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Thomson Destinations
The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus is a beautiful island bathed in luminous sunshine where glittering Mediterranean waters lap golden shores...
Cyprus
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You could be forgiven for thinking that Cyprus was born to be a holiday destination. Its seemingly effortless charm, laid back atmosphere and superb tourist facilities belie 10,000 years of turbulent history, during which the legendary hang-out of love goddess Aphrodite has been coveted by everyone from Alexander the Great to the British Crown. The Roman Emperor Julius Caesar even gave it as a gift to his mistress, Cleopatra. Today Cyprus is right up there with the best of the world's holiday islands. You name it, this island has it - top hotels, history, culture and sizzling nightlife, not to mention mountain scenery that contrasts with the sun-drenched streets and burnished beaches of the coastal towns. Right across Cyprus, ancient and modern sit comfortably side by side. So one moment you can be wandering around the ruins of an ancient city. The next you can be riding a jet-ski at the beach or lounging around your luxury hotel, sipping a cocktail and looking forward to a refreshing dip in the pool or a soak in the spa. Things to see and do Kourion One of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the island gives you just a hint of the splendour of this ancient city. The magnificent Graeco-Roman amphitheatre is now fully restored and used for musical and theatrical performances. Don't miss the House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators. Both have beautiful mosaic floors. Tombs of the Kings Discover this large necropolis, situated 2km northwest of Paphos harbour, complete with underground tombs. The burial caves are thought to be the final resting place of 100 Paphitic aristocrats, the name reflects the magnificence of the tombs. Lefkara This delightful, picturesque village is famous for its exquisite lace and for fine silverware. You can browse the lace shops and pick up some souvenirs. Alternatively, check out the Lace and Silverware Museum, housed in the elegant Hotse of Patsalos. Lemesos Cyprus Wine Museum Take a journey through centuries of Cyprus viniculture, with photographs and audio-visual displays bringing to life all aspects of the wine making process, from cultivation to production. Exhibits include ancient jars and vases, Medieval drinking vessels, documents and wine making equipment. Paphos Mosaics In the 3rd to 5th centuries AD this was the site of some executive homes belonging to affluent ancient Greeks. The wonderful mosaic floors which survive are some of the best examples to be found anywhere in Europe. Water World This amazing water park has attractions with exciting names harking back to the romantic tales of gods, adventures and mythical creaures. Ride The Quest of Heracles', The Fall of Icarus', and 'Poseidon's Wave Pool'. If you're staying in Ayia Napa, it's just down the road. Take the kids for a fun day out. Kykkos Monastery For a glimpse of Greek Orthodox life, Kykkos monastery is the largest and most lavish religious institution in Cyprus and is well worth a visit. Set high in the hills west of Troodos, it was founded about 900 years ago to house the Elousa icon, reputedly painted by St Luke the Evangelist. So holy is the icon that legend has it that anyone who attempts to gaze upon the icon will be blinded instantaneously. The monastery itself is renowned for its colonnaded cloisters, attractive courtyards and colourful array of mosaics. Trodos Mountains The temperate climate of the Trodos Mountasins has long provided Cypriots with relief from the searing heat of the coastal towns. It's a beautiful region of soaring peaks, pine forests, babbling brooks and citrus groves. The Trodos Nationals Forest Park covers over 90 square kilometres and is covered mostly by pine forests. Around 800 plant species have been logged here, over 70 of which are native to the island.
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Cape Apostolos Andreas
Rizokarpason Davlos Livera Kalograia Bogazi Koma tou Gialou
Cape Kormakitis Morfou Bay Morfou
Askeia Famagusta Peristerona Strovolos Argaka Kykkos Pera Deryneia Chorion Protaras Polis 1362 Monastery Xylofagou St Cape Greko 1951 Kakopetria s Tripylos T Kosi Larnaca Ayia Georges 1143 r o ö d o s M o u n t a i n Napa Nissi Giolou Panagia Larnaca Beach 1153 Lefkara Coral Bay Bay Afamis Pachna Mazotos Platres Paphos Aphrodite Zygi Geitonia Hills Pissouri a Yermasoyia Se Aphrodite's Rock n Kolossi LIMASSOL ea Episkopi Castle Cape Gata n ra Bay ter edi M
Cape Arnaoutis
Pomos
NICOSIA
Ammochostos Bay
Latchi
Cyprus
CYPRUS
20 km
© TUI 2005
Beaches With over 800 kilometres of stunning coastline, Cyprus offers a myriad of sandy beaches, delightful rocky inlets and secluded coves. The west coast is home to a clutch of inviting sands, especially around Coral Bay and the Akamas Peninsula. Paphos offers plenty in the way of beach activities. Choose from jet-skiing and diving to water-skiing and paragliding. Meanwhile, the east coast plays host to arguably the island's best beaches and most enticing coves. Larnaca boasts a long sandy crescent while Ayia Napa's swathe of beach extends for hundreds of metres and is particularly popular. With its golden sliver of sand and views out across Fig Tree Bay, Protaras is another firm favourite. Nissi Beach is a much sought after beach haunt - if it gets a bit too crowded, retreat
. by wading out to the famous islet that rises up in the middle of the bay and find yourself a more isolated spot. Cape Greco, meanwhile, is excellent for scuba diving.
Average daily maximum temperature
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Cyprus
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Apr 9 5 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Average daily hours of sunshine 11 13 13 12 11 6 7 6 6 5 Oct 9 3
°C
London
Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent to 10p/min plus 6p set Call 0871 230 8100 Calls cost upother providers' charges up fee from a BT landline. Mobile and may vary.
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