North Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean's quieter golf escapes. There are no crowded tee sheets or packed resort strips. Instead, golfers find mountain views, a long sunny season and an easy pace of life. The heart of golf in the north sits on the coast east of Kyrenia, near the village of Esentepe, where a single championship course has quietly built a loyal following.

That course is Korineum, the first 18-hole course in North Cyprus and still the one most golfers come for. It lies just outside Esentepe at the foot of the Five Finger Mountains, around 20 minutes' drive from Kyrenia town. British architect David Hemstock designed it, and it opened in 2007. Today it plays as a par 72 of about 6,200 metres, with fairways cut through umbrella pines, carob and olive trees. The sea sits on one side and the mountains on the other, so few holes are without a view.

The front nine is hillier and asks more of your game. The back nine is flatter and a little more forgiving, which makes for a satisfying finish. Paspalum grass keeps the fairways and greens in good shape even through the hot summer months. Visitors are welcome every day, but tee times should be booked ahead. Some clubs ask for a handicap certificate, so it is worth checking current rules and green fees with the club before you travel.

Not every golf break needs a full 18 holes each day. The Korineum Golf Academy has a driving range, a chipping green and a practice bunker, as well as a three-hole short course. It suits beginners, families and anyone who fancies a quick evening session. Resident PGA professionals give lessons for all levels, so mixed groups can play together even when one partner is serious and the other is just starting out.

Timing makes a difference. April and September bring warm, settled weather that is ideal for walking a hilly course, while May often offers the best value. Winter is mild and draws golfers from northern Europe in search of sunshine. In July and August the heat builds, so early tee times are the way to go.

The best golf trips leave room for more than golf, and this stretch of coast makes that easy. Kyrenia's Old Harbour, with its stone buildings, cafes and fishing boats, is made for a long lunch or a sunset dinner. Up in the hills, the 13th-century Bellapais Abbey looks down to the sea, and St Hilarion Castle offers sweeping views along the north coast. Closer to Esentepe, Alagadi Turtle Beach is a protected stretch of sand where turtles nest in summer, and the village itself has quiet coves and relaxed local restaurants.

For golfers, staying in or near Esentepe means less time in the car and more time on the course. The area will also be home to Centara Hill Town Hotel & Residences. Set on the hillside above the coast, it offers a calm base with space for families and longer stays. Picture a morning round at Korineum, an afternoon at the beach and an unhurried evening with sea views. With Kyrenia and Ercan International Airport both within easy reach, it is a simple way to combine golf with the best of the north coast.