Holidays to Cyprus
Cyprus Holidays
A popular holiday destination, Cyprus holidays have much to offer with sandy beaches, year-round sun, vibrant nightlife, intriguing history and culture. Cyprus is divided, the Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus occupies two-thirds of the island and the remainder of the island is occupied by the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC). Most tour operators only feature holidays to the Republic of Cyprus but Hot Holiday Offers uses specialist tour operators so we are featuring holidays to both parts of Cyprus giving you better holiday destination choice.
Beach holidays in Cyprus
Aphrodite rock, Cyprus
Those looking for a beach holiday will find Cyprus has plenty of choice whether you want a busier well-serviced beach or quieter, out-of-the-way beaches. Whether you are seeking a romantic holiday, family holidays or active holidays, Cyprus has beaches to suit everyone, and many Cyprus beaches have Blue Flag awards. Relax on the white/golden sands lapped by the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea and enjoy the plentiful Cyprus sunshine.
Active holiday in Cyprus
Paphos Harbour
Windsurfing, diving and sailing are all popular holiday activities around the coast of Cyprus. Clear seas and warm water make Cyprus ideal for diving enthusiasts. With wrecks, reefs, caves and more to explore, there is plenty to make sure you have an enjoyable diving holiday. Also, a sea turtle conservation project has been underway which has increased the numbers of these turtles around the island considerably.
With three international standard 18-hole golf courses, Cyprus is also somewhat of a golfer’s paradise. The Aphrodite Hills Golf Course is built on two plateaux divided by a dramatic ravine. The Minthis Hills Golf Club is set amongst the orchards and vineyards of a 12th century monastery. Tucked away in a valley and set in scenic hills is the Secret Valley Golf Course. All three golf courses are only a short drive from Paphos.
Cycling is also popular in Cyprus and can be enjoyed throughout most of the year due to the warm weather conditions.
The breathtaking Troodos Mountains appeal to hikers, as does the Akamas Peninsular, an area of natural wilderness. Birdwatchers will find Cyprus particularly interesting as it is on the migration path between Europe Asia and Africa.
Cyprus Cultural Holidays
Ayia Napa Monastery
The Tombs of the Kings are spread over a vast area in Paphos and date back to the 4th century B.C. These tombs are named as such because of their grandeur and not because royalty was buried here.
Choirokoitia is the site of a prehistoric settlement, with its reconstructed round dwellings, you get a vivid representation of what life was like at the dawn of civilisation.
The floor mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology are intriguing and considered amongst the finest in the eastern Mediterranean.
There are many places of cultural interest to explore while on holiday in Cyprus such as museums, forts, castles and other ancient sites.
Food & Drink in Cyprus
In the north of Cyprus the cuisine is mainly Turkish and in the Republic it is mainly Greek, reflecting the differences between the two regions.
A centuries old Greek-Cypriot tradition is to have Mezedes or Meze (plates of food) to accompany drinks. Mezedes can include up to 30 dishes, small portions of some of the best local cuisine. Mezes are a traditional feature of religious feast days and other important occasions such as birthdays and weddings. Order Mezedes at a restaurant and be prepared for a lavish feast of perhaps 20 or more dishes of different local delicacies!
While on holiday in Cyprus you will find plenty of superb fresh fruit to choose from including strawberries, melons, prickly pear, grapes, citrus fruit and stone fruits. Halloumi cheese is another Cypriot speciality made from sheep and goat’s milk.
Traditional Cypriot drinks include Commandaria, one of the oldest named wines in the world and Airani, a refreshing drink made with live yoghurt. Cyprus coffee is also a must for coffee drinkers, particularly if you like your coffee strong!
Find Cyprus holidays
Holiday destination highlights: Beaches, History, Culture, Nightlife, Sunshine
Flight time from the UK to Republic of Cyprus: Approx. 4 hours
North Cyprus Holidays
North Cyprus beach
Getting to North Cyprus takes longer because holidaymakers need to fly via mainland Turkey, but when you see the beauty of this unspoilt holiday destination, you will realise the extra journey time was worth it. Turkish Northern Cyprus is more like the Mediterranean of yesteryear, it is peaceful, serene and essentially natural.
Steeped in history, there is plenty to see in and around Kyrenia and Famagusta. To the north east lies the Karpas Peninsula, this unspoilt area is home to a great deal of wildlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in the island.
Kyrenia, North Cyprus
You will find attractive churches and mosques here in the small villages, but the area is almost totally free from any great concentration of people or industry. The Apostolos Andreas Monastery is considered a holy site by residents of both Northern Cyprus and the Republic and is a major pilgrimage centre.
If you want to experience a holiday away from mass tourism where you can relax on uncrowded sandy beaches, discover picturesque villages and immerse yourself in a fascinating historical past, then Northern Cyprus is an ideal choice.
Find Northern Cyprus holidays
Holiday destination highlights: Beaches, Culture, History, Sunshine
Flight time from the UK to Northern Cyprus: Via Turkey, approx. 6.5 hours
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