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Cyprus

  • © Thierry Lauzun / age fotostock

    Ayia Napa and Protaras, Cyprus

Cyprus in pictures - Ayia Napa and Protaras

  • Ayia Napa and Protaras

    Ayia Napa is THE seaside resort at the eastern tip of the island, dedicated to nightlife and thus has, for several years, been very popular with a young population, including the locals. Highly popular for its sandy beaches and turquoise water, Ayia Napa (meaning "Lady of the Sacred Forest") was once a place of pilgrimage about 450 years ago. The small Byzantine monastery located on the central square bears witness to this. It is the only resurgence here of the rich cultural history of the island. Though Ayia Napa is venerated today, it is especially property developers and other entertainment professionals who invest in this resort which is somewhere between luxury tourism and a paradise for night clubbers. Hotels and shops are sprouting up everywhere and the city is growing rapidly. So much that some other cities have began to imitate it. About 6 miles to the north you can find the booming Protaras, another area dedicated to tourism, which for the moment can be visited only from April to October (opening dates of the resort).Know that the hotels on the island offer a decent level of comfort and equipment. Drinks ordered during meals are always at extra cost. The thematic buffets offered in the evening sometimes come at an extra cost, and so are optional.The beaches are public, but water sports are mostly offered by private companies installed on the beach, usually close to hotels, and are therefore subject to a fee.In general, there is no diving club on the hotel's beach, though you will be recommended a good diving centre.The shops are closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, making the cities look rather bleak.
    Discover Ayia Napa and Protaras
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In brief +

Weekly budget
£500
Flight budget
£300
Flight duration
4h 
Time difference
-3h / -2h
Visa
No
Vaccinations
No
Currency
Euro
Language(s)
modern greek,
turkish

Cyprus :

map Cyprus

Destination overview

Greek Orthodox monasteries, Byzantine churches, mountain villages and cedar forests are just a few of Cyprus's major assets. Legend has it that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born on this stunning island, which has a history of conflict between the Greeks and the Turks. The island has been divided since 1974; the Turks occupying the northern part, and the Greeks in the south. On the Greek side, Ayia Napa is an attractive seaside resort boasting magnificent beaches of fine sand and turquoise waters. Perhaps disappointingly, is has been overtaken in recent years by gaudy bars and package holiday companies who have morphed the sleepy town into the indulgent tourist's haven.

That said, the island does offer a wealth of peaceful, idyllic villages for those yearning to escape the waves of sun hungry British tourists. Bring sturdy shoes and climb one of the island's many remaining medieval castles. Larnaca, with its palm tree sheltered bay, is also worth a visit. Small picturesque fishing ports, archaeological sites by the sea and small quiet houses are characteristic of the old capital of Paphos. Limassol is the island's second largest city, which, with its high-rise concrete architecture, is much more modern than its neighbours.

The north of the island is only open to the public at certain times, and Nicosia remains one of the world's last divided capitals. Ancient ruins hug the mesmerising beaches and the imprint of the Turkish/Greek conflict is still apparent. An attempt to break down the walls dividing the city on 8th March 2006 has not changed anything politically as the act was not officially recognised.

pros

  •  You can combine a seaside stay with cultural visits.
  •  Cyprus can be visited in all seasons.
  •  Its closeness to Asia and Africa makes Cyprus an exotic holiday destination without leaving Europe.

cons

  •  Sandy beaches are rare to come across.
  •  The underlying tension between the north and the south can result in unrest.
  •  Every year there is an overwhelming influx of British tourists, particularly in high season.

Cyprus Travel guide

Cyprus Holidays in Cyprus, All you need to know!

Our Editorial team's advice

In summer, when the early-afternoon heat is stifling, do as the Cypriots do and get up early to go to the beach or visit the sites. In the afternoon, most people take a siesta, and you will rarely find shops open during this interval. Before leaving for Cyprus, check the current political situation with the Foreign Office, who will warn of any tensions between the north and south zones.

Cyprus : Reasons to go

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Cyprus : Places to visit

Best selection of hotels in Cyprus

Welcome to the year-round island...

Welcome to the year-round island...

Hotels on Cyprus' south coast, both inland and by the sea, are comfortable and well-equipped. Staff are warm and welcoming, and the hotels tend to be very clean. You're unlikely to be the only Brits discovering this part of the world? Aphrodite's island is a top tourist destination amongst the British ...

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Cyprus in pictures

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  • Ayia Napa and Protaras, Cyprus
  • Larnaca, Cyprus
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Cyprus in pictures

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    Hotel reviews Cyprus

    Have you been to this destination before? Where did you stay? We want to hear about it, so post your review on the EasyOpinions forum for us! Create an opinion
    • Photo of Corina Georgeta Abraham-Barna

      Corina Georgeta Abraham-Barna 24/08/2011 :

      "L'hotel se trouve justement au bord de la mer, il a plusieurs piscines et restaurants, et ses restos sont excellents"

      9/10
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      Photo of Corina Georgeta Abraham-Barna

      Corina Georgeta Abraham-Barna 24/08/2011 :

      "Medium hotel, old but improved by new painting, curtains and air conditioning installation. "

      5/10 More...

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    Travel is my driving force in life, and although I have had the privilege of visiting 30 countries so far, my heart will always remain in India...

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    Following the recent financial upheaval after the EU-IMF bailout in Cyprus, the country's national state-owned airline has confirmed that it will receive the necessary funding in order to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of passengers that have already booked their flights with the company will be able to go on holiday as planned.

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    The need for more relaxing holidays has been a long time coming - especially with the accumulated stress caused by the financial crisis over the last few years. It's a wonder no one thought of tapping into this need for relaxation that goes beyond having a facial and attending Zumba classes. The Zening Resort, a resort hotel fully focused on yoga, meditation and wellness, will open in Cyprus in time

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    Weather Cyprus

    • Larnaca 21°C | 29°C 4 day weather forecast 29°C 29°C 31°C 30°C
    • Ercan 21°C | 31°C 4 day weather forecast 31°C 32°C 33°C 32°C
    • Paphos 21°C | 26°C 4 day weather forecast 26°C 26°C 27°C 24°C
    • Akrotiri 22°C | 26°C 4 day weather forecast 26°C 26°C 28°C 26°C

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    The summits of Mount Olympus may no longer be inhabited by the Gods but the legend of Aphrodite born from the foam of the waves at Petra Tou has far from been forgotten about on the island. Cyprus' history as well as its art of living, have remained central to Cypriot culture. ...

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