Holidays to Cyprus

While many visitors will be content to club the night away and chill out on the many beaches by day, it would be a shame to miss out on some of the natural wonders Cyprus has to offer. For the best views on the entire island, rent a car, or hike up to the Troodos Mountains – you’ll be working up a sweat and soaking up some local historical flavour at the same time. Plus you’ll have the bragging rights of scaling the mythical Mount Olympus. On your way back down, don’t forget to brush shoulders with the locals in the mountainous village of Platres, home to a wealth of picturesque waterfalls and forests. To continue your historical adventure, Cyprus has an endless amount of ancient ruins, archaeological wonders and otherworldly architecture for you to uncover. The ancient city of Paphos should be top of your list – the Archaeological Park offers numerous cultural delights including the famous Tomb of Kings, the breathtaking Paphos Fort and the striking Odeon amphitheatre. 

If you’re a rowdy reveller looking for nothing more than to party the night away in Cyprus, then you may be tempted to make a beeline for the first fast food spot you see. But we implore you to soldier on and seek out some of the island’s wonderfully authentic eateries. With enough traditional dishes to sample every night of your holiday, Cyprus is truly a land of gastronomic delights. Fans of traditional tapas will want to tuck into some delicious Cypriot mezes, which are modest plates of seafood and other meat. Regions like Limassol and Paralimni have turned this speciality into an art form. Another favourite of the island that’s made its way across the Mediterranean and found its way into our local supermarkets is halloumi cheese. It’s a light and versatile cheese that can be grilled and is simply divine on top of a fresh salad drizzled with locally sourced extra virgin olive oil. Seafood lovers will be in paradise, as fish is a major part of the Cypriot diet and features on practically every menu you’ll find. There’s no shortage of refreshing and light white wine to wash it all down with.

Continually a popular destination for families year after year, Cyprus has plenty on offer for you and your little ones, no matter what their age range. With plenty of amenities and creature comforts always within arm’s reach, we’re sure you’ll adapt to the beach lifestyle with ease, whether your kids want to splash around on the beach building sandcastles, or bring out their inner adventurer with some extreme water sports, there’s something for kids and big kids alike. Ayia Napa, in particular, caters for water babies with a number of fantastic water parks available. So, as they crash down slide after slide you can wave from a sun lounger at the side of the pool while sizzling and sipping on cocktails. It’s your holiday too, after all. Later on, a boat trip out to the coastline to explore sea caves will provide plenty of family memories and photo opportunities. After some recent rejuvenation to make it even more family friendly, no matter where in Cyprus you end up, you’ll find plenty of family-oriented resorts and kid friendly beaches. You’ll be truly spoilt for choice.

If you’re looking to get your heart racing and blood pumping in Cyprus there’s no end to the high-octane activities you can take part in. If water sports take your fancy, then you have plenty of options – if you manage to pull yourself out of the warm Mediterranean waters, that is. With diving, snorkelling and sailing, among others, available, you can select the pace at which you want your adventure to go. Back on dry land, head for Paphos where you’ll find jeep safaris galore to take you over the rugged Cypriot terrain, or take your pick of semi-aquatic buggies if you fancy getting your feet wet. If a good hike is more your scene, then head straight for the diverse Troodos mountains. With fascinating trails aplenty, ranging from the simple to the more challenging, you’ll be in hiking heaven and even get to check out the gorgeous traditional towns of Omodhus and Platres on your travels.

If you’re looking for nothing more than to chill out on the beach and sizzle, while feeling the touch of powder-soft sand on your feet, then Cyprus will meet your every whim. With a gorgeous coastline that boasts immaculately well-kept beaches on all sides, you’ll marvel at these golden crescents as you soak up some rays every morning. For a family friendly beach offering, look no further than Protaras, with large amount of space, shallow waters and the usual amenities close by that you would expect from a sun holiday. The younger set will want to head for the famed resort of Ayia Napa – with a beautiful selection of beaches, action-packed water sports and a vibrant party atmosphere that hits as the sun begins to set, the transition from swimming trunks to glad rags will soon become second nature. Those that don’t mind venturing off the beaten track a little will be incredibly rewarded on the tranquil town of Polis. It has a number of quaint coves and beaches for you to find your own personal slice of heaven.

Often thought of as the Ibiza of the Eastern Mediterranean, the nightlife in Cyprus is not to be sniffed at. Those with cheap drinks and dancing on the brain will want to head to Ayia Napa, party central of the island, with an entire strip of bars and clubs galore to choose from. Revellers from the UK and Ireland will be particularly impressed with the ‘free pour’ ethos of the bartenders here. If you want nothing more that to rave all night, sleep all day and maybe catch a glimpse of the sun, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re after a more laid-back affair, but still want to keep the option of partying open, then Limassol is your best bet. With an enchanting old-town vibe, this coastal hotspot once reigned supreme as the Cypriot party capital, before Ayia Napa came along. You could call it a more refined version of Ayia Napa – think chic cocktail bars and classy lounges rather than fishbowls of alcohol.

If you’re a couple that likes to party together, and recover together the next day curled up on soft, sandy beaches, then Cyprus will provide this in spades. But if you’d prefer some traditional romantic vibes, this wonderful island has plenty in store. Visiting couples will adore sipping on beachside cocktails before a leisurely stroll as the sun begins to set on the horizon and the warm Mediterranean waves lap against the coast. Then top this off with a romantic meal for two in any of the quaint and cosy tavernas or classy restaurants. Love will certainly be in the air around Aphrodite beach in Kouklia, which houses the Petra tou Romiou, said to be the birthplace of the goddess of love herself. Impress your other half with a day trip to this scenic location and you’re sure to get loved up. If you’re thinking about popping the question, then Aphrodite Hills will provide all manner of stunning backdrops for you to get down on one knee. Or, if you already have, Cyprus is ideal as a wedding location, famed for its blissful beach weddings and charming clifftop chapels.

The Cypriot way of life is all about the slower pace and enjoying the finer things in life. But with millenniums of history in its past, there’s no shortage of things for culture vultures to sink their teeth into. You’ll derive hours of pleasure from ambling around mountain towns like Platres and culturally significant cities like Paphos. These places still bear the marks of the past and links to mythical gods like Aphrodite. Cyprus is simply bursting at the seams with culture and an air of mystery, with plenty of museums also on offer like the Archaeological Museum in Nicosia if you fancy ducking into the shade for your dose of culture.