A Guide to Cyprus

Basking in typically Mediterranean temperatures with very little rain, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the legendary goddess of love and beauty. It has a startling variety of landscapes from sandy beaches to snow capped mountains together with traditional villages and olive groves. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is a fantastic place for sightseeing with many Greek and Roman heritage sites.
The buying process in Cyprus explained……………………

Pissouri.

The village of Pissouri is situated in the principal vine growing area where sultana grapes cover the surrounding countryside. Set high up on the hillside with magnificent views of some 20 miles of Mediterranean coastline and the Troodos Mountains, Pissouri is a village with a very friendly atmosphere. In the summer months every Wednesday, the village holds Cyprus Night in the pretty flower filled central square and everyone is welcome to enjoy the food and traditional Cypriot dancing.
Pissouri has a beautiful horseshoe shaped beach set between white cliffs and offers visitors the best opportunity for swimming, snorkelling and a variety of water sports. The surrounding areas have been thoughtfully developed and there are three excellent golf courses within easy driving distance.

Protaras

Frequently described as the jewel of the eastern Mediterranean, Protaras is an elite beach resort, just 43 minutes drive from Larnaca. Like a necklace, a string of secluded golden sandy bays stretch along this ruggedly beautiful coast, each interspersed with rocky inlets where many colourful fishing boats go for the daily catch. This is home to magnificent Fig Tree Bay, which is considered to be possibly the island’s best beach. Its crystalline, sparkling waters are perfect for families and for those who want to indulge in snorkelling and scuba diving. A fun-loving resort, there are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants as well as a buzzing nightlife.
Close by is the small rural town of Paralimni, a picturesque, sleepy traditional fishing village perfect for those who want a quiet retreat yet be close to enough to all the local amenities.

Ayia Napa

Once a quiet unassuming village, Ayia Napa is now world famous for being the party capital of the world with a vibrant, buzzing nightlife However, new and strictly enforced regulations have transformed Ayia Napa into a family-friendly holiday resort with beautiful, sandy beaches that have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag and crystal clear waters where you can enjoy the many water sports on offer.
Ayia Napa has a number of museums and also the Ayia Napa Monastery where an annual Festival is held reflecting the historic, cultural and agricultural traditions of this area. The surrounding countryside is flat and mainly cultivated with potatoes.
A short drive from Ayia Napa is Cape Greco, a wild, underdeveloped peninsular with a wealth of rare flora and fauna, sea caves and the most incredible views which make it popular with nature lovers and walkers.

Larnaca

Once the main port, the old town of Larnaca is an elegant, busy resort and with its motorway links an ideal place to explore this part of Cyprus. A resplendent mile-long, palm-lined promenade dominates the bustling town, stretching from a yacht marina at one end to a medieval fortress at the other. Larnaca has a 16 mile stretch of beautiful beaches where summer sports, sea activities and cruises can be enjoyed and the town has variety of bars, tavernas, restaurants and shops.
The Larnaca Salt Lake, although dry in summer, fills with water during the winter months and is visited by flocks of flamingos who stay here from November to March. Other places of interest include the Church of Lazarus, the Ruins of Ancient Kitium, the Old Aqueduct and the Fort, its inner courtyard now used as an open air garden theatre in the summer months.
Within a short drive of Larnaca are a number of smaller, pretty villages. Oroklini with its mountainous backdrop, Tersefanou with plans for excellent golf facilities and Pervolia,Kiti and Mazotos in quiet rural settings.

Paphos

Once the Roman capital of Cyprus,, the pretty town of Paphos is divided into an old and new town, the old town rising above an attractive harbour. Paphos is a bustling cosmopolitan resort with many bars and restaurants offering international cuisine along its palm lined boulevards. It has a selection of traditional shops and tavernas and a colourful indoor market.
Now listed as a World Heritage Site, this area is rich in archaeological remains including the old Roman floor mosaics, the Tombs of the Kings, the ancient Odeon and the Christian Catacombs.
Paphos has an especially mild climate and a unique landscape with green mountains and a coastline of small sandy coves. The Blue Flag beach of Coral Bay is the areas finest beach and during the summer months offers many water sports including pedaloes, banana boats and water skiing. This are is unique in being one of the few remaining breeding places for the Green Mediterranean Turtle.

Limassol

Limassol, the island’s second largest resort and seaport, is just 35 minutes drive from Larnaca and Paphos airports. The ten mile seafront is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, a large marina and numerous exclusive residences. There are glitzy shopping malls, art galleries, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars.
It was in Limassol Castle that Richard the Lionheart married Queen Berengaria of Navarra, the castle is now a Medieval museum full of amazing historical treasures. Visitors can take a stroll around the beautiful Public Garden and discover a small zoo set among lush vegetation.
Limassol is the centre of Cyprus wine making and beer brewing with many small villages in the mountains around Limassol set in the middle of vineyards. The annual Wine Festival in September and the Carnival in March are major local events.
Close to Limassol in a very exclusive area are the pretty, traditional villages of Yermasoyia, Trimiklini and Amathusa.