Cyprus overview
Cyprus is a popular year round holiday destination. With a rich and diverse history plus a natural beauty ranging from golden beaches to rugged coastlines, rolling hills and forest clad mountains.
Greek is the official language although English is widely spoken and you will definitely feel at home if you hire a car as the Cypriots drive on the left hand side of the road! With the recent developments to the Cypriot infrastructure, driving is uncomplicated and it is certainly well worth hiring a car to explore the island's interior.
Nicosia is the largest city and the capital, well worth a visit for its historic city walls and churches. Limassol, a large cosmopolitan resort on the coast, is the second city of the island. With excellent shopping facilities and a wide range of tavernas, restaurants and bars along a fifteen mile stretch, Limassol is a busy and bustling centre. Paphos, with its charming harbour, superb historical sites and ancient monuments, has become an increasingly popular holiday choice.
Paphos combines the beauty of the mountains and the sea and boasts a friendly atmosphere with plenty to see and do including the Byzantine Castle of Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings, St Paul's Pillar and the temple of Aphrodite. Evenings can be pleasantly spent on the beach promenade with its plethora of restaurants serving international and meze specialities.
Map
Climate
Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate but its proximity to the land-mass of southwest Asia makes it one of the hottest parts of the Mediterranean.
Did you know?
On his way to the third crusade Richard I married Berengaria of Navarre at Limassol on 12 May 1191. Following Richard’s death she lived in poverty until her own death in France in 1230. She was the only Queen of England never to set foot on English soil.
Cyprus hotels
Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos
Inspired by the architecture of the many monasteries in Cyprus, this sophisticated retreat is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World
Amathus Beach Limassol
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Amathus Beach is a hotel with very high standards offering superb accommodation
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Columbia Beachotel
Situated midway between Limassol and Paphos, the Columbia Beachotel is located in a quiet bay on a long beach
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Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort
Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort combines the very best of French style and service with the warmth of traditional Cypriot hospitality
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Almyra
On a sun-drenched headland with uninterrupted views of Paphos harbour, Almyra is set in beautiful gardens
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Anassa
Situated in a quiet and picturesque area of the Akamas Peninsula in northwestern Cyprus
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Annabelle
Situated opposite the old harbour in the centre of the resort area, The Annabelle is an exclusive family-run hotel
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Asimina Suites Hotel
Asimina Suites is an all-suite luxury hotel offering guests spacious and well-equipped accommodation coupled with superb hotel facilities
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Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort
Hidden away in a secluded lush valley, Ayii Anargyri Spa esort is a delightfully unique retreat offering serenity, tranquillity
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Azia Resort & Spa
Azia Resort & Spa is situated directly on the beach and just 6km from Paphos
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Columbia Beach Resort
Columbia Beach Resort is a sophisticated property in Pissouri Bay, situated midway between Limassol and Paphos
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Coral Beach
An unique property that combines traditional Cypriot décor with the modern amenities expected of a modern resort hotel
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Elysium
Elysium provides an elegant five star retreat overlooking the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean
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Four Seasons Hotel
The elegant Four Seasons Hotel, which has recently been refurbished throughout, is located in the historic Amathus area, 8km to the east of Limassol
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Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel
Enjoying a wonderful location, set above Cyprus' legendary Aphrodite's Rock and the Mediterranean
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Londa
Following a major refurbishment this luxurious ‘boutique’ hotel has re-opened retaining its reputation as one of Cyprus’ finest and most exclusive deluxe hotels
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Mediterranean Beach Hotel
Mediterranean Beach Hotel is a good quality four star property set in an attractive seafront position
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Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa
Thalassa is Greek for Sea and the fact that Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa is set on its own small peninsular, means that the sea is never far from view
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Map
Climate
Cyprus is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean. It has a typical Mediterranean climate but its proximity to the land-mass of southwest Asia makes it one of the hottest parts of the Mediterranean.
Did you know?
On his way to the third crusade Richard I married Berengaria of Navarre at Limassol on 12 May 1191. Following Richard’s death she lived in poverty until her own death in France in 1230. She was the only Queen of England never to set foot on English soil.
Cyprus sightseeing
Troodos Mountains
Delight in the stunning views and scenery of the pine-clad Troodos Mountains and Mount Olympus, passing through traditional villages and exploring the famous Kykkos Monastery with its wealth of frescos and mosaics.
Nicosia
Nicosia is not only the capital of Cyprus, but is also known as the last divided city of Europe. As well as giving the opportunity to look across the Green Line into the Turkish occupied area, there is much to explore in this historic city including the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral of St John and an Archeological Museum.
Cruises and Fishing
Enjoy the delightful Mediterranean waters on a boat or catamaran trip. Most coastal resorts have fishing boats from which you can try your hand at sea fishing. Serious anglers may wish to get a licence from the Fisheries Department to allow you to fish in the well-stocked inland reservoirs.
