PERFECT DAY...
MORNING
Cyprus is an island with perfect, rolling beaches and dazzling blue waters, but it also has a fascinating history and a wealth of captivating places to see. Start your day in Geroskipou and try some freshly made loukoumi (Cypriot fruit delights) to sweeten your mood. You can then feast your eyes on the awe-inspiring Church of Agia Paraskevi, located right in the centre of the town. This is a Byzantine architectural masterpiece with five domes and an atmosphere of sacred calm. Make sure you see the centuries-old frescoes in the dome above the sanctuary.
AFTERNOON
Head to Kato Paphos where you can see the House of the God Dionysus and then have a traditional Greek lunch at the local restaurant 'Hondros Tavern' open since 1957. With the delicious food and friendly welcoming atmosphere in this place, the wine and smiles will surely flow. Afterwards drive along the sparkling coastline and stop at the magnificent Tombs of the Kings before heading to Agios Neophytos Monastery which is 10km northwest of Paphos. This glorious monastery has a fantastic history which includes the tale of the hermit who in 1159 cut a cave from the rock with his own hands.
EVENING
There is no more perfect place for a sunset than the Petra Tou Romiou. This is where the Greek Myth says that Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, rose from the waves and onto the shores of Cyprus. The sunset seems to melt into the ocean from this romantic spot, where the legend has it that if you swim anti-clockwise around the rock three times at sunset, Aphrodite will ensure you good health and a glorious sex life. Fancy a dip? Afterwards, have a superb dinner at Demokritos, where the meze will leave you satisfied but not so full that you can't dance the night away to the local music and be swept up in the traditional bouzouki dancing.
Shopping
Lacework and embroidery, pottery and woodwork, jewellery … the artistic heritage of Cyprus is a reflection of the islands history and traditions that have endured for centuries. Most of the raw materials used in crafts, from copper to silk and cotton, are native to Cyprus. Since 1975 the government has actively strived to preserve local craftworks by creating the Cyprus Handicraft Service. They provide goods to the large Cyprus Handicraft Centre (Lefkosia) and official craft shops.
Cypriot lacework is prized for its quality and artistry and it is one if Cyprus’s most famous exports. The village of Lefkara is very well known for its embroidery, called Lefkaritika, take a wander around the streets and you will be invited into the many of the shops.
Embroidered lace, worked on off white linen or cotton, makes for highly decorative tablecloths, curtains, doilies, placemats and dresser sets. A specialty of Paphos is Pafitika, fabric embroidered with geometric designs.
Pottery has been made in Cyprus continuously for thousands of years. Attractive pots come in all shapes and sizes. Terra cota pieces with white decorations, copies of museum pieces are popular gifts, as are copper wares, hand painted gourds and handmade baskets and jewellery with motifs from antiquity.
The smaller villages of Cyprus are the best places to pick up handcrafted Cypriot lace at a good price. Bargaining is accepted, be polite but firm. Always shop around and don’t display too much enthusiasm.
Getting Around
One can travel around Cyprus either by bus, by taxi or private car. There are no trains in Cyprus. One of the most inexpensive ways of travelling is by bus, which costs approximately €1. Buses are available every half an hour throughout the area. Almost all villages are connected with the nearest town by buses.
There are numerous places of interest in remote areas, if you like to explore then driving in Cyprus is a must. Fairly good surfaced roads complying with international traffic requirements link the towns and various villages. Use of a mobile phone is strictly prohibited. Visitors in Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving license or their national driving license provided it is valid for the vehicle class they intend to drive. Driving is on the left as in the UK. There are many places that you can hire a car from. Always use a reputable company.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, communal service taxis are another option. They provide connections between all major towns every half hour. Regular taxis are reasonably priced and are especially good options for airport transfers.
Nightlife
Cyprus has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife. You will find traditional entertainment – folk music and dancing – at numerous tavernas and restaurants in cities and villages. There are many fish and specialty or themed restaurants and many places are family friendly.
Eating Out
Everyone knows that Cyprus is famous for its food; the cuisine is a blend of flavours gathered from all over the eastern Mediterranean. Cypriots cook with less oil than their Mediterranean neighbours. The cuisine is healthy apart from their love of syrup soaked pastries. All food is cooked fresh on a daily basis. The quality of fresh produce is excellent and the local salads are delicious.
One of the most popular dishes in Cyprus is a Meze. You are served up to 20 different saucer sized dishes, ranging from local cheese like halloumi and feta, meats like pork, chicken and fish.
Some of the most popular meals are: Kleftico – lamb or goat roasted with vegetables in an outside oven. Shish Kebab – marinated lamb skewered and grilled over charcoal. Souvla – Lamb or goat cooked on a rotisserie. Souvlaki – Pork grilled on a skewer. Sheftalia – small rissoles of mince, onions and spices wrapped in a 'skin' of gut rather like small sausages. Mousakka – slices of aubergine and potato overlaid with mince and white sauce.
There are some fantastic golf courses in Cyprus and a couple luxury golf resorts are under development in Paphos. Pissouri is situated close to two popular courses, Tsada and Secret Valley.
Hiking is very popular in the mountains and the climate is cooler on higher ground. There are beautiful unspoilt views from the mountains.
Sports
Sea sports are also very popular due to the calm clear waters surrounding the island. There is jet skiing, water surfing, various boat excursions, diving and many more. There are trained instructors ready to assist for all levels of divers. There is also the wreck of Zenobia which is the fourth largest wreck dive in the world and this is for experienced divers only.
From January until March you can ski in the Troodos Mountains! So Cyprus really does have something for everyone.
For the family
Everyone agrees that Cyprus is a fantastic place for children. The long sunny days and sandy beaches are an irresistible holiday combination. Be sure to think about alternative plans if weather is a factor in what you want to do. It can be very hot in the middle of the day in high season and it does occasionally rain in the winter months. The good news is that Cyprus has a variety of attractions for all ages.
Coral Bay Karting - Go karts for adults and children. There is also a games centre and a children’s playground.
Aphrodite water park Paphos - Offers a very high level of safety and hygiene and has a variety of slides and fun activities there are also a couple of bowling alleys in Paphos and themed cruises with indoor shows and meals.