findingcyprus

Top 10 reasons to visit Cyprus!

Here are the top 10 reasons why visitors to Cyprus have been choosing Cyprus as their holiday destination:

1."Very warm and friendly people" has been voted as Number 1 reason why Cyprus has been prefered as the best holiday destination in Europe.

Cypriot hospitality is legendary. More than just a friendly smile and a "Yah sou", Cypriots have a warm and loving nature that really impresses upon visitors every time they come to Cyprus, no matter what their race or creed. In shops, tavernas, cafes and bars the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Much of the population speaks English, even if at times it is a little broken, and they will do their utmost to help you no matter what the situation.

Don't be surprised to find yourself joining in with local conversations as you enjoy a cup of fine Cypriot coffee at a pavement café in Cyprus. Cypriots love to talk, the old boys being full of stories about their village and its history. Equally, you may find yourself invited to a game of Tavli (Backgammon) by the locals who play for hours in the sunshine at tables outside the bars and restaurants in almost every town and village on the island.

Down at the market you'll find Cypriot hospitality in abundance too. Stallholders will be only too happy to help you in anyway they can. If you want to try a fruit you've never tasted before or sample a freshly cooked Loukanika - a Cypriot speciality sausage - then just ask! You'll always be very welcome.

Festivals are a part of Cypriot life. In villages and towns across the island hardly a weekend passes by without a celebratory event. Visitors are more than welcome to join in with the festivities; the more national events too, such as the two-week carnival in preparation for Lent, provide visitors with opportunities to experience Cypriot hospitality at its best.

2."Food". Learn more about the local cuisine and if you want to cook it at home.

The first time you experience Cypriot cuisine your taste buds will be treated to an experience you're never likely to forget. A unique blend of Greek, African and Middle Eastern dishes come together in a sparkling array of Cypriot gastronomy that is simply out of this world! From pastries soaked in locally produced honey to fresh kalamari and the Cypriot meat speciality - Kleftico, there is seemingly no end of choice on the menus of restaurants and tavernas right across the island.

Meze, which is served at most traditional eateries on Cyprus, is something every visitor must try at least once when on the island. Comprising of around 30 mini-dishes, meze is a cosmopolitan array of Cypriot delicacies that form a complete meal. It provides a little taste of everything, and is a great way to explore the many varied types of local foods for which Cyprus is famous. Meze is normally offered as meat dishes, fish dishes or a combination of both.

Cyprus is blessed with some of the best fishing waters in the Mediterranean. Fish eaters will enjoy a breathtaking menu that takes in a range of fresh and exotic fish. Barbouni (red mullet), Marida (tiny sardines), squid, octopus and cuttlefish are all favourites with the locals. If you choose a fish meze then you'll be able to sample the whole expansive range of fish dishes available - a great idea if you're not sure whether you'll like a particular fish or not!

For vegans Cyprus is a delightful place to taste the fruits of nature. The abundance of fresh fruit and root vegetables on the island means that there is no shortage of choice on the menu for non-meat eaters. Dishes are inspiring with combinations of local cheeses, salads and pulses providing an endless array of creations that can be tasted on their own or as an accompaniment to an extensive variety of vegetable-based cuisine.

Desserts, as you might expect, revolve around local fruits of the season. Strawberries are abundant through the winter months, while spring sees a glut of citrus fruit based desserts come to the fore. By midsummer a complete spectrum of delicious fruits give life to a dessert menu that lasts long into the autumn months. Why not then partake in a traditional Cypriot coffee to round off the evening in a truly regal style.

3."Clear blue sea and very clean, relaxing, beautiful beaches and the sunshine".

Cyprus is renowned for its fine beaches. They are the #1 reason why tourists visit the island, and so are vital to the tourist economy of Cyprus. As of 2005, forty-eight beaches on the island fly the EU Blue Flag - a demonstration of just how special the beaches on Cyprus really are.

Paphos District

There are 11 blue flag beaches in the district of Paphos. These are Alykes, Polis Camping Site, Coral Bay, Faros, Geroskipou, Laourou, Municipal Baths, Municipal Beach, Pachyammos, Vrysoudia A and Vrysoudia B. All beaches offer clean and beautiful sands on which to play and sunbathe. Coral Bay in the Peyia municipality is a great beach for kids as the sands slope into the sea at a very shallow angle.

Limassol District

The Limassol district to the east of Paphos also has 11 blue flag beaches. These are Akti Olympion, Aoratoi, Aphrodite, Armonia, Castella, Kalymnos, Loures, Onisilos, Pissouri, Santa Barbara and Vouppa. The beaches of Santa Barbara and Loures are the most popular of the 11 beaches. Aphrodite beach is well worth a visit too, if only to view Aphrodite's Rock - a place from where legend tells that the Goddess of Love herself rose out of the sea.

Larnaca District

Larnaca district has only 4 blue flag beaches. These are Castella, McKenzie, Phinikoudes and Yanathes. Phinikoudes beach is the main beach that fronts the promenade. It is a long beach and is often quite busy being so close to the town. McKenzie beach on the outskirts of Larnaca town is a much quieter beach and can be reached by public transport or hire car.

