Back working in the UK these days! Still dreaming of the sun though.
Back working in the UK these days! Still dreaming of the sun though.
Member since:31.01.2002
Reviews:23
Members who trust:4
The island of Cyprus has been divided between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots since 1974 and so my opinion covers only the Southern(Greek part). It is often referred to as the island of Aphrodite (the goddess of love).
My experience of the island comes from both working over there and going on holiday. So if you keep finding reviews written on different parts of the island, don't be surprised.
GENERAL It really is an island that caters for everyone. Many people are unaware that in winter you may even be able to manage a little skiing! There is a range of accommodation and restaurants to suit all pockets.
I have seen the island in all seasons and would suggest that May and October are really the perfect times to go. You will be guaranteed sun and will also find that the heat is overpowering. If you have to go in July and August, airconditioning is advisable. Similarly, from November through to April make sure the haccomodation has
central heating. It can get chilly on a night.
TRAVEL The island is easily accessible from most British airports. Even my local airportTeesside offers flights to the island (summer season only). Direct scheduled flights to the island are offered by both British Airways and Cyprus Airways from Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham.
Public transport on the island can be a little limited, but taxis are quite reasonable (but make sure you agree a price first to ensure that you aren;t ripped off). There are many places to hire cars and all you need is your UK licence. The Cypiots drive on the same side of the road as us so you shouldn't have too many problems (except for the other drivers on the road).
FOOD The Cypriots adore their food and are the second biggest meat eaters in the world. Even with that fact, this certainly isn't a vegetarian's nightmare destination. All restaurants that I have visited will produce something for non-meat eaters (though I should imagine vegans will have problems).
The best way to sample the local food is to try the Meze - usually a meal of more than 20 dishes that is served for a minimium of two people. It gives you a chance to sample the local dishes at the same time. To accompany the meal a bottle of wine is ideal - Othello (red) and Aphrodite (dry white) are my two favourites.
For the less adventurous, there are a wide choice of restaurants and fast food outlets. Let me warn you though, I have yet to find a good Indian restaurant in what will add up to about two years spent over there!
PLACES TO VISIT ON THE ISLAND Ayia Napa For those who love the nightlife, there is Ayia Napa. The resort is being labelled as the new Ibiza. There are a vast selection of bars, clubs and post-club establishments. Music ranges from reggae to 60s/70s up to garage. I personally recommend Carwash for music from the 70s and River Reggae when the clubs close. The resort also has some great beaches – Nissi Beach is the most famous and the most crowded. Instead I suggest you head a little further along to Macronissos - same facilities but half the people!
Protaras Just a little further up from here is Protaras. This is the perfect spot for families and couple who enjoy good beaches and a little less hectic nightlife. The most famous beach is Fig Tree Bay – but I’d recommend Konnos Bay ahead of this. There are many good restaurants in the resort and in the nearby town of Paralimni.
Paphos This is the place to head for those who are more interested in historical sights. There is a medieval castle in the harbour and you will also find the Tombs of the Kings nearby. A little out of the centre are some beaches though they are not as good as at the other end of the island. The resort tends to attract the older visitors to the island - I felt like a teenager in comparsion to some of the guests in March!
Pomos This is one of the more remote spots on the island and will give you a chance to step back in time and view the traditional way of life in Cyprus. The area has very few tourists and is one of the least affected areas of the island. It is on the coast towards the border with the occupied area.
Troodos The mountains are where you head for to sample the Cypriot countryside. Temperatures here are considerably lower than in the coastal resorts. It is here that you can go skiing in winter. There are some small villages from which you can go hiking. This is the greenest area on the island. Make sure you stop at the beautiful Kykkos Monastery. If you're driving yourself, be prepared for the hairpin bends.
Nicosia The capital is a typical city with lots of departmental stores. There are also a few museums and churches that are well worth visiting. The LedraPalace Hotel in the city is the only place that you cross into the occupied area (though I am not suggesting that you do this or I would face a barrage of criticism from my Greek Cypriot friends!!)
Limassol If these places don’t take your fancy then there is also the town of Limassol. This is a mixture of beaches, nightlife and shops! Having said this, I personally am not too fond of the quality of the sand. The better beaches certainly are in the Protaras / Ayia Napa area.
SUMMARY Cyprus is like home from home as most Cypriots speak English and there is a strong British influence from when the island was under our control.
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