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.

For more information click here

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.

For more information click here

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."

For more information click here

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.

For more information click here

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.

For more information click here

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.

For more information click here

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.

A Lifeline For Tourism

2007-02-05T10:05:00.004Z

The news that Cyprus is now just a handful of euros away from Vienna is excellent news for the island's beleaguered tourist industry.

SkyEurope Airlines, a central European budget carrier, will be flying to the Austrian capital for just 65 euros return, belatedly putting the island on the map of no-frills air travel. In the coming weeks, we can also look forward to the start of services operated by UK-based low-cost airlines Monarch and Excel.

Their services cannot come a moment too soon, both for Cypriot consumers and for the island's key tourism sector. The island had never made it onto the low-cost circuit - its five-hour flight time too long for the UK pioneers of cheap air travel; but at least with the arrival of Helios Airways, air fares to the island were brought down through healthy competition.

The demise of Helios in the wake of the 2004 tragedy returned to the established 'national carriers' their traditional dominance, with rising prices to boot, and falling numbers of visitors to the island. Indeed, this paper has received many letters from regular visitors finding it increasingly hard to find affordable fares and forced to look elsewhere for their holidays. We hope now that this trend will be reversed.

Budget airlines are an inescapable part of the European tourism scene. And neither are they the preserve of low-class yob tourism. On the contrary, they reflect the increasing desire of affluent European consumers to have cheap, easy options at their fingertips. They allow spontaneity, spur of the moment visits. And the very people likely to fly over to Paphos for a long weekend are those people with higher disposable income, making independent travel plans, and contributing far more to the local economy than the all-inclusive package customer.

Casinos in Cyprus a 'Necessary Evil'

2007-01-15T10:48:00.002Z

According to a report from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), the creation of casinos in Cyprus is a 'necessary evil'.

After the report, conducted by the CTO, it appears that 1,000 Greek Cypriots travel to the north each day to visit the casinos in the occupied areas, with this figure increasing to about 1,700 during the weekend.

On average, each person spends £92 during each visit, more than is spent by the Turkish elite - for whom the casinos were originally created as it is illegal for Turkish Cypriots to gamble at the casinos. On the whole, Greek Cypriots spend around £30 million a year during their visits.

It is not only on this that the CTO has reportedly decided that the creation of casinos would be beneficial, they could also act as a further tourist attraction to the island.

The introduction of two types of casinos is being examined, with two 'exclusive purpose' and one 'resort' casino deemed as the ideal combination for the island.

Low Cost Airlines Lead to Premium House Prices Abroad, reveals Savills Research and Holiday-Rentals.co.uk

2007-01-02T11:50:00.002Z

There is a price and rental premium for properties located near airports served by low cost airlines according to the results of a landmark survey carried out by Savills Research with www.Holiday-Rentals.co.uk. This was one of the key findings of the survey which questioned over 12,000 owners of overseas property who use Holiday-Rentals.co.uk to advertise their properties.

Analysis of the sample of properties included in the survey showed that the average price of a property located within 10 miles of an airport served by a low cost airline is 39% higher than for similar properties within the same distance to an airport without a low cost airline carrier. The research showed that the impact of low cost airlines on property prices reduced as the distance from an airport increased - there was only a 2% difference in the average price of properties situated over 80 miles from an airport.

The survey revealed that properties served by low cost airlines had higher average rents than those without low cost airlines. The difference in average rent was as much as 30% for properties within 10-20 miles of airports.

Jacqui Daly, Savills Research comments. "The potential to charge higher weekly rents is enhanced by low cost airlines - because the travel costs are lower holiday makers are therefore willing to pay higher weekly rents for a holiday property. This is clearly important to investors as these properties are higher yielding assets."

The rental potential of holiday properties was one of the most important factors owners considered when buying foreign property, which highlights the fact that many are looking to rental income to help cover the costs of the investment.

Ross McGowan, sales director, www.Holiday-Rentals.co.uk comments. "Marketing a holiday property on the Internet is the most efficient way to reach a large number of potential renters. It also eliminates the need to employ a property management company that will take up to 30 per cent or more of profits through commission, charges and fees."

In terms of the factors influencing price growth, well over half of respondents recognised that new emerging holiday destinations, characterised by a growing number of flights and low cost airlines, offered the greatest opportunity for price growth.

Daly again, "Interestingly the established medium distance destinations such as Cyprus and the Canary Islands, where the flight time is about 4 hours, reflect the greatest premium in terms of capital value because of the availability of low cost flights."

Monarch Launches Scheduled Flights from London to Cyprus

2006-12-19T11:26:00.005Z

Award winning low fares airline Monarch is to launch scheduled flights from London to Cyprus next year as the airline expands its network to the Eastern Mediterranean.

The introduction of the four times per week service from London Luton to Larnaca will be the first low-cost scheduled flights to Cyprus from the UK, offering travellers the flexibility and low fares, not currently available through high fare flag carriers or on charter services.

Monarch's new Larnaca service will commence on Monday 26 March 2007 with fares from £69.99 one way including taxes and web booking discount. Seats can be booked from Wednesday 20 December 2006 via flyMonarch.com.

Commenting on the introduction of services to Cyprus, managing director of Monarch's scheduled services, Tim Jeans said, "We are delighted to be the first low fares airline to launch scheduled services to the Eastern Mediterranean, a market that has historically been dominated by the flag carriers and charter services."

"Cyprus Airways and British Airways have operated a high fares cartel to Cyprus for decades which we'll break with our widely available, flexible low fares. Our new service will be warmly welcomed not just by the growing holiday and overseas property markets in Cyprus, but the 150,000 strong Greek-Cypriot community in London, who've been deprived of choice and low fares until now."

"Monarch's onboard service is also perfectly placed to provide an ideal level of service for the four and a half hour flight time, with extra legroom seating, free inflight entertainment - including full length feature films and the provision of hot and cold food all available."

Flights to Larnaca will operate on Monday, Tuesday*, Wednesday and Saturday using Airbus A321 aircraft with 213 seats.

Monarch operates scheduled flights to Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal from Aberdeen, Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester and was named as Leisure Airline of the Year in recent Travel Industry Awards.

Fares on Monarch flights include complimentary daily newspapers, a refreshing hot towel service and require no additional payment for checking-in baggage; also available is a unique range of tasty hot and cold meals with prices from £3.00.

Seats can be pre-booked at £5 per one-way flight to avoid the last minute free-for-all, or for only £15, why not try one of the 48 extra-legroom seats which offer up to six inches of extra space? Regular travellers are rewarded too, with a range of benefits through the airline's loyalty scheme, Vantage Club.

