If India was regarded as "The Jewel in the Crown" then I feel that Cyprus should be called the "Jewel of the Mediterranean"! If you have not visited this near-perfect holiday destination,in my humble estimation,then I suggest that you seriously consider a visit soon.
For those of us in the U.K., Cyprus is a relatively close spot to get to in Europe and at about 4 to 5 hours flying time it`s not a very arduous flight.
You`ll land either at Larnaka on the south-east coast or in Paphos located in the south-west depending upon where your eventual resort is located but don`t expect to fly into Nicosia, Although it is the island`s capital, the international airport there has been closed for many years following the Turkish invasion and in fact, the cease-fire line dividing the Turkish occupied north from the free south goes right through the old airport.
This division of the island is merely a line on the map for most tourists , however if you strike up conversations with older Greek Cypriots they will have true life stories to
tell you that will make you shake your head in disbelief at the happenings and aftermath of the Turkish invasion of the island in the 1970`s.A visit to Nicosia is a must and will prove a salutory lesson.This occupation is brought home to you as you move about central Nicosia.Military check-points litter the cease-fire line.Young conscripts with automatic rifles stand shoulder to shoulder with tourists who congregate at various viewing platforms to get a glimpse of the desolation that is just yards away.Exhibits and photographs tell you about the destruction and death that was wrought on the island.Photos of "missing" sons and husbands remind you of the human cost.
Well,now that I`ve put you off Nicosia,what about the rest of the island?
As a first timer what resort do you plump for ? An excellent "base of operations " for any newcomers to the island , as well as many seasoned visitors , is Limassol,about dead centre on the south coast.If you chose this location you`ll fly into Larnaka .It has a very modern,efficient airport and then it`s just a 45 minute drive to Limassol.The main roads are brilliant.Often motorway standard,new,fast and sparse traffic all make it very easy driving.
Limassol is the second biggest city on the island and many say that it`s too touristy but don`t let that put you off , for even then it`s population is only about 130,000 , except of course being swelled by many thousands of holiday-makers especially at peak times of the year.
The main tourist area,hotels,restaurants etc is located along the beach area for about 8 kms east from the city centre.Along this stretch you`ll find all sorts of accommodation from the humblest self-catering to 5 star luxury beach hotels.Also along this location is a multitude of eating places for those who want just a quick snack to top-class restaurants catering to the gourmets and gourmands amongst us.! Night clubs,discos,internet cafes, assorted shops,supermarkets and tourist travel places are to be found to abundance.
Car -hire is relatively cheap compared to other places in the mediterranean and HAGGLE ! Don`t accept the first price quoted.We eventually managed to hire a medium sized Toyota saloon for 11 days ,paying only CYŁ95 - that`s about Ł105 Sterling! This price was far less than the quote from Thomas Cooks in the U.K.! ( Haggling is applicable to just about any purchase as well don` forget !). Petrol is far less than U.K prices,about 45p sterling a litre and they drive on the left! Once you`re mobile the island is opened up to you but don`t expect to be able to cross over to the north by car, although it is possible on foot especially in Nicosia which is still divided.
Excursions from Limassol to Paphos,Larnaka and Agia Napa can all be accomplished within a few hours or you may want to visit the TroodosMountains with spectacular scenery ,mountain villages, Greek Orthodox monasteries and old mosques to visit. Prehistoric sites,Roman and Greek ruins are to be found in abundance , many along the coastal strip and very well maintained by the state. Get yourself a good guide-book before you go and plan! Excellent maps can be bought on the island as well a loads of free tourist information.
What if you don`t want to or can`t drive?There are lots of coach excursions to all the main points of interest.These day tours are reasonably priced due to intense competition and a discount is offered for booking 4 or more . Expect to pay only CYŁ20 - that`s a fiver each! If you are a bit more adventurous why don`t you try the local bus services.They are fast ,efficient,safe and very cheap and it allows you to explore the less touristy areas.
If your stay is for two weeks you might want to consider an excursion to Israel,Egypt or the Lebanon. Boat trips of 2 or 3 nights duration are on offer allowing you to fit the Pyramids into your holiday as well!
Apart from the fairly cheap drink to be consumed, what of substance is available to weigh down your return luggage ? For the shopaholics amongst us the list is long.What do you fancy ?Local pottery ?Plenty of better stuff is there apart from the tacky variety.Jewellery ? Very good designs and prices are to be found but don`t forget to haggle.Need new glasses ? Get yourself sorted out at U.K. trained opticians for about 60% U.K. price.That goes for made-to-measure suits as well. Shoes ? Clarks and Ecco are about half U.K. price.The list goes on.
Combine a trip out into the country with a shopping expedition .The home of really superb lace is Lefkara Village in the hills.You will be entertained and made welcome by the very friendly people there ,as of course they try to get you to part with your pounds !This is the genuine stuff , not to be confused with machine - made products along the coast but of course it does cost a little more.(All right then - a lot more!)
The end of March,beginning of April is just about right with long sunny days , temps of high 20`s Celcius and not too many visitors.Avoid July and August if you can`t stand temperatures of 40 degrees or thereabouts.
We went half-board , including evening meal but when we go again we shall be self-catering so that we can enjoy the local food to the full! You can laze all day by the pool if you wish , basting nicely or enjoy the sandy beaches and the watersports.You need only get up to sample the hostelries if you get hungry.
It`s very laid back.The locals are really nice in general.Most speak very good English and they`ll probably surprise you by saying they lived in Leicester , were brought up in Leeds or have a son or daughter at university in England!There are many ,many connections between Cyprus and Britain.
I would recommend Cyprus and Limassol in particular to any one. Lots of British visit as well as Germans and Russians but you hardly see any French ( a big plus point in my book ).It`s off the beaten track for Americans as well. It`s an ideal holiday destination for people of all ages, from kids to the retired, all being catered for within it`s shores.You `ll come back refreshed and sorry to leave . Once visited it will beckon you back!
I am looking into Cyprus for our honeymoon next year! Sounds lovely. xx
pepis 19.02.2004 12:59
Great op! One day I'll go to Cyprus. I had a friend at school from there and always talked wonders about it and I love the hot hot weather so I guess I'll have to go in summer :P
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