Cyprus Holidays
Resort
Cyprus
All You Need To Know
Cyprus (East)
“Famed for its pulsating nightlife and vibrant club scene, the east coast of Cyprus also offers a wealth of enticing beaches and clear blue seas.”
The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite , Cyprus is a beautiful land of undulating contours bathed in almost luminous sunshine where glittering Mediterranean waters lap golden shores. Inland, rocky plains give way to hills and ‘kokkinokhoria', or ‘red villages', so called because of the red-tinged local soil. Punctuated by windmills, these sleepy towns offer a fascinating glimpse into everyday Cypriot life and stand in real contrast to the effervescent coastal resorts of Protaras and Ayia Napa - the latter of which has earned itself an international reputation for great nightlife and stands shoulder to shoulder with Ibiza as a premier Mediterranean clubbing destination.
Eyed for its strategic Mediterranean location looking out towards Asia Minor, over the centuries Cyprus has been controlled by most great powers – including the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and, from 1878-1960, the British. In fact, Britain still has a foothold in Cyprus around the Sovereign Base of Dhekelia and English is widely spoken across the island. You may well experience a feeling of déjà-vu when holidaying in Cyprus - Victorian buildings, pillar boxes emblazoned with ‘ER' monograms and driving on the left provide a nostalgic reminder of home. Add 3,350 hours of sunshine a year, fascinating historical ruins, sublime sands and a welcome that surpasses all expectations and it's easy to see why Cyprus is so popular with British visitors.
Beaches
Lapped by clear, warm seas, the east coast of Cyprus plays host to arguably the island's best beaches and most enticing coves. Larnaca boasts a long sandy crescent while Ayia Napa's swathe of beach extends for hundreds of metres and is particularly popular. With its golden sliver of sand and views out across Fig Tree Bay , Protaras is another firm favourite. Nissi Beach is a much sought after beach haunt - if gets a bit too crowded, retreat by wading out to the famous islet that rises up in the middle of the bay and find yourself a more isolated spot. Cape Greco , meanwhile, is excellent for scuba diving.
Shopping
Silverware and jewellery are particularly good buys on the east of the island, as are designer sunglasses. They cost a lot less than at home, owing to direct importation. If you're looking for local handicrafts, make a beeline for Larnaca's tradesmen's bazaar where you'll find a selection of traditional coppersmiths, carpenters and antique dealers.
Nightlife
Each year, scores of serious music fans and hedonistic party animals head for the bright lights and buzzing neon signs of the east coast's now legendary dance capital, Ayia Napa. After the bars close, revellers sashay on down to the parade of nightclubs which pump out old school disco, grinding hip-hop, smouldering R&B and infectious house music and groove until dawn. Top-name DJs and UK radio stations often organise events here too.
Sightseeing
In 1974, following civil unrest between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, the Turkish army landed in Cyprus and effectively partitioned the island – with the Greek Cypriots focused in the south and the Turkish Cypriots in the north. A trip to the Turkish-controlled part of the island reveals a very different side of Cyprus and no visit would be complete without taking in the town of Famagusta . Once a bustling port, Famagusta now lies abandoned like a ghost town. Enclosed by massive fortified walls and peppered with old churches, Famagusta stands as one of the finest examples of Medieval military architecture in existence. Strolling through its deserted streets is to pass through the annuals of history, from the time of the Lusignans, Genoese and Venetians to the bloody ten-month siege of the city by the Ottomans in 1570-1. During the 13th-century, Famagusta was the wealthiest city in the world, made rich as the shipment point for goods from the Orient. Its importance was highlighted by Shakespeare, who used it as part of the setting for his play ‘Othello'.
Not far from Famagusta lies another of Northern Cyprus' treasures, the ancient site of Salamis , arguably the island's most prominent archaeological site. In the 7th-century BC, Salamis was Cyprus ' leading city and rows of steadfast columns and tiers of marble theatre seats provide a fascinating insight into the past.
Surpassed only by Mecca , Medina and Aksha, the Hala Sultan Tekke - near Larnaca - is one of Islam's most important holy shrines. The burial place of the prophet Mohammed's aunt, it's a key pilgrimage site for Muslims the world over. With its distinctive dome and needle-like minaret, the mosque was built by the Ottoman Turks in 1816. The surrounding gardens and salt lakes serve as a cool retreat from the heat of the summer and during the winter months attract a diverse range of migratory birds, including large flocks of pink flamingos.
