Lefkosia Town - from Cyprus Tourism Organisation
Cyprus Destination Guide
by Tina Banerjee
Summary
Bathed in year-round sunshine, Cyprus's excellent beaches and modern resorts attract legions of British holidaymakers every year. New upmarket properties featuring superb golf and spa facilities are a magnet for those looking for luxury holidays and honeymoons in the Mediterranean.
Away from the coast, visitors can find cool mountain hideaways and charming villages. Numerous activity options mean there's plenty on offer away from the sun-lounger too. Holidaymakers interested in finding out about the island's past will be stunned by its rich heritage - with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Muslim and Turkish influences - meaning there are plenty of sightseeing options.
Getting there, getting around Cyprus
There are a multitude of flights into the country's two international airports, at Larnaka and Paphos.
If you want to tour the island there are buses, taxis and cars. Hiring a car is the best way to explore the island's interior and its villages.
Quick facts
Currency: Euro
Languages: Greek and Turkish; English is usually understood, especially in resorts and hotels
Flight time: Around 4.5 hours
GMT: +2 hours (+3 hours in summer)
Weather: Hot, dry summers and mild winters, although it can rain. Mountains are much cooler than the seaside
Dialling code: 00 357
Electricity: 240V. Three square-pin plugs are mainly used
Protaras - from Cyprus Tourism Organisation
Beaches in Cyprus
Cyprus has clean and safe beaches, including several with Blue Flag awards. Long, sandy Coral Bay is about six miles from the resort of Paphos and boasts shallow waters, making it ideal for families.
If you're staying in Limassol, Governor's Beach is great for windsurfing and Dassoudi beach offers plenty of watersports, but it’s worth making the 20-kilometre journey to visit Kourion Beach, which is crowned by a 2nd-century amphitheatre.
Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach, Macronissos Bay and Golden Beach all sport gently shelving coastlines. For hikers, the beaches around Cape Aspro offer stunning clifftop walks. Nearby Protaras is more peaceful; its beach stretches for 16 kilometres and its waters attract scuba divers.
Sightseeing in Cyprus
There is plenty to satisfy culture vultures on the islands. One of the highlights is the Baths of Aphrodite, which refer to an oasis of ancient springs in the hills a short walk from Lefkara.
Around Paphos, visit the House of Dionysus, which features splendid tombs, a theatre and the famed Rock of Aphrodite, where the mythical goddess was said to have been born. Meanwhile, the salt lake on the outskirts of Larnaca is home to colonies of flamingos in the cooler months. Beside the lake lies the tomb of a woman, who is believed to have been a relative of the prophet Mohammed, as well as a mosque. Also near Larnaca is Kition, a temple site dating back to the 13th century. In the resort itself, you can visit a 17th-century church, while an interesting medieval museum lies in the grounds of Larnaca fort.
The capital, Nicosia, is wonderful if you wish to experience a slice of authentic Cypriot towns. Visit a hamam (steam bath), its local markets, the Cyprus Museum and St John's Cathedral. The four-metre-high wall that divided the capital from the Turkish North has been demolished - some see this as a sign of hope for a reunited island in the future.
Family attractions in Cyprus
Cyprus, with all its attendant attractions that appeal to children, is well established as a destination for luxury family holidays. There are a number of waterparks on the island, such as Aphrodite Waterpark in Paphos, Fasouri Watermania in Limassol, Water World in Ayia Napa and the Fun Park in Protaras. They are open daily between May and October.
Day trips in Cyprus
Troodos National Forest Park in the centre of the island is great for hiking, biking and even skiing between January and March.
To escape the crowds, visit the wild Akamas Nature Reserve in the west - where nature trails have been established - the fishing villages of Latchi or Pomos on the secluded north-western coast, or the White Rocks Nature Reserve in the south, where you'll discover undeveloped beaches. You may wish to consider boat trips around parts of the island.
Hiking in Cyprus - from Cyprus Tourism Organisation
Eating out in Cyprus
Influenced by Greek and Turkish food, Cypriot fare is usually presented as a meze meal - similar to Spanish tapas. Salty halloumi cheese, meat, barbecues, salads, fish and seafood are all excellent. If you're sweet-toothed, stop off at a local patisserie for baklava or halva. The island also produces its own wine, and coffee is just as popular.
International food is easily found on the island too. Everything from kebabs and burgers to Chinese food is available, especially in the package resorts.
Nightlife in Cyprus
The island's party image has been cemented by Ayia Napa, a clubbing mecca where top-name DJs ensure you can dance till dawn and where revellers can be seen wearing little more than their swimsuits. Some of the top nightspots include Carwash, Guru Club, the Toga Toga Club and Ideal Night Club.
Protaras and Paralimni are also hedonists' central, while Paphos, Limassol and Larnaka are more subdued, offering a wide selection of choice from British-style pubs to local tavernas. Nicosia is more upmarket - try Zoo, Marco Polo and Hamam.
Shopping in Cyprus
Most of the towns and resorts have shopping areas and markets. Popular souvenirs include leather bags, belts and clothes, pottery, copperware, baskets, embroidery and lace. Locally made brandy, wines and halloumi cheese are also worth buying.
Related destinations
If you're interested in Cyprus you may also like to look at these related destinations:
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