The Mediterranean island of Cyprus lies to the south of Turkey and east of Greece and is home to just under 1 million inhabitants. The third larget island in the Med, it is claimed that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born there.
Approx flight time to Cyprus from the UK
4 hours
GMT
+ 2 hours
Language spoken in Cyprus
Greek, although English is widely spoken
Currency used in Cyprus
Cypriot Pound
Best Time to Visit Cyprus
A year round destination, although for the best weather head there during the Summer – May to August are the hottest months and prove popular with couples planning a Cyprus honeymoon or Cyprus wedding.
Best Beaches in Cyprus
From Protoras in the East all the way around the South coast to Polis & Latchi in the West, the island of Cyprus is teeming with beautiful beaches. Some of the country’s best can be found at Coral Bay in Paphos, Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa and Fig Tree Bay in Protoras.
For Activity Lovers
There are a number of golf courses on the island and plenty of rambling, horse riding, fishing and tennis opportunities. Ayia Napa has a 10-pin bowling alley and in the winter months you can even go skiing in the mountainous inland. The most popular sporting activities however are to be found on the coast, with diving, jet-skiing, banana-boating, tubing, windsurfing and parasailing just some of the activities honeymooners can try their hand at.
Local Flavours of Cyprus
Traditional Greek dishes can be found everywhere and to head to Cyprus and not sample a traditional Meze (a multi-course Cypriot banquet made up of many small dishes - similar to a Spanish tapas) would be sinful! International cuisine is readily available on the island and many UK/US fast-food chains can be easily tracked down. If you are set on going local, the dishes of Moussaka (layered aubergine, lamb mince and tomato topped in a bechamel sauce and baked), Pastitsio (macaroni pasta, mince beef/lamb, tomato, grated cheese, nutmeg/cinnamon topped in a bechamel sauce and baked), Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice and mince) and grilled Halloumi (a grilled salty cheese) are musts, and try washing them down with a glass of Keo beer.
On a Night in Cyprus
The liveliest resort on the island is without a doubt Ayia Napa and in recent years it has become extremely popular with young adults. Nearby Protoras offers a more relaxed nightlife but is within easy travelling distance of its more buzzing neighbour. Cosmopolitan Limassol is lively and, like Larnaca and Paphos, offers varied nightlife from live Greek shows to a plethora of bars, restaurants and tavernas.
Shopping in Cyprus
Cyprus offers wonderful shopping opportunities to honeymooners with a whole host of shops (many of which you will be familiar) in the capital, Nicosia. Outside of the capital, Larnaca and Limassol offer perhaps the best shopping opportunities although all of the major resorts have shopping centres of some description, with the island’s specialities available everywhere. If it is traditional Cypriot goods you are after, handmade Lefkara lace, pottery, leather goods, local wine and Keo Brandy are some of its best exports.
Top Resorts in Cyprus
Ayia Napa is the top spot on Cyprus for the younger clientele with its lively bars and discos. Paphos offers a more sedate and cultural atmosphere whilst Protoras, Larnaca and Limassol provide something in-between. Several smaller coastal resorts, such as Pissouri and Polis & Latchi provide more seclusion and exclusivity but still retain the Cypriot charm. Whether its a lively Cypriot wedding or sedate Cyprus honeymoon you are after, there is a resort to suit you.
Out & About in Cyprus
If it’s culture and history you’re after, head to Paphos with it’s numerous archaeological sites, not to mention the Tombs of Kings, Ayios Neophytos Monastery and Byzantine Museum. The Troodos Mountains are home to numerous villages and beautiful churches and give you a real insight into Cypriot life, not to mention some stunning scenery along the way. A trip to Nicosia, Europe’s only divided capital, is a must and you can see for yourself the ‘Green Line’ – a UN buffer-zone separating the Cypriot South from the Turkish-occupied North. Limassol’s annual wine festival is a great laugh (especially after you have been sampling for several hours!) and if you are around in Cyprus for the Christian feast of Pentecost (known locally as Kataklysmos) then head to Larnaca and follow the crowds down to the seafront promenade and join in the fun and celebrations.
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