As one of the many islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus promises all year round sunshine. The island is truly unique and captures the cultures of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In true Mediterranean style it is home to enchanting sleepy villages, glorious mountain peaks, pretty harbourside café bars and traditional tavernas.
If it’s history and culture you’re after the island also promises ancient ruins and castles and according to great legend the Greek Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite was born off the Paphos coast of Cyprus. Strong connections to Greek mythology can therefore be found on the island.
The culture of Cyprus is in keeping with that of the Mediterranean and locals center their social lives around dining together. Cypriots are very family orientated and will have long meals and BBQs with their families and extended families regularly.
But it’s not just beauty, culture and history that can be found in Cyprus – the island is also home to a club scene that rivals Ibiza in the form of the famous Cypriot resort of Ayia Napa.
Natural Beauty and wildlife
Cyprus is known for its unspoiled natural scenery with long stretches of sand or pebbled beaches, a rugged coastline and forested mountains which make for great hiking and mountain biking excursions. Official nature trails can be found in Persephone and trekking and mountain biking centres can be found across the island to aid you in your adventures.
Cyprus is also home to 50 species of orchids that are most prevalent in the spring time along with tulips and crocuses. In the summer time green and loggerhead turtles have been found to breed regularly on the island’s sandy beaches. Cyprus is also a key spot for birdwatchers due to the fact it is on the migration path between Europe, Africa and Asia and is home to some 380 species of bird.
Skiing
As well as providing ideal summer holidays filled with almost guaranteed long days of blazing sunshine, you’d be surprised to find that Cyprus does in fact offer the chance to ski. Yes from January to mid-March you could take a break from the beach and hit the slopes of the Troodos Mountains. There are only four lifts and eight runs but if you’re looking for something to break up a beach holiday and get the best of both worlds this might be just the ticket!
Activities
Fear not as the weather gets warmer there are still an abundance of sporting activities to partake in. Popular beachside activities include windsurfing, kitesurfing, paragliding and scuba diving, all of which are widely available across the island.
Family Time
Cyprus is renowned for its beaches and many of them hold the coveted blue flag award making it an ideal family choice. The resort areas of Protaras and Pernera offer great beaches for all the family as well as plenty of family friendly themed bars serving kids meals.
Nightlife
At the other end of the spectrum, those wishing to let loose and have fun with like minded holidaymakers can do so within the Greek’s answer to Ibiza – Ayia Napa. The thriving holiday resort is firmly established as a European party hotspot and has been drawing in crows of clubbers for decades.
Luckily there are some great Cyprus holiday offers in resorts around the island on offer all year round which offer something for every type of holidaymaker.