Cyprus

Cyprus is a large Mediterranean island located about 60 kilometres from the Turkish coast. It is a cultural, linguistic, and physical crossroads between Europe and Asia, making it a melting pot of different cultures and amazing sites.
 

It boasts exceptional beaches, azure waters, imposing mountains, a host of underwater treasures, and vast pine forests with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is easy to reach and has two airports, one in Paphos and one in Larnaca.

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, summers are hot and dry (June to September), and winters are mild (November to March), with relatively short Autumn and Spring periods characterised by temperate weather (ranging between 15°C and 23°C). Summers are long and hot, with average highs in Nicosia of 37°C and slightly cooler temperatures, ranging between 26°C and 30°C in coastal areas.
 

The higher regions of the Troodos Mountain range have a slightly different climate, with colder winters and summer temperatures of 21°C. Cyprus has the ideal environment for those who want a great summer holiday, with little chance of rain and warm summer temperatures.

With a rich and varied history, it has been renowned since ancient times for its mineral wealth, natural beauty and strategic importance. In the Hellenistic period, it was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, and the setting for many of the most famous stories about her, including her first love affair with Adonis. However, Cyprus’ strategic importance as a Mediterranean naval base also meant it had a turbulent history, marked by many conquests.
 

Cyprus was involved in many crucial events in ancient history, including being part of the Persian Empire and the wars of the successors, where Alexander the Great’s generals battled to see who would succeed him. It remained part of the Eastern Roman Empire for the next 1000 years, until Richard the Lionheart took it during the Crusades, and eventually fell to the Ottoman Empire as it spread across Turkey. Cyprus remained a part of the Ottoman Empire until it was awarded to Britain in 1860, finally gaining its independence in 1960.
 

A place of myth and legend, steeped in history, it is sure to allure and fascinate every visitor.

Traditional Cypriot cuisine has been shaped by the many cultures and traditions it has absorbed. Cypriot cuisine draws inspiration from many countries around the Mediterranean, creating a unique blend of flavours that suits every palate, from meat-eaters to vegetarians.
 

During your stay, we highly recommend visiting a local taverna to try a meat or fish ‘Meze’. These traditional Cypriot feasts usually include a large selection of up to 25 dishes with small helpings of varied foods, brought to the table as a progression of tastes and textures, all representing incredible value for money.
 

Other musts include slow-cooked lamb “Kleftiko”, a traditional potato/aubergine-based vegetable dish called Moussaka & for the vegetarians “Yemista”, vegetables stuffed generously with a wonderful mixture of rice, pine nuts, sultanas, garlic & parmesan cheese.

Summer in Cyprus is perfect for family holidays with lots to see and do. Your children will love the supervised mini-clubs operated at many of our hotels and apartments. They have fun, whilst you relax. A family-friendly country, the island offers a wide range of exciting activities at its various resorts and destinations.
 

A host of exciting waterparks provide aquatic fun for people of all ages, from the Super Aphrodite Park in Paphos to the Watermania Park in Limassol. It also offers a large variety of educational activities, including zoos in Paphos and Limassol, and an aquarium with over 1,000 species of marine life in Ayia Napa.
 

The coastal areas are perfect for families, with a wide variety of water sports and other activities to enjoy on Cyprus’ golden sands and azure waters.

As a destination, Cyprus is a tourist hub, offering a wide range of tours and attractions. On its many beaches, visitors will find plenty of watersports, diving, and boat-hire companies, allowing them to experience all the magic the Mediterranean Sea has to offer.
Inland, highlights include national parks such as Troodos, Cape Greco, and the Akamas Peninsula, offering a diverse range of nature that will excite and delight in equal measure.
No matter which part of the island you visit, you’ll find a host of activities, both modern and old-fashioned, ensuring everyone has an exceptional time.

As a historic country, Cyprus offers a wide range of festivals to enjoy throughout the year. Carnival Weekend in March is especially lively in Limassol, with its delightful street parades and fancy-dress parties.
Easter is especially important in the Orthodox Church, and you can enjoy a variety of parades and carnivals at the start of Lent and during Easter itself. Fifty days after Easter, the whole country comes together to celebrate ‘Kataklysmos’ (The Festival of the Flood), where aquatic games are played at every harbour.
In September, you can enjoy the Limassol wine festival and the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, which offers operatic cultural events, plus a host of other festivals featuring traditional dancing and singing throughout the summer months.
Christmas and New Year in Cyprus are very festive, with pretty street decorations and great parties at most hotels.

A variety of shopping options will appeal to all visitors, from international names in large resorts like Paphos and Limassol to more localised shops in quieter places like Polis and Pissouri.
The country is especially famous for its jewellery, lace, pottery and food products, with authentic items available throughout the island.
In Paphos, visit the King’s Avenue Shopping Mall for designer labels and international high street brands.

The beautiful island’s nightlife is some of the best in the world. Whether you want a traditional vibe with Cypriot music and dancing or a trendy nightclub, Cyprus can cater to all tastes.
Paphos has its own dedicated Bar Street with a range of bars and restaurants, whilst Limassol offers the greatest range of places to go.
Ayia Napa offers the liveliest nightlife and is the place to be for music lovers!

Immerse yourself in one of the many haute-luxury spas in Cyprus. You don’t need an excuse to treat yourself to this level of quality pampering. Simply indulge, and you will leave your destination with a guaranteed million-dollar glow.
 

While quality spa hotels in Cyprus offer the latest treatments and the most modern, innovative product lines, many also offer treatments rooted in ancient traditions and teachings, using earth-based products used for centuries, including olive oil, yoghurt, and honey.

Teeing off in Cyprus’s sunshine is an experience like no other. With a year-round sunny climate, stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, mountains, and the beautiful shoreline, a golf holiday in Cyprus ticks all the boxes.
 

At Cyplon Holidays, we have gathered only the most elegant resorts close to the region’s world-class courses. Whether you’re a scratch golfer looking to add a world-class course to your list or a beginner who wants to enjoy a round in a pristine natural setting, we can match you with a course that fits your skill and preferences.

Discover the joyous mountains and off-the-beaten-track Cypriot villages by hiring a car, which gives you the freedom to explore Cyprus at your leisure. Visit different towns, discover remote beaches, enjoy family days out, or drive up into the cool, pine-scented Troodos Mountains to experience the tranquillity and beauty of fantastic panoramic views.
 

Mix and mingle with locals in one of the many picturesque villages along the way, or just unwind. Cyprus has a rich history, with plenty of places of interest to visit. Some of these places may only be accessible by car, so don’t miss the chance.

Are sunbathing and relaxation your top priorities on holiday? Look no further than our Cyprus beach holidays. Cyprus offers arguably the best climate and setting for a perfect Mediterranean beach holiday, and we have hand-picked resorts that will cater to your every desire.

Among Cypriots, traditional Brandy and Zivania are among the most popular drinks on the island. The second most popular drink is beer, with KEO beer, the local speciality. Cyprus was one of the first wine producers, with a history spanning millennia, and the island’s oldest wine in continuous production is a dessert wine called Commandaria.

Cyprus also has a tradition of brandy production, with various Limassol-based distilleries producing it since 1871. Cypriot brandy is commonly drunk with meze dishes and forms the base for the distinctive Brandy Sour, developed on the island in the late 1930s.