Holidays In Cyprus

Signs of the Bronze Age

2011-02-17T10:59:00.002Z

Cyprus is much like most of Greece in that it has an incredible amount of history tied up with it. You won’t believe how far back the history of the island goes here, but you might find it easier to believe once you are in Cyprus itself.

Take Paphos for example. This is a fairly well known town on the island and you will also commonly see it referred to as Pafos. However you spell it though, you will always find one of the most amazing sights on the whole island here. We could reasonably say ‘sites’ as well, since it is the location of Maa Palaeokastro, a settlement that dates back as far as the Bronze Age. When you really stop to think about it, being able to see the remnants of such a bygone age is a real bonus to any visit to Cyprus.

As you might imagine, a site like this is no longer in the condition it would have been in back in the Bronze Age. But enough of it remains to give your imagination a good idea of what life must have been like in Cyprus at that time. It can feel a little strange to travel from Paphos, near Coral Bay, to the old settlement, peeling back the centuries as you do so. But the journey is worth it. You will feel very privileged to see the very area that so many ancient Greeks called home from 1200 BC onwards.

The remains of various walls are there to be seen, and while many pillars have fallen and lay abandoned in the ruins, some are still standing to some extent. This gives you an idea of the buildings that would once have formed part of the Bronze Age life that existed here.

Of course much of Cyprus has plenty to share with you in terms of history. But Maa Palaeokastro is definitely one of the chief highlights, stretching back as it does so far into history. If you are planning on visiting Cyprus for a holiday soon, make sure you add this amazing place to your must do list.

Avgas Gorge

2011-01-18T15:57:00.002Z

Sometimes it is nice just to go off the beaten track and to find areas where you might imagine no one else has ever been. Most countries have locations where you could be taken with such imagination, and in Cyprus you could find that Avgas Gorge fits the bill rather nicely.

The gorge is located in the Paphos region of Cyprus, so if you are staying near here during your time in Cyprus you should give it a go. Be prepared though – this is not a casual stroll unless you only intend to see the very beginning of the gorge.

Being prepared means wearing non slip footwear and making sure you have plenty of water with you. Some people also choose to wear hard hats to make sure they have some protection from any rock falls that might occur on the journey. This is not meant to dissuade you from exploring the gorge; rather it is meant to ensure you are fully prepared for what you will see and experience. If you choose to explore it at length you will have a lot of walking ahead of you, so make sure you aren’t wearing your footwear for the first time either.

The Avgas Gorge widens and narrows at times, and very soon you will see a grotto like area that is quite charming to witness. If you want to tackle the entire gorge you should allow a whole day to do it, bearing in mind time to stop and rest once you have gone end to end. This is not a journey to take in a hurry, and bearing in mind the heat, you will want to take your time as well.

The Avgas Gorge is not something that many tourists will want to tackle. Indeed it tends not to be a highlight of Cyprus that appears on lots of must do lists. It all depends how fit and healthy you are as to whether you would want to attempt to do the whole thing, or whether you just want a taster. Mind you, the taster of the opening of the gorge is quite spectacular on its own.

Why is Cyprus Known as the Year Round Island?

2010-12-20T09:00:00.002Z

If you have ever taken a look at the tourist website for Cyprus, you will see that they call the island the ‘year round island’. This is certainly a nice advert for Cyprus itself, but has it earned the right to be called this particular name?

Generally speaking the height of tourism on the island is of course during the summer months. This is when the weather is at its best and the summer is a long one too. Some sources report it as stretching all the way from April to November, so you can see it has a generous share of sunshine for a very long period of time.

Of course this doesn’t mean the rest of the year is miserable either. Far from it – Cyprus is very spoilt in its location and the weather is reasonably good the rest of the time as well. It has also been stated that Cyprus enjoys much more sunshine during December than many other northern European locations do during their summer months. If this does not prompt you to think seriously about a winter getaway to the island, nothing else will!

There is also plenty to do on the island throughout the year. Sunbathing is a distinct possibility as you can see, even if you go to the beach on Christmas Day. Whatever and whenever you decide to go, you can be assured that you won’t run short of things to do – nor the weather or the daylight hours to do them in.

Cycling and walking are both popular on the island, and both activities are ideal for ensuring you are able to enjoy every moment you spend in Cyprus. There is plenty to see while you go from place to place as well, so you can enjoy discovering more of this delightful island, regardless of the time of year you choose to go there.

The message is clear though – this ‘all round island’ really does live up to its name. You cannot possibly be disappointed in what you find there, no matter what you go for in the first place.

Heading to Platres in Cyprus

2010-11-18T11:35:00.002Z

One of the most important parts of any holiday is to decide whereabouts you are going to be staying. Cyprus has many delightful resorts, towns and villages worth thinking about, one of which is Platres.

Platres is a village that is inland and edging towards the west of the island. You’re probably about as far from a beach as you possibly could be, but you won’t mind because Platres has a lot to offer if you want a different kind of holiday in Cyprus.

For starters the village lays claim to one particular feature you won’t find in any other location in Cyprus. It has a stream cutting its way through the middle of the village, giving it a nice quality that will appeal to you more than you might imagine.

