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Cyprus Introduction
A holiday to Cyprus does not just mean about beaches and sea. Cyprus is high on the list for sightseeing; it has history, archaeology, mythology, culture, natural beauty, stunning views, architecture and more.
Cyprus sits in the warm Mediterranean Sea just to the south of Turkey. Its closest neighbouring countries are Egypt and Cyprus.
It is the 3rd largest Mediterranean island and was once a British Colony until 1 October 1960. It is now part of the Economic European group of countries.
Cyprus benefits from a hot climate through summer although in winter temperatures can fall below 0 degrees. The summer months are considered to be longer than normal, usually from early May to around mid October. The sun continues to shine most days enabling the air temperatures to reach a hot 90oF, and sea temperatures can vary from 72oF - 92oF so you may find that swimming is just a tad too warm rather than refreshing and cooling
Cyprus benefits from two International Airports which are at Paphos and Larnaca and flying time from the UK is around 4 hours.
Its history and culture is fascinating. From the Byzantine and Neolithic civilisations - all of which can be explained in fine displays at some of its Museums. Its mythology is more than just interesting, its legends about Aphrodite - The Goddess of Love - is awesome. If you take an interest in mythology you will be in your element in Cyprus.
It remains to this day very proud of its culture. The people of Cyprus celebrate many festivals relating to namedays and religious festivals. These events are held around the island and are very important to today's Cypriot population.
Cyprus' natural beauty cannot be forgotten. It has the mountain range of Troodos which stand at a height of around 1,952m above sea level. There are several mountains which form the mountain range of Troodos, Mount Olympus being one of them. On the Troodos Mountain range, skiing takes place between January and March, although sometimes you can still see some snow even in May. The mountains look picture postcard when they are capped with a sprinkle of snow.
Other areas of natural beauty are The Kaledonian Falls, where you can walk along some of its many nature trails admiring the flora and fauna along the way.
It does, of course, have some fantastic beaches with glistening sand and clear, warm seas gently lapping to the shore. If a sun and beach holiday is what you are looking for then you will, without a doubt find it Cyprus.
Like most Mediterranean countries, Cyprus enjoys simple, but wholesome food that tastes delicious. You will be given the opportunity to enjoy some of its traditional cuisine, if you desire it.
Cyprus really does have something to offer everyone, young or old.
Cyprus Location
Cyprus sits in the warm Mediterranean Sea just to the south of Turkey. Its closest neighbouring countries are Egypt and Cyprus.
It is the 3rd largest Mediterranean island and was once a British Colony until 1 October 1960. It is now part of the Economic European group of countries.
Cyprus from a hot climate through summer although in winter temperatures can fall below 0 degrees. It's highest mountain - Mount Troodos - is used as a ski slope during winter months as it can see quite a heavy fall of snow.
Cyprus benefits from two International Airports which are at Paphos and Larnaca and flying time from the UK is around 4 hours.
Weather in Cyprus
As Cyprus is a Mediterranean island, it naturally benefits from a Mediterranean climate.
December, January and February are the winter months when temperatures are only around 60oF. Sea temperatures at these times are a rather chilly 55oF but the bravest of swimmers still manage to take a dip.
During the winter months you might be lucky and have a considerably hotter day, but don't be fooled because temperatures really drop come the evening time.
The summer months are considered to be longer than normal, usually from early May to around mid October. The sun continues to shine most days enabling the air temperatures to reach a hot 90oF, and sea temperatures can vary from 72oF - 92oF so you may find that swimming is just a tad too warm rather than refreshing and cooling.
By contrast, even in the summer months if you venture to the Troodos mountains you will find the air much cooler. During the summer and even into May, the Troodos mountains see quite heavy snowfall and the area is used as a ski resort.
So for those of you who prefer slightly cooler temperatures, we would suggest avoiding Cyprus during June, July and August. The summer lasts for longer so you can visit Cyprus in April, May, or indeed September and October and still find a very pleasant climate.
