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

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.

Located just an hour from Larnaca, Kyrenia has a long dramatic coastline, a beautiful harbour and a lovely town centre. The resort has a stunning mountain backdrop.

Kyrenia

Holidays spent in Kyrenia are relaxing with plenty of culture and history on hand.

Kyrenia’s coastline features rocky coves and lots of beaches, including Acapulco, Alagadi Turtle, Escape and Sunset Beach. Watersports including scuba diving, parascending, wind surfing, water-skiing and jet-skiing are available at the beaches here.
A trip to Turtle Beach is a must. Reached through sand dunes and olive trees, and backed by the Five Finger Mountains, the beach is best avoided on a Sunday when locals visit the beach on their day off.

Kyrenia Harbour

The horseshoe-shaped marina in the harbour is dominated by a 7th century castle and is the mooring ground for luxury yachts, cruisers and local fishing boats. There is an intriguing ship wreck museum, restaurants and cafes around the harbour which attract many tourists.
The restaurants, tavernas and bars around the harbour are the main focus for the nightlife in Kyrenia. The restaurants serve all different cuisine including local and traditional food, Turkish dishes, Mediterranean food and international food.

There are lots of places of interest to visit whilst on holiday in Kyrenia including the ruins of the Bellapais Abbey which is located in the Five Finger

Bellapais Abbey - Copyright by Martin Liebermann /zeitspuren

 Mountains. The Venetian Castle which once offered protection for the harbour when at it’s peak trading period is a must see.
If you are looking for great days out visiting ancient ruins then you will not be disappointed with Karmi Necropolic, Salamis and Vrysi.

For the more adventurous there is paragliding from the heights above Karaoglanoglu, enabling you to view the stunning surroundings of Northern Cyprus from the air. A little less adventurous is quad-biking, horse riding and paintball which are also on offer here.

Kyrenia enjoys typically Mediterranean weather with hot summers and mild winters.

Kyrenia Beach

If you prefer the weather a bit cooler then the best time to book your direct holidays to North Cyprus is during May or October as temperatures from May till October average the mid 20′s and often reach as high as 30C.

For great holidays to Kyrenia at any time of the year there are always fantastic travel deals available throughout the internet.

Pissouri is located about 30 minutes away from Paphos and Limassol and consists of two areas, Pissouri Village and Pissouri Beach. Both the village and the beach area have retained their traditional Cypriot character despite becoming very popular with tourists during the summer months. The area is well known for growing grapes in the valley that stretches down to the beach.

Pissouri Village

Located on a ridge, the village offers magnificent views of the countryside, the coastline, the Mediterranean Sea and the Troodos mountain range. Although a traditional Cypriot village, it caters well for the tourists who visit. The village has restaurants, tavernas, bars, shops and banks. During the summer the village holds Cyprus nights in the village square where visitors can mingle with and get to know the local people. The village also has a great amphitheatre which offers opera, music and dance events.

Pissouri Beach

Back in the 1980′s the beach area had just a small jetty and a small taverna, today the area has several tavernas, apartments and hotels, and shops. Like the village, the beach area has retained much of its traditional Cypriot character. The safe, sandy and shingle beach is located about 3 miles from the village. Here at the beach there are a number of watersports on offer, including sailing, surfing, windsurfing and paragliding. There are also lots of diving sites nearby and Pissouri has its own diving school. During the summer the green and loggerhead turtles come to the beach to nest and lay their eggs.

Climate

June and July enjoy an average of 13 hours of sun a day and an average of 7 hours in January.
In April and May temperatures average 23-26C, around 27C in the summer and even around 21C in November.
There is very little rainfall, most of which falls in December.

There are lots of bargain holidays around for the whole family to enjoy the enchanting island of Cyprus.

If you are looking for direct holidays to a location steeped in traditional, you won’t be disappointed with Pissouri.

Ayia Napa is one of the most popular resorts on the picturesque Mediterranean island of Cyprus, particularly popular with the 18-30 year olds who are looking for a fun packed holiday with great clubbing experiences.

Ayia Napa, although renowned for it’s club scene, is also a great resort for family holidays, with a beautiful beach and lots of child friendly areas.

For more information why not take a look at this interesting and informative destination guide to Ayia Napa which will give you an insight into this perfect holiday destination.

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.

If you are looking for cheap holidays to Cyprus, there are always great offers throughout the internet.

The following review was written for us by our reader Mrs Anne Shanner

“Me and my husband recently treated ourselves and spent our 25th wedding anniversary at the Anassa Hotel. We had our own terrace and plunge pool and a seaview. Even after 25 years we found ourselves engulfed in the romance! The staff here were exceptional, giving us 1st class service and were totally attentive. The resort itself is quiet with a nice beach and is within driving distance of lots of ‘things to do’. Food and restaurants were great and i particularly enjoyed the spa.
This wasn’t one of the cheapest holidays we have been on but it was worth that bit extra to have 1st class service and surroundings. We would definitely recommend the Anassa and hope to return again very soon.”