Some people think Platres is worth staying in for a few days during a longer spell in Cyprus, and indeed this is a good bet if you want to explore as much of the island as possible. It all depends on the kind of break you want of course – some people will want more to do, in which case Platres could be a little dull after you have discovered all it has to offer. Obviously a beach based holiday cannot be taken here, but you should take a day or two to see Platres before heading to your beach location for some sun, sea and sand to enjoy.

One thing you will learn soon upon arriving is the natural split that occurs in Platres. There are upper and lower parts to the village, and the upper section is the one you will want if you would like to see a livelier part that appeals to tourists. It has plenty of places to eat and drink, and you can discover more about Platres and the surrounding areas by visiting the tourism office there.

All in all Platres is something of an undiscovered part of Cyprus for many people. Even though you might want to go elsewhere too, you can learn more about the island by visiting other places such as this one.

Check Out Famagusta Bay in Cyprus

2010-10-20T14:55:00.002Z

Famagusta is not a name you will forget in a hurry. This is certainly true when you see the area itself, and indeed the beaches that bring a lot of people here throughout the year.

One of the nicest things about Famagusta is that the bay gives you spectacular views wherever you look. Famagusta as a town is something of an oddity as well. It is comprised of two sections and one of these is completely off limits. As such it is known as a ghost town and one that dates back hundreds of years in parts.

However while you may feel curious about the old part of the area, you will soon feel drawn towards modern Famagusta. The bay and the beautiful waves beyond will beckon you down to spend some considerable amount of time on the beaches and in the sea. What better way could there be to enjoy this unusual slice of Cyprus?

In fact you have a choice of several beaches in or near Famagusta that you can go to. If you want to see the ruins of Salamis then the Silver Beach will be the best one to try out. This won’t be a day long trip to the beach though, as the ruins themselves offer plenty to look round and appreciate while you are there. In fact if you pack your walking shoes as well as your beach shoes you’ll certainly use them when you go to the ruins; there are several kilometres of paths to follow to see everything.

There is no doubt that sun seekers from all over Europe come to see the delights of Famagusta and the bay that accompanies it. You will be glad you joined them, although you should be prepared for things to get busy if you go during the height of the season. However you are lucky that there are several beaches to choose from, so there is no chance of you ever getting bored.

And of course you can sneak a look at the forgotten and abandoned part of Famagusta as well, to wonder what life would be like if it were used and still part of the landscape in a more active sense.

The Tomb of the Kings

2010-09-20T14:01:00.002Z

You would be forgiven for thinking you had strayed onto a blog about Egypt, given that particular title. But in fact Cyprus can lay claim to a Tomb of the Kings, and what’s more you can visit it while you are on holiday there as well.

If you are staying anywhere near Paphos in Cyprus you won’t have far to travel. The tombs are only about a mile from Paphos’ famous harbour. As you can see it wouldn’t take that long to walk there if you fancy the exercise.

You may be a little disappointed to know that these tombs do not contain any royal remains. In fact they never did. Unlike the tombs in Egypt these were designated for less important people, although they were still referred to as aristocrats so they were far from poor. The majestic sight of the tombs testifies to this – they are amazing and humbling to see. When you consider the fact that they were carved out of their surroundings and out of solid rock, this was not an undertaking that was done for the poorest of society.

While you cannot visit the whole site, many of the best areas have been made accessible for the public. One of the tombs has a selection of massive pillars, forming a square where the middle is open to the light above. Elsewhere you will find yourself confronted by a set of steps leading down into the tomb below. Will you have the nerve to descend and explore what awaits you within?

The details in the pillars and above some of the doorways are quite exquisite. Be sure to take a camera and commit as much of the Tomb of the Kings to film (or digital card) as you can. The experience is one of the most amazing ones Cyprus has to offer, and it takes you back to life as it was lived centuries ago.

It might seem a little macabre to explore what is essentially the final resting place of people who lived in another time. But there is much to be learned from these tombs, and we should be grateful for that.

The Cyprus Museum Of Natural History

2010-08-20T10:21:00.003Z

When you book a holiday to somewhere like Cyprus, you know you will end up indulging in plenty of sunbathing, relaxation, eating and drinking. But while these are all wonderful activities to do on a holiday in Cyprus, you should also indulge in a spot of exploration.

And what better place to do that than by visiting the Cyprus Museum of Natural History?

The museum itself is divided into four main sections. This makes it much easier to explore as you can look round each one in turn. The main sections include fauna, marine life, mineral wealth and habitats. The museum can be found close by to Nicosia, which you may see written as Lefkosia in the local language.

The marine life section of the museum is as you would expect focused on the Mediterranean Sea. You can learn more about the sea and its inhabitants by visiting this section, so it is well worth looking at. Of particular interest is the focus on how the Mediterranean Sea has changed due to the acts of humans. This will make you think twice about how we live our lives, which is the real purpose of this part of the museum in truth.