Transfers from the airport in Cyprus
Arriving at a foreign airport can often be a strenuous affair and with most customers traveling independently these days having a pre-booked airport transfer is an essential part of your holiday package. Local taxis at the airport can sometimes be limited or with long queues, by booking a pre-booked you can not only make a fantastic saving on your transfer but also avoid all the stress of queues and haggling with taxi drivers. Book your airport transfer service here now >>
Airport Shuttle Bus Service in Cyprus
In most of our gateway airports you can pre-book an Airport Shuttle Service. This is a pre-booked only service that operates between the relevant airport and holiday resort. In normal times you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes for your shuttle bus to arrive however as this is a pre-negotiated service and only available to participating travel companies then expect to pay far less to get from the airport to your destination accommodation than other traditional forms or transport such as local taxis. Book your airport shuttle service here now>>
Cyprus Car Hire
Once in Cyprus, probably the best and most convenient way to tour around the resorts and get to the various beaches (some a bit off the beaten track) and attractions is by car hire. Car hire is reasonable, and ranges from small saloons to 4 x 4 vehicles.
To hire a car it is essential to have your valid passport and driving licence when you sign the agreement. You can either hire a car direct from the airport, an agent within a resort or speak to your hotel who can arrange this for you.
It is easy to hire a car from the local agencies. There are a good selection of both cars, jeeps, 4x4s to hire and most usually offer child booster/car seats if you request it at the time of booking. Cars can be delivered/collected from your resort or a pick up point of your choosing.
With a car you will be able to go to some of the beaches a little out of the way and visit some of those shops away from the bigger towns. Supermarkets out of town are usually cheaper than those in the more well known resorts.
There are many attractions that you will be able to visit in your own time rather than an organisedexcursion, such as the idyllic Mount Troodos and the beautiful panoramic views around Platres, to name but a few.
In Cyprus the road signs are international and modern. Care should be taken as a lot of the roads are very narrow and winding. Always carry your driving license, passport and car rental agreement because if you are unlucky enough to be stopped by the police, you could face a fine for not having one of these documents.
Like the UK, in Cyprus you drive on the left and it is prohibited to use a mobile phone whilst driving. Penalties are quite severe should you get caught.
Shopping in Cyprus
The big towns on Cyprus are the places to shop. Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos are definitely the places to go if you are looking to spend some money and bend the plastic. You will find many good department stores selling a variety of things from handbags to scarves, leather, lace, kitchen equipment and more.
In the main tourist areas, shops seem to be open seven days a week from early morning until late at night. Around the island you will find an enormous selection of tourist shops selling beach items and souvenirs, postcards and typical mass produced tacky items.
Around the Island you will find little supermarkets which can supply you with your day to day commodities, generally they are a little bit more expensive than the bigger supermarkets at the main resorts. At least without a car you will still be able to buy things that you might need if you are self catering.
Cyprus, like many Mediterranean countries produces arts, crafts, ceramics, embroidery, lace, leather, shoes, silverware and jewellery. Lefkaritica lace is one of its specialities. There are some designer boutiques with well known names such as Zara and even a Marks & Spencer.
There are weekly markets in many of the resorts selling a variety of vegetables, fruit, fresh meat and fish and typical Cypriot produce like pottery, ceramics and leather and it is perfectly acceptable to barter the price, you never know you might just find a bargain.
If your dream holiday is browsing through the shops looking for a bargain, you won't be disappointed with Cyprus.
Eating Out in Cyprus
Like most Mediterranean countries, Cyprus enjoys simple, but wholesome food that tastes delicious. A Cypriot normal diet doesn't usually consist of fast food or convenience type food. They like their own locally produced fruit, salad and vegetables which are picked and cooked extremely fresh. They cook with olive oil, grown on Cyprus and make some tasty salad dressings which are low fat and high in nutrients, as is locally produced tomatoes either in puree, pulp or cooked whole.
Here is a selection of some of the delights that you might be offered in Cyprus:
Meze
Meze is a dish which is cooked very slowly, but is usually accompanied with plenty of Cypriot hospitality and plenty of drinks to go with it. Meze can be served hot and spicy, or mild and creamy and can be either an appetiser or a main course. It is usually a popular party dish, where buffets are often served. The ingredients that go into a Meze can be almost anything but usually consist of a type of meat and vegetables.
Fish
Fish is popular, particularly as Cypriots eat fish which has been freshly caught that day to maintain absolute freshness. Fish is usually grilled or baked and can be served with or without spices or salt.
Yemesta
Yemesta is a delicious way of cooking stuffed vegetables in a Mediterranean way with olive oil. They can be an appetiser or can accompany a main meal. You will usually find peppers, courgettes, onions, tomatoes, aubergines and even sometimes the flowers that grow on the courgettes. Savoury rice and tomatoes are usually added to the filling.