Local Specialities
Whether it's a fiery plate of chicken vindaloo or a steaming plate of spaghetti bolognaise, Cyprus' east coast resorts offer an incredible selection of restaurants - everything from Indian to Thai, by way of Mexican and Italian. Authentic Cypriot fare is also in abundance in the waterside tavernas where you can dine al fresco on the fresh catch of the day. You'll also find the old staples of Greek cuisine here too – kebabs, calamari, moussaka and crisp salads drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with cubes of feta. It's well worth seeking out the local cake shops to try the sweet-tasting baklava and cadefi and the array of custard-based desserts on offer. If you want to sample a Cypriot tipple, try brandy sour, which combines brandy with lemons and angostura bitters. It is claimed that wines have been produced in Cyprus since 2000 BC and Cypriot wines, especially sweet ones like commandaria, are delicious yet inexpensive.
Money Matters
There are 0.88 Cypriot pounds to the £1.00 as at 7th September 2005. Banks are usually open Monday-Friday 08:30-12:30 and some open 15:00-17:00. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are widely accepted.
Dress Code
In most hotels and apartments gentlemen are required to wear long trousers to dinner.
Please Note
Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available. Please see Your Holiday, Your Choice options with your accommodation information.
Highlights
Highlights offer endless opportunities to discover, wonder, relax and enjoy - here is a selection...
Untouched North
For the first time in over 30 years it is now possible to visit the untouched North of Cyprus. We drive through the Venetian Walls with a view across the last divided city in the world and cross the 'green line' to the Northern part of Cyprus. Visit the Gothic monastery of Bellapais and the picturesque port of Kyrenia, guarded by the castle. Available from Ayia Napa, Protaras, Limassol & Paphos.
Paphos & Curium
Paphos was once the Roman Capital of Cyprus, nowadays it is the most popular holiday resort on the Island. Visit the Tomb of the Kings ancient burial chambers, which are deep underground dating back as early as the 3rd century BC. At the pretty harbour you will visit the House of Dionysos with its famous mosaics. Take the opportunity to relax and have lunch in one of the many harbour-side cafés or head for the shops to collect those holiday souvenirs. Available from Ayia Napa, Protaras & Limassol.
Nicosia Capital & Crafts
Visit Nicosia, the last divided Capital in Europe, and see the 'green line' which divides the city. Your guide will direct you to the location of the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral of St John and the Old Quarter. Wander down the cobbled streets in the pretty village of Lefkara, famous for lace making and silver jewellery. (Guests staying on the East Coast do not visit Lefkara).
Cyprus (West)
“Cyprus is an alluring isle with something for everyone. Laze the days away in the hot sunshine, bathe in the clear Mediterranean waters and explore the wealth of archaeological treasures for which the island is known.”
Mark Anthony gave Cyprus to Cleopatra as a token of his love - and he couldn't have picked a more fitting gift. Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean's most prized jewels. Here, delicious beaches shelve into warm seas, quaint villages cling alluringly to wooded hillsides and, across the island, ancient monuments stand as testaments to a vivid past that dates back over 9000 years. Inland, it's just spectacular. The west coast's Troodos Mountains flaunt exquisite Byzantine monasteries, sleepy stone-built villages and pine-scented slopes cut by cascading ice-cold streams. With so much on offer, Cyprus provides countless opportunities to discover and relax.
Beaches
With over 800km of stunning coastline, Cyprus offers a myriad of sandy beaches, delightful rocky inlets and secluded coves. The west coast is home to a clutch of inviting sands, especially around Coral Bay and the Akamas Peninsula.
Shopping
Cyprus' main shopping centres are located in and around the modern and 19th-century quarters of the island's capital, Nicosia, and the large town of Limassol. Paphos, meanwhile, is renowned for its American Indian-looking tri-colour circular mats called ‘tsestos', which are often seen adorning the walls of local tavernas. The village of Lefkara, set in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, is famous for its lacework and you can still see the local women at work, crocheting in the narrow cobbled streets.
