uk;

Knight Frank: 020-7861 1057, www.knightfrank.com