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Guide to Cyprus

Guide to Cyprus
There is a great deal packed into a small space on the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. Not only does it abound with good beaches and holiday resorts, but its relatively tiny landmass is riddled with the relics of ancient history, from the beehive huts of primitive man to classical Greek and Roman ruins, and everything imaginable in-between.
A thousand years is but a blip in time in the long history of Cyprus, but it was that long ago that the city of Nicosia (also known as Lefkosia) became its capital. Today Nicosia is unique in Europe because it is divided by the 'green line' that bisects the whole island, dividing north from south. The line, which serves as a United Nations peacekeeping buffer, was drawn in 1974, when the Turks invaded and took over the north. Most of the tourism development since then has taken place in the southern Government-controlled sector, and the political divide, even in Nicosia itself, has not dampened the island's appeal as a holiday Mecca.
The charms of Cyprus are many and varied. For a start the weather is sunny and dry for most of the year, and the encircling sea is blue, clear and enticing. There are modern luxury hotels in the coastal resort towns, historic restored city precincts to explore, tavernas and nightlife aplenty. Cyprus has remote picturesque mountain villages and monasteries, beautiful churches, Crusader castles and fascinating museums. The local people are extremely welcoming of tourists, happy to share with them their innate love of life and camaraderie. In Cyprus it is possible to mingle with crowds, or seek isolation off the beaten track as the mood takes, even in peak holiday season. For this reason the island is also a favoured destination for honeymooners, a reputation enhanced by the fact that legend has it that Cyprus was where Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea.
The turbulent history of the island can be traced back over 10,000 years. Like many Mediterranean islands, Cyprus has long been seen as an important strategic base and has suffered a variety of occupations.
In July 1974the Turkish army had taken control of the northern third of the island, a ceasefire was arranged under UN auspices. The island has remained partitioned ever since and UN peacekeeping forces maintain a truce between the two sides.
Despite its political problems, Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here, visitors will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café.
Cyprus has 10,000 years of history and according to legend is the home of Aphrodite. European culture meets ancient civilisation in Cyprus, with ancient monuments, churches and Byzantine monasteries sharing the island with beautiful beaches and mountain peaks
There are plenty of activities on offer, including birdwatching, boast trips, diving, fishing, golf and paragliding, along with discovering the national parks.
Cyprus is an island of legends that basks all year-round in the warm Mediterranean sun. A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here. Aphrodite was born in Cyprus and made her home here. Travellers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute. Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment.Here in Cyprus you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local cafe. Cyprus is a carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness and hospitality of the people.
CYPRUS, Kypros in Greek, is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia, covering an area of approximately 9,251 square kilometers. It has a maximum length of 240 kms from east to west and a maximum width of 100 kms from north to south. Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with typical seasons, such as hot, dry summers from mid-May to mid-September and rainy, rather changeable winters from November to mid-March are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summers are hot with temperatures ranging between 29 C and 40 C. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging between10 C and 18 C. Sunshine is abundant during the whole year and particularly from April to September when the average duration of bright sunshine exceeds 11 hours per day.

Larnaka

Larnaca is on the sunny southern coast of Cyprus and conveniently located just 5 minutes from the island's international airport. With its sandy beaches, clear skies, and blue seas, it is easy to see why this resort is so popular. The town has a splendid harbour and promenade lined with palm trees, hotels and aparthotels, shops and cafes and two museums. This is combined with an air of history and ancient charm that the locals are proud of. The town is easy to get around on foot and offers plenty of entertainment at night in the form of bars, cafes and tavernas.

This friendly, relaxed town is a great get-away for singles, couples and families looking for a quiet holiday but conveniently located to provide access to see all the island has to offer.

Visit Larnaca Salt Lake, which in winter is spectacuarly full of pink flamingos, and the nearby Mosque of Hala Saltan Tekke, a world famous muslim pilgrimage site. For underwater sights Larnaca harbour is one of the top dive sites in the world thanks to the wreck of the Zenobia ferry which sank there in 1980.

Ayia Napa
The Cypriot town of Ayia Napa has, over the last twenty years, become one of Europe's clubbing hotspots with a reputation to rival Ibiza's. Although during the day the beaches and bars seem like those of any other sleepy tourist town, at night the town centre becomes one giant party, with clubs attempting to out-compete each other in the fight to be the hottest venue of the moment.
Although Ayia Napa's beaches are fairly quiet during the day, and the outskirts of the town offer a chance to sample a more traditional style of Cypriot life, Ayia Napa is much more suited to groups of fun-seeking twenty-somethings than families or quieter visitors.
The island is quite small, making driving to new places and sampling different parts of Cypriot culture easy and convenient. The Kykkos monastery on the east side of the island is the home of a famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary, which is claimed by many devout Cypriots to have cried tears as recently as eight years ago and is a popular destination for religious visitors.

Latsi
Despite becoming more popular each years as a destination for tourists, Latchi is still very much the small fishing village of fifty years ago. Many of the traditional shipping buildings have been re-invented as tavernas, and offer great views of the shore as well as traditional seafood dishes made with the local fresh produce.
Latchi is a traditional Cypriot village which has only recently begun to exploit its charm to attract the tourist trade. Because of this, it remains a location suitable for only quiet tourists seeking to enjoy the scenery and local foods, and is not able yet to provide many lively activities for children.
The heritage site of The Baths of Aphrodite is a short drive away from Latchi, and is a good place to view Cyprus's beauty and the rich plant and animal life which have resulted in part of the area being made a nature reserve.

Limassol
Limasol has everything that you'd expect the second largest urban centre of Cyprus to offer, with an emphasis on tourism and services. There is a varied and busy night-life to be enjoyed, as well as a large number restaurants of all styles. During the month of September, the local wine trade takes over the city park and the centre seems to become one large tasting session.
The busy city and beaches might be difficult to shepherd children through without tears. However, to the outskirts of town there are quieter places to stay and more secluded beaches for families to enjoy.
The Limasol museum and medieval castle are testament to the rich history of the city, and offer a chance to view relics dating back to Greco Roman times. A visit to the local winery and the fields of grapes above the city in the Troodos hills should be a must for any wine buff.

Paphos (Pafos)
Paphos is the known as the capital of the west coast of Cyprus. Conveniently located next to the islands second airport, this year-round, sunny resort town manages to successfully combine the old with the new. This town is full of Byzantine architecture and history and the traditional fishing harbour (which is still in use and supplies the local restaurants) mixes effortlessly with modern luxury hotels, shops, discos and cafes.
Paphos is great if you are a sunseeker, walker or explorer, or looking for a relaxing or scenic holiday. Great for families, couples and singles. Not for those looking to party by night and sleep by day though.
The scenery around Paphos is stunning and is the gateway to an area called Peninsula of Akamas, with amazing gorges and nature trails - great for a day trip. The two local museums are also worth a visit and describe the rich history of Cyprus' past.

Protaras
On the southern half of Cyprus and at its eastern tip, is the bustling tourist resort of Protaras. Packed with shops, luxury and standard hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and boasting an EC 'Blue Flag' award for its clean beach, the town is becoming increasingly popular with both Cypriots and foreign tourists. Boat trips around the coast can be hired from the beach, and watersports equipment can be rented to enjoy.
Protaras has plenty to keep children occupied, and although there are a few nightclubs dotted around it's a much more family-oriented town than nearby Ayia Napa. There's plenty for teenagers and adults of all ages to enjoy, from local cuisine to the nearby cliffs and shopping opportunities.

For a little exercise before dinner and a wonderful view, a trip by foot to the Ayios Ilias church is worth the effort. The small windmills pumping water in the nearby fields also make a curious sight.