Walking, Cycling and Golf
There are many opportunities for hiking in the Troodos Mountains either independently or with organised groups, and a ramble along the Aphrodite and Adonis trails on the Akamis Peninsula in the western most part of the island is a must. Cycle hire facilities exist in most resorts, but if you are an ambitious mountain biker and wish to explore the Troodos Mountains and Akamis Peninsula, you may prefer to bring your own. For golfers, Secret Valley, Tsada Golf and Aphrodite Hills are three excellent 18-hole courses in the Paphos area.
Map
Climate
Cyprus is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean. It has a typical Mediterranean climate but its proximity to the land-mass of southwest Asia makes it one of the hottest parts of the Mediterranean.
Did you know?
On his way to the third crusade Richard I married Berengaria of Navarre at Limassol on 12 May 1191. Following Richard’s death she lived in poverty until her own death in France in 1230. She was the only Queen of England never to set foot on English soil.
Cyprus cuisine
Cypriot cuisine is closely related to that of Greek however the island's location has ensured an exotic touch. Fresh local ingredients are widely used, as is one of the island's own products, olive oil, and regional herbs and spices add up to what is quintessentially Mediterranean cuisine with an interesting twist!
Local specialities are numerous but the most famous has to be mezedes or meze, as it is more commonly known. Meze consists of as many as 30 small plates of various delicacies, from savoury dips and vegetables to fresh meat and fish. A word of warning though, meze is much more than hors d'oeuvres and is often a complete meal in itself so please do pace yourself!
Map
Climate
Cyprus is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean. It has a typical Mediterranean climate but its proximity to the land-mass of southwest Asia makes it one of the hottest parts of the Mediterranean.
Did you know?
On his way to the third crusade Richard I married Berengaria of Navarre at Limassol on 12 May 1191. Following Richard’s death she lived in poverty until her own death in France in 1230. She was the only Queen of England never to set foot on English soil.
Cyprus offers
Anassa
Situated in a quiet and picturesque area of the Akamas Peninsula in northwestern Cyprus
7 offers
Annabelle
Situated opposite the old harbour in the centre of the resort area, The Annabelle is an exclusive family-run hotel
4 offers
-
-
Asimina Suites Hotel
Asimina Suites is an all-suite luxury hotel offering guests spacious and well-equipped accommodation coupled with superb hotel facilities
2 offers
-
Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort
Hidden away in a secluded lush valley, Ayii Anargyri Spa esort is a delightfully unique retreat offering serenity, tranquillity
3 offers
-
-
Azia Resort & Spa
Azia Resort & Spa is situated directly on the beach and just 6km from Paphos
4 offers
-
Columbia Beach Resort
Columbia Beach Resort is a sophisticated property in Pissouri Bay, situated midway between Limassol and Paphos
4 offers
-
-
Coral Beach
An unique property that combines traditional Cypriot décor with the modern amenities expected of a modern resort hotel
2 offers
-
Elysium
Elysium provides an elegant five star retreat overlooking the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean
4 offers
-
-
Four Seasons Hotel
The elegant Four Seasons Hotel, which has recently been refurbished throughout, is located in the historic Amathus area, 8km to the east of Limassol
5 offers
-
Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel
Enjoying a wonderful location, set above Cyprus' legendary Aphrodite's Rock and the Mediterranean
8 offers
-
-
Londa
Following a major refurbishment this luxurious ‘boutique’ hotel has re-opened retaining its reputation as one of Cyprus’ finest and most exclusive deluxe hotels
7 offers
-
Mediterranean Beach Hotel
Mediterranean Beach Hotel is a good quality four star property set in an attractive seafront position
1 offer
-
-
Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa
Thalassa is Greek for Sea and the fact that Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa is set on its own small peninsular, means that the sea is never far from view
3 offers
-
Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos
Inspired by the architecture of the many monasteries in Cyprus, this sophisticated retreat is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World
9 offers
-
-
Amathus Beach Limassol
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Amathus Beach is a hotel with very high standards offering superb accommodation
6 offers
-
Columbia Beachotel
Situated midway between Limassol and Paphos, the Columbia Beachotel is located in a quiet bay on a long beach
7 offers
-
-
Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort
Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort combines the very best of French style and service with the warmth of traditional Cypriot hospitality
8 offers
-
Almyra
On a sun-drenched headland with uninterrupted views of Paphos harbour, Almyra is set in beautiful gardens
4 offers
-
-
Map
Climate
Cyprus is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean. It has a typical Mediterranean climate but its proximity to the land-mass of southwest Asia makes it one of the hottest parts of the Mediterranean.
Did you know?
On his way to the third crusade Richard I married Berengaria of Navarre at Limassol on 12 May 1191. Following Richard’s death she lived in poverty until her own death in France in 1230. She was the only Queen of England never to set foot on English soil.