Cypriot people are very friendly, and are noted for their hospitality. Anywhere you visit in Cyprus, you are likely to find that the local people are accommodating and will always create a relaxing atmosphere.

There are many festivities that go on in Cyprus; festival events are common throughout the year. You will find the beer festival in July particularly entertaining, and the local people will always try to get tourists involved in the night long dancing and fun.

View from Troodos mountains, Cyprus by NH53

Not only is Cyprus known for its people, but it is a beautiful island in itself. There are many beautiful beaches and resorts around Cyprus, filled with clear blue waters and golden sands perfect for a romantic, relaxing getaway. One of the main resorts in Cyprus is Paphos. This is probably one of the busiest areas of Cyprus, as well as Pretaras and Ayia Napa. All of these resorts are great for people looking for a holiday with lots to do and see.

Cyprus also has a lot of history, which is why it attracts many intellectuals to the island to explore the ancient civilisations. Some of the most famous attractions in Cyprus will include the beautiful Paphos harbour, the castle, ruins, and Aphrodite’s rock.

If you are really into good food, Cyprus has a lot to offer. There are many different Greek and Turkish dishes on the island. Cyprus is known for its Meze, which is a selection of small plates that the Spanish would call “tapas”. These range from meats to fish dishes, which all are freshly prepared and not too expensive to buy if you’re on a budget.

Cyprus uses the euro. Euro exchange is extremely easy to do throughout the UK and in the majority of airports across the world. This makes it easy to travel into Cyprus, and the prices are often very favourable.

Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou) in Cyprus by Nino Verde

Cyprus is a great place to go for the adrenaline junkies out there with a wide range of water sports and activities such as windsurfing and sail boating. For those like a walk in the glorious sunshine, Cyprus is an ideal place to explore. There are many walks along Hillside tops and along the beaches; some undiscovered areas of the island make any walk a real treat and great for couples to take some time out.

Cyprus is very easily connected to other airports around the world. If you are living in the UK, you will find that most of the airports across the UK offer direct flights to Cyprus. It takes only a short time to travel to Cyprus by aeroplane, usually around 2 to 3 hours. This makes it very easy to get to – especially if you have small children.

Cyprus – A beautiful getaway perfect for honeymoons through to family fun. You’re bound to enjoy this spectacular country.

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Omodoes Village

Omodoes Village is a gorgeous traditional village that is beautiful in every way, shape and form. Only spending a few hours here will result in you falling in love, and it’ll certainly be hard to force yourself to leave. There are many beautiful Venetian structures that are the homes of wineries, shops and restaurants. You can easily spend several afternoons here exploring the region and taking in the wonderful sights. This are is truly wonderful and it will leave you with many superb memories.

Omodoes Village, Cyprus by Wknight94

Koilani Village

Koilani Village is a beautiful are that is full of history and charm. Upon entering this village, you’ll feel as though you’ve taken a trip back in time. There area is filled with many charming elements that indlude traditional wineries and many others. Another great thing about this village is the fact that there is great food on seemingly every corner. With the many beautiful views that this village has to offer, you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring without even scratching the surface of what is available.

Alley in centre of Koilani village, Cyprus by Etan J. Tal

Why You Should Visit

The homes of Limassol are absolutely gorgeous and it would make even the most stubborn visitor tempted to make the move. If you’re into fine wines, delicious dining and historic structures that are full of beauty, you’ll fall in love with the many traditional villages. It is recommended that you rent a car if you’re interested in saving a bit on costs. Any time of the year is a great time to visit these traditional villages as they are always exciting and full of activities. If you’re looking to take a trip that will leave you with many wonderful memories, I highly recommend exploring Limassol.

Author Byline:

James Bradford has worked with hotel in Limassol and has worked with several travel planners over the years.

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For many households up and down the country this is reason alone to move abroad and start a new life in the sun, but where? The island of Cyprus just off the Turkish coast is a popular destination for ex-pats to set up home, but what should you consider before making the move?

Cyprus by NASA

Check Out the Island First

When planning for a move abroad it is essential that you do your homework on the prospective destination. You can find out a lot of information via the internet and by speaking to other Brits who have moved out there, but without doubt the best thing to do is to book a week or two in the country in which you can really discover all you need to know.

If you’re planning a move to Cyprus it may be that you have a particular place in mind, and if so you will want to research the town or city thoroughly. If you’ve got a young family then you will need to investigate the schooling options for example, while you may also need to look into employment opportunities if you aren’t going to have a job waiting for you.

