Cyprus Travel Guide

Cyprus is worthy of its legacy as the birthplace of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, and her mortal beloved, Adonis, its glorious beaches, shimmering blue seas and classical ruins making it every inch the Mediterranean paradise. The destination's chief city, Nicosia, remains the only divided capital in the world, though the UN-enforced 'Green Line' has worked to keep tensions between the Greek and Turkish sectors of the population below boiling-point. Tourists should have no qualms about visiting this richly rewarding country.

Those eager to experience the ancient culture of the island and to drink in its wealth of historical sites should start with Ancient Kourion, a Greco-Roman amphitheatre famous for its astounding mosaics. From there, travellers should continue on to Ancient Salamis and the Cyprian Acropolis in Paphos. The Old Town section of Nicosia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with picturesque 16th-century architecture (including the revitalised baths of Hamam Omerye).

Many visitors spend the duration of their stay in blissful relaxation on the Mediterranean's golden shores. The area of Paphos is especially ideal for tourists looking for a relaxing beach holiday, offering a range of accommodation and dining options within easy walking distance of the pretty beachfront area. The resort town of Protaras is excellent for swimming, offers a wide range of water sport opportunities, and is also home to the island's best beach in the form of Fig Tree Bay, while Ayia Napa, another resort, is known around the world for its wild parties and throbbing nightlife.

Best time to visit

Cyprus boasts an annual average of 330 sunshine days and this idyllic weather ensures it can be visited at any time of year. Summer is the high tourist season, but the island is also popular between November and January, as many visitors seek out winter-sun holidays in Cyprus.

What to see in Cyprus

-Nicosia's Old Town district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a wonderful place to wander around with a camera.

-The archaeological site of Ancient Kourin, located outside Limassol, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the island's history.

-The creepy Agia Solomoni Catacombs in Kato Paphos are intriguing.

-Paphos' Tombs of the Kings is an impressive underground catacomb complex dating back over 2,000 years.

What to do in Cyprus

-Enjoy some water sports in Protaras, a popular resort on Cyprus' southern coast.

-Discover the sleepy village of Agarka (just north of Paphos), a quaint enclave untouched by mass tourism.

-Head to the Troodos Mountains, which offer excellent hiking trails for visitors who wish to explore the Cyprian countryside.

-Take a romantic swim at the Baths of Aphrodite near Paphos.

Holiday resorts in Cyprus

Cyprus has many popular resorts for sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach holiday. Each resort has its own character, varying from lively nightlife to laidback and secluded natural settings, from singles heaven to family-friendly bliss.

Getting to Cyprus

There are direct cheap flights to Cyprus available from a variety of British airports. American visitors will have to take an indirect flight to Cyprus. Budget-conscious travellers should note that several low-cost European carriers offer cheap flights to Larnaca Airport in Cyprus.

Read

Bitter Lemons by Lawrence Durrell and Tetralogy of the Times: Stories of Cyprus by G. Philippou Pierides.

Watch

The High Bright Sun (1964) and Under the Stars (2001).

Drink

Commandaria (a sweet dessert wine) and lots of lots of strong, delicious Cypriot coffee.

Eat

Popular spreads such as taramosalata (made from roe) and tahini (made from sesame seeds), as well as the island's speciality cheese, halloumi.

What to buy

Beaded jewellery, delicate lacework (especially from the village of Lefkara), leather items and Cyprian wine.

What to pack

Pack comfortable walking shoes, as many of the island's best archaeological sites are quite large, and the ruins are quite spread out.

What's on in Cyprus

The Ayia Napa International Festival is a colourful folk festival greatly enjoyed by Cypriots each September. The Limassol Carnival (February and March) turns the city into a veritable fairground for two weeks of the year, as mandolin-playing minstrels take to the streets, and parades, balls and fancy dress competitions occur daily. The Ancient Greek Drama Festival (June to August) offers visitors the rare chance of seeing ancient Greek theatre being performed in an ancient Greek amphitheatre.

Did you know?

-Archaeological evidence dates the first human settlement on Cyprus as far back as 8,000 BC.

-The Mufflon is a kind of wild sheep that is found in the Troodos and Paphos mountains, and nowhere else in the world.

-During the Copper and Bronze Ages, Cyprus was the wealthiest nation in the world.

-Cyprus is thought to be the first country ever governed by a Christian.

A final word

Cyprus is commonly referred to as the 'playground of the gods', but mere mortals will find plenty to keep themselves entertained on this glorious sun-soaked island.