Nightlife
Whether you want to party the night away or sip a cocktail at sunset, Cyprus caters for all tastes. Potamos Yermasoyias in Limassol offers a wide selection of clubs and discos and competes with Ayia Napa in the island nightlife sweepstakes. Meanwhile, friendly bars, pavement cafés and romantic harbourside tavernas form the backbone of more leisurely Paphos.
Sightseeing
Founded in about 6800 BC, the ancient site of Khiroitia is one of the earliest human settlements in Cyprus. Excavations of the Neolithic site have revealed a maze of lanes and a defensive city wall. Of particular note are the sixty or so ‘tholos' houses – small, round dwellings that resemble beehives.
Perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, the ochre-coloured remains of ancient Kourion form the most important archaeological site in the Greek part of Cyprus. Originally founded in 3300 BC, Kourion reached its height during under the Romans but subsequently fell into decline as it suffered attacks from Arab raiders. Perhaps the most striking feature is the reconstructed theatre. With a capacity of 3,500 spectators, it is still used today as a venue for concerts, Classical dramas and Shakespearian productions. Standing above the theatre lie the Roman baths and the various mechanisms for heating water, such as furnaces and water tanks, can still be seen. Alternatively, for a glimpse of Greek Orthodox life, Kykkos monastery is the largest and most lavish religious institution in Cyprus and is well worth a visit. Set high in the hills west of Troodos, it was founded about 900 years ago to house the Elousa icon, reputedly painted by St Luke the Evangelist. So holy is the icon that legend has it that anyone who attempts to gaze upon the icon will be blinded instantaneously. The monastery itself is renowned for its colonnaded cloisters, attractive courtyards and colourful array of mosaics.
Local Specialities
Cyprus is a food lover's paradise, where tempting Greek dishes are fused with exotic Middle Eastern recipes. Try delicious ‘moussaka', baked with aubergines, potatoes and minced lamb, or hearty ‘kleftiko', slow-roasted lamb with rosemary and Mediterranean vegetables. A traditional Cypriot ‘meze' – a tapas-like meal consisting of up to 30 different dishes – is a great way to gain an insight into Cypriot cuisine and includes halloumi cheese, juicy olives and stuffed tomatoes. Ripe and dripping with sweet juices, you'll also find locally produced fruit, such as peaches, plums and cherries and the ubiquitous watermelon, for sale on roadside stalls. If you're looking for a really romantic setting, the quayside restaurants next to the Venetian fort in Paphos is just the ticket, while restaurants in Limassol serve fresh seafood followed by mouth-watering pastries.
Money Matters
There are 0.88 Cypriot pounds to the £1.00 as at 7th September 2005. Banks are usually open Monday-Friday 08:30-12:30 and some open 15:00-17:00. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are widely accepted.
Dress Code
In most hotels and apartments gentlemen are required to wear long trousers to dinner.
Please Note
Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available. Please see Your Holiday, Your Choice options with your accommodation information.
Highlights
Highlights offer endless opportunities to discover, wonder, relax and enjoy - here is a selection...
Nicosia Capital & Crafts
Visit Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe, and see the 'green line' which divides the city. Your guide will direct you to the location of the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral of St John and the Old Quarter. Wander down the cobbled streets in the pretty village of Lefkara, famous for lace making and silver jewellery. (Available from all resorts, but guests staying on the East Coast do not visit Lefkara).
Paphos & Curium
Paphos was once the Roman Capital of Cyprus, nowadays it is the most popular holiday resort on the island. Visit the Tomb of the Kings ancient burial chambers, which are deep underground and date back as early as the 3rd century BC. At the pretty harbour you will visit the House of Dionysos with its famous mosaics. Take the opportunity to relax and have lunch in one of the many harbour-side cafés or head for the shops to collect those holiday souvenirs. (Available from Ayia Napa, Protaras and Limassol).
Treasures of Troodos
Travel through the pine-clad Troodos Mountains dotted with picturesque villages to the famous Kykkos monastery. Originally founded by the Byzantines in 1092, Kykkos is known for its wealth of frescoes and mosaics. Inside the church you will find the golden altar. The centrepiece of the altar is the Icon of the Virgin Mary, whose face is protected from view by a heavy gold screen. No visit to Cyprus would be complete without seeing this famous monastery, which people travel from all over the world to see. (Available from all resorts).
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