When most people think of Cyprus, the first thing that springs to mind is glorious weather and great temperatures. However, there is more to this amazing island than good weather and beach holidays. Between December and March the Troodos Mountains in the south of the island

Troodos Mountains

offer fantastic skiing opportunities including the Troodos International Ski Competition in March. The competition is under the auspices of the International Ski Federation and challenges skiers with an International Slalom and Giant Slalom race held on the Dias Slope. The piste on the Dias Slope is maintained with the help of three computerised mobile snow guns.

The Troodos Mountains run through the middle of the island and offer spectacular scenery, quaint mountain villages and some wonderful Byzantine monasteries and churches of which nine are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Apart from skiing, the mountains offer excellent nature walks (created by the Forestry Department) through the forests where you will discover some rich flora and fauna along with some interesting sites. The Troodos Mountains are divided into six districts: Troodos district around Mount Olympus, Machairas, Pitsillia, Marathassa Valley, Soleas Valley and Krassochoria.

The skiing season in Cyprus usually starts in January and lasts until the end of March. Mount Olympus, which is located in the Troodos Mountains, offers skiing opportunities in January and February. Most of the southern half of Cyprus is occupied by the Troodos Mountains of

Dias Slope

which Mount Olympus, at 6402 feet, is the highest peak. Other peaks in the area stand at 5000 feet and above. From some of the slopes you can look-out over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and on a clear day see the snow-capped Taurus Mountains of Turkey.

The ski resorts in Cyprus are not huge like other skiing destinations but where else can you ski in the morning and then relax on the beach in the afternoon? The resort itself is split into two interconnecting parts, each served by two lifts, with four T-bar lifts, X trails and 600 foot vertical drop. Beginner slopes are located in Sun Valley, the official centre of the skiing activities.

Interesting places to visit in the Troodos Mountains on your family holidays to Cyprus:

Pitsillia

The beautiful village of Pitsillia is set on the eastern slopes of the mountains amid orchards of almonds and hazelnuts, vineyards and amazing wild flowers.
Agros, where you will find a 19th century Byzantine church which stands where the monastery of Panayia Eleousa Argou once stood. You will also find gardens full of fragrant roses and cool refreshing springs.
Around 10 miles from Agros is Palaichori where you will find the church of the transfiguration of the saviour. Overlooking the village, this 16th century church has an interesting series of murals painted on its inside walls.
18 miles from Limassol in the village of Louvaras is the church of Ayios Mamas which was constructed in 1455. Some of the inside walls have paintings on them signed by Philip Goul.

The Troodos Skiing Centre sits between two high peaks and is an excellent place to stay on your direct holidays to Cyprus.

The beautiful island of Cyprus is surrounded by the sparkling crystal clear blue Mediterranean Sea. Year round sunshine makes the island the perfect destination at anytime of the year and is a perfect choice for your winter sun holidays, family holidays, weddings and honeymoons. Many hotels are located near the beach and are therefore perfect for your cheap holidays to Cyprus.

Cyprus belongs to the European Blue Flag Campaign, with only the top quality beaches being awarded the Blue Flag seal of approval. The island offers a variety of beaches; some have golden sands while others are a mixture of sand and pebbles. Many have tiny secluded coves with

Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach

others found in isolated spots with long sandy stretches dotted with sand dunes. Most Cypriot beaches offer a variety of water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing.

Ayia Napa is well known for the beautiful blue flag Nissi Beach. Visitors are attracted to this beach for its soft golden sands and calm waters which are ideal for families and couple alike. There is a tiny island just 100 metres from the beach which visitors can easily reach by foot through the shallow waters. Water sports such as windsurfing, water-skiing and pedalos are available, along with bungee jumping and beach volleyball.

Fig Tree Bay and Sirena Bay are two popular Protaras beaches which have clear shallow waters, making them ideal for children. The larger Fig Tree Bay is a beautiful golden sandy beach lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. There are a variety of water sports on offer including water-skiing, jet-skiing, parasailing and lots of different inflatable rides for the whole family to enjoy. The more secluded and sheltered beach at Konnos Bay is located about a mile from Ayia Napa on the rugged coastline of Cavo Greco.

