A WELCOMING ISLAND PARADISE
THE ISLAND OF LOVE
Cyprus stands out as a top holiday destination welcoming people to its shores in droves yearly. Several of these visitors return to the island of love, year after year, with some becoming part of the local community. Most visitors tend to find a perfect blend of both relaxation and adventure. Cyprus recieves over 350 days of sunshine annually and the scorching hot summers and mild winters make Cyprus perfect for escaping colder climates. The island is often described as a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. There are several ancient ruins to explore and a whole new culinary world of Cypriot cuisine to discover. The island also has some of Europe’s best blue flag beaches. The Troodos Mountains are generally cooler throughout the year and receive an annual snowflaw every winter that offers skiing and snowboarding. Luxurious resorts also add to the island’s overall quality, adding to its overall appeal. Cyprus is a place that often creates unforgettable memories.
A STUNNING ISLAND
Nestled in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus remains a popular destination. Attracting nearly 4 million visitors each year, it has become a diverse location offering both relaxing beach vacations and adventurous sunny getaways. Cyprus also has a thriving ex-pat community, which adds to its diversity. The island as a whole offers a range of experiences that cater to every traveller’s needs. English is freely spoken on the island and there is an endless amount of things to do and places to visit. The coastal resorts and their respective surrounding areas all offer an abundance of quality restaurants, bars, clubs and a full range of different accommodations. The Troodos Mountains has become a hub for nature lovers, hikers, agro-tourism and winter skiing. Nicosia is the only divided capital city in the world and is a hub of activity for people seeking museum culture.Â
A WARM
CYPRIOT WELCOME
Known for their hospitality the Cypriot people continue to extend a warm welcome to all travellers that visit the island. The facilities and attractions easily cater for every type of traveller. Adventure seekers, families, couples, and solo travellers will all find something to enjoy during their stay. Cyprus also has some truly stunning landscapes, several historical sites, and a rich vibrant culture that enhances overall travel experiences.Â
A SAFE DESTINATION
The island’s accessibility further contributes to its popularity. Visitors can reach Cyprus easily and conveniently and several direct flights connect its two international airports to several major cities all around the world. Relatively short flight times attract several weekend travellers and those seeking quick sunny getaways. Cyprus is also a safe destination with a very low crime rate. This heightened sense of security allows visitors to feel safe whilst exploring the island. Cyprus prides itself on its family values with several of its resorts offering child-friendly facilities and attractions. There are also several restaurants and recreational areas that specifically cater to families with children.
TRANSPORT LINKS
The transport system in Cyprus relies heavily on the road. The road network, because of this, is well-maintained and fully accessible to all vehicles. The island has a good reliable highway that effectively links each district. Service taxis and buses form a good reliable public transport system. Rental cars are the most popular option, however, and they are fully accessible and enable visitors to discover the island independently. Intercity buses connect major cities, and rural buses connect all of the villages. Municipal buses operate within each city and also connect the suburbs.
NIGHT LIFE
Those looking for a vibrant night life scene are seldom disappointed. All of the coastal resorts have stylish lounges, traditional tavernas, and several beachside bars that stay open until the early hours. Ayia Napa is famous for its energetic clubbing culture, whilst Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, and Paphos provide a more laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy traditional live music and dance the night away at the several traditional tavernas in most cities, towns and villages. Limassol boasts the largest casino on the island and there are also several dedicated poker clubs dotted around the island.Â
ACCOMODATION
Cyprus offers a full range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Backpacking around Cyprus is very popular and this has led to the introduction of several hostels and budget-friendly guest houses. There is also a wide range of self-catering apartments and a full complement of two to five-star plus hotels. Charming boutique hotels normally offer cost-effective bed and breakfast options. Luxurious beachfront resorts generally offer all-inclusive deals and a whole host of on-site facilities.Â
WINTER SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
Cyprus is also a winter destination that offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. Mount Olympus offers four ski slopes that cater for both beginners and advanced skiers.
CULTURAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Cyprus has a cultural diversity that enhances its appeal to everyone. The coexistence of several cultures on the island often creates a unique atmosphere. Visitors can experience several different traditions and customs that take place all over the island all year around. Various staged events and festivals, celebrating the island’s heritage and traditions, regularly take place, adding depth to each visitor’s travel experience. The Limassol Carnival, which marks the beginning of spring on the island, and the wine festival in September draw huge crowds. Visitors that immerse themselves in local culture when these events take place often embrace the fun and joy, with live music, dancing, and sampling the delicious food that often accompanies each occasion. In addition to all of this, the good company found at these events often creates lasting memories.
HISTORICAL SIGHTS
& LOCAL CULTURE
Cyprus is an island that has a rich historical heritage. Dating back over 10,000 years, its documented history and vibrant culture stem from this. The island has been conquered and ruled by many civilizations, all of which left their mark on the island. Cyprus has several examples of well-preserved relics from the past and everything on the island has a story attached to it. Each city and town has its old quarter and many traditional villages offer a glimpse of past life in Cyprus. Visitors who have an interest in history will find several archaeological sites to explore and will have the opportunity to participate in regular cultural activities. Some of these sites include the stunning Kourion amphitheatre near Limassol and the Tombs of the Kings burial grounds in Paphos. As well as sites of historical significance, there are also several local art galleries and museums. These feature different elements of Cypriot history and culture and offer both education and insight into the island’s complex and sometimes tumultuous history. Nicosia is the last divided capital city in Europe and visitors have the opportunity to witness the controversial divide between the Greek and Turkish sides of the city.
DINING OUT
Several quality restaurants, as well as traditional tavernas, are widely available all over the island. Several mainstream restaurant chains, as well as a whole host of unique fine-dining eateries, feature innovative gastronomy from all around the world. The traditional Cypriot tavernas still retain their place as the island’s favourite however, allowing visitors to sample local homemade authentic Cypriot food. Cypriot cuisine is both unique and tasty and it offers a delectable fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours. This includes the mouth-watering hearty meze platters. These local tavernas also use traditional Cypriot RECIPES to create unique SPECIALITIES AND UNIQUE PRODUCTS.  These often include local delicacies and Cypriot desserts. Â
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AGRO & ECO-TOURISM
The Troodos Mountains are centrally located in Cyprus, so they are accessible from all parts of the island. AGRO-TOURISM is very popular and there are many options for those who want to partake in this activity. The Troodos Mountains are adorned with several picturesque villages, and village hopping is a popular way of exploring the inner parts of the island. Breath-taking landscapes, surrounded by an abundance of nature, act as ideal backdrops for hiking, fishing and cycling. There are also several village wineries as well as some stunning waterfalls to visit along the way. The Troodos Mountains offers several types of accommodation that are specifically geared at AGRO & ECO-TOURISM and these include both camping and glamping options. The island currently offers over 200 pre-designated hiking and walking trails and mountain biking is also a popular way of navigating the mountain passes. FISHING the many freshwater dams or lakes is also a popular pastime in the mountainous regions.Â
WATERSPORTS & BOAT TRIPS
All of the coastal resorts in Cyprus offer a whole array of water sports and boat trips. These include speed boat hire, jet skiing, para-sailing, and windsurfing. All of these activities are government-regulated for safety and can be booked on the day.
DIVING & SNORKELLING
