Cyprus
We love exploring the destinations we visit and sharing our insights with you – our members. These destination guides will give you plenty of inspiration about what you should – and could – be enjoying, whether it will be the first or the tenth time you’ve visited. From exciting activities, tips about where to head for luxury shopping and even things that you may find a little bit quirky, you’ll find something new and inspiring to try. Explore Cyprus.
Follow the sun and head to Cyprus where you can catch some rays almost year round and where the holiday season is long—perfect for an early or late summer beach escape. The island is steeped in history that’s been influenced by civilisations including the Mycenaean Greeks and the Byzantines and as legend goes, it’s the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. With ruins to back up the story, it’s a history buff’s dream come true. Embrace the delightful mix of traditional and modern, the trendy bars and the stylish marinas, and enjoy the perfect Mediterranean climate.
Tempted by what you’ve read? Need a few more ideas about where to go, what to see and how to go about it? Contact us – we’re always happy to help you choose your dream stay.
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Cyprus
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Live like a local
Must-do
Make the most of the beaches, whether at a secluded bay or one of the more popular spots for sun and fun. Chrysochou Bay has some of the loveliest, sandy stretches, and here you’ll find the picturesque fishing port of Latchi and the town of Polis, two of the more unspoilt and appealing tourist stops on the island. For something completely different, take a trip to the capital Nicosia—the city divided between Turkey and Greece—an interesting place to visit and full of history. Here, within the old Venetian city walls, you can sit yourself down at one of the bars and watch the world go by.
Find out moreCulture
For a dose of culture and history, there are plenty of museums and archeological sites, from the Marion Arsinoe Museum which will please antiquity lovers with its display of artifacts dating from the Neolithic Period, to the Arsinoe Byzantine Museum, which has a world-class collection of icons dating from the 13th to 19th centuries. Or follow one of the Aphrodite cultural routes to discover sites relating to the goddess, such as the ancient kingdom of Amathus in the Limassol region. Or visit Paphos, an entire city that has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site for its remains of ancient villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses, tombs and Roman mosaics.
Find out moreAdventurous spirit
If you can bear to step away from the beaches, Cyprus has so much beauty. Take an off-road Jeep excursion into the Akamas Peninsula through wild forested areas, past deep gorges and visit ancient villages and deserted bays. Or head into the picturesque Troodos Mountains to explore the valleys, a real draw for photographers and artists alike. Take a stroll in the relative cool and explore a host of points of interest including Byzantine churches and the charming Kykkos Monastery, one of the richest in Cyprus as endorsed by its lavish frescoes and gold icons.
Find out moreWith the kids
Cyprus is excellent for a family holiday and days at the beach will please most little ones for hours on end, but picking a family-friendly hotel with a good kids’ club like Anassa is a godsend. If you want to get out and about, hire a boat for a fun, family excursion stopping off somewhere quiet for a paddle. If you have teens in tow, there are plenty of watersports to keep them entertained and you can take a sailing lesson or an introduction to scuba-diving to explore the Med in more depth.
Find out moreRetail therapy
Along with the modern shopping experiences you’ll find in the larger towns and cities like Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos and high end boutiques in the likes of Makarios Avenue in hip-and-trendy Limassol, there are some home-grown designer labels popping up too. And if you like shopping for traditional local goods, you’ll love Cyprus. Look for the famous Lefkaritika embroidered cloths, leather goods, silver jewellery, pottery, or for something tasty, pick up a bottle of olive oil or jar of honey made with nectar from wildflowers.
Find out moreFood and drink
Influenced by Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, Cypriot food is full of flavour and sharing a meal, whether at family celebrations or religious festivals, is a big part of the culture. Follow suit and order a meze—lots of little dishes of meats, fish vegetables and dips. Try the taramasalata and hummus dips, the falafel, the traditional halloumi cheese, stifado (beef stew), stuffed vine leaves and much, much more. Whilst often a prelude to a main meal, nibbles like these also make a great option for a long and leisurely lunch.
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