Fig Tree Bay

The fine beaches of Larnaca include the famous shallow water Finikoudes Beach which is lined with beautiful palm trees, restaurants and bars.

Half way between Limassol and Paphos, close to Aphrodite’s birthplace, is the wonderful Pissouri Bay. Surrounding the bay are some great restaurants where you can enjoy a tradition Cypriot meal whilst gazing out over the Mediterranean Sea. Just outside of Limassol is the lovely Kourium Beach which has an amazing

Pissouri Bay

backdrop of a Greco-Roman amphitheatre.

Probably the best known Cyprus beach is Petra Tou Romiou (Aphrodite Beach) near Paphos. It is believed that this is where Aphrodite rose from the sea. Paphos has many beautiful beaches including Coral Bay which is a golden sandy beach sitting between two headlands.

The west coast of Cyprus is home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches. Sitting on the edge of the

Lara Beach

Akamas Peninsula are the beaches at Latchi and Polis. A must to visit on your direct holidays to Cyprus is Lara Beach where the endangered loggerhead and green turtles nest and lay their eggs.

Omodhos is a beautiful romantic Cypriot mountain village which is located close to some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches. Sitting on the scenic southern slops of the Troodos Mountains, Omodhos is just 20 minutes from the beautiful beach at Kurium Bay and within easy reach of

Omodhos

the beach resorts of Limassol and Paphos. Although temperatures do drop in January and February, Omodhos is a great choice for your winter sun holidays with an average 5 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures which will feel mild compared to those in the UK. The village attracts couples and visitors looking for good quality accommodation at budget prices for their family holidays to Cyprus. Omodhos offers a combination of tradition village life with beach relaxation on the Cyprus coast. The quiet Pissouri Bay is a beautiful clean beach with a variety of water sports on offer and is very popular with families.

The village itself has picturesque narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses, a cobbled village square, cafes, traditional tavernas serving regional cuisine and local wines, old traditional shops selling lace

Omodhos Village

and jewellery and a monastery.

Omodhos is the heart and soul of the Cyprus wine industry, producing high quality local wine. Every August the village hosts a wine festival with exhibitions and events to keep the locals and visitors entertained and also giving people the opportunity to learn about the local wines and culture of Omodhos. If you are lucky enough to visit at this time make sure you see a linos (traditional wine press) and visit the local wineries for tastings, not forgetting to sample the locally produced spirit Zivania.

Walking and hiking are popular pursuits in Omodhos. The village is the oldest of a group of quaint villages in the area, well known for their vineyards and fruit orchards. Wander along the mountain roads which take you from village to village and past some amazing Byzantine churches. Villages like Palaichori and Platanistassa offer charming traditional cafes and amazing landscape of fruit orchards, vineyards and mountain streams. Not only do the Troodos Mountains offer wonderful villages to

Troodos Mountains

explore but they are also home to some very interesting monasteries like Trooditissa and Ayios Ioannis. The Troodos Mountains are designated as a National Forest Park and feature a variety of flora and fauna with oak, maple and pine forests which can be explored by foot or bicycle along the many trails which meander through the mountainside. Watch out for the unusual mouflon (wild sheep) which roam freely in the mountains.

A holiday in Omodhos is not complete without a visit to the coastal town of Paphos. In ancient times Old Paphos was the most important place for worshipping Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty and love. Named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Paphos is home to the remains of the Roman governor’s palace which houses some amazing mosaic works. Paphos has a great atmosphere both during the day at the beaches and at night when the nightclubs come to life.

Visit Omodhos in the early or late season, especially in the spring when the mountain side is covered with wild flowers and travel deals to Cyprus are plentiful.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, attracting over 2,000,000 visitors every year. The island has something for everyone including friendly people, an amazing coastline, stunning mountain village, family resorts, marinas, a booming agro-tourism scene, world class spas and award-winning golf courses designed by golfing legends. On your bargain holidays to Cyprus, sample tradition Cypriot cuisine and follow the islands new wine trails celebrate the 40 new wineries which have developed on the island in recent years. Six wine routes criss-cross the island, taking in some of the best boutique wineries. Cypriot wine production dates back nearly 5,000 years. The warm waters of Cyprus are perfect for diving and water-skiing while those seeking adventure can explore this beautiful island on trekking or bird-watching tours.