Learn the Language?

Cyprus has two official languages – Greek and Turkish – however with an estimated 76% of the population speaking English the emphasis on learning the language is not quite the same as in other foreign destinations.

Despite this, it always helps you to integrate into the culture more effectively if you know the local lingo, so you should give serious consideration to learning the language that is most widely spoken in the region you’ve moving to.

The Cost of Living

When a British family moves abroad permanently it is often the case that they will enjoy a lower cost of living than in the UK. However, Cyprus is the exception to this rule, and you may be surprised to learn that many everyday goods are significantly more expensive than in Britain.

White electronic goods are one example of this in particular, and with this in mind it is essential that you do a full appraisal of your income and expected outgoings to ensure you will be able to afford the cost of living.

Taking Your Car?

One consequence of this higher cost of living is that you will have to consider how many of your possessions you wish to take with you. It may be that after analysing the cost of living in detail that you need to take more with you than you originally planned, but can you take your vehicle with you?

Car shipping by Kirsten

This is actually a lot simpler than you might think, as there are a number of companies who can provide reliable car shipping services to ensure you don’t have to buy new transport once you’ve made the move. Roll-on/roll-off car shipping is one particularly efficient method, where your car is simply driven into the hold of a ship, strapped securely in place and transported to its destination. It is then driven straight off again without the need for any additional packaging or preparation.

Starting a new life in Cyprus is an exciting time for any family and a dream come true for many. To ensure it doesn’t turn into a nightmare prepare as fully as possible by following the above advice.

This guest blog was written by John Rooney on behalf of Auto Shippers, providers of reliable roll-on/roll-off car shipping services.

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Cyprus coastline by Anton S.

If there’s one thing above all else that Cypriots are proud of, it surely has to be the warmth of the welcome they offer to visitors. Wherever you have been in the past, the chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by how pleased the locals are to show you just how friendly they can be. This is one of the reasons why a great number of visitors from all over the world return to Cyprus on an annual basis.

The climate on this beautiful Mediterranean island is the envy of a great many other holiday destinations. In the summer, the days are warm, long and wonderfully sunny, yet even on the hottest days it rarely becomes uncomfortable because of a cooling breeze that’s often in the air. And when the winter months come along, the temperatures are still high enough to make life comfortable for everyone.

Get a proper taste of Cyprus

In most restaurants on the island, especially around the tourist resorts, you’ll find a wonderful selection of local and international options on the menu. Although you may want to try something a little familiar on some occasions, be sure to choose something typically Mediterranean at least one or twice on your vacation. As you might expect from an island nation, fish dishes feature prominently, so try the gilt-head bream or the delicious calamari.

For most people, a holiday to Cyprus offers a much-needed opportunity to relax, if only because modern life seems so hectic nowadays. Because we are always rushing from one place to another in our daily lives, the restorative effects of an annual summer vacation should never be underestimated. A cool drink, a comfortable sunbed, a good book and a beautiful view of the ocean – what more could we ever need?

Needless to say, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for those who are in the mood for something a little less sedentary. Cyprus has a number of golf courses to offer, for example, as well as some stunning cycling routes. Another favourite option is to hire a car for a few days in order to explore the island. With a rich heritage all around you, you’ll find plenty of fascinating places to visit.

David Showell has visited Cyprus on several occasions. He works for http:/www.carrentals.co.uk.

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Tombs of the Kings, Paphos, Cyprus by Mgiganteus1

Approach to the Tombs of the Kings

At first sight during my visit there appeared to be very little of interest to be seen, just a craggy outcrop of rocks, as the tombs are almost entirely underground.  It was only as I ventured around the side of the site that the detail of how it had been used became apparent.  It was amazing to think of these tombs being chiseled by hand from the soft limestone, and then completely excavated to form rectangular rooms with about three feet of thick rock above them as a ceiling.

A subterranean adventure

Seven of the eight tombs have been excavated, and I found them to be extremely well preserved.  Their overall design is quite unusual for this part of the world since, although they date from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, their architecture tends more towards Macedonian in style.  Some of the tombs were constructed to look like dwelling places for the living rather than burial sites for the dead.  It is possible to see fragments of the original frescoes, and the atriums (central courtyards) are largely intact, so that the overall structure – complete with porticos and columns – is clearly evident.

