What youll find in Cyprus is sun, fun and ancient culture. This amazing island is dripping with history that dates back thousands of years. Long before the current climate of naff celebrity, Cyprus was attracting visitors like Alexander the Great and Cleopatra who both paid a visit here.
The country is divided between the Turkish north and Greek south, with most of the touristy stuff happening in the latter part.
Gorgeous beaches and lofty mountains are interspersed with vineyards studded with olive trees. Add to that an endless array of ancient ruins, brightly-coloured citrus groves and old stone villages, and you have a recipe for a holiday that youll remember for years to come
To give you a handle on what to expect, heres an overview of the five main regions and resorts:
SOUTH NICOSIA
LIMASSOL AND THE SOUTH COAST
PAPHOS AND THE WEST
LARNACA AND THE EAST
PLATRES AND THE TROODOS MOUNTAINS
SOUTH NICOSIA:
Ancient monuments, fascinating museums and a unique north/south divide will give you plenty of food for thought.
Youre guaranteed a characteristic warm welcome here, with eager locals proud to show you that their city is the best in the world. Tree-lined boulevards and a mix of old and ancient buildings characterise this eclectic capital.
It can get seriously hot in the height of summer, but the sea is never out of reach for an essential cool-off. Nicosia deserves a few days for you to really make the most of its architectural treasures, shops, bars and restaurants. A good excuse to come back, then
LIMASSOL AND THE SOUTH COAST:
If you want to experience a little bit of everything in Cyprus, Limassol is the place to base yourself. Situated on the coast, just south of the Troodos Mountains, you can easily escape inland to the cool, green hills or make the most of the sandy bays and endless beaches.
Quiet villages are scattered throughout this region, offering potential escape routes if things get too lively.
TOP RESORTS: Limassol, Pissouri, Tochni.
PAPHOS AND THE WEST:
One of Cypruss most loveable resorts, Paphos is home to some of the islands top attractions.
The town itself is lovely, with palm-lined boulevards, a beautiful beach, famous ancient sites and bars and restaurants aplenty.
Youll not be disappointed when you head out of town, either. Remote, butterscotch beaches line the coast; the Akamas Peninsular is an unspoilt wilderness just waiting to be explored, and cute authentic villages will give you a taste of real Cyprus.
TOP RESORTS: Paphos, Aphrodite Hills, Latsi, Coral Bay, Pissouri.
LARNACA AND THE EAST:
After being raised from the dead by Jesus, Lazarus headed to Larnaca and brought Christianity to Cyprus. Steeped in such a rich history, its no surprise that theres plenty for the keenest culture vulture to feed off here.
Of course, Agia Napa is also known for its annual party season, which lasts from April to November, but you can easily avoid all that if you wish.
Away from the coast youll find villages where the local wine flows as freely as the conversation outside the cafes.
TOP RESORTS: Larnaca, Agia Napa, Protaras.
PLATRES AND THE TROODOS MOUNTAINS:
Crowned by Mount Olympos, the Troodos are a cool inland retreat from the scorching coast. Leave your beach towel at home and head to this natural wonderland where you can hike, bike, or picnic in the summer.
When it comes to "cul-char", youll find Unesco World Heritage-listed Byzantine churches and monasteries, which are unique to Cyprus.
Believe it or not, you can actually ski here in winter. This may seem a like an impossible prospect when youre basking in the mid-July sun, but come here in January and February, and snow-covered peaks replace the heat haze.