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Archive for the ‘Travel Guide’ Category

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.

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.

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.

Located on the outskirts of the popular resort of Protaras, Pernera attracts families and couples looking for quiet relaxing holidays. Just 30 minutes from Protaras and less than an hour from Larnaca, this lovely beach resort has the most quiet, uncrowded beach in the area, complete with a good choice of beach-front restaurants.

Pernera

 Pernea itself has a good selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops but for a more wider choice of restaurants and tavernas you will have to go to Protaras. And for more livlier entertainment you will need to visit the famous resort of Ayia Napa.

Pernera beach itself is one of the nicest sandy beaches on the eastern coast of Cyprus. All of the beaches around Protaras have fine sandy beaches with calm clear blue waters which make them an excellent choice for families with young children. The Protaras offers an abundance of watersports including diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, paragliding, water-skiing, jet-skiing, speed boats and banana boat rides. Pernera has its own dive centre which offers everything from dives for beginners and fish feeding dives to dives to the Zenobia wreck which is one of the world’s top diving wrecks. Whilst diving here you will encounter reefs, caves and no end of fascinating marine life including parrot fish, rays, sea bass, groupers and eels.

Fig Tree Bay

The area around Perera is great for walks to explore the surrounding sights. Walking to the west of Pernera you will reach Fig Tree Bay beach, Flamingo beach and the resort of Kepparis. To the north there are small secluded coves just waiting to be discovered. The whole family will enjoy exploring the beautiful unspoilt coastline around the headland at Cape Greko to the south of Pernera. There is an excellent scienic coastal path from Protaras to Ayia Napa beach which takes you past ancient ruins and sea caves.

Coastal Walk

There are lots of places to see when taking one of the many holiday packages on offer to Cyprus including the capital Nicosia with its unique old town, Larnaca with its old fort and museums, Protaras, Ayia Napa and the traditional Cypriot village of Paralimni. A great day out for the whole family is a visit to the Troodos Mountains where you will discover lots of quaint traditional villages, pine forests, hiking trails, Byzantine churches and the highest point on the island, Mount Olympus.  

When the children want a break from the beautiful beaches there is a local waterpark and also the larger Water World at Ayia Napa. A mix of Ancient Greece and modern rides, the Ayia Napa waterpark is a must for the kids and adults alike when on your cheap holidays to this wonderful island.

Bellapais is a tradition village in the beautiful countryside of Northern Cyprus. Unspoilt and tranquil, the village is named after the 12th century Bellapais Monastery. Located in the hills at the foot of the Five Finger Mountain Range near the town of Kyrenia and about an hour from Larnaca, Bellapais offers amazing coastal views across the Mediterranean Sea.

Bellapais became famous as the setting for Lawrence Durrell’s 1957 autobiography ‘Bitter Lemons of Cyprus’ which describes the three years he spent on the island and has been popular ever since with visitors looking for a traditional, peaceful atmosphere.

Full of narrow streets which lead off the towns main square, Bellapais has a good selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. Accommodation ranges from villas and apartments to luxury hotels which are located in the beautiful countryside around the village.

Kyrenia

Located about 5 miles from the coast, the village is conveniently positioned for the beautiful sandy beaches of Bellapais and Kyrenia. The beautiful clear blue sea here is perfect for the many water sports on offer including wind-surfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing and parascending. There also lots of dive centres and dive sites in the area for scuba diving fans. Experience the coral, ship wrecks and wonderful marine life in the warm mediterranean sea. If you enjoy an adrenaline rush then try paragliding from St Hilarion and take in the spectacular views of the mountains, countryside and sea.

There are lots of places to visit in and around Bellapais including the imposing partly ruined Gothic Bellapais Monastery, the castle’s of St Hilarion, Kantara and Buffavento, the settlements of Ozankoy and Catalkoy, and of course a holiday to Cyprus is not complete without a visit to the historic town of Kyrenia. Here you will find the harbour which is dominated by Kyrenia Castle, the Shipwreck Museum which is home to a shipwrecked boat dating back to 300BC, shops, casinos, nightclubs, restaurants, cafes

'The Tree of Idleness'

and bars. Don’t forget to take a leisurely break at the real ‘Tree of Idleness’ in Bellapais. It is said that anyone who sits beneath this mulberry tree which was made famous by Durrell will be made lazy and lethargic!

If you enjoy walking, horse riding or bird watching then plan your package holidays for the spring when the countryside bursts into life and is a mass of colour and the weather is just perfect with temperatures of between 18C and 23C. Bellapais also hosts the International Bellapais Music Festival in May.

Looking for a quiet traditional place for the whole family to enjoy then take up one of the many late deals on offer to the amazing island of Cyprus.

Latchi is a quaint peaceful fishing village surrounded by vibrant green countryside and farmland. Located on the border of the Akamas Peninsula on the north west coast of Cyprus, this traditional Cypriot resort is just a couple of miles from Polis and around 15 miles from Paphos. Perfect

Latchi

evenings can be spent enjoying Cypriot cuisine at the traditional waterside tavernas where the fresh fish and seafood is excellent.