For more information or to book, visit www.flymonarch.com.

* Tuesday flights to Larnaca operate from 10 July 2007

Biometric Passports for Cyprus from Next June

2006-12-05T13:29:00.000Z

Cyprus will be introducing biometric identifiers into passports next year as part of an EU directive requiring all Member States to offer their citizens the facility.

A spokeswoman at the Interior Ministry yesterday told the Mail: 'we expect the first applications from the public in June 2007. They can either cancel their current passport and apply for a biometric one or simply let their passport expire before applying.'

The passports will include a microchip, which will store an individual’s fingerprints, facial image and electronic signature.According to the spokeswoman, the government is in the final stages of deciding which company to use.

'No passports have been ordered at this stage,' she said.

At the end of June, the European Commission adopted the second part of the technical specifications required for the introduction of biometric identifiers into the passport and other travel documents issued by Member States.

Vice-President Franco Frattini, Commissioner responsible for freedom, security and justice, declared that, 'this is a key step forward to render passports of EU citizens more secure and reliable. I am particularly proud.'

He added that the EU was among the first in the world issuing passport requirements with a high level of protection against unauthorised access by providing, 'Extended Access Control, while at the same time complying with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in order to ensure interoperability.'

The harmonised introduction of biometric identifiers in passports of EU citizens will also ensure that the identity of the holder can be easily established and will protect against identity fraud.

ID cards do not fall under the scope of the regulation. Currently, only Member States will have access to the fingerprint data. Whether access for third countries will be allowed has to be decided by the EC at a later stage. Nevertheless, full interoperability is ensured should the EU decide to give access to third countries.

Member States will have to store biometric information in their newly issued passports no later than June 2009.

The issue was discussed at Parliament this week, with the European Affairs Committee stating that they had not been properly informed of the government’s plans.

'There is a strong protest against the decision to hand over sensitive personal data of European citizens to the authorities,' said DISY spokesman Tassos Mitsopoulos.

He also contradicted the Interior Ministry's claims that no passports have been ordered. 'We have learned that an order has been placed with a German company, with the first deliveries expected in March next year.'

Famagusta Area

2006-11-21T09:54:00.002Z

The golden sandy beaches of the Famagusta district, Iying in the government controlled area, stretch out in the eastern corner of the island. The popular holiday making centres of Ayia Napa and Paralimni, have been called a veritable paradise for anyone who loves the sea and water sports.

The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour of Ayia Napa, and the medieval monastery in the heart of the village, the wind mills and small churches in the surrounding villages, which spread out in the area of Paralimni and Protaras.

This region, which is the main potato-producing area on the island, is known as 'Kokkinochoria' which means 'red-soil villages', Indeed, the soil of the whole area is deep red in colour, due to a very high metal oxide content.

The villages of this area are equally known for their folk-poets, who are in fact regarded as the best on the island.

Places Of Interest

1. Paralimni

With the Turkish military occupation of Famagusta in 1974, this small town of 6,000 inhabitants, is now the main administrative town of the district. The twin aisled vaulted church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary is decorated with unusual 18th century porcelain plates. Parts of the church belong to the 13th century. Some other interesting churches can also be found in the area.

2. Ayia Napa

Originally a small fishing village, this is now a major tourist centre. The interesting mediaeval monastery dedicated to out Lady of the Forests stands in the middle of the village, surrounded by a high wall. Its 16th century church is partially underground, cut into the rock. The hostel, west of the church, belongs to the World Council of Churches. The ancient sycamore tree, in front of the south gate, is believed to be 600 years old.

3. Dherinia

The village has three interesting churches, the small domed 17th century church of Ayios Georghios, the 15th century Ayia Marina church, and a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary with excellent 17th century icons. The views from this village also include, the 'ghost' city of Famagusta, now under occupation of the Turkish army, once the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus, which has lain empty since 1974, as all its inhabitants are now refugees.

4. Sotira

At the east entrance of this village is the partially ruined church of Ayios Mamas, which was built around the 12th century, and later rebuilt in the 16th century. Most of the surviving frescoes date from the 16th century. About 1 1/2 km to the west, is the 16th century cruciform church of Panayia Khordajotissa, whose dome has been restored, and the church of Ayios Georghios. an early christian basilica with three aisles.

5. Liopetri

There is a 16th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a 15th century church of Ayios Andronikos, with an octagonal dome, and the remains of murals which can still be distinguised in the apse. Also, the basket making tradition continues at Liopetri.

6. Potamos Liopetriou

A picturesque fishing refuge, with the remains of a Venetian watch-tower nearby. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud worked in this area in the 1880s.

Ajet Not Flying Within Three Months

2006-11-07T13:47:00.000Z

03 November 2006

The former Helios Airways to shut down

Ajet, formerly known as Helios Airways, announced on Monday that it will be discontinuing its flight programme within the next three months. A press release issued by the company said arrangements have been made so that all scheduled flights will be performed as normal and passengers booked on Ajet flights will not be affected.

The company said passengers do not need to make any reconfirmation of their travel arrangements and new reservations can be made since all schedule flights will be completed.

After the development Greek Cypriot Minister of Communications and Works, Haris Thrasou, said that Ajet could not avoid any civil or criminal responsibilities that may be imputed to Helios Airways for the air tragedy of August 2005.

Commenting on Ajet's statement to discontinue its flight programme, Thrasou said there are 'set procedures and laws that must be taken into consideration when it comes to transferring the activities of any company from Cyprus to another country'.

Thrasou noted that this action does not mean that the company can avoid any responsibilities it may have. Earlier this month, President of the Greek Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board, Akrivos Tsolakis, handed to Greek and Cypriot Authorities the final report into the cause of the air crash that brought about this situation.

An independent commission of inquiry is currently carrying out an open public hearing procedure, and is expected to name those involved in the tragedy so that the Attorney General can bring criminal liability charges against those persons.

The conditions, under which the company, the planes and the crew got their licenses, were also examined during the procedure. The Commission is also examining how security and other checks were carried out for that specific flight and plane.

On August 14, 2005, a Helios Airways Boeing 737 on its way to Prague, via Athens, crashed into a mountain side north of the Greek capital killing all 121 passengers and crew on board, most of them Cypriot holidaymakers.

Silversea Set to Make Waves in 2007 with Debut of 'Privileged Passage'

2006-10-31T13:14:00.002Z

Silversea Cruises has announced plans to offer a groundbreaking ultra-personalized and ultra-inclusive vacation experience. Called 'Privileged Passage,' this exclusive new style of ultra-luxury cruise travel is set to debut on a select test voyage in 2007.

