cyprus holidays

about cyprus holidays

 

Cyprus is an island of legends, reputed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. The charms of this island have been drawing visitors for thousands of years. Fascinating ancient ruins are found along the coast and the island is dotted with churches, monasteries and other impressive buildings. In Cyprus, the sun seems to shine all year round; even in winter, the skies are blue and cloudless and the air pleasantly warm. In the summer, visitors can escape to the cooler, forested slopes of the Troodos Mountains or simply cool down in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Cyprus offers the perfect combination of a rewarding cultural experience and relaxing beach break. With a wealth of activities in the most beautiful surroundings, the many treasures of Cyprus will enchant you.

important holiday info

Climate:	Temperate	Time Zone:	GMT(+2)
Language:	Greek	Current Times:
Currency:	Euro	cyprus: 9-Feb-10 12:44 PM
Temperature:	25°C/35°C	UK: 9-Feb-10 10:44 AM

aiya napa holidays

our hotels in aiya napa

Once a fisherman's village, Ayia Napa lies at the eastern edge of Cyprus and has grown to become the island's most popular resort. The stunning central beach of Liminaki, lies alongside the fishing harbour with glorious Nissi Beach to the west and Makronissos Beach on the outskirts of the town. The golden sand beaches and crystal clear waters offer activities and watersports galore. For those looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience, there are smaller beaches and romantic coves to explore within easy reach of the resort. Ayia Napa is young and lively, an excellent choice for families and couples alike.

The town centre of Ayia Napa is dominated by the 16th Century monastery and the Holy Church of Ayia Napa. A visit to the town square fountain, surrounded by cafes, bars, local craft stalls, portrait painters and other attractions, makes a lovely break from the hotel and beach. There are many shops to buy souvenirs or local handicrafts such as leather goods, jewellery and pottery. Ayia Napa provides visitors with an excellent choice of cuisine, from elegant international restaurants, serving Chinese, Italian and Mexican to local tavernas serving typical Cypriot dishes of lamb and seafood. The harbour area is lined with excellent fish tavernas serving a selection of locally caught fish of the day. There is plenty of nightlife in town with local bars, and discos, or for those who prefer to stay close to home, the hotels have an excellent programme of entertainment with their own nightclubs and discos.

larnaca holidays

our hotels in larnaca

Larnaca was founded in the 13th Century BC by the Mycenaeans and was originally known as Kition. Today the town is a fascinating blend of old and new, with historic sites, museums and a fortress castle overlooking the tree lined seafront and long sandy bay. The town is rich in history and has several museums. Larnaca is particularly proud to have been the town chosen by the biblical figure Lazarus. He is said to have spent his ‘second life’ in Larnaca becoming the Bishop of Cyprus and was buried under the main alter of Ayios Lazarus in the town centre. Larnaca’s fascinating Salt Lake is home to wild fowl and hundreds of flamingos in winter and in summer, when the water evaporates, the salt is collected for marketing. On the west bank is the Moslem shrine of Hala Sultan Tekke. In the surrounding area there are many pretty villages such as Kiti with their own history and attractions.

In recent years Larnaca has developed into a sophisticated holiday resort with the convenience of an international airport, yachting marina and elegant shopping area around Zenon Kitieos Street. The lovely cafes of the seafront promenade are perfect for an evening drink whilst watching the world go by. The resort has a bustling nightlife with an abundance of restaurants ranging from contemporary international cuisine to small family run tavernas offering traditional local dishes. Larnaca's central location means that it is an excellent base from which to explore the exciting attractions of Cyprus.

limassol holidays

our hotels in limassol

The cosmopolitan city of Limassol is located on the south coast of Cyprus, approximately one hour from Paphos and Larnaca airports. It is the second largest city of Cyprus and one of the most popular resort areas. Limassol has a wide selection of good hotels, beaches and a multitude of facilities. The surrounding countryside is the island's main wine producing region, with picturesque villages known for their excellent produce. Just a little further away are the majestic Troodos Mountains where the air is cool and pure - a perfect escape from the heat of the summer and only a short drive away.

Limassol has a wealth of treasures with Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum, and the Greco-Roman Kourion Theatre. The theatre hosts guest and local theatre companies each summer with exciting al fresco performances. The impressive 15th century Kolossi Castle is also nearby. The Knights of St John of Jerusalem built the castle as their headquarters with three-metre thick walls. Limassol offers a shoppers' delight with elegant boutiques, jewellery shops, mini markets and stores. Best buys are silverware, the island's renowned handmade lace, leather goods, pottery and silks. Limassol also offers a range of international restaurants and tavernas so there is something to suit all tastes. At night the city is lively and dynamic with nightclubs and discos to dance the night away or bouzouki tavernas and bars to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

nissi bay holidays

our hotels in nissi bay

Nissi Bay boasts one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus, Nissi Beach. A sand bar leads to a small offshore islet, or Nissi in Greek, that shelters the beaches from the wind creating ideal conditions for water sports and calm waters for children to play in. The wide stretch of sand beach is a fantastic place for people watching or for simply soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. Behind the beach, there are bars, cafes, restaurants and shops. Nissi Bay is located three kilometres west of Ayia Napa and these closely connected beaches attract thousands of tourists every year. Ayia Napa has a legendary nightlife with a lively town square and waterfront with many restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There are other beaches scattered around the area offering terrific watersports or you can escape to a pretty little cove further along the coast.

paphos holidays

our hotels in paphos

The ancient town of Paphos, once the capital of Cyprus, is located at the southwest corner of the island and is one of the finest sightseeing resorts in the Mediterranean. Paphos is divided in to upper and lower sections, Ano Paphos sits on the hillside overlooking the picturesque harbour and Kato Paphos is the main tourist area. The beaches in the area are clean and inviting and offer a variety of water sports. Coral Bay is just 4 km north of town and is a popular family beach with shallow water and soft sand. Paphos has recently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and is brimming with ancient history and archaeological sites. Highlights include the harbour’s medieval fort and the House of Dionysos with its beautifully preserved mosaics. Nearby are the sites of St Paul's Pillar, the Tombs of the Kings and the Temple of Aphrodite. Paphos is a place of legend where Aphrodite is reputed to have risen from the crashing waves.

The bustling market in the Paphos old town offers items at exceptional value including souvenirs, hand made lace and embroidery, silverware, leather, jewellery and pottery. There are many places to eat in and around town, with tempting waterfront taverns and bars, offering typical Cypriot "mezes". International restaurants and traditional taverns can also be found on the promenade or hidden away in the resort's side streets. Hiring a car opens up the many attractions further a field, see the quaint hill villages and wine making regions of island’s interior, the Baths of Aphrodite and the beaches of Polis and Lara on the quieter Akamas Peninsular.