So why go to Cyprus for your winter sun holiday? Apart from holiday packages being at their lowest price at this time of the year, the following are just a few reasons why Cyprus is perfect choice for your holidays during the winter season.

1. Average winter daytime temperatures throughout the whole of Cyprus rarely drop below 20C making this the ideal time to explore the island and all it has to offer. With 340 days of sunshine a year you can be sure to catch some rays throughout December and January. The island’s magnificent blue-flag beaches enjoy sea temperatures in the high teens throughout the winter months making it possible to take a dip on Christmas Day!

kallikantzari

2. Christmas is an amazing time on Cyprus with age-old traditions and plenty of delicious Cypriot food. Unique to the region is the habit of hanging crosses wrapped in basil and sprinkled with holy water on the front door of a house to ward off the kallikantzari (goblin-like spirits), which are said to make mischief during the twelve days of Christmas. The towns and villages across the island celebrate Christmas with magical processions accompanied by kalanda (carols) which have been handed down from generation to generation since Byzantine times. The main festival on Christmas Day is held in Eleftheria (Freedom) Square Nicosia. Larnaca plays host to one of the most dramatic services on the 5th January when young swimmers dive for a cross which they return to the priest.

3. Winter is not excluded from the islands colourful year-round cultural scene. Concerts and events take place all over Cyprus, from local bands, choirs, orchestras, dancers and groups through to Viva Verdi – Moscow New Opera in Rialto, Limassol. Eleftheria Square in Nicosia is the place to be to catch live acts with performances everyday during the last two weeks of December with free entertainment every Sunday at the entrance of the Pafos Mosaics near the harbour.

4. The Cypriot people love their food which plays a major role in their Christmas celebrations. Christopsomo (Christ Bread) accompanied by

kourabiedes

dried figs, nuts and honey are eaten on Christmas Eve with stuffed turkey, roast chicken and roast lamb traditionally served on Christmas day. If you have a sweet tooth you will love the traditional cakes such as kourabiedes (a small almond cake coated in icing sugar), melomakarona (traditional honey cake) and finikia (walnut pie). If you hanker for a traditional British Christmas dinner with all the trimmings you will not be disappointed as most of the hotels observe UK traditions with traditional British fare and festive decorations.

5. New Year is an important date for families in Cyprus with the 1st January marking the Feast of St Basil, the regions equivalent to St Nicholas. This is the main day for present-giving. Downtown Limassol plays host to some of the best New Years Eve parties but most of the hotels celebrate with style. Visitors should celebrate New Year in Cyprus with a piece of Vassilopitta (St Basils Cake) which is baked with a silver or gold coin to bring good luck to the person who finds it.

6. Visit Cyprus for pampering and relaxation. In recent years the island has seen a number of high quality spas and health farms open which mixed together with the year-round good climate and varied terrain offers a great way to recharge your batteries. Intense yoga stays and relaxing spa breaks together with treatments which are indigenous to Cyprus, such as the chance to be immersed in the healing waters at Ayii Anargyri, will leave you feeling totally relaxed and revitalised.

7. Car hire is exceptionally cheap at this time of the year giving visitors a chance to explore this amazing island under their own steam. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has teamed up with the Travel Foundation to create 6 self-drive routes which will guide you to some of the most beautiful and special parts of the hidden interior of the island.

Just a four hour flight from the UK, December holidays in Cyprus remain a popular winter sun holiday choice with visitors from the UK and all over – 136,000 Brits who visited the island last year can’t be wrong!

Thanks to visitcyprus.com for the above facts and figures.