The section labelled mineral wealth may not sound too amazing, but you’ll need to think again when you see it for real. There are exhibits here that are thousands of years old, and they will reveal more about the country you are taking your holiday in. Just imagine what it would be like to see a volcanic rock that was formed here even millions of years ago. It gives you a different perspective on Cyprus as a whole. In fact the Cyprus Museum of Natural History does this in lots of different ways, so you can see it is well worth a visit.

You’ll learn more about some of the most famous areas in Cyprus as well, such as the Paphos Forest and the Larnaka Salt Lake. So when you are exploring the rest of the country you will get a better understanding of some of Cyprus’ best attractions.

Exploring A Slice Of Ancient Cyprus

2010-07-21T15:18:00.002Z

There is no doubt that Cyprus has a history that is visible to everyone who visits the island. Even if you do not consciously go out exploring the history of Cyprus you will trip over some part of it sooner or later.

But if you want to go all out to explore what you can, make sure you don’t miss Choirokoitia. This is occasionally seen as Khirokitia, so if you see a sign for this while you are there make sure you don’t drive past it! You’ll be missing one of the major sights of ancient times on Cyprus.

This is an archaeological site and the fact that it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site should tell you a lot about it in other ways as well. It dates all the way back to the Neolithic Age. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, think about the end of the Stone Age thousands of years ago and perhaps things will start to click into place.

There is still work going on in the region to uncover other things that may lie hidden under the surface. But suffice it to say that already we have learned a lot about what people did so many years ago – and in fact this site is one of the most important ones of all, not just in Cyprus but in the whole of Europe.

There is every chance that human remains will be found here though, since the people of these times thought nothing of burying their dead relatives beneath the houses they were still living in. As such with every building that is uncovered, there is also the opportunity to recover ancient remains as well.

No one knows where the people who first inhabited the village of Choirokoitia first came from. But we are also stumped for answers when it comes to figuring out where they went. The village was abandoned in ancient times and we are not sure why. Perhaps further excavations of the area will reveal as yet undiscovered answers for some of the most puzzling questions surrounding Choirokoitia.

Have You Seen The Sculptures In Limassol?

2010-06-22T14:13:00.000Z

Where is the first place you would think of going if you wanted to see some sculptures?

The chances are you would immediately think of a museum of some kind. But when you are in Cyprus you have an altogether different place to go that might prove rather more interesting than your average museum.

How about going to the sea front to see the delights of the Limassol Sculpture Park? As the name suggests the sculpture park is not to be found indoors. Instead it is right on the front, close by to the harbour at Limassol, and some of the sculptures here can easily be seen from some distance away as you approach. This has the advantage of making the park very easy to spot indeed.

The park hasn’t been around anywhere near as long as the Old Harbour it shares this part of Limassol with. In fact it was only opened back in 2003, so you can see it only has a few short years in which it has impressed the many visitors who have been to this area of Limassol.

There are only twenty sculptures here so you won’t be overwhelmed by the sheer number of them. But you should think about taking a look when you are in the area since it is nice and close to many other attractions in Limassol.

The sculptures vary widely in their form and materials, with some of them more understated than others. They are widely spaced around the park area, giving you the advantage of being able to wander around and casually enjoy each area and sculpture as you come across them.

And of course once you have seen all the sculptures you can go and explore everything else that Limassol has to show you. The name of this venue is well known for good reason, and since you are close to the Old Harbour you should certainly make the time to explore it.

If you have never really seen any major sculptures before, this could be your best chance to change things.

Aphrodite’s Water Park At Paphos – Are You Ready For Some Fun?

2010-05-21T10:09:00.002Z

The beginning of May is a very big time at Paphos. Not only does it mark the true beginning of the holiday season, it is also when the huge water park at Paphos re-opens for the new summer season.

Known as the Aphrodite Water Park, this park is packed with thrills and spills designed to appeal to every member of the family. There are even rides and slides that the youngest members can make the most of, so everyone will be delighted to try them out.

So where should you go first when you get to the park? Well how about launching yourself in at the deep end and opting to try the Free Fall? It sounds like you will need a strong stomach for this one and you’d be right. Once you get to the top of the slide you will see what awaits you – a 50 foot drop down a slide that is almost vertical. Hang onto your stomach as you take the journey – it could be over faster than you think!

If you would rather do something the whole family can get involved with, family rafting should definitely be your target. There are all kinds of rubber dinghies to choose from, with some big enough to literally get the whole family inside. Then all you have to do is to hold on for the ride and splash your way down the rapids to the bottom. It’s all good clean and very enjoyable fun.

If all this sounds a bit too much for you, why not flop into a rubber ring and float round the lazy river instead? Most water parks have one of these but the one at the Aphrodite Water Park is a full mile in length. As you can imagine there is nothing better than relaxing for a while as you wind your way around all the attractions in the park. You might even spot something you haven’t tried yet.

There are plenty more rides to try as well, so make sure you get there early and plan to spend a whole day tiring yourselves out!