The company, long recognized as a luxury travel innovator and trendsetter with its flexible open dining concept, generous all inclusive shipboard policy and unique Personalized Voyages program, is planning to take things to the next level by offering guests even greater personal freedom and flexibility in customizing their own cruise experience to suit their personal lifestyle, while incorporating an expanded and enhanced array of complimentary amenities and benefits. The new Privileged Passage concept is designed to showcase an active-lifestyle luxury cruise as a unique, nontraditional vacation experience.

The company's goal is to create an environment that allows guests to enjoy everything that has made Silversea a leader in luxury travel, along with a totally unstructured, non-regimented, casual and relaxed onboard atmosphere. Although Silversea already offers tremendous freedom, flexibility and all-inclusiveness, the new Privileged Passage style of luxury-cruise vacationing will push the envelope on luxury travel.

'In order to attract more first-time and nontraditional cruisers, we want to completely break the mold of the conventional cruise vacation and change travelers' perceptions about the rigidity and formality often associated with cruising," said Albert Peter, Silversea's chief executive officer.

'Due to the unique size of our vessels, we're able to take full advantage of our hardware to offer guests an intimate vacation experience that is truly personalized and designed by the guest to fit his or her individual lifestyle.'

The Privileged Passage program is set to debut on a test basis aboard Silver Whisper's 'Classic Reflections' voyage (4710), departing April 9, 2007. This extraordinary 10-day cruise will sail from Alexandria to Athens with calls in Rhodes, Patmos, and Mykonos, Greece; Antalya and Kusadasi, Turkey; Tartous, Syria; and Cyprus. Early Booking Incentive fares start at US 5,605 dollars per person.

Winter Wonders

2006-10-23T14:10:00.000Z

A sure sign of approaching winter in Cyprus is when the snowbirds arrive - literally. Greater flamingos, traditionally numbering around 10,000, stop to feed in the salt lakes at Akrotiri and by Larnaka Airport every year, usually in December after the first rains. Herons, egrets and glossy ibis also overwinter in Cyprus. But birds are not the only ones attracted by Cyprus’s mild winter weather.

This season is a great time for seniors (and anyone else fed up with the cold) from northern climes to come for long stays at a time when island life is decidedly low-key. Winter is brief, generally extending from mid-December to early February.

Diving and Watersports in Ayia Napa

2006-10-10T09:23:00.005Z

Located on the south eastern tip of the beautiful island of Cyprus, why not go Scuba Diving in the warm, calm, crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Ideally positioned in the friendly resort of Ayia Napa, services are provided to divers and non-divers alike. This is an ideal opportunity for non-divers to experience the wonderful underwater world, where you can experience weightlessness amongst the colourful array of marine life. Scuba Diving is becoming one of the fastest growing sports worldwide, why not see why.

Flights to Cyprus

2006-10-10T09:23:00.004Z

Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Belfast, Glasgow all fly to Cyprus. The island has been a favourite haunt of Brits for years and is well served by various tour operators including Thomsons, First Choice, Club 18-30, Sunset, Inspirations, 2wenty's, Cyplon, and Priceright holidays.

Cyprus Airways, British Airways, Air 2000, Virgin Sun and Monarch are just a few of the airlines that fly there. There are two airports on the island of Cyprus, Larnaca and Paphos. The one that serves Ayia Napa best is Larnaca. Transfer time from Larnaca airport to Ayia Napa is about 70 minutes and a taxi is rumoured to cost 35 pounds.

10 Years of Fun at Waterworld

2006-10-10T09:20:00.000Z

The year 2006 is a very special time for Waterworld Waterpark, Ayia Napa, as it marks the parks 10th year of operation. When Waterworld first opened its gates in July 1996 there were 9 attractions in the park however the last ten years has seen WaterWorld grow and grow and there are now 21 thrilling rides and attractions to entertain guests of all ages. Waterworld is officially the largest themed water-park in Europe. Everywhere that you look there are Ancient statues and columns expertly blended in with the landscape and all of the rides tell a mythological story. In the ancient Greek ambience you will find unmatched bathing fun and relaxation.

The theme maybe ancient Greek but the safety and standards are second to none, WaterWorld has fully qualified lifeguards on stand at every area in the park. WaterWorld has received 18 major international awards for excellence from the WWA (World Waterpark Association), IAAPA (International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions) and the EWA (European Waterpark Association) in recognition of their world-class attractions. The park has also been awarded with ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 9001 and HACCP certification, proving WaterWorld to be not just a fun day out but most importantly a safe day out for the entire family.

WaterWorld has something for everyone for toddlers and small children they have the Trojan Adventure, with their very own giant Trojan Horse which is a play structure with multi-level platforms, slides, water guns and on the top there is a huge tipping bucket which can soak the entire family in seconds! There is also the Pegasus pool which has a zero depth entrance and is very shallow, it has floats and toys to keep the young ones occupied. Also for children there is Minotaurs Labyrinth, the only dry attraction in the park. It is an interactive play area especially designed to keep toddlers and young children entertained. The structure contains nearly fifty features and activities, all in one self-contained shaded area. For the older or not so adventurous visitor WaterWorld offers a variety of gentle slides including Apollos Plunge where you can sit 3 or 4 people in a giant ring and enjoy the experience together. The River Odyssey is a great place to relax whilst also taking in some of the scenery by floating gently around in a rubber-ring or you could go for a refreshing dip in Poseidons Wave pool or Aphrodites Baths.

There are also many other activities and attractions to be discovered during your visit. For the more adventurous thrill seekers WaterWorld offers their most innovative ride the Fall of Icarus, a world first which shoots you and a friend up towards the sun at high speed before you hurtle back down to earth backwards over humps and bumps to splash into the pool below. The Quest of Heracles is two slides themed as serpents wrapped around a huge mountain, the fastest ride in the park it takes less than 10 seconds from top to bottom. Zeus Zenith the kamikaze slide, where you can thunder down an almost vertical drop. The Chariot Chase which can accommodate 4 racers at one time. The Drop to Atlantis, which is over 20 metres high, with light, sound and visual effects within the ride. You will be sent speeding through 3 loops and various drops before reaching the 8 metre drop through the building of Atlantis to the sound of fanfare and a cloud of smoke, into the pool below. Young or old you are guaranteed a great day out at WaterWorld Waterpark, Ayia Napa.

Larnaca International Airport

2006-10-10T09:19:00.000Z

Larnaca Airport is situated in the Republic of Cyprus about 5km south of the City of Lanarca. The airport is undergoing a major expansion to take account of a significant growth in traffic in recent years.

Between 1985 and 2000, the growth rate in passenger movements was higher than the European Union average. In 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000 passenger movements were 0.82, 1.39, 1.80 and 2.38 million respectively.

