Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad in Cyprus

Cyprus Holidays - Destination Profile

Cyprus package holidays continue to be ever popular among the British public thanks to the excellent climate, hospitable people, good standard accommodation, delicious cuisine and varied interests. If you want variety from your holiday, Cyprus is an island of contrasts with everything from the cool pine covered Troodos Mountains to the miles of attractive coastline with golden beaches washed by crystal clear waters.

When on Cyprus holidays take the opportunity to explore the island and visit the traditional villages, archaeological sites and monuments that are sure to make your holidays to Cyprus more enjoyable. This magical island and its people will ensure that your Cyprus holidays are memorable, leaving you with the urge to return.

Cyprus holidays offer great diversity with a number of resorts catering for variety of interests and tastes. So if you're in need of a relaxing break spending days lounging on the stunning beaches or want to dance the nights away in Ayia Napa's numerous bars and clubs than Cyprus holidays are ideal.

Cheap Cyprus Holidays at Olympic Holidays

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Holidays in Cyprus - Things to see

For sightseeing, Cyprus holidays are hard to beat with a wide variety of sights and attractions. Whatever type of holiday you choose to Cyprus, it will be enriched by visiting the fascinating historic sites. Listed below are just a few of the many cultural and historic places well worth a visit :-

Amathus: Located in Limassol this is 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: Also located in Limassol this is a fine example of military architecture that was originally was 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's Kourion is an important ancient city with interesting and spectacular archaeological sites 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: Spread over a vast area in Paphos, 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: Considered amongst the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mainly depict scenes from Greek mythology.

Petra Tou Romiou: This area of Paphos is considered to be the 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.

Baths of Aphrodite: Situated in Polis, this is 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).

Larnaca Fort: 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.

Pierides Museum: The museum in Larnaca houses 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 Cyprus holidays filled with lively nightlife.

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.

Things to do on a Holiday in Cyprus

Golf: Cyprus is quickly getting a reputation as a Mecca for golfers. There are three 18-hole courses only a short drive from Paphos and the Aphrodite Hills hotel has a 18-hole standard championship golf course that follows the scenic contours of the two plateaux divided by a central ravine. A premier Golf Academy and Pro Shop are there to enhance the golf experience while the Clubhouse offers enticing 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. Slightly further away is the Secret Valley Golf Club, about 18 km east of Paphos.

Waterparks: Popular waterparks to visit during Cyprus holidays include Water World in Ayia Napa, Fasouri Watermania in Limassol and Aphrodite in Paphos. You'll be completely swept away by breathtaking high hills, swimming pools with artificial waves and many other water attractions providing fun for all ages.

Watersports: For activity holiday lovers, the sparkling blue waters of Cyprus offer great opportunities to participate in watersports with all manner of activities catered for along her beautiful coastline, including waterskiing, windsurfing and pedal boating.

Diving: There are over forty different dive sites in Cyprus. Around Latchi and Akamas you will find the best scuba diving available anywhere in Cyprus with crystal clear waters and no tide or strong currents to worry about.

Cycling: Cyprus offers a haven for mountain biking; the terrain offers many opportunities for exciting tracks and the unending warm weather means that cycling can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Hiking: The Akamas peninsular is an excellent area for walking holidays in Cyprus as it is virtually untouched by tourism and development. Further afield are numerous interesting walks including the breathtaking Troodos Mountains.

Skiing: Cyprus is gradually becoming an established destination for winter sports, too. 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.

Eating/Drinking During Cyprus Holidays

Any Cyprus holiday will be enriched by sampling the delicious local cuisine, all over the island, restaurants offer authentic Cypriot food - ordering the "meze" presents you with an opportunity to try a large selection of a number of different local dishes.

Usually held in September, the annual wine festival is when wine flows freely - literally! If you book your holiday for this period, be sure to squeeze in a visit to the festival visit - you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality - and quantity! - of wines available.

Nightclubs of all kinds are found in Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos but especially in Limassol and Ayia Napa. The latter is a resort in the east of Cyprus known as an international clubbing destination, widely recognised for its British House Garage sounds, up-and-coming DJs and its festive atmosphere.

Cyprus has something to suit night owls of any feather. You'll find traditional entertainment, folk music and dancing at numerous tavernas and restaurants in the cities as well as in many villages.

Getting Around on Cyprus Holidays

Car: It is recommended that you hire a car during your Cyprus holiday for maximum flexibility to visit the many beaches and historical. Car hire can be added easily and quickly to new, as well as existing bookings.

Taxis: Metered taxis are in plentiful supply on Cyprus.

Interurban Buses: Various bus routes link all major towns at specified intervals.

Urban Buses: These operate frequently during the day in all the main tourist resorts and in the summer months, the timetable is extended until midnight.

Bicycles: Bicycles can be hired in most resorts and make a wonderful way to explore the island.

Cyprus Holidays Shopping

During your Cyprus holiday be sure to head down to 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. Bargains can be found among the lacework, embroidery, tablecloths, silks, basket work, pottery, silverware, leather goods and jewellery. Lefkara lace is famous throughout the world and is one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship; the name originates from the village Lefkara. And why not take home some of the islands culinary delicacies such as wine, sweets, Halloumi or Chiromeri ham?

Weather and climate information

The Mediterranean has plentiful sunshine throughout the year and Cyprus holidays are no exception: with nine months of summer and three of spring, it is idyllic holiday weather all year round. Cyprus does not experience distinct periods of autumn or winter in the same way the UK does, and the rainy season is short making it ideal for winter holidays in Cyprus or even a Cyprus Christmas and new year holidays.

Cyprus Holidays - 5 Day Forecast (BBC)