Take A Walk In Cyprus

2010-04-22T12:20:00.000Z

You know, some people underestimate the sheer excitement of doing something as simple as taking a walk. A lot of people focus purely on heading for the nearest beach when they finally arrive on Cyprus. It’s understandable of course – lots of us have stressful lives and jobs and we yearn to escape somewhere we can really relax and unwind.

But walking is just as good a way to unwind as lying on the beach. So if you fancy doing something a bit different and seeing a part of Cyprus you would otherwise miss, try heading for the Cedar Valley.

Even the name conjures up very specific and beautiful images and feelings, doesn’t it? And the actual place itself won’t disappoint either. It is very well known as a prime area for walking and hiking and many holidaymakers venture here when they fancy a break from the beach.

The valley can be found towards the west of the island. Paphos is directly south west of it and Limassol is directly south east. The Cedar Valley is so called because of the huge amount of cedars that fill it from end to end. No one is quite sure of the actual count, but something in the region of 200,000 cedars stand tall and proud in the valley.

Pano Panagia lies to the south of the valley and provides a good access point for those looking for the Cedar Valley itself. It pays to take some provisions and water with you and you’ll certainly need some good walking shoes. If you want to walk from one end to the other you can do so, but expect it to take you much of the day. An early start is recommended so you can enjoy the whole day in the valley.

The best part of the walk is not just seeing the trees in their huge number. It is drinking in these delightful surroundings and realising you are seeing a part of Cyprus that the people who merely sunbathe are missing out on. That’s why the valley is worth visiting, so you can keep the secret to yourself.

Paphos – A Harbour For All Seasons

2010-03-23T16:00:00.000Z

It is small wonder that Paphos is one of the most popular locations in all of Cyprus. Its harbour alone is quite stunning and always offers something to look at. The Paphos region is to the west of Cyprus, with Paphos itself right on the coast. The harbour itself is filled with boats of all kinds, some tiny and some rather bigger. There is arguably nothing better than sitting back with a drink and watching the boat owners go about their daily tasks at the laid back pace you can expect in most parts of Cyprus.

It may once have been nothing more than a fishing village with not much going on. But the tourists have discovered the area and since then it has developed into an even better place to be. Many holidaymakers head here for their holidays and base themselves in this location. No matter what you want to eat you’ll find it in any number of restaurants and bars here. You won’t fail to be taken in by the atmosphere and the walks you can indulge in around the harbour itself.

But when you visit Paphos you aren’t just getting somewhere with a nice harbour, some beaches and the chance to take a dip in warm seas. There is plenty more to discover in the surrounding area as well, and this is part of what makes it an attractive place to go to.

You cannot miss the castle of Paphos, a foreboding and blocky looking building right on the harbour itself. It dates back hundreds of years although in its earliest days it was much bigger than the remains you will see today.

Perhaps the best part of visiting the castle in Paphos harbour is the fact that you can get an amazing view right from the very top. Take some water as it is quite a climb, but it is well worth the effort. The castle is definitely a significant sight to see in Paphos, and it stands as a monument to times gone by. In a way, the same applies to Paphos itself as well.

Exploring The Castle Of Limassol

2010-02-19T08:15:00.001Z

Limassol is one of the biggest cities in Cyprus, so perhaps it isn’t surprising that it should have its own castle. Limassol Castle is medieval but it is not the only castle that Limassol boasts. Altogether it has nine dotted around in separate areas, making this an ideal city to visit in Cyprus if you want to see another side to this country.

You will find the castle in the appropriately named Richard and Berengaria Street. This is so named because of the supposed union between the famous Richard the Lionheart and his Princess Berengaria of Navarre, which allegedly took place inside this castle. Since this took place back in 1191 you can see that the site has a long history stretching back many centuries.

The castle itself is perhaps not the most impressive one you will ever have seen. But it is the history which is held within its walls that draws the visitors to it all year round. For example there is an archaeological museum you can visit within the castle itself, which reveals more about its history and has many relics for you to see as well. There is no doubt that you might forget which century you are in as you discover more about the castle and its many inhabitants who have passed through there in centuries gone by.

Unfortunately some of the original structure is no longer standing. For example the chapel in which Richard the Lionheart and Princess Berengaria of Navarre were supposed to have been married is no longer in existence. Some other parts of the castle have also disappeared, but there is enough left to give you a good idea of what it may have been like many years ago.

Some of the exhibits you will find in the archaeological museum go back as far as the mid three hundreds to six hundreds AD. From there on there are plenty more exhibits to see as well, so you will see that the Castle of Limassol is one of the best places to visit in the city of Limassol itself.

Sample The Best Wine From Cyprus At The Lambouri Winery

2010-01-20T10:22:00.002Z

What makes the perfect holiday for you? Is it being able to laze around on a beach and read a good book? What about being able to go swimming whenever you like and see the fish in the sea? Or is it more to do with sampling the local food and drink?

If you like a nice glass of wine to go with your dinner you should make sure you pay a visit to the Lambouri Winery. Located in Kato Platres in Limassol, you can visit the boutique winery that has been producing outstanding wines for more than three centuries. And since this is a family business you can see that there is a long history of tradition involved here.

