Holidays in Cyprus

Holidays in Cyprus - Destination Profile

Holidays in Cyprus are extremely popular thanks to the excellent climate, wonderfully hospitable people, first rate accommodation, delicious cuisine and its safe environment. Cyprus is an island of contrasts with everything from the cool pine covered Troodos Mountains to the miles of attractive coastline with golden beaches and crystal clear waters.

Many tourists taking Cyprus holidays feel the urge to explore the island and visit the various towns and villages, archaeological sites and monuments making their stay infinitely richer. This enchanting island and its friendly people will ensure your holiday in Cyprus is memorable and you feel the urge to return again and again. The holiday resorts in Cyprus are very diverse catering for everything from a relaxing break spending days lounging on the stunning beaches to dancing the night away in the numerous bars and clubs.

For those in search of active Cyprus holidays than the sparkling blue sea offer great opportunities to participate in the many watersports. For history buffs taking Cyprus holidays there are an assortment of attractions including the Tomb of Kings, Paphos Mosaics and the Petra Tou Romiou (the birthplace of Aphrodite).

Cyprus Holidays - Beautiful Beaches

Book Cyprus holidays and discover the resort of Limassol which has mostly dark golden sand/shingle beaches stretching along a lovely coastline. Some of the best beaches to visit include Curium Beach, Ladies Mile, Governor's Beach and Dassoudi. Reputedly the best sandy beach in Cyprus is Coral Bay found in the resort of Paphos, located approximately 15 minutes by bus or taxi ride from Paphos Town. Other beaches can be found within walking distance of most hotels and apartments.

Protaras boasts a gorgeous sandy beach in Fig Tree Bay, as well as a number of idyllic and secluded coves dotted around the coast. Holidays to Ayia Napa in Cyprus offers the popular beaches of Nissi Beach and Macronissos Beach and the beach at Konnos Bay offers tranquillity and a more relaxing atmosphere. There are four Blue Flag beaches in Larnaca - Phinikoudes, Yanathes, Castella and Mckenzie. Phinikoudes runs along the front of the promenade and McKenzie is a quieter beach located just outside of Larnaca.

Value Holidays in Cyprus with Olympic Holidays

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Holidays in Cyprus - Things to see

Holidays are Cyprus are enriched by a visit to the fascinating historic sites Cyprus has to offer.

Amathus - Limassol: Part of the ancient Kingdom of Cyprus where numerous tombs have been discovered, excavations are still continuing at the Acropolis and Agora area of the ancient site. A must for history lovers taking holidays in Cyprus.

Kolossi Castle - Limassol: A fine example of military architecture originally constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century. It served first as the Grand Commander of the Knights Templar and after the fall of Acre in 1291 for some years it became the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

Kourion - Limassol: Kourion is also an important ancient city kingdom and one of the more interesting and spectacular archaeological sites on the island with excavations still unearthing new treasures. The Kourion Museum is home to a fascinating collection of finds from nearby archaeological sites.

Tombs of the Kings - Paphos: Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. Carved out of solid rock and some of the tombs decorated with Doric pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

The Mosaics of Paphos - Paphos: The mosaics are considered amongst the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mainly depict scenes from Greek mythology.

Petra Tou Romiou - Paphos: Birthplace of Aphrodite the goddess of love and beauty who rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra Tou Romiou 'The Rock of the Greek' is associated with the legendary frontier guard of Byzantine times Digenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said that he heaved this large rock into the sea destroying the enemy's ship. An extremely popular tourist attraction for visitors taking holidays in Cyprus.

Baths of Aphrodite - Polis: An area of breathtaking beauty associated with Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8 km from the Baths, at the end of the Akamas Peninsula). Walking along this trail, where one can enjoy an incomparable view and unspoilt nature.

Larnaca Fort - Larnaca: Erected in 1625 by the Turks, the fort is now a museum and its inner courtyard is used as an open air garden theatre during the summer months.

The Pierides Museum - Larnaca: Contains a unique archaeological, medieval, post-Byzantine and Cypriot fork art collections gathered by five consecutive generations of the family. It also exhibits an old arsenal and a rich collection of old cartography of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Ayia Napa: Originally a fishing village it is now a major tourist resort. The charming medieval monastery dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Forests' stands in the middle of the village surrounded by a high wall. Its 16th century church is partly underground and cut into the rock. The Marine Life Museum can be found within the premises of the Ayia Napa Municipality. This area is very popular for young people looking for holidays in Cyprus where they can take in the lively nightlife including bars and clubs.

Cavo Greco: A National Forest Park at the south eastern end of the island between Ayia Napa and Paralimni. The uniqueness of the area is not only due to its natural beauty but also to the fact that it offers a wide range of interests such as swimming, diving, towed parachute, fishing, rowing, cycling, riding, climbing, airports and hiking.

Holidays in Cyprus - Things to do

Golf: Cyprus is quickly getting a reputation as the latest holiday Mecca for golfers. There are three 18-hole courses only a short drive from Paphos, the Aphrodite Hills hotel has a 18-hole standard championship golf course that follows the scenic contours of the two plateau that are divided by a central ravine. A premier Golf Academy and Pro Shop enhance the golf experience, while the Clubhouse offers delectable specialities and a breathtaking view to the golf course. The Tsada Golf Club near Tsada village is the oldest course in Cyprus and is set in the grounds of a twelfth century monastery. The Secret Valley Golf Club is slightly further away, about 18 km east of Paphos.

Waterparks:  "Water World" in Ayia Napa; "Fasouri Watermania" in Limassol; "Aphrodite" Waterpark in Paphos. A lot of surprises are waiting for you, you'll be completely carried away by breathtaking high hills, swimming pools with artificial waves and many other water attractions for every age. Entertainment and water games will remind you the scenes of ancient Greek mythology.

