Cyprus, is an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here - but then, people do tend to get possessive when faced with such beauty. 

Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus, and travellers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.

Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local cafes.

A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people.

Paphos

Located on the west of the island Paphos is now a popular all year holiday resort. Famous for it's bustling fishing harbour offering many open air cafes and tavern's serving a wide selection of exquisite Cypriot cuisine.

There are many sites of cultural and historical interest to explore, including the Tombs of Kings, House of Dionysos, Baths of Aphrodite and Paphos Castle. Paphos also provides many activities such as boat trips, watersports, aquarium and for walkers and naturalists the Akamas Peninsula offers wonderful coastline views and nature trails.

Golf is now becoming a popular sport in Cyprus with 3 spectacular courses within the Paphos area. They are, Tsada Golf Course, Aphrodite Hills and Secret Valley.

Coral Bay

Renowned for its superb sandy beaches, Coral Bay is a delightful resort situated 12kms from Paphos. The main road is lined with a small but ample selection of shops, restaurants, banks and bars giving you everything you need for a relaxing holiday without losing any of its local charm. Life here tends to be based around the sandy bay with calm shallow waters making it ideal for children. Also offering a wide selection of water sports it is perfect for all the family.

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Sea Caves/St George Area

The Sea Caves area was once rural and barren land. Over recent years it has changed dramatically. Now it is one of the finest residential areas on the Island offering some of the most exclusive villas in Cyprus. This is not surprising when you consider its breathtaking rugged coastline and small sandy coves with crystal clear Mediterranean waters. Sunsets in this region are simply magical.

Proceeding along you come to the pretty, tiny picturesque fishing harbour of St George with a small sand/shingle beach. A perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, topping up your tan or enjoying the local specialty “fish meze” in one of the selection of small family run tavernas.

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TEMPLE OF APHRODITE

Kouklia village, 14 km cast of Paphos. This is Palaepaphos, Old Paphos, one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage of the ancient Greek world, and once an ancient city kingdom of Cyprus. Here arc the ruins of the famous Temple of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains, go back to the 12th century B.C.

The temple was one of the most important places of cult and pilgrimage of the ancient world, till the 3rd4th century A.D. The Museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, is small but impressive with many finds from the area.

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PETRA TOU ROMIOU

(Birthplace of Aphrodite) 25 km cast of Paphos. According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou (The Rock of the Greek), is associated with the legendary frontier guard of Byzantine times, Dighenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said in one such fight he heaved a large rock (Petra), at his enemy.

PANAYIA CHRYSELEOUSA

3 km north of Paphos, Emba village. A 12th century church standing in the centre of the village. A series of icons and two panels with the 12 Apostles date to the middle of the 16th century.

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PEYIA

Ayios Georghios Basilica and the picturesque fountains. Peyia village, 19 km north-west of Paphos. In Peyia, do not forget to quench your thirst at the picturesque fountains which can be found in the beautiful stone-paved village square. 4.5 km from the village, near the fishing refuge, are the ruins of two early Christian basilicas with some very interesting mosaic floors depicting animals. This site must have been an important establishment in Early Christian times. There are also rock- hewn tombs of the Roman period above the sea.

AYIOS NEOPHYTOS MONASTERY

9 km north of Paphos. Founded around 1200 by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos.

The Encleistra or Enclosure carved out of the mountain by the hermit contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to 15th century. In the Monastery's church there is an interesting collection of icons and remains of 16th century frescoes.

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CHRYSOROYIATISSA MONASTERY

40 km north-cast of Paphos, turn right before Stroumbi village. The monastery is also reached from Kykko (forest road). Set in beautiful surroundings, this monastery, dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate, was originally founded in the 12th century but the present building dates to 1770. The monastery has a collection of important icons and treasures. An impressive religious ceremony and celebrations are held on 15th August. Recently the old winery of the monastery was reopened and produces some of the best vintage wine available in Cyprus.


POLIS (known in ancient times as Marion)

37 km north of Paphos One of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus, it became an important commercial centre in Classical and Hellenistic times, with close relations with Athens. Some beautiful houses, dating to the beginning of this century, can still be seen here. Polis, with its excellent climate and beautiful beaches and scenery, is now developing into a popular resort.

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BATHS OF APHRODITE
(Akamas Peninsula, near Polis)

48 km north of Paphos An area of breathtaking beauty associated with Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8 km from the Baths, at the end ot the Akamas Peninsula). Walking along this trail, one can enjoy an incomparable view and unspoilt nature (especially in Spring).

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Treasures of the Mountains

To experience another dimension of Cyprus, head inland to the Troodos Mountains, home of our very own Mount Olympus. At 1,951 metres, it is the highest point on the island. The lower slopes of the Troodos alternate between terraced vineyards and the Phoenician juniper maquis found in abundance near the coast, sprinkled in places with pink rock rose and wild lavender. Bright green pine trees and tall cedars dominate in the higher elevations. This is a region of cool air, abundant nature trails such as the Persephone Trail and Atalanta Trail, and villages of red-tiled roofs where the pace is refreshingly relaxed.