Ayia Napa District

The district of Ayia Napa contains the remaining blue flag beaches. These are Ammos tou kampouri, Ayia Thekla, Gliki Nero, Katsarga, Kermia, Konnos Bay, Landa, Louko tou Mandi, Louma, Macronissos, Nissi, Nissi Bay, Nissia Loumbardi, Pantahou, Pernera P, Pernera A, Potami, Protaras, Vathia Gonia, Vrisi A, Vrisi B and Vrisi C. Nissi Beach and Macronissos Beach are both popular with the partying crowds of Ayia Napa. At the opposite end of the spectrum Konnos Bay offers peace and tranquillity in abundance.

4."History and culture".

Cypriot local customs include a variety of traditions. Both classical and modern art are well represented on Cyprus. The Syrtos is the most popular folk dance on Cyprus. Festivals are an important part of Cypriot culture. Cyprus flea markets are an adventure all their own. The local craftspeople of Cyprus are proud of their handicraft heritage and continue to keep alive the traditional skills needed to create such fine pieces of work. Cypriot hospitality is legendary...

5."Local beer and and local wines from the region".

Traditional Wine Making: Wine making is truly a vintage pastime on the island of Cyprus. For more than 4000 years vines have been cultivated here, the ancient Egyptians, ancient Greeks and the Romans all delighting in the sublime climatic conditions that are more than beneficial to wine production in this part of the Mediterranean. Indeed, the oldest wine in the world hails from Cyprus. Commandaria - a sweet red wine - has a documented history going back to the late 12th century when the Knights Templars ruled the land. It is probable that this wine's origin stretches back further than the 12th century, but unfortunately there is little direct evidence for its earlier incarnations.

Commandaria became a big hit throughout Europe in medieval times, and to this day the wine remains at the core of traditional wine making in Cyprus, production continuing via a controlled appellation in the Limassol district. Other wines too have given the traditional wine making industry in Cyprus a good name. There are reds, whites and sherry wines now originating from Cyprus, the fifty or so regional village wineries employing time-honoured wine making techniques that have survived for centuries.

Tours of many of the regional wineries as well as the larger wineries and their estates can be arranged. You'll have the chance to see some traditional wine making techniques first hand, as well as the opportunity to sample some of the island's most loved wines. If you visit Cyprus during harvest time you'll also be treated to the spectacle of the legendary Cypriot wine festivals. The first one is the Limassol wine festival, held every year towards the end of August; the second is the Afamia grape festival in October.

6."Stunning scenery". Hiking and trekking can be enjoyed all year around.

The island of Cyprus is a walker's paradise. From the hillside paths that wind around the Troodos Mountains to coastal paths and marked nature trails, the island truly has hikes and treks to suit every level of ability. Several hiking and trekking guidebooks are available on the island describing a variety of walks from easy one and two-mile circuits to strenuous all-dayers. If you don't want the challenge of navigating your way around the island, guided group walks are also available on Cyprus.

The area around Platres in the Troodos Mountains offers a unique insight into the beautiful Cypriot countryside. Dirt tracks weave in and out of the cool shade provided by the lush pine forests. There are quaint villages, waterfalls, reservoirs, old mines and a feast of spectacular viewpoints to enjoy up here. Walks that take in historic sites can be organized too, one of the most impressive being the long trek to Phini which passes the Trooditissa Monastery.

The Akamas Peninsula to the southwest of the island is another breathtaking destination in which to enjoy a hiking vacation. The hills here are not as high as in the Troodos Mountains, but they make for good hiking terrain nonetheless. Routes that take in the rocky shoreline near Paphos, as well as capes, hidden coves, forests and the Baths of Aphrodite attract thousands of hikers each year to this part of Cyprus.

Hiking and trekking on Cyprus can be enjoyed all year round, although the winter rains in the Troodos Mountains can make hiking in this area a little more difficult at times. A hat and sun cream are a must too as the sun is strong, even in November. It is also worth noting that the terrain is often rough so good hiking boots and a walking stick are advisable.

7."Near to fly and very affordable prices". Flight times to Cyprus from major international locations:

Travel Time:

• Amsterdam: 3 Hours 30 Min
• Athens: 1 Hours 40 Min
• Bahrain: 3 Hours
• Frankfurt: 3 Hours 30 Min
• London: 4 Hours 30 Min
• Paris: 3 Hours 30 Min
• Rome: 2 Hours 25 Min
• Stockholm: 5 Hours
• Vienna: 3 Hours
• Zurich: 3 Hours

Airports:

• Greece - Athens (ATH) Eleftherios Venizelos
• Italy - Rome (FCO) Leonardo De Vinci (FCO) - Milan (MXP) Malpensa
• Austria - (VIE) Vienna
• Switzerland - (ZRH) Zurich - (GVA) Geneva
• Hungary - Budapest (BUD) Ferihegy
• Poland - Warsaw (WAW) Frederick Shopen
• Germany - Frankfurt (FRA) Rhein-Main - Dusseldorf (DUS) Dusseldorf
• France - Paris (CDG) Charles De Gaulle
• Belgium - Brussels (BRU) Zaventem
• Netherlands - Amsterdam (AMS) Schiphol
• Russia - Moscow (SVO) Sheremetyevo
• United Kingdom - London (LHR) Heathrow - London (LGW) Gatwick - London (STN) Stansted - Birmingham (BHX) Birmingham - Manchester (MAN) Manchester
• Lebanon - Beirut (BEY) Beirut

8."Nightlife".

