Third island by the size in Mediterranean Sea is real jewel among the Mediterranean islands. Big enough that one complete nation found their place on it, has everything modern tourist would like to have. Climate, cuisine, history, comfort of technology and modern world and yet piece and unforgettable Mediterranean feel.
Republic of Cyprus is located on far east of Mediterranean Sea, just above the Egypt and bellow Turkey region Anatolia. Almost 800 000 people live on this island, and over 2 million tourist visit it yearly. This makes it 40th most popular tourist destination in the world.
Via Flickr by Martin & Julia
Recent history of this small nation (Northern part of Cyprus is occupied by Turkey for over 35 years) left lots of traces on its people, but common tourist will not notice that, they will always welcome you with the smile on their face.
Climate here is subtropical mixed with Mediterranean. Holiday season last for more then months. It starts in April and ends in November. Because of its position Cyprus is effectively the warmest European Union country. Cyprus is a part of European Union since 2004 and people from EU countries, so as USA, Canada and Russia don’t need visas for entrance.
Fly time from London to Nicosia (capital of Cyprus) is around 4 hours. Euro is official currency.
Among all tourist destinations on Cyprus, probably most attractive is Ayia Napa, which is also biggest resort on the island. It is well known for its rich nightlife, where people compare it with Ibiza. Ayia Napa has lot of surrounding beaches where the main ones are Makronissos Beach and Nissi Beach while there are many smaller around like Vathia Gonia, Ayia Thekla, Katsarka, Kermia and many others… In the end golden sand and blue sea around Ayia Napa will not left you indifferent.
Via Flickr by Martin & Julia
Paphos is another popular destination. Known as wedding city, mostly because Greek mythology claims that Aphrodite (goddess of love) is born here. This place also has magnificent beaches like Saint George Beach and Petra tou Romiou. Paphos waterpark is also very popular, especially for families with children.
Via Flickr by Mink
Larnaca is the oldest town on Cyprus. Largest airport on Cyprus is located here, 15 min with the car from center of the city. Because of airport and good air connections to the rest of the Europe, city is excellent starting point, especially if you plan to do car hire Cyprus. Beaches are ok and most known is Finikoudes Beach, very shallow beach, popular among families.
Via Flickr by davide.tarasconi
Another place which have special role in Cyprus tourism is the Limassol. City has 15 km of beaches around. Off course those are not in line but are intersected with various cliffs and rocks. Most known beaches are Ladies Mile Beach, Santa Barbara, Kourium Beach, Cape Astro and Pissouri. City also has relatively nice waterpark.
Via Flickr by RS:X Youth World Windsurfing Championships
Protaras is the tourist resort near the town of Paralimni. It has dozen of nice hotel and beaches. One of most beautiful places on Cyprus, Cape Greco, is only ten minutes from Protaras.
Via Flickr by HappyTellus
Cyprus has even winter resort. Mount Olympus height is 1950 m and over winter it has enough snow despite Cyprus geographical location. This gives you opportunity to be on one of rare places on earth where you can ski in the morning and swim afternoon.
Via Flickr by ediweismann
Anyway there is no chance that this article can cover all the beauties and charm Cyprus can offer. Numerous small romantic villages, domestic wine, Cyprus cuisine, modern and old cities in perfect mix, are the only small pieces of beauty of this Mediterranean country.