Date …. Sunday 4th December
Place …. Aphrodite Hills Resort Village Square

Located near Paphos in the southwest of Cyprus, the Aphrodite Hills Resort offers five star facilities and services including an 18-hole

Christmas in Cyprus

championship Golf Course and Golf Academy, Tennis Academy with multi-surface courts, a Greco-Roman retreat spa and an exclusive Beach Club. The resort overlooks the area where it is said Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, emerged from the sea. At the heart of the resort is an enchanting Village Square with restaurants, bars, shops and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. If you are lucky enough to be on your family holidays to Cyprus at the beginning of December you will be able to visit the traditional Christmas Market in the Village Square. The market provides a warm festive atmosphere that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Aphrodite Hills Village Square

Every year the Aphrodite Hills Resort Village Square is transformed into an amazing Christmas Market. Christmas carols resound around the village as children visit Santa in his grotto where they receive a gift. At the market you will find everything you need from gift ideas to Christmas decorations and lots more to make your Christmas a happy fun-filled time.

Youngsters will love the Children’s corner with Santa’s grotto, the nativity manger, face painting and all kinds of arts and crafts.

Wander around the market visiting stalls selling Christmas cakes, gingerbread houses, pastries and cookies, beautiful handmade items, fine art, jewellery, mosaics and not forgetting a great range of children’s toys. Don’t forget to have a tipple or two of

Aphrodite Hills Golf Course

gluhwein (mulled wine) as you explore this exciting market.

The festive season is a great time for late deals to Cyprus which are available throughout the internet.

Lemesos, also known as Limassol, is a lively Cypriot coast town with lots of old traditional shops and bars along with plenty of tourist-orientated attractions. The older part of Lemesos has a 14th century castle, medieval fort, archaeological museum, many traditional workshops and an exciting market selling jewellery, silverware, leather goods, lace and pottery. Around the old harbour there are some of the town’s best

Lemesos Old Town

restaurants serving both traditional dishes and international cuisine. The Yermasogea area offers a great choice of restaurants and lively nightlife where locals mix with partying tourists. Lemesos offers great value last minute holidays with high standard four and five star accommodation.

Families are attracted to the town for its beautiful sandy beaches including Governor’s Beach, Dassoudi Beach and Armonia Beach. Lemesos offers diving courses for beginners and a variety of water sports. Snorkelling, wind surfing, kite surfing, paragliding, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and the family favourite pedalos are all available from the beaches in Lemesos. The warm clear waters and year round sunshine make perfect conditions for scuba divers with a good choice of dive centres and schools in the resort. There are sites to suit all levels of divers, including the famous Zenobia wreck and Sharks Cove on the Akrotiri Peninsula.

Kolossi Castle

Lemesos is a great base from which to explore the island. Explore the 15th century Kolossi Castle, marvel at the ancient city of Kourion and enjoy a relaxing wine tasting tour in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. In September Lemesos hosts the annual Wine Festival where the public are treated to wine sampling, folk dancing and live music. There are many excursions to choose from including trips to Paphos, Nicosia and the traditional Cypriot villages of Lefkara and Omodhos. If you take a winter holiday in Lemesos you may get the opportunity to enjoy some skiing on Mount Olympus which is part of the Troodos Mountain range.

Away from the beach there is plenty for families to enjoy on their cheap holidays to Lemesos including water parks, jeep tours, camel rides, golf, go-karting and bowling. Children will love the Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park and Fasouri Watermania with their pools, slides and flumes. Take a boat trip from the harbour and experience the beautiful coastline. There are different types of boat trip to choice from including snorkelling trips, fishing expeditions, catamaran rides and

Zenobia wreck

romantic sunset cruises.

Lemesos enjoys a very dry climate with temperatures reaching 25C-35C and up to 13 hours of sunshine a day. Evening temperatures are rarely cold in the summer making this the ideal time to dine al fresco and enjoy a glass or two of locally produced wine. Spring and autumn see temperatures around the mid 20′s, making this a perfect time for nature lovers to enjoy walking or cycling in the cooler Troodos Mountains.

2nd – 11th September 2011
“Drink Wine, It Gives You Life”

The Limassol (Lemesos) Wine Festival in Cyprus takes place every year for two weeks from late August into September. The festival which

Limassol Wine Festival Entrance

attracts thousands of visitors takes place in the Limassol Municipal Gardens which are located on the east side of the town by the sea. Entrance to the festival is via three entrances. The south entrance has a giant statue of a Cypriot winegrower in traditional costume. The festival kicks off with the traditional pressing (treading) of the grapes which is a spectacle not to be missed on your direct holidays to Cyprus in September.