As of early 2006, Larnaca handles 800 flights per month and 2.5 million passengers per year. The airport is the largest in Cyprus, and a key destination for holidaymakers going to the popular resort of Ayia Napa, just 46km from the airport's location.

The airport has 30 international airlines and 30 charter airlines using it at present. One of the major operators is Cyprus Airways who have a significant stake in the duty free and retail operations at the airport.

About Ayia Napa

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Ayia Napa was once a small fishing village in the south-eastern corner of Cyprus, now it's one of the island's major resorts and a hotspot for holiday-makers looking to have fun in the sun.Ayia Napa is a popular holiday destination for many Northern Europeans. It attracts two main types of tourists: young (and usually single) under-25s who are lured by Ayia Napa's international reputation as a party capital and families with young children who come for the wonderful weather, the excellent beaches and the parent-friendly facilities such as kids' clubs, a huge waterpark, go-karting, bowling and mini-golf.

The streets around the monastery in the centre of Ayia Napa are filled with dozens of bars and more than twenty clubs, all within a few hundred metres of each other.

The beaches of Ayia Napa, have lovely golden sand, clear blue water and are generally clean and safe. Many have been awarded a Blue Flag and have lifeguards on duty, as well as offering all the usual amenities such as water sports, umbrellas, sunbeds and showers. The most famous beach is Nissi Beach, which tends to be overcrowded.

Ayia Napa is not a place to come in search of tranquility and tradition. However if what you want is to have fun in the sun, this is the right place to be.

Things to do in Ayia Napa

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The vast, silvery sandy beaches along the coast of Ayia Napa are washed with warm waters that provide a myriad of opportunities for watersports, including water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, motor boats, pedal boats, parasailing, scuba diving and snorkelling.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation supervises the beaches, many of which have Blue Flag status. Visitors can take excursions to places like Agia Thekla, four miles to the west, with a small offshore island, Makronisos Beach, a cluster of three sheltered bays, or to the historical city of Larnaca, 25 miles along the coast.

Jeep safaris around the island itself are popular, with attractions like the Caledonian Falls and the Byzantine Monastery of Kykkos waiting to be explored. The island's position in the Mediterranean also lends itself to making excursions to other countries, even Cairo and Jerusalem, for a night or two of sightseeing.

Ayia Napa Monastery

2006-10-10T09:16:00.002Z

Ayia Napa Monastery is the well known landmark of Ayia Napa area. In ancient times the location where the monastery and the village exists today, was covered with a thick forest, visited only by hunters from the neighbouring villages.

According to a local tradition around the 11th century, a hunter with his dog while chasing a wild hare, the hare suddenly disappeared. The dog continued the chase and was led into a cave where the hare had sought refuge. The present Monastery was built around 1500 AD. On entering the cave, the hunter found himself standing in front of an icon of the Virgin Mary which was soon to become famous all over the island.

Places of Interest in Ayia Napa

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The Tornaritis - Pierides Museum of Marine life was founded in June 1992 in Ayia Napa and is located at the lower level of the Town Hall. It is the first museum of its kind in Cyprus with exhibits of past and present marine life, scientifically classified. Its main purpose is to show to the Cypriot and foreign visitor the marine fauna of Cyprus and the Mediterranean, helping the study and research of this part of Natural History, but also to stress the importance and necessity of preserving the marine environment.

"Thalassa" the Municipal Museum of the Sea in Ayia Napa is dedicated to the enhancement, promotion and preservation of marine heritage of Cyprus, from prehistoric times to present. Located at the centre of Ayia Napa, the presence of the Museum serves to display marine artefacts, conduct educational programmes and community cultural events, as well as foster interest in Cyprus' rich sea-history. The Museum houses sculptures, engravings, ceramics and paintings of seascapes made by some of the greatest 19th and 20th century Greek and Cypriot artists.

The Makronissos Tombs are one of Agia Napa's most interesting discoveries found west of Agia Napa village in the locality of Makronissos, which were the discovery of an ancient burial site. The tombs generally consist of a stepped road, which leads down to a rectangular entrance. The entrances were originally closed with one large or two smaller calcarenke slabs.

Beaches of Ayia Napa

2006-10-10T09:12:00.001Z

It's not all party party party y'know. There's also the serious business of catching a few rays, and posing on the beach. Here are a couple of spots you might enjoy.

Ayia Thekla
Out to the west of Napa Around 7km from town. Expect limited beach facilities.

Cape Greco
Not directly linked with the beaches as it's basically a rock formation, offering splendid views of Napa, and crystal clear waters.

Grecian Bay
Napa's most accessible beach, it's located right in front of the square.

Konnos Bay
About 10km drive from town, popular amongst families and couples seeking a quiet or romantic spot.

Landa
Not a bad option when it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle, but staying hip with the in-crowd. Also known as The New Golden Bay.

Macronissos
Macronissos is approximately 6km out of town, it promises to be a fantastic venue this year.

Nissi Beach
Wanna make an impact? It's the only place to be. Nissi's 4km from central Ayia Napa. It's a scene based on the skimpiest of bikinis, six-pack stomachs, Gucci shorts and Armani flip flops. Apart from enjoying the view, there are plenty of water sports, great bars and restaurants.

Sandy Bay
Snorkeling and swimming go down well on this small, yet picturesque horseshoe bay, based just a couple of kilometeres from the square.

Kool Club

2006-10-10T09:11:00.001Z

Voted Ayia Napa's Best Night out in 2001, The Kool Club deserves it's success to playing the best Dance music in the Funky House & Old Skool Style, and to giving it's customers a great night out. The atmosphere is second to none and the DJ's certainly give it all they've got, states Klubblife magazine. Altogether the best night out in Ayia Napa if not Cyprus.

Getting Around Ayia Napa

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Getting out and about in Ayia Napa couldn't be easier, there are a variety of taxis that will take you from resort to resort that are extremely efficient and cheap. Car hire is another easy way of getting around and in Cyprus especially it just couldn't be easier, Cypriots drive on the left side of the road and all the road signs are similar to here in the UK. The island is incredibly easy to navigate and there is so much to see if you are fed up with simply relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Ayia Napa.

Buses too are fairly frequent and another good way of visiting the local resorts but be warned they may not run so frequently on weekends or late at night. Ayia Napa is extremely popular with mopeds around the resort as it can be quite hilly so many choose to hire bikes and mopeds instead.

Weddings in Cyprus

2006-10-10T09:09:00.002Z

Possibly one of the most romantic places in the Med to marry, Cyprus is also one of the most popular destinations with UK couples wanting to marry or renew their vows. Ayia Napa in particular with its luxury hotels and white sandy beaches is a great choice for weddings, you can choose to marry in a variety of locations, be it the beach, gardens, local church, town hall or hotel.