This quiet resort is the ideal base for nature lovers, walkers and bird watchers as it is perfectly located to the Akamas Peninsula which is a protected region and National Park of Cyprus. This vast area has all kinds of flora and fauna, nature trails, rugged gorges such as Avakas Gorge, isolated coves and tranquil beaches. It is here that you will find Lara Bay where the green turtles breed and Fontana Amorosa Bay. A boat trip from the harbour will give you excellent views of the Park from the sea. A great way to explore the surrounding countryside and places that can’t be reached by road is on

Akamas Peninsula

 horseback. Hiring a car is also a great way to explore the traditional villages in the Troodos Mountains that are only accessible by the winding mountain roads.

Latchi beach is blessed with beautiful clear blue waters along with the beaches in the bays around the resort. Watersports are on offer here and offer something more than just lazing on the beach. An excellent spot for scuba diving, all ages and abilities will love diving here among the caves and sunken wrecks which are home to a fascinating variety of marine life.

Unwind at the Tsada Golf Club which is located close to Latchi. Featuring fairways lined with grape vines and fruit trees, driving range, practise areas, swimming pool, tennis court and a pro golf shop, the course is ideal for a round of golf even in the summer when it enjoys pleasant cooling breezes.

By using Latchi as your base you can enjoy the beaches at Coral Bay and Paphos, visit the mountain monasteries of Chrysoroyiatissa and Ayios Neophtos, take a trip to the Baths of Aphrodite, visit the fascinating Byzantine museum at Peristerona and much much more, the list of things to do and places to visit is endless.

Whatever you are looking for, be it relaxation, sightseeing or adventure, Latchi is an excellent choice for your family holidays.

Grab a bargain and book one of the last minute holidays to the wonderful island of Cyprus for a trip to be remembered.

Peyia is a quiet sleepy village in Southern Cyprus,  located inland from Coral Bay, about 20 minutes north from Paphos.

Peyia

Ideal for visitors looking for a traditional holiday, Peyia is a quaint hillside village with narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses. The ancient hillside church here forms the heart of the village.
Evenings here are mainly spent in the village square where you will find tavernas which serve a variety of great fish, seafood and traditional meze.

Because of it’s hillside location there are magnificent views of the Cyprus

Peyia

 coastline and the Akamas Peninsular. There are great opportunities for walking and exploring the surrounding countryside which has banana plantations, vineyards and fruit orchards.

The wonderful European Blue Flag beach at Coral Bay is located under two miles from the village and the beaches of Paphos are just a bit further afield.
Coral Bay not only offers a beautiful beach but also great diving, swimming and watersports, and seafront dining.
Paphos on the other hand is much livelier with lots of nightlife along with sandy beaches, an attractive harbour and ancient ruins.

Coral Bay

Both Coral Bay and the beaches at Paphos offer watersports including scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, paragliding, jet-skiing, water-skiing and sailing.

The Troodos Mountains, coastal villages of Polis and Latchi, seaside resorts of Nicosia and Limassol, the Baths of Aphrodite and the ever charming Ayia Georgios harbour all offer a great day out.

Peyia enjoys hot dry summers and mild winters with around 12 hours of sunshine a day from May through till September. June till September enjoys temperatures up to 30C with lovely warm evenings, ideal for strolling around the village.

The sleepy village of Peyia is the perfect choice for package holidays where you can combine traditional Cypriot village life with a beach holiday.

If you are looking for a location perfectly situated for exploring scenic Cyprus and the Akamas Peninsula or even a winter skiing holiday there are lots of cheap holidays to Peyia available throughout the internet.

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.

Nissi Bay is a popular beach resort on the east coast of Cyprus, just 2 miles from the lively resort of Ayia Napa. Nissi Bay has some of the best beaches in Cyprus and is very popular with families and those seeking a quieter resort than Ayia Napa.

Nissi Beach

The most popular beach here is Nissi Beach, a long expanse of beautiful white sand, sheltered by Nissi Island. After a long night parting in Ayia Napa revellers visit the beach here for a perfect day of relaxation and recovery! Pelicans often land here on Nissi Beach.
Other beaches in the resort include the excellent Grecian Bay which stretches in a long curve from the harbour in Ayia Napa right round to Nissi Bay. The quieter beach at Konnos Bay has lots of small coves and is the most unspoilt piece of coastline in the area.
There are lots of watersports on offer here, including scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, windsurfing and paragliding. For beginners there are several diving centres in Nissi Bay where you can take lessons before experiencing a dive in the beautiful clear waters of the bay.

Konnos Bay

All of the beaches in Nissi Bay are perfect for families as they have gentle shelving and calm safe waters.

Nissi Bay has its own nightlife and restaurants but for the most popular, lively clubs and more traditional restaurants, a trip to Ayia Napa is a must.

For a great day out, trips to the Troodos Mountains, Paralimni, Liopetri and Sotira are available from the resort. A cruise around Cape Greco, Protaras and Pernera makes a great cheap day out and usually includes a stop off for a

Troodos Mountains

spot of snorkelling and a dip in the warm Mediterranean sea.

For a holiday that can be as relaxing or as action packed as you like look out for the many holiday packages that are on offer throughout the internet.

Enjoy a great family holiday with one of the last minute holiday deals to Cyprus, you won’t be disappointed.