Have you always thought of Cyprus as being too similar to Malta? Well, think again.
Find yourself on winding roads through dense forests, heading towards mountain peaks
Much bigger than Malta, with mountain villages, seaside cities, ancient myths and mouth-watering cuisine, Cyprus is a unique destination with much to offer.
Cyprus boasts exceptional beaches and crystal clear seas, with first class facilities for water sports, golf and a host of other leisure activities.
But venture inland and you will find yourself on winding roads through dense forest, heading towards the magnificent peaks of the Troodos Mountains.
Old stone villages invite youto stop a while and samplelocal wines and deliciousmeze dishes.
Reputedly the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love, Cyprus’s geographic position in the eastern Mediterranean has produced a complex 11,000-year history.
Today, the north of the island is under de facto Turkish control, while the rest is a Greek-leaning republic. All areas are safeto visit.
As a former British colony, around 90 per cent of the population can speak English and, like Malta, motorists drive on the left.
Cyprus is a history lover’s paradise, and you won’t have to travel far to see ancient ruins that speak of the island’s rich heritage. From hidden Venetian bridges and ancient tombs, castles and monasteries, to elaborate mosaics of mythology, historical treasures are ubiquitous.
But this is not an island that lives in the past – the nightlife in the main coastal resorts is as vibrant and exciting as any you could find elsewhere in Europe.
The coastal resort ofPaphos has a seafront ofpalms with UK-style pubs and eateries, but the back streets and the old town are much quieter with some good hotels and oldcolonial architecture.
A big attraction for many Maltese visitors to Paphos is St Paul’s Pillar, which St Paul was allegedly tied to in 45 AD and given lashes for preaching Christianity. St Solomon’s Catacombs in Paphos is another popular site. Elsewhere, the perfect beaches of Ayia Napa have made it one of the premier party places in Europe. With hundreds of bars and clubs, it attracts hedonists from across Europe and beyond. But in spite of its reputation for being a giant disco, there is still much to satisfy history lovers in its monastery, museum and ancient tombs.
A busy city fringed by a long and popular beach, Limassol is a vibrant, cosmopolitan resort. There is a large pedestrianised area around the castle, as well as a new promenade and marina.
An added bonus is that historic sites and the mountains are within easy reach.
Larnaca works hard to hang on to its authentic roots, with old crafts still used and traditional houses standing firm among modern developments.
Restaurants and family-owned businesses ply their trade along the main seafront promenade, but the atmosphereis calm and has a genuinecommunity feel. Fascinatingnatural formations can be seen along the coast.
Whether you’re looking to relax on secluded sandy beaches, dance the night away in nightclubs or tour mountain villages and ancient historical sites, Cyprus can oblige.