In the summer of 2002, my family and I went on holiday to Cyprus. This was the first time we had all ventured abroad as prior to this, I was only brave enough to book caravan holiday’s in the New Forest.
With all the kit and caboodle you have to pack with two very young children I still had my doubts right up to the departure lounge.
I have been to Cyprus four times; the last trip was in the summer of 1990, just as the Gulf war kicked off. I remember seeing the island surrounded by the British War ships and kept thinking, “Was this a good idea?”.
For this holiday, I found a perfect hotel on the Internet and booked direct, thus saving quite a bit of money.
It was the Atlantica Hotel in Limassol. The complex was amazing. When we arrived early afternoon, we were welcomed by a cold glass of fresh orange juice and within minutes, checked in and taken to our room.
I cannot fault the hotel at all. The staff, the surroundings, the food, the facilities were all first rate. There is no beach as such in Limassol but the pools inside the hotel made up for what the area lacked.
We stayed half board but they do cater for the all-inclusive groups. We decided if we went all inclusive we wouldn’t venture outside the complex and my children would not see the island as I remembered it. Besides wearing that bright green strip around your wrist for two weeks that gives you an extra white bit that you don’t want to take home with you.
The food at the Atlantica is delicious and cooked to perfection. In the evening everyone dines in the restaurant and there is smart dress code. High chairs are plentiful and there is even a separate section for the kid’s food. The waiters are very attentive and helpful but the food is buffet style, so help yourself.
There was a huge display of various foods each night and the deserts were mind-boggling and calorie laden. However, if you had the will power you could always have just fruit. I have no willpower and gained four and half pounds upon my return!
The Atlantica is within walking distance of the main shopping centre and there are local supermarkets opposite the hotel entrance (perfect for the odd pack of nappies or the Daily Mirror). Remember you don’t get that days copy of the newspaper, its always a day late and costs a bit more than what you pay at home.
There are a lot of touristy bits to buy. For example tea towels, Cyprus delights (you cant say Turkish delight), copies of Oakley Sunglasses and fridge magnets. None of it is expensive and probably as useful as an umbrella with a hole in it.
If you want quality goods, travel a bit further out. In Lefkara you can buy some intricate lace and unusual tableware. There are also some great silver and gold bargains to be had. Nicosia has some beautiful designer shops but be warned these aren’t so cheap.
Ouzo is also very reasonable at no more than a couple of Cypriot pounds a bottle. It’s worth buying spirits on the island and not at the airport.
If you like brandy, Metaxa is a must have. Keo is the islands own beer and that too, is worth a try.
We hired a car for the duration and covered a good percentage of the island. Car hire is reasonable and as the Cypriots drive on the same side as us, it’s quite easy.
There is a “wicked” water park in Ayia Napa and also in old Limassol. Enough to keep the young ones amused all day. Fed and watered literally.
My four year old loved the big bucket that would fill up with water and tip down on everyone every few minutes. Each time the bell would sound, Ryan would dash up to it, only to run away again at the last second. Both parks are similar.
We spent a day in the Troodos Mountains, which is absolutely beautiful. The climate is so different and it’s a welcome release from the scorching sun. This is where you will find many of the locals and they are all very friendly and just adore children.
My boys found it fascinating to give way to a herd of goats or sheep in the middle of road and see donkeys and ponies going single file up some very narrow tracks.
Be warned, driving up to the mountains is not for the faint hearted, there are some very tricky and dangerous roads the further up you go.
There are many scenic beaches to be found and this is when you need a car if you don’t want to be surrounded by tourists roasting like Bird’s Eye’s oven ready chickens. Ladies Mile beach is one such quiet stretch and still very clean, just as I remembered it.
We decided to find Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa. I had very fond memories of this beautiful beach when I visited Cyprus back in 1990. Details I will not go into!
Nissi Beach way back then was amazing; it was like being in the Caribbean, a little oasis in the Med.
This time it was awful. Completely run down, neglected and filthy. Since the clubbers moved in, the beaches have become polluted with beer cans, condoms and the odd piece of underwear. Needless to say, I would not let my children anywhere near the sea or play on the sand.
Paphos still remains unchanged, it’s harbour makes for a great evening stroll, taking in the odd Keo beer as you pass its many restaurants.
Protarus is very child friendly as well. Cypriots actually hold doors for you and on some occasions even lifted my buggy down a few steps. Where do you find that in England? Most of Protarus is on the flat, so walking with buggies is a doddle. Basically if you are a 30 something with a young brood, stay clear of Ayia Napa during peak season.
Other than that, Cyprus is a beautiful and welcoming island. The food is delicious. There’s lots of choice, even my boys enjoyed a Halloumi sandwich. The Cypriots just love honey and very sickly sweet deserts; you must try one but be warned the calories are on overload.
Once you’ve been, you’ll keep on returning. This year will be my sixth visit! No more caravans for us. I don’t know what the worry was over.