Bournemouth and Paphos - New for 2006!

2006-10-10T09:08:00.002Z

December 28th 2005

As Bournemouth Airport's busiest year ever comes to a close, the company is already looking forward to an exciting new range of destinations for 2006.

Luxor, EGYPT: For the first time ever the Bournemouth-based airline, Palmair, will be offering one week holidays to Luxor during February and March - a great opportunity to escape from a miserable English winter.

AMSTERDAM - DOUBLE DAILY: Starting in late March 06, Thomsonfly.com will be operating 'double daily' flights to Amsterdam every Monday, Tuesday and Friday, giving passengers the opportunity to spend a whole day in the city and return home that evening. An ideal service for businessmen and those who want to explore the city without the hassle or expense of an overnight stay.

IBIZA: Just as 2005 came to a close, Thomson Holidays confirmed that they would be offering weekly flights to Ibiza during summer 06. Traditional charter holidays plus seat only options will be available on the flights which depart every Monday morning between May and October.

TURKEY: 2006 will be the first year that the airport will see direct flights to and from the Bodrum Peninsula in Turkey being operated by one of the best known names in the travel industry -Thomas Cook. Flights will depart during May and June, and September and October.

CRETE: Two tour companies will be operating a limited programme of holidays to Crete in September and October - Newmarket Air Holidays and Thomas Cook. It one of the airport's 'most requested' holiday destinations and forward bookings are already encouraging.

PAPHOS, CYPRUS: For the first time the airport has a comprehensive programme of flights to Paphos during the spring and summer. Palmair will be operating weekly flights during March and April, whilst Thomas Cook and Thomson Holidays will be operating weekly flights between May and October.

'Our range of destinations has steadily grown over the past couple of years and it looks as though that will continue during 2006,' commented Peter Duffy, Bournemouth Airport's Managing Director. 'We now fly to over 40 destinations which is giving local people the chance to get away on holiday without the need for a long trek up to the major London airports.'

Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel as a Winter Partner of PGA Germany

2006-10-10T09:06:00.004Z

The Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel is proud to announce that is the official partner for winter base for the next three years 2005, 2006 , 2007 of the Professional Golfers Association of Germany e.V.'s (PGA of Germany e.V.).

The entire team of the Paphos Amathus had the pleasure of welcoming the official team of PGA Germany e.V. on the 9th of January 2006. The professionals in hotellerie spare no effort to exceed the official German golfers' expectations by offering them an impeccable service and a warm hospitality, a long established tradition at the Amathus Hotels. The team of PGA Germany e.V is very happy to be here and already enjoying the lavishness and comfort of the hotel. PGA of Germany e.V. primary aim is to increase the sport of golf's reputation and its acceptance in Germany through intensive support of professional golfing, especially of young professionals. In order to achieve the aforementioned aim, PGA of Germany e.V. has founded the Playing Professional Team (Playing Pro Team), where promising, young talents from the German professional golf-sport are coached and sponsored.

Therefore, PGA of Germany e.V has come to an agreement with the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel that will support the Playing Pro Team by setting up a winter-training-base at the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel. Additionally, members of PGA of Germany e.V. shall be granted special conditions when using the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel. The Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel has been chosen to be the official winter base for the PGA Germany for many reasons. The Paphos Amathus has a long experience as a golf hotel in Cyprus. Furthermore, every year the Paphos Amathus receives many golf groups and consequently has the expertise of handling golf groups.

In addition special facilities are offered to the golfers i.e. golf lockers, survival packs, golf gifts. The luxurious facilities and the outstanding gastronomy come to add to the impeccable service offered throughout the establishment. The Paphos Amathus combines an excellent golf hotel with an exceptional luxurious 5 star beach resort. Last but not least, the Paphos Amathus beach hotel is a member of the of the prestigious international organisation''Leading Hotels of the World'' and that is when exceptional high standards are guaranteed. The co-partner on the golfing part is the Aphrodite Hills Golf Club that is situated just 17 km away from the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel.

Paphos

2006-10-10T09:06:00.003Z

Pafos (Paphos) is one of the most beautiful and ancient towns of Cyprus. Wherever you may tread in Pafos you'll come across its glorious history which dates back thousands of years,when the cult of goddess Aphrodite who emerged from its seas, flourished in this beautiful part of the world attracting many visitors from the inland and abroad.

Today it is a small harbour town,but in Hellenistic and Roman times it was the Capital of Cyprus. Still under the spell of her Beauty-Goddess, the area retaining her magic has remained impact by time. It seduces its visitor with its majestic landscape, lovely coastline, historical treasures and delightful villages where tradition is still a way of life.

Paphos Fort

2006-10-10T09:05:00.002Z

Paphos medieval fort in Kato Paphos harbour was originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour. It was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century and dismantled by the Ottomans after they captured the island in the 16th century.The fort today is surrounded by small bars and restaurants where you can sit and while away the hours people watching and viewing the beautiful scenery.

Lempa

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Lempa is approximately 5 kilometres from Paphos. Lempa village can be singled out as one with historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa's link with prehistory is the site of a chalcolithic settlement. Today the faithful reconstruction of several dwellings, gives an insight into chalcolithic life on the island. Near the site replicas of two houses from this period have been constructed.

Tomb of the Kings

2006-10-10T09:03:00.001Z

Tombs of the Kings are spread over a vast area in Paphos. These impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric Pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

Tourists are now able to see these sights which make for a fascinating insight into the history of Cyprus.

UNESCO and Paphos

2006-10-10T09:02:00.000Z

UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1945.UNESCO felt that the legacy from Paphos' remarkable history adds up to nothing less than an open museum, so much so that they simply added the whole town to its World Cultural Heritage List.

There is so much history in this fascinating town that you too can experience the town that UNESCO felt deserved such an accolade.

Sports in Paphos

2006-10-10T09:01:00.001Z

The most successful team of Paphos, is the volley ball club of the town, Pafiakos, which has been Champion of Cyprus twice (last in 2004). Dionysos, a volley ball team from Stroumbi, a village of Paphos, plays in First Division as well. Both teams use the indoor Aphrodite Stadium. The football club in Paphos is AEP Paphos, a team founded in 2000, was traditionally in Cypriot First Division, however this year plays in Second Division. The team plays in the football stadium of the town, Pafiako.

The Mosaics

2006-10-10T09:00:00.001Z

The striking mosaic floors in a series of ancient Roman noblemen's villas, dating from the third to fifth century AD, are a must-see for visitors to Paphos. The site where the villas are still being excavated can be found about 300 metres from the Paphos harbour.