Cyprus has been producing wine for over 4000 years hence the festival, which dates back to ancient times, is dedicated to Dionysos, the God of Wine and to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty and Love.

Scores of Limassol wineries and vineyards display their locally produced wine which can be sampled free of charge. Theatrical performances, folkloric dances and songs are performed to visitors by local and international artistic groups. And of course there is plenty of sampling of the local cuisine and wines such as Muscats, pine-flavoured Retsinas and the renowned dessert wine Commanderia. Other entertainment includes orchestral performances, magic and comedy shows. Visitors on their bargain holidays to Cyprus will not be disappointed by this friendly atmospheric festival.

Limassol

Kakopetria is a village sitting between the Kargotis and Garillis Rivers, just over 30 miles from Nicosia. Standing at an altitude of 667 metres it is the highest village in the Solea Valley. The pure mountain air and authentic atmosphere here make Kakopetria the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday. During the winter months Kakopetria makes an ideal base for skiing on Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains. The

Kakopetria

whole of the old town is a protected national monument with tiny streets lined with old stone houses and historic churches and buildings. Stroll around and soak up the amazing atmosphere before relaxing over a quiet meal or drink at one of the traditional tavernas that are found in the shady town square.

This authentic romantic mountain village offers traditional shops, a market and some great cafes and bars serving traditional local cuisine and local wines. If you enjoy a glass or two of wine a visit to one of the mountain wineries to sample some of the local vintages is a must on your holidays to Kakopetria.

The area is steeped in history with many ancient monasteries and Byzantine churches, including Kykkos Monastery which is one of the most famous in Cyprus. Historical places to visit include Paphos which is a

Kykkos Monastery

World Heritage Site. Here you will find the Tombs of the Kings, the House of Dionysis, Paphos Castle and the Archaeological Museum.

The thick forests, beautiful valleys and array of flora and fauna attract walkers, hikers, nature lovers and bird watchers. There are many marked trails that will guide you through vineyards and orchards, passing mountain streams and old churches on your way. Pears, apples, plums, apricots, peaches and cherries are grown in the regions orchards. A hike along one of the scenic routes to the Troodos Mountains will give you the chance to explore the amazing monasteries dotted about on the mountain side. Another way to explore the beautiful countryside is by mountain bike. There are many trails that lead riders through different types of terrain, including easier ones for visitors just wanting a leisurely ride and more challenging ones for the more experienced and adventurous. Other ways to explore the countryside include jeep safaris and horse riding excursions.

Troodos Mountains

The south coast beaches near Limassol are ideal for some relaxation, swimming and water sports. There are also excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities along the coast. For golfers there are several golf courses a short drive away from Kakopetria.

The climate here is hot and dry in the summer but not as hot as the holiday resorts along the coast. Temperatures often reach 30C but the cool mountain air makes it more pleasant and less humid than at the coastal resorts. Kakopetria enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, even April sees 8 hours of sunshine a day, an ideal time to book one of the many holiday deals available to Cyprus.

Spring and autumn are the best times for cheap package holidays to Kakopetria. Spring sees the region burst into life with the mountainside covered in beautiful flowers and the trees in the fruit orchards covered in blossom. Autumn is ideal for walking and hiking in the warm sunny climate that the area enjoys at this time of the year.

If you are a lover of history then Famagusta is the ideal destination for you. The town is awash with ancient sites, cathedrals, churches and palaces. Attractions here include St Barnabas Monastery, Othello Castle, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Sea Gate and Kertikli Baths. The walled old town consists of old streets steeped in history and attractive squares where you will find cafes and family-run tavernas serving traditional Turkish and Cypriot cuisine. Visit the Royal Palace, St Nicholas Cathedral, the Twin Churches and the original gates of the city wall. In the modern part of the city you will find a busy commercial centre and a university.

