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Cyprus
Great beaches, soaring mountains and stacks of history. Oh, and it just happens to be Aphrodite's birthplace.
Thomson Destinations
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You could be forgiven for thinking Cyprus was born to be a holiday destination. Its seemingly effortless charm and laid-back atmosphere belie 10,000 years of turbulent history. The Roman Emperor Julius Caesar even gave it as a gift to his girlfriend, 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, fascinating history, authentic culture and sizzling nightlife, not to mention fabulous mountain scenery. Right across Cyprus, ancient and modern sit comfortably side by side. One moment you can be wandering around the ruins of an ancient city or a Byzantine monastery, the next you can be riding a jet-ski at the beach or lounging around your luxury hotel. You can also choose your place in the sun to suit exactly how you like your holidays, from the 24/7 buzz of Ayia Napa to the quiet sophistication of Coral Bay or Nea Dimmata. What's more, you'll be surrounded by friends. The Cypriots have made hospitality an art form, and wherever you go you'll be made to feel like one of the family. 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 theatre was originally built in the 2nd century BC and is now fully restored and used for musical and theatrical performances. Don't miss the the House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators both have beautiful mosaic floors. Tombs of the Kings They may not have actually been built for kings - more likely high officials - but these underground tombs are nonetheless impressive. Spread over a vast area, they were carved out of solid rock in the 4th century BC and are decorated with Doric pillars. 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 House 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. They mostly show scenes from Greek mythology. Water World This amazing water park has attractions with exciting names harking back to romantic tales of gods, adventurers and mythical creatures. Ride The Quest of Heracles', The Fall of Icarus', Poseidon's Wave Pool' and Aphrodite's Bath'. If you're staying in Ayia Napa, it's just down the road. Take the kids for a fun day out. Kykkos Monastery The most famous and opulent monastery on the island was founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It houses one of the three surviving icons ascribed to Saint Luke, covered in silver gilt and enclosed in a shrine of tortoiseshell and mother-of -pearl. The first President of Cyprus, Archibishop Makarios III, was a novice here and is buried at Throni, three kilometres west of the Monastery. Troodos Mountains The temperate climate of the Troodos Mountains 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 Troodos National 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 Kakopetria s Cape Greko 1951 Tripylos T Kosi Larnaca Ayia Georges n 1143 r o Napa Nissi Giolou Panagia ö d o s M o u n t a i 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 Bay rra ite Med
Cape Arnaoutis
Pomos
NICOSIA
Ammochostos Bay
Latchi
Cyprus
CYPRUS
20 km
© TUI 2005
Beaches Cyprus has plenty of good beaches, nearly 40 of which have been given the prestigious Blue Flag' status. Most offer safe swimming and watersports. The best are in the south east corner of the island around Ayia Napa and Protaras, where the sand is at its most golden and the sea at its bluest. The undisputed champion is Fig Tree Bay, its loveliness endorsed by its popularity not only with holidaymakers, but with locals too. In the Limassol area, Ladies Mile Beach is probably the star attraction. This gorgeous, golden stretch of sand seems to go on for several miles not one, and it's perfect for kids, with a gently shelving shoreline and calm waters. As for the island's west coast, most people would single out Coral Bay for special honours. A short drive from Paphos, it's approached through banana plantations and vineyards, while the setting, a sweeping, crescent-shaped bay between two headlands, is impressive, to say the least. Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, there's
Lara Beach. The main breeding ground of the island's endangered green and loggerhead turtles, it's partly protected and pretty isolated. But it's worth the difficult journey to enjoy some unspoilt natural beauty. You can even volunteer to help out at the turtle hatchery if you want.
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
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London
388
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