Europe
Cyprus
A charming Mediterranean holiday destination, Cyprus welcomes over 2 million visitors every year despite its diminutive size. Regardless of its lesser land mass, Cyprus still offers a diverse range of tourist activities to rival any other popular holiday hotspot. From beautiful beaches and impressive ancient ruins to bustling cities and outstanding natural beauty, all complete with a distinct traditional flavour.
Average Temperature (°C)
Summer
30.8
Autumn
26.6
Winter
17.5
Interesting Fact:
'Napa' is the ancient Greek word meaning 'wooded valley'. Many years ago, Ayia Napa was nothing but thick forest.
Try a Taste
Halloumi
Arguably Cyprus' most famous export, this cheese is distinguishable by its mildly salty flavour and rubbery texture. Halloumi is used in a variety of ways including fries, salads and traybakes.
Gemista
Vegetables stuffed with rice, meat, onions and a mixture of herbs. Cooked in the oven with plenty of olive oil, this is a Cypriot tradition and many freeze them to enjoy at a later date.
Sheftalia
Often served as an accompaniment, these sausage parcels are spiced with herbs, minced pork and lamb before being grilled ready to enjoy. They also come as vegetarian options with mushrooms and halloumi.
Interesting Fact:
Cyprus has sunshine for more than 300 days during the year, making it an ideal destination for autumn/winter getaways.
Something Different
Hike the Trails
While the beaches draw many visitors to Cyprus, the island has a strikingly rugged interior, perfect for adventurous pursuits. Through the Troodos Mountain range there’s a vast network of trails that cater to gentle amblers and intrepid adventurers alike. For a short, yet rewarding, outing take the trail from Platres to the Caledonian waterfalls for a cooling dip paddle.
Immerse yourself in Ancient History
Cyprus’ rich history dates back some nine thousand years and as you travel across the island you’ll see constant reminders of it, including the Tomb of Kings in Paphos, the Temple of Aphrodite in Kouklia, and the Kamares Aqueduct in Larnaka. To see more intricate and well-preserved artifacts of the island’s history, visit the Cyprus Museum.
Transport within Cyprus
Without a rail network, public transport on the island is largely limited to buses. You can travel between Paphos and Limassol in around an hour and 15 minutes by bus, and there are also public transfer services from the airport to many of the island’s towns.
