Cyprus, lying south of Turkey, is one of the largest island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus has had a long and turbulent history. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa there have been many invaders and conquerors over the years and this is reflected in the various ruins around the island. The Turks invaded Cyprus in 1974 and have occupied the northern third of the island since then.
Cyprus has high mountains, wonderful sandy beaches and warm clear waters. Its guarantee of summer sun attracts many visitors from Britain each year as does the renowned hospitality of the Cypriots.
A Cyprus holiday has much to offer holidaymakers from glorious golden beaches to traditional mountain villages and from first class hotels to ancient ruins. The summer sunshine is guaranteed, the nightlife is lively, the food is good and there is a wide range of leisure activities.
Cyprus has broad appeal. Anyone looking for a sunny beach will be more than satisfied. Families with small children wielding buckets and spades will find many sandy beaches with safe water. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities. The lively nightlife attracts many young clubbers who enjoy life between dusk and dawn. Cyprus also has many places of historic interest.
Cyprus is a year round holiday destination having high temperatures during the summer while in the winter, at sea level, the weather is fairly mild. Winter is the rainy season and there can be snow in the mountains at this time.
The most popular time to go is during the summer months.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when the Turks took over the northern third of the island. The so-called Green Line that marked the division is now open and the island can be explored as a whole.
The island possesses many of the most important ingredients that make a holiday memorable. Its climate will not disappoint sun worshippers and many of its beaches have been awarded blue flag status because of their cleanliness, their safe bathing and their facilities. Around Cape Gkreko there are many rocky coves ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Good beaches for children include Fig Tree Bay and Flamingo Bay with their golden sand.
Although Agia Napa attracts many young single groups, the beach is also popular with families. It is here that you will find the Waterworld leisure centre and the Go-Karts track. .
There are many leisure activities including championship golf courses and mountain trails for hikers. The recommended trails include Atalante and Persephone in the Troodos area and Aphrodite and Adonis in the Akamas district.
There are also some fantastic sightseeing opportunities from ancient ruins and medieval castles to wonderful churches and museums.
At Kourion you will find the second century BC theatre which has been restored and is once again used for its original purpose. Other important sites are the Tombs of the Kings and the Kolossi Castle. The castle is more like a fortified tower house and is a reminder of the time of the Knights of St. John.
A Cyprus holiday offers sun and relaxation in beautiful surroundings with good food and wine, warm and friendly people, a wide variety of night time entertainment and charming gift and souvenir shops.
Cyprus has nightlife to suit all tastes. It varies enormously between resorts with places like Ayia Napa and Limassol having many bars and discos where those who wish can dance until dawn. Enjoy a romantic evening on the south coast eating dinner on the waterfront while watching the sun sink into the sea.
Cyprus excels in handcrafted goods and the government have recognised the value of this by creating the Cyprus Handicraft Service. There are a number of official shops around the island. There are of course many more unofficial shops in all resorts selling good quality goods that are reasonably priced. Popular gifts and holiday mementoes are the embroidered linens, the Lefkara lace and ceramic pots.
Fish features prominently on Cypriot menus with calamari, red mullet and sea bass being particularly popular. Halloumi, a cheese made from goat and sheep’s milk is an island speciality. It is often served grilled as an appetiser. The Cypriot equivalent of the Spanish tapas is mezze and it is a good way to sample the variety of local food.
Large hotels and restaurants serve a wide variety if international cuisine.
Drink flows freely during Limassol’s wine festival in September.
Cyprus is a very religious island with the Turkish Muslim north and the Greek Orthodox south. When visiting places of worship please respect the sensitivities of the local people and dress accordingly.
Family is very important to the Cypriot people who often have a close extended family who eat and socialise together. Children are always made very welcome in restaurants.
Cyprus is an incredibly popular destination, and with great sunshine for most of the year, you'll have to keep your eyes open to get a really cheap holiday there.
Occasionally you may be able to find a cheap holiday in Cyprus in the winter, providing you avoid all of the major holidays like Christmas and New Year. There are also cheap holidays to Cyprus at either end of the summer season, in May and October, but they tend to get snapped up quickly.
If you do manage to book a cheap Cyprus holiday outside of the peak summer season, you’ll be looking at good value for money. Drinks especially be a lot cheaper than usual.
Cyprus is famous for it’s festivals, and in the month of May the local Cypriots will be celebrating the glory of their flowers. The Anthestiria Flower Festival takes place through the streets of Pathos. Look out for the flower parade with floats decorated with the flowers of springtime.
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