Cyprus, or Kypros which is the Greek name for the island is easily described by two words – love and sunshine.
It was in Cyprus, the love goddess Aphrodite stepped out from the foaming sea. And it is guaranteed to be love at first sight for anyone visiting the island.
Although the island is relatively small, there are many exciting places to visit and explore. Cyprus is the vacation destination that offers a lot, any time of the year. Cyprus is the perfect destination if you want plenty of sunshine, adventures or a round of golf.
Endless days of sunshine in Cyprus is waiting for you.
Cyprus, the sunny island
When the rest of Europe is dark and gloomy, the average temperature in Cyprus settles around +15 C. It rarely rains in Cyprus and the island is famous for its migratory birds, including flamingos that are spending the winter in the salt lakes near Larnaka and Limassol.
Would culture and history be your main interests, then you are definitely in the right place.
Greek temples, Byzantine churches and numerous of archaeological sites are dotted around the island.
In Cyprus you can ski in the winter, swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea – all on the same day. You can take a round of golf on one of Cyprus’ many golf courses, ice skate in the middle of summer, scuba dive or indulge in one of Cyprus’ huge shopping malls. Or do as the majority of the visitors – relax on one of Cyprus’ many golden beaches.
As the day draws to a close, you can relax at one of Cyprus’ many taverns. Dip the village bread in the Tzatziki and feel how the everyday stresses disappear as you sip a glass of Cyprus wine.
Facts about Cyprus
What makes Cyprus such a great destination is the wonderful mix of culture, sandy beaches, tourist resorts and sleepy villages.
* Cyprus is an EU-country – the currency is Euro.
* The electric current is 220/240 V, the plugs have three pins.
* The crime rate is very low in Cyprus, much lower then Spain or Turkey.
* In Cyprus we drive on the left, the traffic is lively, like all Mediterranean countries.
Cyprus is a great destination. there is lots to see and do.
The climate in Cyprus
The climate in Cyprus is wonderful with plenty of sunshine, between May – November the sun is shining with a few breaks of some short showers in May and possibly in October and November. During the high season there is no chance of rain in the coastal regions. There are no thunderstorms either during the summer. The winters are very mild in Cyprus, if you are planning for a winter break, November and December are great months to travel, and Paphos and Limassol would be the preferred destinations.
Local buses and car hire in Cyprus
There are plenty of local buses between all tourist areas and towns, the price is around € 1.00.
Daily, weekly and monthly tickets are available. You will find all major car hire companies represented in Cyprus, all with very competitive rates.
Cyprus for adults
The hoteliers in Cyprus has realized that the overcrowded All inclusive family resorts are not for everyone. Also with the rising number of weddings and honeymoon couples making Cyprus their destination, the demand for adult only hotels has increased the last few years.
If you want total relaxation on your Cyprus holiday, avoid travelling during the high season which is the middle of June until the middle of August.
Language in Cyprus
In Cyprus the official language is Greek and Turkish but the majority of Cypriots speak English.
Relax in Pafos harbour with a drink.
Pafos
Pafos is divided into the upper Pafos – Ktima and the tourist area which is build up around the coastline and harbour. Down by the harbour you will find one of the most fascinating archaeological sites, the mosaics of House of Dionysos is located here amongst many other fine historical remains.
Just outside Pafos you will find the birthplace of Aphrodite “Petra Tou Romeo” which is a must see when you visit Cyprus. There are plenty of adult hotels hotels located in the heart of Pafos close to the centre.
Apart from the harbour with it’s interesting sites you may wish to visit the market in Ktima or the Bird and Animal park just outside the town. The beaches in Pafos are very clean, most of the beaches provide toilets, showers and restaurants. Some of Europe’s best golf courses are located around the Pafos area.
Limassol, a great city, with the best nightlife and shopping in Cyprus.
Limassol
Limassol is Cyprus’ second largest town famous for it’s many wineries and the yearly carnival, in Limassol and surrounding area you will also find plenty of interesting sights. Limassol is also one of the best towns in Cyprus for shopping and Limassol is well known for it’s great nightlife.
Larnaka
Larnaka is the convenient seaside town with plenty of interesting sights to keep you busy. The nightlife in Larnaka is concentrated to the seafront in the centre. If you visit Larnaka in the winter and spring you must not forget to visit the salt lake located close to the airport. Here you will have chance to see the migrating Flamingos who stop in Cyprus over the winter. You have many good beaches to choose from in Larnaka, the Makenzie Beach is one of the best where you can watch the planes coming in for landing at the airport nearby.
Agia Napa
Agia Napa is the number one tourist area in Cyprus, during the high season the golden beaches of Agia Napa is the place to be. Nissi Beach is the most popular and the white sand and shallow water attracts all ages.
You will find plenty of restaurants in Agia Napa as well as pubs and shops.
Nissi Beach is the place to be in the summer.
Protaras
If you are looking for a more quiet spot than Agia Napa, Protaras may be your ideal choice. This seaside town has become the number one holiday spot for the locals who either stay in a hotel or rent a luxury villa. The famous beach Fig Tree Bay with it’s shallow water is ideal for those who love to swim and snorkel.
Nicosia
Nicosia, the last divided capital offers you many interesting sights and the shopping in Nicosia is just great. You can easily cross the border into northern Cyprus for more shopping or lunch.