Salamis Amphitheatre

Just outside of Famagusta is one of the worlds most important archaeological sites, Salamis. The well preserved Roman ruins here include the ancient amphitheatre which is still used for music events, the forum and the Roman baths. Along the whole length of the site runs a beautiful sandy beach where the crystal-clear waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Nature-lovers will love the Karpas Peninsula which stretches to the northernmost tip of the island of Cyprus. The peninsula is a wild and remote area with pine and cypress forests and is home to a vast range of endemic

Karpas Peninsula

 species of flora and fauna. Along the deserted stretch of coastline there are unspoilt beaches and traditional fishing villages waiting to be explored.

Just along the coast from Famagusta is the quaint harbour town of Kyrenia and inland is the hillside village of Bellapais with its interesting ruined abbey. Other places to visit are the former beach resort of Varosia, which has remained behind barbed wire fencing since the Turkish invasion in 1974, the ancient ruins at Enkomi and Nicosia.

Famagusta

The Famagusta area has some great beaches offering sunbathers peace and tranquility. These unspoilt golden beaches include Bediz, Glapsides, Nangomi, Silver Beach and Bafra.

Popular activities in the area include water sports, walking and hiking, horse riding and mountain biking.

Holiday accommodation is available in Famagusta Old Town and on Famagusta Bay. Late deals for the beach hotels on the bay are great for cheap family holidays to Cyprus. If you are looking for something more up-market, the more luxurious hotels are found along the coast and in the surrounding countryside.

The Famagusta beach holiday season starts in April and continues right through till the autumn. April and May enjoy around 6 hours of sunshine a day with temperatures in the 20′s. June till September enjoys 10 hours of sunshine a day with temperatures in the 30′s. The sea is very warm during July and August and is even warm enough for swimming in November! Spring is a great time to book cheap holiday packages to Famagusta.

Pissouri is located in the south-west of Cyprus, just a couple of miles from Limassol and about 20 miles from Paphos. If you are looking for a quiet relaxing holiday to Cyprus then you need look no further than Pissouri. A holiday here combines the laid-back picturesque hill village with the quiet resort of Pissouri Beach.

The lovely little village is set on a south facing mountain ridge with amazing views of the coast and the Troodos Mountains. This traditional Cypriot village has a village square, traditional stone-built houses and an Orthodox church. The local people are welcoming and friendly and enjoy a slow pace of life. The village square is always decked with bright flowers and is an ideal place to spend a relaxing evening that often includes some Cypriot entertainment. Spend a perfect evening at one of the family-run tavernas which serve tasty fresh fish and local wines. Apart from the family-run tavernas Pissouri has many pizzerias and restaurants which serve international cuisine. The village also has an amphitheatre that hosts music events, theatrical plays and opera during the summer months.

Pissouri Beach is set in an unspoilt bay with waterfront tavernas and a fishing jetty. The bay is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Cyprus. Stretching for two kilometres, this idyllic beach is sheltered by the white cliffs of Cape Aspro and has been awarded the European Blue Flag. The clean sands and safe crystal blue waters are perfect for families, there are always lifeguards on duty around the bay. Other quiet smaller beaches can be found around the local sight of Aphrodite’s Rock. Water and weather conditions of Pissouri Bay are perfect for watersports with a dive school operating in the bay during the summer months. Other watersports include snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, water-skiing and sailing.

Away from the beach visitors can enjoy a round or two of golf at the Secret Valley Golf Course or take a gentle stroll through the forests, vineyards and farms. There are plenty of places to visit on your cheap holidays to Pissouri including the Cypriot capital of Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, the quaint village of Omodhos and not to be missed, the Troodos mountains. A walk along the many hiking trails in the cool air of the Troodos mountains with its traditional little villages makes a nice change to the beach.

Pissouri enjoys some great festivals including the annual Wine Festival in September and ten days of parades and parties at the end of February. Enjoy the festivities by booking one of the last minute holiday deals to Cyprus that are always available.

Beach holidays to Pissouri can be enjoyed from as early as April right through to November. July and August see 12 hours of sunshine a day with temperatures around 31C.