They make both red and white wines here, so there really is something for every palate to enjoy. And with organic and sweet wines added into the mix as well, you can see that there is plenty of wine tasting for you to do if you are so inclined!

The winery is open from 10am until 3pm during the week, so make sure you don’t arrive too late. And with Saturday hours restricted to between 10am and 2pm you can see that their wine making is not overshadowed by their opening hours.

They do have an online shop though so if you do visit the winery and you like what you buy there, you can always order more when you get home. The delivery charge isn’t too excessive so it’s good to know you can get another taste of your Cypriot holiday once it is over!

But with such delights as Cabernet Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for the red wine fans and Chardonnay Fume and Xinisteri Dry White for white wine fans, there is plenty to sample and plenty to enjoy with an authentic Cypriot meal. In fact why not buy a bottle or two and take it back to your apartment or accommodation with you? There is nothing better than enjoying a meal you have prepared yourself, washed down with an authentic local Cypriot wine.

Have You Seen Aphrodite’s Rock?

2009-11-25T11:59:00.000Z

The answer will depend on whether you have ever been to Paphos in Cyprus before. If you haven’t it is well worth a visit.

This is a rock of legend, and it is known as Petra Tou Romiou in Greek. This means the Rock of the Greek, although it is known as Aphrodite’s Rock because this is allegedly the spot where the Greek goddess appeared from the sea for the first time. She was supposedly born in Paphos and you will see many references to her as you explore the city.

The rock itself is scenic and nice to see, but to really get the whole experience you’ll need to be a good swimmer. Local legend says that to receive good luck you must swim right round it.

But even if you don’t fancy that you can still get a good view of Aphrodite’s rock from the shore. And there is plenty more you can see when you visit Paphos as well. Just outside the city you can explore the majestic sounding Tomb of the Kings. These have existed for centuries and offer an insight into what ancient life was like all those years ago.

It’s also worth taking a look at the Paphos Odeon. Today we might think of this as a cinema, and this was probably the closest the ancient civilisations in Paphos would ever have got to such a thing! It is a theatre of sorts that is still used today. The combination of ancient history and modern theatrical performances is a heady one that is well worth seeing if you get the chance.

Paphos Castle is unmissable too, since it is positioned right by the harbour in Paphos. This is a solid unrelenting stronghold that has stood in its place since the thirteenth century. It is also now listed so it can stand protected for many more years to come as well.

As you can see there is plenty to look forward to when you visit a historic Cypriot city such as Paphos. There is a taste of history around every corner – and sometimes out in the sea as well, as Aphrodite’s Rock would testify.

Cyprus tourism to reach record low this summer

2009-06-23T11:30:00.003Z

Cyprus's tourism industry is bracing itself for the worst summer season on record as the global financial crisis hits the pockets of tourists, edging Cyprus closer to a recession.

With tourism arrivals to the eastern Mediterranean island down 8.9 percent by May, authorities have clamoured to reverse forecasts of a massive 20 percent drop in arrivals during the holiday island's high season.

Locals worry that British tourists - over half of total arrivals to Cyprus - will holiday elsewhere this year, after a survey in April found Cyprus was the fourth least 'value for money' destination due to sterling's weakness against the euro.

'A drop in tourism this year is one of the reasons why we will see very low GDP growth,' said Michalis Florentiades, head of economic analysis and research at Hellenic Bank.

Official data showed that tourism revenue for 2008 represented 11 percent of the island's GDP, from 2.4 million arrivals.

This month, Cyprus's central bank forecast 0.4 percent growth in the island's economy for 2009. The Finance Ministry sees 1.0 percent growth, down from 3.7 percent in 2008.

'I estimate that Cyprus will not go into a recession, but it will get very close,' said Stelios Platis, an independent economist.

The island, a euro zone member since Jan. 2008, is the only country among its peers to expect growth this year.

Hoteliers in Cyprus believe that this year's experience has prepared them for the worst.

'We need to turn this crisis into an opportunity and spend time improving and rebranding our tourism product,' said Harris Loizides, president of Cyprus Hoteliers Association.

The government introduced a 51 million euro support package in tax breaks and visa waivers to support the tourism sector
but tourism officials say this has come too late. 'The measures came late, but they are paying off,' said Loizides.

However, UN World Tourism Organisation data showed that popular destinations such as Malta and Croatia have seen their arrival numbers plummet between 18 and 20 percent.

Meanwhile, analysts are optimistic that last minute bookings will curb the drop in arrivals.

'People have cried wolf too many times in the past about tourism, which does have a tendency to improve at the last minute,' said Hellenic Bank's Florentiades.

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Thirsty Cyprus looks to golf to rescue tourism

2009-03-17T09:33:00.004Z

Cyprus turns into near desert in the summer and is counting on desalination to provide green fairways for golfers and save the country's troubled tourism industry.

But environmentalists fear the impact of building a dozen more desalination plants to enable the number of golf courses on the island to multiply from three to 17.

To cope with serious drought - which saw Cyprus reservoirs dry up this year - the eastern Mediterranean island is one of the main producers of desalinated water in Europe alongside Italy and Spain.

