Holidays in Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and whatever time of the year you plan to visit, the sun will be shining. Cyprus is an ideal place for a summer holiday and is a favourite destination with holiday makers, with over 2 and a half million vistors a year.

A holiday in Cyprus offers an unbelievable experience for groups of friends, family's, couples and the lone traveller. Whether you visit for culture and history, the clean beaches, skiing or hiking in the Troodos Mountains, cycling, windsurfing, boating, diving and snorkelling, horse riding, or just for its warm atmosphere and relaxed vibe, you won't be disappointed.

The most well known beach is Phinikoudes in Larnaca where the sand extends five hundred metres and is watched over by a lifeguard, offering total safety for children. It has well placed cafes and restaurants, markets, changing rooms and showers and facilities for a range of water sports and palm trees for shade.

Paphos is more cosmopolitan. It has its own fishing harbour and is a resort full of history, culture and fun with a variety of places to shop and eat, as well as up-market bars and lively discos.

Inbetween Protaras and Agia Napa is Pernera beach. It has a Blue Flag award for its glorious golden sands and moderate waves, which make it ideal for various water sports.

Ayia Napa is just the place to chill out on the white sand or take a dip in the inviting blue water. Or you can explore the historical sites, visit the 16th century monastery and walk the cobbled streets. Look around the shop and take a wander along the harbour. Ayia Napa is world famous for its nightlight.

A top Cyprus destination is Protaras, great for family holidays. Protaras has beautiful sandy beaches, good variety of watersports, crystal clear waters, nightlife and countryside.

Coral Bay lies in East Cyprus. Shaped like a horseshoe, the cove has white sands and shallow waters. It is a perfect spot if you are looking for lazy days on the beach or chilling out before you hit the nightlife. The bay is lined with shops, bars and restaurants and if you fancy a change you can explore the beauty of the Akamas National Park.

Northern Cyrpus is the best kept secret of the Mediterranean. It is steeped in history, has a sunny climate, amazing views along a coastline that stretches for miles, yet its slow pace of life makes it feel like a village. The deep crystal clear seas make in one of the best areas on the island for diving and there are some interesting ancient harbours.

Its getting easier to travel around North Cyprus. You can take flights from Ercan in the north or Larnaca and Paphos in the south for arrival flights. Exploring is fun whether on foot or you hire a scooter, car, bicycle or a specialist mobility scooter.

Folk music in Cyprus is a custom and can be compared to that of greek dances including Tatsia, Syrtos, Kartsilamas and Sousta. The pop music again is influenced by Greece and the Cypriots also perform a type of music poetry know as Chattista.

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By Jez Rourke