Sitting in the Mediterranean Sea the island of Cyprus is just a three-hour flight from Abu Dhabi. We checked out the island destination to see what it had to offer.

 

 

Commonly referred to as the island of Aphrodite; Cyprus is sure to capture visitors’ hearts. Begin your adventure by flying into Larnaka. This quaint town is a mix of the old and new; the old Turkish quarter is ideal for drifting through markets and you are sure to pick up some unique crafts. If you are a more contemporary shopper there are plenty of chain stores in the city centre to keep you happy. Soak up the rays by day and by night check out the many cafés and restaurants in this idyllic seaside town.

Cyprus has a rich history waiting to be explored; Kyrenia in the North is the ideal place to do just that. The beautiful harbour and castle have a romantic feel and are becoming increasing popular with visitors. The monasteries and museums add cultural value and are definitely worth exploring. Stunning mountain ranges further enhance the appeal of this area.

Delve into the heart of the country and travel to the capital, Nicosia. Divided into the Turkish-occupied North (Lefkosa) and the Republican South (Lefkosia), crossing over the border is relatively easy.

Choose from an abundance of different restaurants, from traditional cuisine to modern swanky eateries, this exciting city tailors for every requirement. Dining is nearly always an outdoor experience due to the mild winters and hot summers while shoppers have plenty to choose from here with chain, designer and local shops.

The Great outdoors

This small island is host to a range of different outdoor activities, largely due to its rich and plentiful coastline. Troodos, the biggest mountain range in Cyprus, is ideal for hiking and mountain biking and trails are marked out by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) starting from the village of Troodos.

The peaks provide panoramic views of all corners of the island and offer a welcome break from the intense heat of the coast. Skiing season lasts from December to April and the best snow for skiing usually falls in January. Omodos is a picturesque traditional village in the Troodos mountains and an ideal place to go for traditional Greek Cypriot food or to just relax and enjoy a coffee.

If watersports are more your thing than head to Latchi, a scenic fishing village that stretches along the north west coast of the island, it’s clear warm waters means it perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and fishing. The striking scenery adds to its charm and it’s certainly worth making the trip here.

A 15-minute drive from Limassol city centre you’ll find Lady’s Mile beach. Famed for its long sandy beach that stretches for miles with clear blue, shallow waters; the beach is one of the most popular spots in Cyprus for windsurfing. From diving to camping every region of this sun-drenched island caters for the outdoor junkie.

Party place

If you’re looking to release your inner party animal then head down south to Agia Napa, famed for its hot sun and buckets of fun.

Originally a tiny fishing village this little town packed with themed bars and shops is now a haven for tourists. Days consist of wandering aimlessly through the shops and soaking up the rays on the sandy shores. Nights are spent partying in an assortment of night spots until the early hours.

During the high season (mid-July to mid-August) the area is jam-packed with tourists. As temperatures soothe so too does the nightlife with some clubs closing as the season wanes from September onwards. However, Agia Napa still has plenty to offer during these quieter months. Tourists ramble around indulging in the finer things in life and partaking in the carefree lifestyle it offers.

Rates can be expensive in the summer so if you’re on a budget but still craving some excitement then head down south to Lemesos (Limassol), the second biggest city in the country has a lively nightlife with some great places to eat and drink.

Island for all

Unlike a lot of destinations this tranquil island is suitable for every type of visitor. Couples wander hand in hand along the sandy shores. Singles trail the breathtaking mountains and families indulge in an array of different activities. This small but diverse island is guaranteed to keep everyone entertained. With its low crime rate Cyprus is the type of place where cars remain unlocked and children roam freely. One experiences a warm and welcoming feeling the moment they land here. It is no wonder that it is fast becoming a much-loved destination, one that we will be sure to return to.

Liz Kinane