The mosaics featuring mythological scenes are visible in the houses of Dionysus, Orpheus and Aion, and the Villa of Theseus. All were made of small cubes of marble and stone, called tesserae, with glass paste added to widen the range of colour. In the House of Dionysus, for example, 5,985 square feet (556 sq metres) of floor space in 14 rooms are covered with the gorgeous mosaics.

The Catacombs

2006-10-10T08:59:00.000Z

A large pistachio tree marks the entrance to the underground catacombs of Agia Solomoni in Kato Paphos. The tree is a strange sight, festooned as it usually is with pieces of cloth tied onto it by the faithful as offerings, in the hope that this sacred tree will cure various ailments. The catacombs themselves were carved into Fabrica hill, below the ancient Roman city wall, in the 4th century BC, and later became chapels for the early Christians.

The underground chapels feature some interesting frescoes and graffiti left by 13th-century Crusaders, and there are numerous legends and stories attached to the patron saint Ayia Solomoni. Visitors are advised to take a torch along to explore the catacombs.

The Acropolis

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Near the modern Paphos lighthouse is sited a complex of ancient buildings, including a Roman Odeon, built in the 2nd century AD, which has been restored and is now used for summer orchestral and stage performances. The Odeon was the focus of the ancient city centre, of which some ruins still remain in the area. South of the Odeon are the remnants of the Roman Temple of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, and north of the lighthouse are the ruins of the ancient town walls.

Baths of Aphrodite

2006-10-10T08:57:00.004Z

A romantic side trip from Paphos is a visit to the natural grotto on the Akamas Peninsula near Polis (30 miles/48km north of Paphos) where legend has it that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, used to take her baths. The serene pool, shaded by a fig tree and surrounded by beautiful examples of maindenhair fern, can be reached by nature trails from Akamas.

Cultural Window

2006-10-10T08:57:00.003Z

01 Jul 2006 - 30 Sep 2006

Like many towns and villages in Cyprus do, each summer the town of Paphos organises various cultural events for tourists and local people alike. These usually take the form of folk dances, free concerts and music recitals. There are also exhibitions and a wide variety of events and entertainment specifically for children.

Independence Day Celebrations

2006-10-10T08:55:00.000Z

1st October 2006

The country's Independence Day Celebrations honour the day in 1960 when Cyprus gained independence from Great Britain following a long and bitter five-year struggle.

This triumphant occasion is maked by a public holiday throughout the country, the day is marked with national events, military parades, parties and processions. Schools, offices and many shops are closed on this day.

Protaras Beaches

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Fig Tree Bay - Ideal for all kinds of sea sports, this is an exceptionally beautiful beach. It is extremely popular and has many shops, restaurants and cafes that look on to it.

Ayia Napa - Considered as having the best beaches in the Mediterranean with crystal clear water, golden sands and all the expected facilities and water sports. Some of the beaches include Macronissos - well sheltered; Ayia Thekla - small with a reachable small island; Nissi Bay - sheltered, good facilities; Sandy Bay - good for water sports; Limnara - well protected with water sports; Main Beach - very popular with good facilities.

Stephanos Watersports Protaras - Lots of lovely water fun: jet skis, bubble boats, parachute rides and much much more. Very experienced friendly owners.

Scuba Diving Cyprus Ayia Napa and Protaras with Easy Divers - If you've heard about diving in Cyprus, then you'll have heard of Protaras. It's a small town with a big reputation - the finest diving in the east coast of Cyprus. The white sandy beaches of this Mediterranean paradise are surrounded by fantastic reefs, caves and canyons. Home to a diverse range of exotic and colourful fish. A short distance beyond the reefs, underwater pinnacles offer the chance to see schools of barracudas, needlefish, large groupers and the largest Wreck in the Med the Zenobia - rated top forth wreck in the world.

Vrissiana Beach - This beach is fab with a wide strip of sand and the cleanest waters. Stephanos Watersports offers jet skis, paragliding, banana rides, water-ski lessons and lots more. Also close to bars, shops etc.

Nature Trials in Protaras

2006-10-10T08:51:00.000Z

Before the technological revolution and the dominance of the motor vehicle, paths and cart tracks made up the main road network in Cyprus and the only link among the villages and between the villages and the towns.

Nowadays, the cart tracks have virtually disappeared, with only a few traces remaining near old bridges, while most paths are now covered in thick vegetation. The remaining few are used mainly for exercise, nature study and recreation. With financial support from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, the Forestry Department has created forty eight (48) paths or trails which cover a total distance of 200 kms in various parts of the island, from Kavo Gkreko at the Southeastern end, to Akamas in the West.

These have been carefully designed to cover areas with rich natural vegetation and cultural interests. They have been constructed on gentle gradients and are, as a rule, circular so that all age groups can use them with ease. They are also well-sign posted. Many of these trails have been networked and grouped in areas.

Protaras Suitability

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Protaras appeals to all types due to its great location right on Fig Tree Bay, the wide choice of restaurants and bars, its laid back atmosphere and great hotels and apartments. Families love it here as it is so much quieter than the neighbouring resort of Ayia Napa and offers safe swimming conditions and a superb family friendly beach for the little ones. Couples who want the proximity (or not!) of livelier resorts but in the main are happy to stay somewhere a little more sedate, won't be disappointed either.

It is a great place to explore this fascinating island as you can reach the Cypriot side of the border to take the view over Famagusta, the deserted resort since the Turkish invasion of 1974.

Protaras Town

2006-10-10T08:49:00.001Z

Protaras is the tourist resort of Paralimni in the South East of Cyprus within the Famagusta area and is located approximately half way between Ayia Napa and Paralimni, less than one hours drive from Larnaca International Airport. A regular local bus service runs from Paralimni to Ayia Napa via Protaras.

This is a more calm resort compared to Ayia Napa even though it is only 10 minutes away by car. Protaras boasts the fabulous Fig Tree Bay, which stretches over 10 miles of sandy Beach. While lying on the beach you will have the opportunity to decide which of Protaras' many restaurants you will try that evening.

Protaras is the place to try freshly grilled fish in one of the open-air seafood restaurants or take a pick from the several types including Thai, Italian, Indian and many others. Protaras also offers a good choice of shops, tavernas, nightclubs and bars.

What to do in Cyprus

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Your experience of Cyprus can be as varied and rewarding as the geography of the island itself. Starting with the sea: There are beaches in Cyprus to suit just about everybody, such as the renowned Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, from families with small children to seekers of solitude. The mountainous interior, the Troodos, offers an alluring contrast to the coast that shouldn't be overlooked. Bracing pine-scented air, hiking trails and Byzantine churches are just some of the treasures to be found here. It is also possible to experience firsthand the village life of the hill towns. By the beach or further afield, in the towns or storied countryside, the distinctive culture of Cyprus is always close at hand.