Souvla
A Cypriot name for a barbeque, or anything that is cooked on a skewer over coals. Lamb and chicken is usually popular served this way.
Kleftiko
This is usually goat or lamb meat wrapped tightly with cooking foil and baked in special ovens.
Moussaka
You will probably have heard of Moussaka as it is becoming a world wide popular dish. It is made with minced meat, aubergines mixed with a white creamy sauce and with mashed potato covering it. Some restaurants in Cyprus serve a vegetarian form of this dish.
At most tavernas, bars and restaurants you will find on offer a variety of Cypriot alcoholic beverages. Brandy sour is popular, along with Brandy which is made locally.
A pleasant Cypriot wine is called Commandaria. This wine is now exported internationally and has become a firm favourite amongst wine suppliers.
Cyprus also produces a beer which is very light and refreshing. The beer is called Keo beer. You can also buy imported beers but these will be more expensive.
Nightlife in Cyprus
Cyprus has a rich and varied nightlife, depending on what you are looking for and where you are staying. There is always something going on, somewhere if you want to find a lively atmosphere.
If you are looking for simple pleasures such as a good meal, good wine and ambiance then your choice should be places like Latchi, Aphrodite Hills, Miliou, Peyia and Nea Dimmata where you will find some traditional cafes and tavernas by day and which serve delightful meals in the evenings.
Limassol has a wide variety of bars, English style pubs, Irish Pubs and some clubs which play a variety of popular music and Greek music.
Ayia Napa has an extremely busy and buzzing nightlife with huge variety of Bars, Pubs and Clubs and if you are lookcing for a foamparty, you will find it here. Be prepared to get wet!
Beaches in Cyprus
Cyprus has such a wide variety of beaches you will have many decisions to make. Depending on what your choice is, whether you are looking for peace and quiet or an action packed time, you will find something for everyone on Cyprus.
Some beaches on Cyprus have Blue Flags which have been awarded for their cleanliness, facilities like sun loungers, toilets and parasols. There are usually toilets and showers on the more organised beaches.
Here is our quick guide to the best beaches:
Nissi Beach
Has white, clean sands that just sweep you away. It also has a little island which you can swim to easily as it is just out to sea a short distance. There is a good variety of water sports from paragliding to scuba diving, and if you decide to move away from the beach you have the nearby water park.
Coral Bay
Is a sandy beach with a gentle shelve into the shallow azure sea so children are safe just splashing and paddling on the edge. You will find an array of beach bars and ice cream parlours just by the beach edge, so you won't have to go far to find refreshments. The beach is well organised with water sports and other facilities such as for sun bathing. The blue flag beach is wonderfully clean and well maintained.
Larnaca
Has a sandy beach which seems to go on forever and you will find a variety of water sports available and good sun bathing facilities. Every now and then you will find a beach bar or ice cream parlour, so you won't have far to go to find refreshments. The sea is clean and crystal clear and very safe for young children.
Latchi
An ideal beach for sun bathing or swimming. The beach is pebbly, but don't let that spoil the delights this beach has to offer. There are some quiet water sports such as pedalloes, but nothing too noisy. There is also a diving club where you can hire equipment and take a look at what the azure blue seas have to offer.
Limassol
Ladies Beach has a very long, palm tree lined promenade along which you will find a vast selection of shops, bars, clubs and restaurants. It provides plenty of facilities including water sports such as para gliding and wind surfing.
Nea Dimmata
Try the wonderful beach of Chrysochou Bay which is totally alluring. The coastline has a few rocky coves which are ideal for diving and snorkelling, but if you just wish to lounge on a sun bed and relax then this resort is ideal.
Pernera
There are 3 small beaches which are all quiet and relaxing and you will always be able to find a nice spot to laze in the sun.
Polis beach
The beach at Polis is just amazing, with soft white sand and gentle seas lapping quietly to the shore. Along the beach front there is a good selection of shops and tavernas. An ideal safe family beach.
Protaras
Has a wonderful beach called Fig Tree bay: here you can go swimming, find water sports, lazy sunbathing and topping up your tan. The bay is ideal for families with young children as it is very safe and shallow and the sea is warm and calm.
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