Cyprus

Midway between Europe and Africa, this magical island blends Roman, Hellenistic and Venetian influences in a rugged, unspoilt countryside that is beautiful throughout the year.

It is a sunsoaked paradise of orange groves, olives and grapes. Along the fretted coastline a string of tempting sandy beaches and clear blue seas provide some of the most unspoilt and most inviting bathing in Europe.

Spring here comes early, in January or February, carpeting the countryside with delicate white flowers of narcissae. Then come the anemones, in legend the spilled blood of Adonis, wild orchids, freesias and irises, with, in summer, fields of chrysanthemums challenging the sun with their vivid yellow.

From Alexander the Great to Cleopatra all have left their mark with such monuments as Crusader fortresses, Greco-Roman amphitheatres and tiny Byzantine monasteries perched impossibly high amongst the mountains. Because of this wealth of history, there is so much to do and see in Cyprus. Enjoy a picnic amongst the citrus and olive groves, amble though the pine trees, discover small hillside villages dotted about the island whilst remote mountain churches with their cool and peaceful interiors are a welcome retreat.

Our favoured hotel here is a superb outpost of luxury on the little-visited northwest coast of Cyprus, bringing the highest standards to wonderful rolling landscapes where shepherds tend their flocks in a timeless world.

The fishing port of Pafos, at the western end of the island has become one of the country’s most buoyant resorts. A promenade along the waterfront takes you past souvenir shops and seafood tavernas to the old harbour. Near the animated harbour are the Roman floor mosaics of the Houses of Aion, Achilles and Dionysus, their depictions of mythological scenes amazingly well preserved.

Picturesque Pissouri Village is ideal for a stroll or enjoying an authentic Cyprus coffee in its square while chatting to the locals with the surrounding villages offering a variety of activities.

Still known to many as Limassol, Lemesos is the second largest city in Cyprus and contains some of its most important archaeological sites and medieval remains.

Being such a fertile country, you can be guaranteed that the food here is unsurpassable with such variety as seafood, olives, feta, juicy ripe tomatoes and stuffed vine leaves. To drink, why not try the locally made Raki with an aniseed taste and to complete your meal a small but perfectly formed Turkish coffee.

FLIGHTS & FACTS

Fly to: Paphos (British Airways - daily)
Arrival day: Any day
Flying time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2
Best time to travel: April - November

WEATHER

Cyprus is in the Mediterranean climate zone and benefits from short mild winters and long dry and warm summers. Receiving more than 300 days of sunshine a year, during the summer months Cyprus is dominated by anticyclonic high pressure systems that push up from North Africa bringing clear blue skies and temperatures that soar above 30°C day after day. During the winter and spring months, occasional low pressure systems bring welcome rainfall and even snowfall to the higher peaks. Down close to sea level, the island never really gets cold during the winter.