Protaras is a great base from which to explore the many varied areas of Cyprus, whether it is beaches, history, sightseeing or Mountains you may be looking for.Driving around the island is easy and relatively cheap to hire vehicles. The Cypriots drive on the left and road signs are very similar to here in the UK. It is easy to drive around and explore the many splendours Cyprus has to offer.

Cypriot History

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In August 1960, Britain granted Cyprus its independence. A Greek, Archbishop Makarios, became president, while a Turk, Kucuk, was made vice-president. By 1964 Makarios was moving towards stronger links with Greece, and intercommunal violence was on the rise.

The United Nations sent in a peace-keeping force. In 1967 a military junta took over the Greek government and enosis went out the window - even the most fervent Greece-lovers didn't want union with such a repressive regime. Greece didn't give up, though: on 15 July 1974 a CIA-sponsored, Greek-organised coup overthrew Makarios and replaced him with a puppet leader.

Turkey responded by invading and Greece quickly pulled out, but the Turks weren't placated and took the northern third of the island, forcing 180,000 Greek Cypriots to flee their homes. In 1983 Turkish Cypriots proclaimed a separate state, naming it the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). No country except for Turkey has recognised this 'state'.

Peace talks have been held sporadically, but Cyprus remains divided. The United Nations has been scaling down its presence in Cyprus, and small-scale border scuffles are on the increase. The Republic's purchase of missiles capable of reaching the Turkish coast has further soured relations between the two sides. However, both Turkey and the Republic have made moves towards full membership of the European Union, and this may force both sides to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

In March 2003, the deadline for agreement from both sides on a UN-sponsored reunification passed. When the plan was put to referendum on both sides of the Green Line in April, Turkish Cypriots supported and Greek Cypriots did not. The island joined the EU in May, but EU laws will apply only to Greek Cyprus.

Aphrodite- Goddess of Love

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Cyprus is proudly reclaiming its ancient honour of being the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite and even is offering a tasteful re-creation of her ancient rites.

The supreme goddess of love and beauty knew what she was doing when she chose the lovely Cyprus as the site of her emergence from the seafoam.

The rock from where she is said to have emerged, 'Petra tou Romiou' or 'Rock of the Greek' is associated with the legendary Byzantian frontier-guard, Digenis Akritas. It is said he kept Arab pirates at bay by throwing rocks at them from the hillside above.The scene has been a source of inspiration for many poets and painters, the most famous result being Boticelli's Birth of Venus.

Ayia Napa - Clubbing Capital of Cyprus!

2006-10-09T13:52:00.002Z

Ayia Napa is on the southern coast of Cyprus, just over an hour's drive from Larnaca airport and around 10 -15 minutes from Protaras. Over the last few years, summer in Ayia Napa has become a clubbing destination almost as popular as Ibiza, with a large cluster of clubs and bars in the town attracting many of the world's top DJs and hundreds of thousands of clubbers.

The clubbing season in Ayia Napa kicks off in June and lasts all summer until September/October, though a few clubs like Black & White are open all year round. Licensing hours in Cyprus last nearly all day, starting at 9am and running through to 2am. Then you can head straight for the a club and drink till 5am.

If you're still thirsty after that, you'll probably be able to find a late bar, which will be open and serving until 7am. Then it's probably time to stop for a kip before you start again in two hours time!

Excursions from Protaras

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There are a variety of things you can do whilst on holiday in Protaras. Not only do you have the chance to visit the nearby resorts of Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos, it is well worth hiring a car and taking a trip into the split city of Nicosia.

Nicosia is a divided city, it still remains so after the Turkish invasion of 1974. Not only can you do all the usual city sightseeing and shopping but you can see the borders and across to the North.

This can also be done outside Protaras, in nearby Paralimni. A viewing platform has been set up to look over the deserted town of Famagusta. Pre 1974 this was a thriving holiday resort but now lies in tatters, destroyed by the invasion and now deserted by tourists and locals alike.

For those who wish to find out more about the history of Cyprus, have a day out in Limassol and here you'll find in the old town, the 'Time Elevator', an interactive ride / experience which tells you all you need to know about the history of this fascinating island.

Getting Around in Protaras

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The public transport system is quite good. In the major towns (i.e. Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca) you can get around by jumping on the city buses. These buses will also take you to the attractions just outside town. In addition low-priced and frequent bus services run between the major towns every day except Sunday.

The taxi service is reasonably priced, and will take you from door to door. Just make sure the taxi meter is on, and beware that the taxi drivers like to take round trips. And they don't do this to show you around. The shared taxis are a better choice for intercity trips. Book a place on one of the hourly trips between the major towns.

Some taxis have as many as seven seats, pushing the price down to about three Cypriot Pounds per person. If you are only in Cyprus for short periods at a time renting a car is probably the best bet. There are a number of car rental firms on the island, including the big international firms. Prices range from CYP15 to CYP35 per day. This can also be done prior to your visit from the UK which can work out cheaper and obviously allows you to budget in advance.

Cyprus the Cruise Centre of the Eastern Mediterranean

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Before the armies of Alexander the Great made their famous thrusts east toward lands unconquered, their ships called into port at Cyprus to be readied and refitted.

The same strategic location, at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, that made Cyprus a crucial starting point for Alexander's expanding empire makes the island a desirable centre today for a calmer kind of maritime activity, cruising. Whether for a cruise that originates there, as a port of call or a fly and cruise option, today Cyprus is among the premier cruising destinations in the Mediterranean.

As the easternmost island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a natural point of departure for exploring this amazingly diverse region. Throughout the year locally based cruise lines help locals and tourist alike to get a first hand perspective of the splendors of ancient Egypt, major attractions in Israel and Lebanon and, of course, the Greek Islands. Every year there are around 800 such 'mini-cruises' leaving from the port of Limassol (Lemesos), one of the leading cruise ports in the Mediterranean, carrying around 250,000 passengers.

Base of Discovery: At the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus can also be a great component of your Middle East odyssey that combines a visit to the island with Israel, Egypt, Lebanon or nearby Greek islands such as Rhodes. You can reach these destinations by air, most are an hour or less away by plane or cruise. Several cruise companies offer short but comprehensive itineraries to the most famous Middle East destinations, making Cyprus an ideal launchpad for discovery of the region at large.