Watersports: All manner of beach activities from waterskiing to windsurfing and pedal boating are catered for along the coast. The beaches backing onto hotels and those further a field provide equipment hire

Diving: There are over forty different dive sites in Cyprus. The best way to find out more is to visit one of the area's dive centres. Around Latchi and Akamas you will find the best scuba diving available anywhere in Cyprus with crystal clear water and no tides or strong currents to worry about.

Jeep Safaris: A unique day out for everyone to enjoy! You'll be travelling in a four wheel drive "Land Rover Defenders" driven by professional friendly drivers who will take you to the heart of this beautiful island, normally inaccessible except by donkey!! You will be truly captured by the mystique and sounds of nature as you enjoy the true beauty of Cyprus.

Cycling: Cyprus is a natural place for mountain biking, the terrain offers many opportunities for exciting mountain biking in different tracks. Due to the excellent weather conditions prevailing on the island, cycling sports can be enjoyed almost throughout the year.

Hiking: The Akamas peninsular, to the north of Paphos is an excellent area for walking as is virtually untouched by tourism and development. Further a field are numerous interesting walks including the breathtaking Troodos Mountains.

Skiing: Cyprus is gradually becoming an established destination for winter sports. In Cyprus, skiing can be enjoyed on the slopes of Mount Olympus and the Troodos Hill resort from the beginning of January to the end of March.

Holidays in Cyprus - Eating/Drinking

Holidays in Cyprus are extra special due to the fantastic cuisine on offer, all over the island there are restaurants offering genuine Cypriot food. One of the best ways of enjoying Cypriot food is by ordering "meze", a large selection of a number of different local dishes.

There are no licensing hours and a highlight of the year is the annual wine festival in Limassol, usually held in September when free wine flows and local food is on offer. If you are able to take a Cyprus holiday during the wine festival be sure to pay a visit and you will be surprised by the quality and quantity of wines available.

Nightclubs of all stripes are found in Limassol and Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos but especially in Limassol and Ayia Napa. Ayia Napa is a resort in the eastern part of Cyprus now known as an international clubbing destination, widely recognised for its British House Garage sounds, up-and-coming DJs and festive atmosphere. The action usually gets started late - towards midnight.

Cyprus holidays offer panoply of choices for night owls of all feathers. You will find traditional entertainment - folk music and dancing at numerous tavernas and restaurants in the cities as well as in many villages. Tavernas offer a tantalising selection of local food, and dessert is often on the house for visitors. You're sure to enjoy this festive look into many of the colourful customs of old Cyprus.

Holidays in Cyprus - Climate

Mediterranean holidays have plentiful sunshine throughout the year and Cyprus holidays are no exception. Holidays in Cyprus benefit from ideal weather with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day with nine months of summer and three of spring. Autumn and winter do not really exist and the rainy season is short so Cyprus is an excellent destination for winter holidays or even a Christmas and new year break.

Max Temp C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cyprus	16	17	19	22	24	29	31	32	31	26	22	20
London	6	7	10	13	17	20	22	21	19	14	10	7

Sunshine Hours	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cyprus	6	7	8	9	9	11	12	12	11	9	7	5
London	1	2	4	5	6	7	6	6	5	3	2	1

Cyprus Holidays - 5 Day Forecast

Holidays in Cyprus - Beaches

Limassol: The resort has mostly dark golden sand/shingle beaches stretching along a loverly coastline. Some of the best beaches to visit include Curium Beach, Ladies Mile, Governor's Beach and Dassoudi.

Paphos: The best sandy beach can be found at Coral Bay, Which is approximately 15 minutes by bus or taxi ride from Paphos Town. Other beaches can be found within walking distance of most hotels and apartments.

Protaras: Protaras boasts one of the best sandy beaches in Cyprus - Fig Tree Bay, as well as a number of idyllic and secluded coves further up and down the coast.

Ayia Napa: Nissi Beach and Macronissos Beach are popular with the young and lively, and the beach at Konnos Bay offers tranquillity and a more relaxing atmosphere.

Larnaca: There are four Blue Flag beaches in Larnaca - Phinikoudes, Yanathes, Castella and Mckenzie. Phinikoudes runs along the front of the promenade and Mckenzie is a quieter beach located just outside of Larnaca. Watersports available on main beaches.

Holidays in Cyprus - Transport

Car: It is recommended that you hire a car to travel around during your holiday in Cyprus, with so many beaches and sites are worth visiting hiring a car provides complete flexibility. Car hire can be added easily and quickly to new bookings as well as existing bookings.

Taxis: Holidays in Cyprus are made easier by the plentiful supply of metered taxis.

Interurban Buses: Various Bus companies link all major towns with daily routes at specified intervals.

Urban Buses: These operate frequently during daytime, during summer and timetables are extended till midnight. These buses operate in many tourist resorts so you can explore as much or as little on your Cyprus holiday.

Bicycles: Bicycles can be hired in most resorts and make a wonderful way to explore the resort when on holiday in Cyprus.

Holidays in Cyprus - Shopping

Join in the bustling activity of a colourful market where you'll find fresh produce, fish, meat, basket work and national specialities which make original and reasonably priced souvenirs. Bargain purchases during Cyprus holidays include lacework, embroidery, tablecloths, silks, basket work, pottery, silverware, leather goods and jewellery. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Lefkara lace is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship; the name originates from the village Lefkara.

It always nice to take home a memento of your holidays in Cyprus, why not take home some of the islands culinary delicacies such as wine, sweets, Halloumi and Chiromeri ham?