Cyprus, the year round island

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean measuring an area of
9251 sq. km, located about 200 km north west of Israel, 380 km north of Egypt
and 800 km east of Greece. Cyprus holidays reflect this exotic mix of cultures
and history due to its location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe.
Even though Cyprus is a small country, visitors taking Cyprus holidays will be
overwhelmed by the rich cultural heritage and surprised by the number of
things to see during holidays to Cyprus.

Cyprus holidays are perfect for a romantic getaway because according to
mythology Cyprus is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of
love and beauty. Cyprus holidays provide visitors to discover an ancient
island with an eleven thousand year old history and became independent in
1960. Now visitors taking Cyprus holidays will experience a modern country
that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment.

Cyprus package holidays are a journey into a world of alluring beaches,
fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees, ancient ruins
that stir the imagination. Cyprus holidays are carefree where there is a sense
of timelessness that is magnified by the old stone villages where sweet wine
flows as freely as conversations at the local cafe.

Holidays in Cyprus - Things to see

For sightseeing Cyprus holidays have an assortment of sights and attractions.
Any Cyprus holidays are enriched by visiting the fascinating historic sites,
listed below are just a few sites worth visiting during a holiday in Cyprus:-

Amathus: Located in Limassol this is part of the ancient Kingdom of Cyprus
where numerous tombs have been discovered, excavations are still
continuing at the Acropolis and Agora area of the ancient site. A must for
history lovers taking holidays in Cyprus.

Kolossi Castle: Also located in Limassol this is a fine example of military
architecture that was originally was constructed in the 13th century and
subsequently rebuilt in the middle of the 15th century. It served first as the
Grand Commander of the Knights Templar and after the fall of Acre in 1291 for
some years it became the headquarters of the Knights of the Order of St.
John of Jerusalem.

Kourion: Limassol's Kourion is an important ancient city with interesting and
spectacular archaeological sites with excavations still unearthing new
treasures. The Kourion Museum is home to a fascinating collection of finds
from nearby archaeological sites.

Tombs of the Kings: Spread over a vast area in Paphos, these impressive
underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. Carved out of solid rock
and some of the tombs decorated with Doric pillars. High officials rather than
Kings were buried here but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its
name.

The Mosaics of
Paphos: Considered
amongst the finest in
the Eastern
Mediterranean. They
mainly depict scenes
from Greek mythology.

Petra Tou Romiou: This
area of paphos is
considered to be the
birthplace of Aphrodite
the goddess of love
and beauty who rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The
Greek name, Petra Tou Romiou 'The Rock of the Greek' is associated with the
legendary frontier guard of Byzantine times Digenis Akritas, who kept the
marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said that he heaved
this large rock into the sea destroying the enemy's ship.

Baths of Aphrodite: Situated in Polis, this is an area of breathtaking beauty
associated with Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used
to bathe in the pool of the nearby natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree.
A trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8 km from the Baths, at
the end of the Akamas Peninsula).

Larnaca Fort: Erected in 1625 by the Turks, the fort is now a museum and its
inner courtyard is used as an open air garden theatre during the summer
months.

Pierides Museum: The museum in Larnaca houses unique archaeological,
medieval, post-Byzantine and Cypriot fork art collections gathered by five
consecutive generations of the family. It also exhibits an old arsenal and a rich
collection of old cartography of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Ayia Napa: Originally a
fishing village it is now
a major tourist resort.
The charming medieval
monastery dedicated
to 'Our Lady of the
Forests' stands in the
middle of the village
surrounded by a high
wall. Its 16th century
church is partly
underground and cut
into the rock. The
Marine Life Museum
can be found within
the premises of the
Ayia Napa Municipality.
This area is very popular for young people looking for Cyprus holidays filled
with lively nightlife.

Cavo Greco: A National Forest Park at the south eastern end of the island
between Ayia Napa and Paralimni. The uniqueness of the area is not only due
to its natural beauty but also to the fact that it offers a wide range of interests
such as swimming, diving, towed parachute, fishing, rowing, cycling, riding,
climbing, airports and hiking.

Key Facts

Capital :Nicosia

Population :780,133 (approx.)

Language :Greek

Currency :Euro

Religion :Greek Orthodox

Dialling Code :00 357

Time Difference :+2 GMT

Things to do on a Holiday in Cyprus

Golf: Cyprus is
quickly getting a
reputation as the
latest holiday Mecca
for golfers. There are
three 18-hole courses
only a short drive
from Paphos, the
Aphrodite Hills hotel
has a 18-hole
standard championship golf course that follows the scenic contours of
the two plateau that are divided by a central ravine. A premier Golf
Academy and Pro Shop enhance the golf experience, while the
Clubhouse offers delectable specialities and a breathtaking view to the
golf course. The Tsada Golf Club near Tsada village is the oldest
course in Cyprus and is set in the grounds of a twelfth century
monastery. The Secret Valley Golf Club is slightly further away, about
18 km east of Paphos.

Waterparks: Popular
waterparks to visit
during Cyprus holidays
include Water World
in Ayia Napa, Fasouri
Watermania in
Limassol and
Aphrodite in Paphos.
A lot of surprises
awaiting you, you'll be completely carried away by breathtaking
high hills, swimming pools with artificial waves and many
other water attractions for every age.

Watersports: For
active Cyprus
holidays the sparkling
blue waters offer
great opportunities to
participate in water-
sports, all manner of
beach activities from
waterskiing to
windsurfing.

Diving: There are
over forty different
dive sites in Cyprus.
At Latchi and Akamas
you will find the best
scuba diving available
anywhere in Cyprus
with crystal clear
water and no tides or
strong currents to
worry about.

Cycling: Cyprus
holidays are a haven
for mountain biking,
the terrain offers
many opportunities
for exciting tracks.
Due to the warm
weather conditions
prevailing on the
island, cycling can be
enjoyed almost
throughout the year.

Hiking: The Akamas
peninsular is an
excellent area for
walking holidays in
Cyprus. It is virtually
untouched by tourism
and development.
Further a field are
numerous interesting
walks including the
breathtaking Troodos
Mountains.

Skiing: Cyprus is gradually
becoming an established
destination for winter sports.
Skiing can be enjoyed on the
slopes of Mount Olympus and
the Troodos Hill resort from
the beginning of January to
the end of March.