The best way to explore the Troodos area is by renting a car. Roads are excellent, signs are in English as well as Greek (as everywhere else) and the panoramas are awe-inspiring. A good starting point is the Pitsylia area, with numerous villages where you can sample local wines, honey and cheeses. The largest hill resort is higher up, Platres, immortalized in George Seferis’ poem according to which the “nightingales of Platres” sing all night long. The upper portion of the town, Pano Platres, exudes an Alpine feel with its small hotels, cafes and bakeries. In the wintertime, Platres is a good starting point for skiing excursions to Mount Olympus. The Troodos is also home to ten painted Byzantine churches, all on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Cyprus has a panoply of choices for night owls of all feathers. You will find traditional entertainment - folk music and dancing - at numerous tavernas and restaurants in the cities as well as in many villages. Tavernas offer a tantalizing selection of local food, and dessert is often on the house for visitors. You’re sure to enjoy this festive look into many of the colourful customs of old Cyprus.

Nightclubs of all stripes are found in Lemesos (Limassol) and Lefkosia (Nicosia), Larnaka and Pafos but especially in Lemesos (Limassol) and Agia Napa. The latter is a resort in the eastern part of Cyprus now known as an international clubbing destination, widely recognized for its British House Garage sounds, up-and-coming DJs and festive atmosphere. The action usually gets started late - towards midnight, unless the club also doubles as a restaurant or cafe.

Cyprus for All Seasons
 
One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and Cyprus is no exception. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, whether it's swimming (as late as November) or enjoying cultural sites and festivals (all year long). While seasonal fluctuations are not drastic, however, they are different. Here's what to expect:

Summer: When It Sizzles

For just about Summer stretches from mid-May to mid-October and means high temperatures, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from the sea. It's the ideal season for swimming, sunbathing and a whole range of watersports from sailing to scuba diving. At this time of year, explore the archaeological sites early in the morning or in late afternoon, avoiding the hottest part of the day.

It's always a good idea to bring along sun protection, such as sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat. Even in the height of summer when it's 32C(90F) degrees at the beach (and warmer inland), temperatures are refreshingly cooler in the Troodos, making the mountains ideal for hiking or simply relaxing.

The days of September and October are still sunny and the water warm enough for comfortable swimming. Basically, it's still summer. In Lemesos, the first ten days of September bring the annual Wine Festival, a buoyant period not to be missed.

Fall Forecast: Warm and Sunny

Toward the end of October evenings do tend to get cooler, however. In October and through November the leaves change colour in the Troodos and vineyards take on gold and crimson hues against a backdrop of crystal clear sunlight.

In Cyprus even mid-November can feel like summer, but by month's end medium-weight apparel for the late afternoons and evenings will enhance the traveller's experience. It is still possible to enjoy swimming, while inland excursions to villages and vineyards for wine tasting can be very enjoyable. Fall also brings with it the annual Kypria festival, with prestigious local and international musical and dramatic performances at venues throughout Cyprus.

Winter: An Active Season
December and January are the months of Mediterranean winter, bringing the possibility of rain, but still an average of six hours of bright sunshine a day. This is the time of year when smaller Mediterranean destinations shut down for the season, but not so Cyprus. The island is a major business centre and has many important heritage sites and museums, all at their least crowded in winter. The cultural calendar is also alive and well throughout the winter, with new events coming all the time.

The summer resort of Agia Napa, for example, offers a "Cultural Winter" with classical music concerts and modern and folkloric dance performances. Into early February there is occasional rain, and often snow in the Troodos - ideal for skiing!

Spring Delights
The first orchids bloom in January in Cyprus, and by mid-February the countryside is already alive with fresh green meadows and almond trees in bloom. March days can still be cool (daytime temperatures around 19C or 65F, 9C or 40F at night) but steadily moderate. Early spring is a wonderful time to visit to Cyprus, with pleasant daytime temperatures and many of the ancient ruins framed by a carpet of red anemones and other wildflowers.

In April and into the middle of May spring is in full force. This is an ideal time for nature hikes and off-road adventures in the pristine Akamas Peninsula. Cyprus has 1,950 species of flowering plants, 140 of which grow nowhere else but on the island, and in the Akamas alone, there are 700 plant species, of which 40 are endemic. From February to April, pink cyclamen sprouts up from rocky foothills and thickets and forms a riveting adornment to the Baths of Aphrodite. From March to April, the pink wavy-leaved monkey orchid (Orchis italica) grows in dense patches around Pafos. If in summer Cyprus is the place to bask in the sun, then spring is the time to savor the natural beauty of the island in bloom.

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