Tombs of the Kings, Paphos, Cyprus by Romeparis

Getting around the site

To gain access to the underground tombs there are stone staircases leading downwards, although tomb number three has an additional wooden staircase that was installed during the excavation, making it easier to negotiate.  Great care is needed when descending into any of the tombs, as the stone steps are quite uneven.  The best time to visit is early morning before the heat of the day builds up, and it is sensible to wear comfortable shoes and take a hat and bottled water, as the site is quite large.  Touring the whole of it can easily take a minimum of two hours.

Tombs of the Kings, Paphos, Cyprus by Romeparis

Getting to the Tombs of the Kings

There is a good bus service from Paphos city center to the Tombs of the Kings, and it is worth taking the bus, as the neighborhood around the site is a little shabby.  Admission prices are very reasonable and, along with cheap flight deals available to Paphos International Airport, I found a vacation in Cyprus to be both affordable and rewarding.  Besides the historic Tombs of the Kings, there are many other visitor attractions, including Aphrodite’s Rock, Coral Bay, the Adonis Baths Waterfalls and Kato Paphos Archaeological Park.

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Enough Space, Space, Space

One of the worst things to experience is to share the beauty of a majestic paradise with a crowd of people. It is hard to appreciate its splendor and elegance if you will be surrounded by chatting groups that disturbs the silence of the place, unless of course you are accustomed to these festivities.

Photo by William Murphy

Moderate Climate

It is not too cold nor too hot in Limassol during December. Although the evening may require you to wear a wrap up, it is still more manageable especially for elders who find it frustrating to bear the pain of the cold weather. Children may miss the fun activities in the snow, but there is always the beauty of the beaches that will keep anyone entertained during the day.

Yummy Treats for Everyone

Just like other towns, Limassol has its own treats to offer to visitors who wish to share the Christmas spirit in their midst. Gala dinners are prepared with lots of dancing and music extravaganza for everyone to enjoy. The tables are spread with kourambiedes (biscuits that have been covered with icing sugar), koulouria (traditional sesame bread), and melomakarona (unique buns that are drenched in honey syrup). Roasted turkey will also be served and additional sweets celebrating this joyous occasion. In any case, the Christmas celebration remains the most grandiose festivity for the region.

Intimate Holiday Moment with Family

Cypriots typically spend their weekends with the immediate family, but when its Holiday then they all go for a big family gathering where everyone goes to the house of their parents to celebrate. As a tourist or a guest in Limassol, you will not experience this sort of tradition but reserving a room and a buffet service from a five star hotel in the region will make you feel more than at home. You will be served with the best local cuisines as you sing Christmas songs with fellow tourists who wish to enjoy some serene moments in Cyprus.

Those expecting for a busy nightlife will be a bit disappointed, but if you have reserved a Limassol car hire then you can maximize this opportunity to visit all the historical places and the magnificent natural attractions of the region.

Frederick Rice enjoys celebrating the holiday season in Cyprus to stay away from the colder temperature in Europe. He never fails to secure an elegant vehicle from Privilege Rent a Car to guarantee he will always have the perfect holiday in its midst.

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This country is the perfect spot for those who want to just relax; after all traveling should be stress free. If you are planning to visit Cyprus anytime soon, here are the top five tourist destinations that you should include in your itinerary:

1. Ayia Napa

What was once a small and quiet fishing village with a few residents is now considered as one of the world’s top destinations for parties and clubbing; this is Ayia Napa. Located in the south eastern part of Cyprus, Ayia Napa takes pride of its pristine beaches such as the Nissi Beach. Tourists can enjoy the day out in the sun, take a dip in the warm water and do some water sports adventure. After a tiring day, you can head out to the club district where you can find rows of restaurants, bars and clubs. This is certainly the best way to end a perfect day.

Ayia Napa, Cyprus by Vitaly Lischenko (Vlish)

2. Larnaka

Larnaka is one of the country’s oldest cities. The best ways to enjoy its beauty is by walking its streets and learn about their history. So make sure to wear some comfy shoes because the tour will involve a lot of walking.

3. Paphos

Situated at the southwestern part of Cyprus, Paphos a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see destination for travelers. In here you’ll find historical treasures and archaeological artifacts. Paphos is also very popular because it is considered to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess, Aphrodite. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Tomb of the Kings, the ruins of an ancient Roman Agora and the Archaeological Museum.

4. Limassol

Home of the one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, the Port of Limassol is an important aspect in Cyprus’ trade industry. But there are other places to must see destinations in the city such as the Limassol Theater and Kourion. Travel during the month of February to witness the Carnival Festival or take part in the Wine Festival held every September.

