A Guide to Cyprus

Basking in typically Mediterranean temperatures with very little rain, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the legendary goddess of love and beauty.  It has a startling variety of landscapes from sandy beaches to snow capped mountains together with traditional villages and olive groves.  It attracts visitors from all over the world and is a fantastic place for sightseeing with many Greek and Roman heritage sites

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, the main tourist regions being found in the south of the island such as Paphos, Limassol and Larnaka.  This stunning country boasts some of the finest sandy beaches backed by rugged montains, ideal for sunseekers.  The inland areas are a haven of traditional villages, medieval castles and impressive ancient sites.

A resplendent mile-long, palm-lined promenade dominates the bustling town of Larnaca, stretching from a yacht marina at one end to a medieval fortress at the other.  The town has a 16 mile stretch of beautiful beaches where summer sports, sea activities and cruises can be enjoyed and a wide variety of bars, tavernas, restaurants and shops.  Other attractions include the 9th century Church of Lazarus, the Ruins of Ancient Kitium, the Old Aqueduct and the Fort, dating back to the 16th century, its inner courtyard now used as an open air garden theatre in the summer months.

Once the Roman capital of Cyprus, the pretty town of Paphos is divided into an old and new town; the old town rising above an attractive harbour.  Paphos is a bustling cosmopolitan resort with many bars and restaurants offering international cuisine along its palm lined boulevards.  It has a selection of traditional shops and tavernas and a colourful indoor market.

Limassol, the island’s second largest resort and seaport, is just 35 minutes drive from Larnaca and Paphos airports.   The ten mile seafront is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, a large marina and numerous exclusive residences.  There are glitzy shopping malls, art galleries, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars. Limassol is the centre of Cyprus wine making and beer brewing with many small villages in the mountains around Limassol set in the middle of vineyards.  The annual Wine Festival in September and the Carnival in March are major local events.

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Currency:  Euro

Time:  GMT + 2

Getting There:   Cyprus is served by scheduled airlines year-round and by charter flights during the summer season. Flying time from the UK is up to five hours. The major airports are Larnaca and Paphos.