Holidays In Cyprus
Cyprus is the perfect holiday destination, as it continues to offer all year round sunshine, low humidity and resorts that suit everyone's tastes. The warm climate provides pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 32 deg C, and with over 300 days of sunshine per year you can be sure to wake up to a clear blue sky nearly every day. Cyprus is magical and romantic - ever since Julius Caesar made a present of the Island to Cleopatra, this destination has been stirring passions and provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable retreat.
If you are seeking winter sunshine then the southern resorts are ideal - offering exquisite long sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, historic sights, local markets and stylish boutiques. If you prefer something more traditional then you can relax in a taverna with a local Cypriot dish such as kleftiko, stifado or keftedhes followed by baklava. Don't forget to sample the wine - Cypriot wines are some of the finest and the local sparkling is well worth trying.
If you want luxury there are several 5 star hotels offering panoramic sea views, with all modern conveniences. The island also offers a wide range of 3/4 star hotels and resorts with self catering, bed and breakfast or all-inclusive packages. Thankfully most resort areas have not been too overbuilt so Cyprus still retains much of its old charm in many places.
For those more interested in discovering the island’s long history then a stay in Paphos is ideal. The harbour area is idyllic and the old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, dotted with ancient sites. The Paphos Mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings are definitely not to be missed.
Flight times average at just over 4 hours from the UK and most hotels/resorts are within a 45 minute drive from the two main airports of Paphos and Larnaca.
The Coastline
The coastline is wide and varied, the south eastern area of the island around Ayia Napa has grown into a major tourist resort. At night Ayia Napa rivals the party island of Ibiza as thousands of young couples, singles and party groups come every year to sample the extensive clubbing scene. There are plenty of good sandy beaches around Ayia Napa, which in the summer months can become pretty crowded. The beaches further along the coast around Limassol and north of Paphos are longer, offering more room.
Paphos and the West
With its impressive archaeological sites Paphos has become an
important tourist
attraction. The far
west of the island is more remote and arguably the most
beautiful. The area around Polis is a backpacker's paradise
with rooms
to rent everywhere and a campsite right on the beach. Below
Polis are long stretches of unspoilt sandy beaches, ideal for those
seeking a quieter spot.
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
The island's capital Nicosia is a modern sophisticated place. Located within the walls of the old town, with narrow winding streets and many places of interest, such as the famous frescoes of Asinou Church. The main city centre offers an excellent cosmopolitan shopping experience with a wide range of up-market stores stocking luxury goods and designer labels. Most shopkeepers and staff in the Greek Cypriot areas speak very good English and are attentive and willing to show and introduce their goods.
Troodos Mountains
All visitors who want to gain a complete picture of Cyprus must spend some time in the mountain regions. The Troodos mountains are particularly high and provide a welcome escape from the heat in the lowlands. There are many good hotels and restaurants in the area and plenty of things to do such as sightseeing birdwatching, mountain biking and exploring the varied Monasteries and Byzantine churches. The mountain villages are full of distinctive charm, with labyrinths of streets and quaint houses that appear to ramble down the mountain sides. This region is lush and green in the summer with snow capped peaks in the winter - ideal for skiing. There is usually snow on Mount Olympos from December to March.
The North
Northern Turkish Cyprus has a very different atmosphere from the south. It has far fewer tourists so consequently more peaceful. Northern Nicosia has the air of a Turkish bazaar and the beautiful port of Keryneia has the most attractive waterfront on the island with a pleasant fort at one end.
Cyprus Facts
| Size: | 240 km long, 100 km wide |
| Capital: | Nicosia |
| Language: | Greek, Turkish |
| Currency: | Euro (south), Turkish Lira (north) |
| Population: | Over 800,000 |
| Airports: | Paphos, Larnaca |
| Electricity: | 240v AC |
| Driving: | Drive on left |
TOURISM LINKS
Cypriot Music
Listen to local Cypriot Artist "Andronikou Michalis" on Spotify:
Andronikou
Michalis - I Aligatorina
About Cyprus | Nicosia | Paphos | Limassol | Ayia Napa | Larnaca | Troodos Mountains | Akamas Region | History | Walks | Information