ANASSA HOTEL OVERVIEW

Location

Perched on rolling hills that drop down to Anassa beach, the Anassa edges Cyprus’ unspoilt Akamas Peninsula.
The town of Polis and the fishing village of Latchi are just 5 and 2 kilometres away respectively.
Arranged in whitewashed Mediterranean villas, the hotels tiered terraces offer spectacular views before spilling down to sunbathing lawns and the sea.
The beach is dotted with wooden sunloungers and canvas parasols.

Accommodation

All 177 guest rooms have 2 or 3 beds, air conditioning/heating, satellite TV, hairdryer, minibar, safety deposit box.

 
Sport and Relaxation

3 outdoor pools, one heated in winter (mosaic pool), 2 indoor pools (1 lap pool, 1 saltwater exercise pool, both heated in winter), gym, 2 flood-lit tennis courts, squash court, watersports, sailing & scuba-diving (weather permitting; under separate management), Roman-style health spa, thalassotherapy, acupuncture, sauna, steam bath, massage, beauty treatments.  

Food

4 restaurants (3 in winter season, serving international & local cuisine, including homegrown organic fruit & vegetables and seafood), Open show kitchen with live cooking in Pelagos restaurant, special dietary requirements on request.

Entertainment

Live music most nights, folklore shows in summer, BBQ’s, theme nights.

The Elea Golf Club in Cyprus has announced its golf-course designed by six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo will open this autumn.
The par-71 course will be at the centre of the Elea Estate Paphos, which comprises of Luxury villas and apartments, a boutique hotel and spa facilities, beside the Mediterranean Sea.
“This golf course certainly has the potential to play a pivotal role in establishing this part of the world as a leading European golf destination,” said Faldo. “When we designed the golf course at Elea Golf Club we decided to put the emphasis on thoughtful, rather than big-hitting, golf and there are plenty of strategic riddles for the golfer to explore and unravel over all 18 holes.”
The course has been designed to allow partridges, birds of prey, butterflies and lizards to continue living around the course.

Love golf?  Book your direct holidays to Cyprus and enjoy this ecologically friendly course and surroundings.

The Columbia Beach Resort consists of 94 suites and is situated on Pissouri Bay, between the main resorts of Limassol and Paphos. Pissouri Bay is a ‘Blue Flag’ beach and has two championship golf courses within easy reach.

Columbia Beach Resort

Accommodation

The Junior suites have a large bathroom with a king size bath and separate shower, individually controlled heating/air conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite TV, radio, mini bar, direct dial telephone, WiFi internet access, sitting area with settee and easy chairs (some settees convert to double beds), limited self-catering facilities and a large balcony or terrace (most with side sea or pool view). Some are interconnecting.

The one bedroom suites have the same facilities as the Junior suites but with a separate sitting room with a sofa bed.

Columbia Beach Resort

The two bedroom family suites have panoramic views of Pissouri Bay, with the same facilities as the one bedroom suites plus a very large bathroom, separate second bedroom with its own bathroom with shower and a lavishly furnished sitting room.

Executive junior suites with side sea view and purposely designed disabled persons junior suites with easy accessibility and all the necessary facilities for disabled guests are also available.

Dining

The resort has a fine dining restaurant and a Cypriot taverna. Snacks are served at the Ouzeri pool bar and the beach bar.

A selection of restaurants including the Old Customs House, a cosy romantic bar and coffee house situated on the beach serving refreshing salads and light snacks, the Cape Aspro Restaurant, one of the most panoramic restaurants in Cyprus, built on the cliff overlooking the beautiful Pissouri Bay, serving a selection of imaginative snacks, a la carte gourmet meals, fresh fish and afternoon tea. In the evening the restaurant features selected theme nights including Mediterranean, Italian, Cypriot, BBQ and International, as well as an international a la carte menu featuring classic dishes from around the world. The Atrium indoor restaurant serves breakfast and light snacks during the day.

Amenities

Cocktail bar, Poolside bar (weather permitting), Pub bar, Beach bar, Restaurants, Lounge, Souvenir shop, Hair salon, Room service, Laundry & ironing service, Conference centre.

Columbia Beach Resort

Leisure Activities

Large freshwater outdoor swimming pool, Indoor heated pool (winter only), Hot & cold plunge pools, Aerobics and yoga studio, Daily activities programme, Sauna, Steam bath, Jacuzzi, Massage, Floodlit tennis court, Two squash courts, Columbia Spa, Wide range of watersports, Fully equipped gym.

For Children

Children’s pool, Children’s playground, Babysitting (on request), Kids’ Club for 3-12 year olds during July, August, Christmas and Easter holidays.

Entertainment

A varied entertainment programme including live music.

The following review has been supplied to us by our reader Mrs Emma Pattison.

“Simply the best is how i would describe this hotel. We love Cyprus and had spent many happy holidays there so we decided to spend our honeymoon there. We had read lots of good reports about the Columbia so decided to give it a go. We couldn’t of made a better choice, from our room with a fantastic view right through to the fantastic food, staff and amenities, we were totally thrilled with our choice. The Spa and infinity pool were particular favourites of ours. Didn’t know we could have got married here but perhaps i will be able to persuade hubby to renew our vows here on our 1st anniversary (I don’t think he will need much persuading as he loved it as much as i did)! Will definately be returning at some point and highly recommend to anyone looking for that extra special holiday.”