"The golf courses project is out of order! The aim is not to serve Cypriot tourism but business development and developers," protested Costas Papastavros, an agriculture and natural resources ministry official.

"And in order to serve this development we need a hell of a lot of extra water, and the energy," he said at a climate change conference in Nicosia.

The government says "there will be a desalination plant for each golf course and that they will request renewable sources of energy. But there is a gap between the theory and the practice," said Papastavros.

He calculated that about 30 million cubic metres (one billion cubic feet) of water will be needed for the golf courses, compared to the population's annual needs of 85 million cubic metres (almost three billion cubic feet) of drinking water.

For the past year, with reservoirs turned into parched dirt bowls during the summer by low rainfall, water to households has been rationed, with the mains supply running only three half-days a week.

But the left-wing government of President Demetris Christofias is pressing ahead with the golf courses rescue plan which was initiated by the previous administration, and the cabinet voted to pass the project in December.

Cyprus counts on revenues from its tourism sector, under threat from the global economic crisis, for 15 percent of its gross domestic product.

The global credit squeeze in recession-hit Europe is blamed for the slump in the local tourism market, with arrivals down 14.2 percent for the first two months of 2009.

"Bookings for 2009 are coming in slowly and there is a decrease in numbers compared to the same period last year," said Tourism Minister Antonis Paschalides, adding that 2008 was also a difficult year for Cyprus.

Hotel bookings are said to be around 25 percent down for this summer, with the government expecting an overall 10 percent drop in arrivals by the end of the year.

Paschalides said golf courses would allow Cyprus to win new markets and to extend the tourism season from the traditional summertime of sun, sea and sand.

"The water quantity needed for the irrigation of the golf courses will be produced by desalination units which will be working with renewable sources of energy," he said.

"With this decision the water balance in Cyprus will not be disturbed while simultaneously the use of renewable sources will increase."

Environmentalists are not convinced that such an expansion will not require fuel-fired energy generation and the emission of carbon dioxide which drives global warming.

"We are strongly opposed to this project," said Christos Theodorou, who heads the Federation of Environment and Ecological Organisations in Cyprus.

"Our main reason is the environmental cost which is unavoidable regarding the energy to produce water through desalination plants, the changes to wildlife, the use of chemical fertilisation, and pollution of undersoil."

Moreover, "every golf course is not limited in term of area, which means that they will be surrounded by luxurious villas and other infrastructure such as restaurants, hotels and swimming pools," he said.

Theodorou said the technology for the use of renewable energy was not advanced enough to keep up with such growth, while environmental awareness among the population was also off the pace in international terms.

"In Cyprus, we don't give much attention to environmental issues," said Papastavros. "Politicians are under pressure from rich people who want this kind of development. The main issue here is ... (building) apartments."

The government has approved more than 350 million euros (440 million dollars) in stimulus measures to stave off job losses in the key tourism and construction sectors which contribute a combined 30 percent of GDP.

Due to concerns that the global financial crisis will trigger lower tourism revenues the finance ministry revised its GDP growth forecast downwards to 3.7 percent for 2008, and a slower 2.1 percent for this year.

The European Commission estimates Cyprus' growth will be closer to one percent.

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A new "Las Vegas" in Cyprus

2009-01-29T11:30:00.003Z

Sixteen five-star hotels, a shopping center and marinas are amongst the projects to be completed by 2010 in Cyprus may result in turning the Magosa-Karpaz desert resembling Las Vegas.

There is practically no sector that remains unaffected by the global economic crisis. The construction sector, which had gained acceleration prior to the crisis, is especially experiencing a decrease in activity. Even, TOKI, the government's official construction company has put certain investments on the shelf for now. However, despite all of the current negative conditions there are certain investments that are still ongoing at full speed. In the Magosa-Karpaz region in Cyprus, investments including the development of hotels and a shopping center are amongst the projects that are still continuing on despite the worldwide crisis.

CONCEPT HOTELS ARE BEING BUILT

With the collaboration of the Northern Cyprus government and the private sector, a version of Las Vegas is being established in the region. The project is being referred to as a new 'Las Vegas' due to the fact that 16 five-star concept hotels are being built in Northern Cyprus. The projects include hotels that will resemble Italy's coliseum, Babel's Gardens, Artemis' temple and Noah's Ark. Within the scope of the project a 52,000 guest capacity will be available, when all of the new hotels are completed. The Karpaz Bay Resort will also include a marina with a 350-yacht capacity, which is anticipated to be completed in two years.

THE BIGGEST SHOPPING CENTER IN CYPRUS

In addition to the variety of tourism investments, the Big Old Bazaar is a shopping Center project which is aimed to resemble the Grand Bazaar. The Big Old Bazaar will encompass a 45 thousand meter square region, 18,000 of which will be enclosed. Forty-percent of the project's 850 units and 360 stores have already been sold. Giant brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Koton as well as all of Cyrus's national banks and certain Turkish national banks have already secured their spots in the center. Stores, with an 18-meter squared capacity are being sold at starting prices of 19,900Pounds Sterling. The price of the biggest store in the center, at 45 squared meters is priced at 67,000 Pounds Sterling. Store prices are anticipated to double when the project is completed.