The nightlife in Cyprus can be as energetic, relaxed or as romantic as you like. From world class nightclubs to restaurants offering meals by candlelight, the island's entertainment industry is tremendously varied and caters for all tastes and for people of all ages. Here are the hotspots…

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa on the east coast of Cyprus is a clubber's paradise. There are some twenty or so nightclubs crowded around this ancient town, along with a generous helping of bars, English pubs, restaurants and cafes. Several of the clubs stay open until 6am, pumping out some of the coolest sounds on the European dance scene.

Larnaca

The nightlife in Larnaca is focused around the seafront and palm-lined promenade. Tavernas, cafes and bars are in abundance here, several of which have live music and discos. The town also has three cinemas and a clutch of excellent restaurants.

Limassol

Before the meteoric rise of Ayia Napa to its status as party capital of Cyprus (and of the Eastern Mediterranean), Limassol was the town with the most exciting and varied nightlife on Cyprus. Today, Limassol is a toned down version of Ayia Napa, its pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants offering a less crowded and more refined nightlife option for visitors to enjoy.

Paphos

Many fine restaurants and tavernas are to be found around the family-oriented town of Paphos. There is a small selection of bars and clubs in the town too, all of which offer quality entertainment to the young, and young at heart. Fish restaurants, where you can sample fresh fish from the Mediterranean, are a speciality of Paphos.

Nicosia

Nicosia has a very cosmopolitan feel to its nightlife. There are clubs, discos, restaurants and many bars to choose from in the nation's capital. It offers a fresh alternative to the heady atmosphere at Ayia Napa.

In the more rural areas of Cyprus the nightlife takes on an altogether more 'local' feel. If you're looking for a quiet romantic night out or just want to experience traditional Cyprus, head out to the fishing villages and inland towns. In the bars and restaurants that you find in these areas you'll be welcomed with open arms and treated to an unforgettable evening - Cypriot Style!

9."Great diving and the Zenobia shipwreck".

The Zenobia Shipwreck: Off the coast of Larnaca lies one of the most impressive shipwrecks in the world - the Zenobia. The Zenobia was a ro-ro ferry that sunk in 1980. Divers can still see vehicles clinging to the ship on rusted chains. For the intermediate and advanced diver, the shipwreck is easily one of the most fascinating and accessible shipwrecks in the world today.

10."Brillant golf coures".

Cyprus is home to four golf courses - three near Paphos (all of which are championship standard) and one near Limassol.

Tsada Golf Course: Tsada Golf Club, some 20-minutes north of Paphos near Tsada village, was the first grass golf course on the island. Designed by the much-respected golf course architect, Donald Steel, the course opened for business in 1994. It is an 18-hole, par 72 course, taking in two loops of 9 holes. Total length of the course is 6060 metres. There is a handicap required to play the course (men 28 and ladies 36), and a formal dress code is in force. Visitors without a handicap certificate can play the course, however they may not be able to play during peak times. Putting greens and a driving range are available to all on site.

Secret Valley Golf Course: To the east of Paphos by some 18kms is the Secret Valley Golf Course. It is situated on the coast close to the village of Kouklia in the very impressive Petra tou Romiou area. Secret Valley is an 18-hole, par-72 golf course of 6120m in length. Maximum handicaps of 28 for men and 36 for ladies are expected, and there are putting greens, chipping & pitching areas, and a large driving range on site. Golf tuition is available from a PGA qualified instructor, or if you wish you can try out the video coaching option.

Aphrodite Hills Golf Course: Designed by Cabell Robinson, the Aphrodite Hills Golf Club near Pissouri is the most recent golf course addition to Cyprus. Built in 2002, it is part of an exclusive five-star hotel and villa complex overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The course is an 18-hole, par 71circuit that runs to 6665m in length. Without doubt this is the most sought-after course on which to play golf in Cyprus, and again requires a maximum handicap of 28 for men and 36 for ladies. On site there is a wealth of facilities including a three-hole academy and 350m double-ended driving range.

Vikla Golf Course: The 18-hole, par-68 golf course at Vikla Village near Limassol is fun for all the family. The club puts the customer first with facilities for children as well as for the serious golfer. Total length of the course is 4081m and there are four starting tees. Unlike the other courses in Cyprus there is no formal dress code at the Vikla Golf and Country Club, and no handicap certificate is required.

Korineum Golf Course: This is a newly built 18 hole golf course in Esentepe region, in the northern coast of Cyprus. It is set among the olive trees. The driving range at the Academy has superb sea views and you will want hit the golf ball again and again. We recommend you check the hotel reviews in North Cyprus before you book your hotel there.

Back to the main Information section

Copyright Findingcyprus.com 2010 - 2012 - Web Design and CMS Site Software from by Chicsystems in Cyprus and the UK