CYPRUS

TEMPTING TRAVELLERS WITH ITS TOPAZ WATERS, BLUE FLAG BEACHES AND AWE-INSPIRING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES, CYPRUS IS A SUN-KISSED WONDER OF MYTHS, LEGENDS AND ANTIQUE MARVELS. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN TALES OF THE ANCIENT WORLD, HIKE OR BIKE THROUGH VISUALLY SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN SCENERY, SUN YOURSELF ON IMMACULATE BEACHES, AND DINE AT TABLES HEAVING WITH MEZE AND WINE SOURCED FROM LOCAL VINEYARDS.

Providing one of the friendliest welcomes on earth, the Cypriots are rightly proud of their beautiful island. As the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, the landscape, people and culture have a lot to live up to – and they do so with admirable success.

This magical island, undulating with mountains and dappled with forests of cedar, is steeped in history and richly romantic. Fascinating archaeological sites lie crumbling in the sun, telling tales of times gone by; pristine beaches lure sunbathers, surfers and snorkellers; mountain ranges and protected parks harbour wildlife and untainted natural beauty; and picturesque towns and villages, complete with cobbled lanes and terracotta-tiled rooftops, are enveloped by hills clad in forests and vineyards. The Mediterranean climate means that Cyprus enjoys beautifully-warm weather from March to October, which also makes it a good winter sun destination, with temperatures staying mild for much of the year. The island has an abundance of beaches, many of which have been awarded the European Blue Flag for their quality.

The harbour town of Paphos is gateway to an enthralling array of historic sites, revealing archaeological splendours dating back as far as prehistoric times. Elsewhere on the island, the city of Limassol is a thriving modern hub bordering seven miles of glistening seafront and complete with a glitzy marina. Still, the city encompasses a delightfully scenic old town replete with a medieval castle and charming boutiques lining cobbled lanes. Then there’s the island’s delicious cuisine, a festival of gastronomy at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, with a strong nod to classic Greek and Mediterranean fare. It’s best to dine in true Cypriot style, al fresco, a selection of meze to feast on, all washed down with a chilled glass of locally-sourced wine.

THINGS TO DO

AKAMAS PENINSULA The uninhabited Akamas peninsula is a protected natural area home to 600 plant species, over 160 species of bird, and a variety of mammals, reptiles and butterfl ies. Whether you explore the area by mountain bike, 4X4, quad bike or via boat from the outskirts, the stunning natural beauty here will enchant you. Highlights include the mythical Baths of Aphrodite, the cavernous Avakas gorge, and Lara Beach where green and loggerhead turtles emerge from the sea to lay their eggs.

PAPHOS Delve into the ancient riches and thriving cultural scene of Paphos. Centred around a bustling harbour, Paphos sees a treasure trove of historic relics sitting alongside a thriving arts and cultural scene today. Visit the fascinating Paphos Archaeological Site and marvel at the mosaicked fl oors of Roman villas, the limestone-hewn Odeon Amphitheatre, and the captivating Tombs of the Kings where nobility were laid to rest. TROODOS MOUNTAINS Venture beyond the beaches, and you’ll fi nd that Cyprus has a vast, mountainous interior, where traditional villages, ancient monasteries and timeworn castles sit within landscapes of lush pine and cypress trees, sun-baked cacti and exotic wilderness. The Troodos mountain range plays host to a number of spectacularly-scenic natural beauty spots and charming villages, including Kakopetria with its atmospheric old quarter that unfolds in a warren of narrow cobbled streets.

LIMMASOL WINE FESTIVAL There’s evidence to suggest that Cyprus has been a wine-growing country for 6,000 years – this makes them the oldest wine producers in the world. The 10-day Limmasol Wine Festival has been a yearly tradition since the 1960s; it’s held from late August to early September and draws tens of thousands of locals and tourists alike. As well as sampling all the wines on off er, festival goers can enjoy music, traditional dancing and various performance arts as part of the festivities.

GETTING THERE

Flying time from the UK is approximately 4.5 hours.

British Airways Non-stop departures from London up to six times a week in high season, with a more limited service through winter. Caribtours also works with EasyJet and Jet2 to off er departures from other airports and to both Paphos and Larnaca. Note: All our inclusive holiday prices are based on fl ights low cost carriers.

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CYPRUS

PAPHOS NICOSIA

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1. Anassa (p65) 2. Annabelle (p65)

Almyra (p65)

Asimina Suites (p69) Elysium (p67) 3. Aphrodite Hills (p66) 4 Amara (p68)

Parklane Resort & Spa (p64)

LARNACA