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Exploring the ski secrets of Cyprus

2008-11-28T15:48:00.001Z

When you think of Cyprus, the image that will probably spring to mind will be of a sun-kissed island destination in the Mediterranean - famous for summer holidays, a beautifully relaxed pace of life, excellent cuisine and welcoming people.

This image is of course accurate and it covers many of the reasons why people choose to holiday in Cyprus, invest on the island and even relocate to live in Cyprus. But this image doesn't tell you everything about the destination - because Cyprus is an island for all seasons. Not just a picturesque place in the summer, but an island with an emerging winter sports scene, where you really can ski in the morning for up to four months of the year, and then head to the coast and swim in the sea in the afternoon.

The appeal of Cyprus as a ski destination is gradually growing as the offerings available at the Troodos Village ski area improve, and as word spreads about the charming features of the island's winter sports destination. The appeal is also growing as the annual Federation Internationale de Ski giant slalom and slalom competitions that take place in the Troodos, gain wider recognition and also importance on their annual ski events calendar. In 2009 the competition will take place in early March, and for those who want to practice, the ski season in Cyprus runs from late December to early April.

The ski slopes in Cyprus are located around Troodos Village, also known as the Troodos Skiing Resort, it's situated on a col between Mount Olympus and one of the other peaks of the range. There are hotels in and around the village, some excellent restaurants and generally speaking, the facilities available to skiers are improving. There are a total of four main slopes that appeal to all levels of skier, and it's possible to hire ski and even snowboard equipment onsite, or buy it from a limited number of sports shops in Limassol and Nicosia.

The cost of a days ski pass or even an hours private tuition is incredibly cheap by international ski standards, and the affordability of the resort as well as its striking Alpine charm is just another reason to choose the Troodos Village ski resort in Cyprus.

Because Cyprus is such a fascinating island, most people combine skiing in Cyprus with sunbathing, swimming and sightseeing too. In the Troodos Mountains alone there are literally hundreds of sights to witness - from rare flora and fauna to stunning views, from ancient monasteries to the Cedar Valley - and across the whole of the island you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to thinking of things to do!

According to Martin Pearce, Sales Manager at Aristo Developers, leading real estate developers and property experts in Cyprus: "the fact that Cyprus offers its visitors such a wealth of entertainment options all year round means that it is of maximum appeal to those who seek so-called jet-to-let property investments; i.e., overseas investment properties located in destinations where there is strong rental demand for up to 12 months of the year."

"What's more, Cyprus has a very strong reputation as a favourite choice with those seeking a second home or holiday property. This is quite simply because use and enjoyment of such a property is not limited to a brief summer season period. Therefore, whatever your reasons for buying property abroad, chances are, Cyprus is a destination worthy of your closer inspection."

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Paphos airport is ready to open

2008-10-15T15:04:00.001Z

The new Paphos International Airport in Cyprus, designed by Pascall & Watson Architects with Canadian designer Stantec, has been completed for Hermes Airports.

The 18,500sq m passenger terminal will serve 2.7 million passengers a year and includes retail and relaxation areas, VIP accommodation and parking facilities.

The project is part of a 25 year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract with French firm Bouygues Batiment International as the design and build contractor, to upgrade air travel in Cyprus.

A second airport at Lanarca, which will handle 7.5 million passengers, will open in November 2009.

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Fewer than half of Cyprus’s tourists stay in hotels

2008-10-15T14:20:00.006Z

Fewer than half of Cyprus's tourists stay in hotels, according to data released by the Statistical Service, while around one-sixth stay with relatives and friends.
Between January and August 2008, on average 48.6% of tourists stayed in 1- to 5-star hotels, while 17.9% stayed in "hotel apartments or tourist villages".
According to the data, 5.6% stayed in "owned residence" and 11.2% stayed in "other", unnamed accommodation.

Paphos regions hosts over one-third.

The Paphos region - Paphos and Polis - was host to 35.6% of tourists in the first eight months of 2008, which implies that this region alone attracts 860,000 tourists each year.
Paralimni and Ayia Napa in the east together hosted 26.6% of tourists in January-August. Limassol attracted 14.5% of visitors, Larnaca 10.2% and the inland capital, Nicosia, only 7.7%.
Cyprus's potential for tourism in the picturesque Troodos mountains evidently remains underdeveloped, with the "other" category attracting only 5.3% of visitors.

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Population of Cyprus nears 800,000

2008-10-07T11:30:00.000Z

The population of the Republic of Cyprus is around 789.300 according to a new report out today.

At the end of 2007, the population had recorded an increase of 1,4% on the previous year.

According to the report by Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat), the population in the district of Nicosia was 310.900 at the end of 2007, in Famagusta 43.700, in Larnaca 131.900, in Limassol 226.700 and in Paphos 76.100.

69.9% of the population resided in the urban areas of Cyprus, while 30.1% resided in rural areas.