Cypriot Cuisine

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When on holiday in Cyprus you must try the authentic Cyprriot food on offer. The food is a cross between Greek and Turkish. Most dishes have meat, salad and fruit. The local cheese 'haloumi' is tasty too.

Why not try the must heralded Meze meal. It is a traditional meal which has meat and fish that is mostly bbq'd. The meal is available from The Coral King at Coral Bay. It contains 20 dishes for 7 cy pounds per person. The food just keeps coming and coming. You can have meatballs, mousaka, kebabs, Greek salad, chicken, fish, oilves, warm pitta breads, some Greek dips, stifado, kleftiko etc. It is one of the best meals you can have and it is not to be missed.

Where is Cyprus?

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Cyprus tucked away in the top right hand corner of the Mediterranean is so close to Europe, Asia and Africa that it rightly, claims to be a stepping stone to three continents.

An island whose rich dramatic history can be traced back over nine thousand years; an island so coveted over the centuries that it has been invaded and claimed by a fascinating mixture of civilizations from near and far all of which have left their culture and shaped its character.

An island whose archaeology stems from the Neolithic Age, the Ancient Greeks and the Roman period; where churches and monasteries still stand from Byzantine times; castles and palaces from the days of Crusaders and Frankish Lusignans and splendid city walls from Venetian days.

An island chosen by the mythical gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece who indulged themselves here in sport pleasure and tragedy; where Aphrodite goddess of love and beauty, emerged from the Pafos foam to become a famous cult figure - centre of attraction for the first visitors who flocked to the island to worship her.

With such a historic and legendary background it is hardly surprising that Cyprus has developed a character which is quite unique. It is blessed with beauty, natural beauty that ranges from golden beaches and rugged coastlines to rolling hills and forest clad mountains, dotted with picturesque villages.

Climate in Cyprus

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Cyprus enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine all year round. Long dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a time of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild, with some rain and snow on Troodos Mountains.

Resorts in Cyprus

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Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa was once a small fishing village in the south-eastern corner of Cyprus, now it's one of the island's major resorts and a hotspot for holiday-makers looking to have fun in the sun. Ayia Napa is a popular holiday destination for many Northern Europeans. It attracts two main types of tourists: young (and usually single) under-25s who are lured by Ayia Napa's international reputation as a party capital and families with young children who come for the wonderful weather, the excellent beaches and the parent-friendly facilities such as kids' clubs, a huge waterpark, go-karting, bowling and mini-golf.

The streets around the monastery in the centre of Ayia Napa are filled with dozens of bars and more than twenty clubs, all within a few hundred metres of each other. The beaches of Ayia Napa, have lovely golden sand, clear blue water and are generally clean and safe. Many have been awarded a Blue Flag and have lifeguards on duty, as well as offering all the usual amenities such as water sports, umbrellas, sunbeds and showers. The most famous beach is Nissi Beach, which tends to be overcrowded. Ayia Napa is not a place to come in search of tranquility and tradition. However if what you want is to have fun in the sun, this is the right place to be.

Paphos

Paphos is one of the most beautiful and ancient towns of Cyprus. Wherever you may tread in Paphos you'll come across its glorious history which dates back thousands of years, when the cult of goddess Aphrodite who emerged from its seas, flourished in this beautiful part of the world attracting many visitors from the inland and abroad. Today it is a small harbour town, but in Hellenistic and Roman times it was the Capital of Cyprus. Still under the spell of her Beauty-Goddess, the area retaining her magic has remained impact by time. It seduces its visitor with its majestic landscape, lovely coastline, historical treasures and delightful villages where tradition is still a way of life.

Protaras

Protaras has mass appeal due to its great location right on Fig Tree Bay, the wide choice of restaurants and bars, its laid back atmosphere and great hotels and apartments. Families love it here as it is so much quieter than the neighbouring resort of Ayia Napa and offers safe swimming conditions and a superb family friendly beach for the little ones. Couples who want the proximity (or not!) of livelier resorts but in the main are happy to stay somewhere a little more sedate, won't be disappointed either. Plus it's a great place to explore this fascinating island as you can reach the Cypriot side of the border to take the view over Famagusta, the deserted resort since the Turkish invasion of 1974.

Limassol

During the Crusades Richard the Lionheart visited the Cypriot city of Limassol (then known as Lemesos) to free his betrothed from the Byzantine sovereign. The subsequent wedding became a party that is legendary still today, which is probably why modern Limassol is still a centre of nightlife and joie de vivre. This lively ambience is also aided and abetted by the fact that Limassol is the centre of winemaking on the island. The city has concentrated its efforts in recent years on mercantile development and modernising its buildings. Unlike other Cypriot cities it has not protected its architectural or cultural heritage, but with its many excellent hotels it does offer a good base for visitors who can head for the hills after whooping it up under the city’s bright lights. The foothills of the Troodos Mountains lie north of the city and offer charming country walks that meander through friendly villages. There are also some good beaches on the outskirts of the city, most of which belong to hotels which charge an entrance fee for non-guests. The sandy beach of Avmidou, located on the grounds of the British military base of Akrotiri, is open to the public.

Larnaca

Larnaca is the international gateway to Cyprus, being its second port and having an international airport. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and has plenty of historical sightseeing on offer to complement its deep-blue sea, bright sandy beaches and reliably sunny skies. With its 400-berth marina, Larnaca is also a favoured destination for visitors with yachts. Land-based tourists enjoy the palm-lined harbour promenade and the city’s international calibre shops, inviting cafes and panoramic ocean views. The city was called Kition in the days of the Old Testament and the ruins of the ancient city can still be seen. Much of its rich archaeological heritage has been preserved and is showcased in two of its main museums. The surrounding area beyond the city is also a treasure-trove of historic ruins from the Neolithic period onwards.

Flights to Cyprus

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Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Belfast, Glasgow all fly to Cyprus. The island has been a favourite haunt of Brits for years and is well served by various tour operators including Thomsons, First Choice, Club 18-30, Sunset, Inspirations, 2wenty's, Cyplon, and Priceright holidays. Cyprus Airways, British Airways, Air 2000, Virgin Sun and Monarch are just a few of the airlines that fly there.

There are two airports on the island of Cyprus, Larnaca and Paphos.

Cyprus Information Fact File

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Cyprus' capital city: Nicosia

Cyprus' official languages: Greek and Turkish

Cyprus' Independance Day: From UK on 16/08/1960

Date of Cyprus' accession to EU: 01/05/2004

Cyprus' population: 835, 000

Cyprus' population density: 84 inhabitants per square kilometre

Cypriote currency: Cyprus pound

Cyprus time difference: GMT + 2

Cyprus' international dialling code: + 357

Cyprus' internet extension: .cy