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Cyprus Destination Guide

Cyprus

Cyprus

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  1. If you must stay in Agia Napa, check in at the Pavlonapa Hotel near Nissi Bay for its pools bars and health and wellness centre. The self-catering villas at Hilarion Village in northern Cyprus are also a good option if you want more independence from tourist traps - they're hidden away in the Five Fingers mountains surrounded by citrus and olive trees.  
  2. Some travellers come to Cyprus exclusively to hike along its myriad of long and short coastal and inland trails. For an ultra-long hike through vineyards and past Byzantine churches, choose the Panagia tou Araka to Stavros tou Agiasmati Trail. There are four shorter hikes around Troödos village and several good trails between Platres and Fini.
  3. Before leaving Cyprus visit the Paphos archaeological sites to take in breathtaking mosaics in the Greco-Roman ruins of a Roman governor’s palace. Also try to make time for an excursion to the Tombs of the Kings, also in Paphos. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is fascinating for its subterranean tombs dating between Ancient Athens to the mid-Roman empire.
  4. Cyprus’s culinary cues fall in line with other regional countries like Greece and Italy. The Mediterranean diet focuses on fish, cheeses like halloumi and feta, and meats such as lamb and chicken. Of the many eateries on this island country, two stand out for their simple excellence. Kamares Taverna in Lofou for its made-to-order meze, like hummus and lentils; and the Blue Island Restaurant in Limassol for its ocean front views and succulent steaks.
  5. There are dozens of fantastic swimming holes and diving and snorkelling areas around Cyprus. The Zenobia shipwreck is a tourist’s favourite as is the natural beaches' Karpas Peninsula. The best place to organise a guided snorkelling or diving tour, or simply rent good equipment, is Dive Point in Paphos.

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