CYPRUS


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Steeped in history, Cyprus features some fantastic sightseeing opportunities coupled with the genuinely hospitable people offering a warm welcome with a host of local delicacies, in traditional bars and tavernas.

Explore Cyprus

With a good standard of accommodation, excellent food and wine, and very friendly locals who seem to reserve their warmest welcome for the British. The island is a fascinating place to visit with great culture, archaeology and tradition. Don't miss out on a trip to see the Troodos mountain range, especially if you're here early in the season when the almond blossom is spectacular. There's also the opportunity to wander around the ruins of ancient temples and crusader castles as well as the marvel of the ornate interiors of countless Byzantine churches.

Getting Around

Local Transport: The bus is cheap bug sometimes infrequent, whereas taxis are reliable and good value. Car hire is a good way to see the island, especially the mountains where you might want to linger a little and take some time with the camera.

Local Interest and Culture
There's a huge amount of things to see from the pre-historic Tombs of the Kings to Old Crusader Castles as well as the painted icons at Kykko Monastery. Up in the Troodos you'll also find marked nature trails for a spectacular days walking.

Beaches
Great beaches all around the coast, the most famous of which are Fig Tree Bay, Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa with its translucent turquoise waters, Coral Bay and Curium Beach close to Limassol.

Eating and Drinking
Cypriot food is a delight and definitely on the healthy side with big salads, yoghurts and fresh bread staples with every meal. Try dolomades - the stuffed vine leaves, afelia - pork cooked in wine with coriander, a classic moussaka and a range of dips like houmous and taramousalata.

Highlights

Five must sees: Curium Amphitheatre, Kykko Monastery, The lace village of Lefkara where you can purchase hand made lace or a painting from one of the many resident artists, Tombs of the Kings in Paphos with its fine mosaics, visit Nicosia, the only divided capital city in the world.

Great Views: Cape Greco peninsular near Protaras and Mount Olympus in the heart of the Troodos Mountain Range with amazing snow capped peaks. Aphrodite's Rock - the legendary birthplace of the Goddess of love.

Memorable moments: A mini-cruise to Egypt (subject to demand) - sail on a luxury cruise to visit one of the wonders of the ancient worlds, the Pyramids of Giza and their guardian the glorious sphinx. A mouth-watering traditional Cypriot meze, lots of different local specialities accompanied by refreshing local wine and the traditional Cypriot dancers.

Destination treasures: Akamas National Park near Paphos with the Akamas gorge and Lara bay, nesting site of the green backed turtle, Ormodhos Village with its art and craft shops, cobblestone streets and home made wine distilleries.

Travel Tips: Driving couldn't be easier as all road signs are in English and they drive on the left, allowing you to take advantage of our car hire. Alternatively join a jeep safari or coach tour, sit back and relax and let others do the driving.

Practicalities

Cost of living: Meal in a restaurant 10-20 cyp, bottle of wine in restaurant 10 cyp, bottle of wine in supermarket 4 cyp, pint of beer 2.50 cyp, ice cream 1.00 cyp, tank of petrol 20 cyp.

Cyprus Tourist Office 213 Regent Street, London, W1R 8DA. Tel: 0207 569 8800 Website: www.ctolon.demon.co.uk

Events
A number of concerts take place around the castle in Paphos throughout the winter season. Please ask in resort for more details.

Activities
Walking in the Troodos and the Akamas National Park, water sports in a variety of locations, golf around Paphos, soaking up the history.

Recommended Reading

Lonely Planet Cyprus by Paul Hellander
The Rough Guide to Cyprus by Marc Dubin
AA Essential Cyprus by Robert Bulmer

Cyprus resorts

Please click for further information on the following Cyprus resorts:

Paphos
Omodhos
Polis / Latchi
Ayia Napa
Limassol
Protaras
Pissouri
Larnaca