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Paphos Opera Tickets Nearly Sold Out in Cyprus, Winter Events in Early 2008

2007-08-28T09:22:00.005Z

23 August 2007

Last minute ticket sales are going well for next weekend's ninth Paphos Aphrodite Festival, featuring Giuseppe Verdi's third operatic success, Il Trovatore, at the medieval Paphos castle with the organisers saying that less tickets remain unsold compared to the same time last year.

Stella Siepi, the General Coordinator of the publicly-owned venture that includes local municipalities, the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and the hoteliers association as its main shareholders, told the Financial Mirror that all 7,500 tickets are expected to be sold this year, compared to some 1,000 that remained unsold last year.

"The good seats are going fast and with foreign sales accounting for about 45% of all, there are not many left," she said, adding that the biggest grouping of ticket holders are traditionally from Nicosia.

"As soon as they see the stage going up, people will come forward for last-minute sales, for which we have a number of tickets in reserve."

But Siepi does not want to sit on her laurels. Looking ahead and keeping a balance between good quality productions and sound finances is what is going to keep the Paphos opera afloat and on the international scene.

This year's production staged by the Abai State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of Kazakhstan will cost the organisers about CYP 235,000 (EUR 402,000), significantly less than last year's production of Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera" by the famous State Academic Mariinsky Theatre of Russia.

However, the finances seem to be better as income from sponsors and ticket sales will help keep a healthy balance sheet, while a long-term debt owed to the Paphos Municipality for the purchase of the 2,500-capacity seating construction is nearing its end.

First Whisky Store Opens at Cyprus Airport

2007-06-19T12:15:00.002Z

15 June 2007

'Uisge Beatha', the water of life, is the first of its kind malt whisky concept that has opened inside the partly refurbished Larnaca airport departure lounge with the aim of attracting the whisky connoisseurs and well-to-do travellers on their way to short or long journeys.

This pilot project is the brainchild of the marketing team of the airport's new management, CTC ARI Airports, and plans are underway to imitate the same shop-in-shop, located within the upgraded duty free store in other countries where the Hermes Airports venture partner Aer Rianta International has a presence.

Uisge Beatha is manned by a well-trained 'shopping advisor' who will guide the potential buyer through the initial selection of 61 Scottish single malts, that is expected to see a number of Irish malt whiskeys added very soon.

Tasting also takes place on the spot depending on the customer's preference or inquiries. Some of the 'most interested' are some Scandinavians and Russians who are prepared to spend big amounts for a quality whisky, while others are still rushing through trying to get the odd Scotch blend for the father-in-law and the cologne for the mother-in-law, while trying to catch the flight in time.

For the unknowing visitor, the best bargains are the Glenfiddichs for about a tenner while the most expensive in the store is a 30-year-old 'Glen' going for CYP 110 (EUR 187). This shop is expected to engulf whiskies and blends from other continents as well, such as the U.S., and is regarded as having the best whisky collection at any airport.

All four major Scottish malt producing areas are represented at Uisge Beatha - Highlands, Speyside, Islay and Lowlands and you can ask the shop keeper anything you want. If he doesn't know it (which he probably does), then he has a vast supply of books and other resources.

But it is not just quality brands and their nice display that will attract buyers to the shop. The company's management has secured competitive prices rating Larnaca Airport as one of the "most affordable" for whisky purchases.

"On some brands we have at least a pound's difference from outside market prices, but in the case of others we have resorted to special deals by incorporating taxes or other costs in order to make our shop attractive for new customers," explained Gerry Crawford, General Manager, CTC-ARI Airports that operates the Cyprus Airports Duty Free, as well as the smaller Xpress shops dotted around the airport terminal building.

"My objective is to completely demystify the sector for our consumers," said Crawford, adding that, "we will be initially specialising in distillery bottled editions as I think it is a lot more interesting and collectible for the consumer."

Cyprus, Greece Have Bragging Rights to the Cleanest Beaches in Europe

2007-06-12T09:05:00.000Z

10 June

The cleanest beaches in Europe are in Cyprus and Greece, according to a report released May 31 by the European Union. Cyprus had a score of 99 percent compliance with the EU's strictest standards, and Greece scored 96 percent. Spain's beaches scored 92.7 percent. At the bottom of the list was Luxembourg, whose beaches scored only 35 percent. The report on the 2006 season evaluated almost 22,000 beaches.

Fiji: The state of emergency imposed by Commodore Frank Bainimarama after a bloodless military coup in December was lifted Thursday. The regulations were necessary to ensure the safety of civilians and property, Bainimarama said. Anyone threatening public order will still face police action. Restrictions on the media and public gatherings will remain in place. Elections for a new representative government will not be held until 2010.

Spain: The Basque separatist group Eta ended its "permanent cease-fire" Wednesday, claiming that the minimum conditions for continuing negotiations with the government did not exist. The government halted peace talks in December after an Eta bombing at the Madrid airport killed two, an incident Eta claimed did not mean the cease-fire was over. Officials are concerned that the move by Eta may mean another attack is imminent, and it is likely that the government will take a hard line against the group after a year of pursuing a political settlement.