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Cyprus

Cyprus

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 With over 9,000 years of tumultuous history, Cyprus is a complicated and beautiful country.

Its more recent Greek and Turkish conflicts divided and enhanced the island, contributing to its melting pot culture from the architecture to the cuisine.

These days, the bullets are no longer flying, and it's safe and relaxing to spend a week here dallying along its beaches, hiking its hills and exploring its clutch of archaeological sites.

Have your time in tourist-geared towns like Paphos or Lemesos, but leave them to visit the island's Gothic castles at Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara.

Visit the cloistered Monastery of Agia Napa and the interesting Marine Life Museum, but do not stay in the crowded tourist town, especially in August. See the stunning UNESCO listed Panagia Forviotissa (Asinou) in the Adelfi Forest. Nicosia is strange and spectral, but worth visiting to get a feel for the wars fought between Turkey and Greece, and the subsequent division, and redevelopment of, the city.

Cyprus’ beaches are gems, and vary in every cardinal direction. Nature lovers will appreciate Alagadi Turtle Beach for its shallow and clean waters and green and loggerhead turtles. Curium Beach is a favourite for the Roman Amphitheatre in the background and its stunning sandy beaches. Come to Nissi Beach in Nissi Bay to escape the wind and enjoy the many tavernas, cafes and water sport activities on offer.

Travel Tips

  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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