Limassol old town, Cyprus by Tech bro

5. Aglandjia

Aglandjia is another haven for history buffs. This small town is rich with age-old structures, churches and buildings. Enjoy the old city vibe while walking the streets or visiting one of its top destination, the Agiou Georgiou.

Cyprus has a lot to offer to all types of travelers be it a nature lover, a sun worshipper or a history geek.

About the Author: Mia is a content writer for sabahguide.com. She hopes to impart information to reads about sabah tourism.

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Larnaca sunset / SBirre

The Wetlands

Larnaca have various wetlands to offer its guests including Voroklini Lake, Larnaca Salt Lake, and Sewage Work Pools.

Larnaca Salt Lake is home to 85 species of water birds with an estimated population ranging from 20,000 to 38,000. Visitors who will choose to include this in their itinerary would be fortunate to enjoy the graceful movements of 2,000 to 12,000 flamingoes categorized as Phoenicopterus ruber. It has been declared as a protected area since the year 1997 and has been a favorite spot of ecotourists all over the world.

The Sewage Pool is also a treat for any bird lover. It allows you to see ducks, gulls, and grebes playing near the water. Other bird species you will meet includes the Whiskered, the Black-Winged Stilts, Spur-Winged Lapwings, Gull-Billed, and White-winged.

The Villages

After enjoying a day watching the birds, you may wish to rest for a while at the comfort of your Larnaca beach hotel. You will need all the energy for the next travel plan we have in mind for you, village eco-tour. There are many villages to choose including Kiti Village, Tochni Village, Kato Drys Village, and Lefkara Village. You will have taste of the true Cypriot lifestyle upon setting food at the premises of their village and appreciate how they value life and nature.

As part of the Cyprus Tourism Campaign, you are given the opportunity to reside at the following villages mentioned above and live with the locales. It is an opportunity worth grabbing because it will allow you to enjoy coffee in the local shop and just enjoy the easy-going Mediterranean lifestyle of the people while appreciating the timeless Cypriot traditions.

Part of the activities you can enjoy includes daily excursion, bike tours, horse back riding, and relaxation at the beach. It would be best if you have more time to spend in Cyprus because only then can you have a full taste of its wonderful culture.

Historical places like the Hala Sultan Mosque and Neolithic settlements are always waiting to be explored by any enthusiastic tourist. You will find variety of things and places to visit in Larnaca during your stay, so it is best to schedule it accordingly. Do not miss the chance to appreciate the beauty of Larnaca. Plan your trip today and have fun in its midst.

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Holidays in Ayia Napa and holidays in Malia are two of the most popular choices – so let’s see who comes out on top in the battle between Crete and Cyprus’s holiday hot spots.

On the beach in Malia, Crete, Greece / The Shaun Woods

Round One – Fight: Beach Life

You’ll find loads to keep you busy on Malia’s best beach – the Pleasure beach really does live up to its name. However, with its soft, white sands, party vide and ranking as one of the best beaches in the world, round one has to go to Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa.

Round Two – Fight: Night Life

Ayia Napa is a great choice for cool kids. With DJ names to rival Ibiza playing each summer, those who love their fun bars and their cool clubs will have a ball in Ayia Napa. From party places like Bedrock and Castle Club, to cool venues like the Live Lounge, Ayia Napa has the perfect party for everyone.

Ayia Napa, Cyprus / Fiore Silvestro Barbato

However, Malia also packs a real punch with one of the biggest strips in the Med. House, indie, party tunes, R&B – Malia Strip has it all. While bigger doesn’t always mean better (cough), sheer variety means that round two has to go to Malia. And who says size doesn’t matter?

Round Three – It’s a Knockout!

As two amazing summer hotspots, it’s hard to declare Malia or Ayia Napa the winner. Both offer fantastic beach fun and more nighttime venues than you can shake a stick at.

There’s no option on this one but to declare it a draw. After all, either choice guarantees a great summer getaway for beach bums and party people.

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Paphos Mediterranean Coast / Anton S.

Ancient History of Cyprus

Humans have lived on Cyprus since the stone age, keeping animals such as cows, goats, and pigs for their milk and meat. The modern city of Lanarca stands on the site of an ancient bronze age city, Kition. Many of Kition’s treasures, including giant pithoi jars and beautifully decorated pottery, are preserved in the Lanarca District Archaelogical Museum. An ancient text describing the Assyrians’ rule over the Cypriots, who were forced to pay steep taxes to their conquerors, was found in this region in 1845. After the Assyrians left in 669 BCE, Cyprus enjoyed just one century of independence before being taken over by first the Egyptians and then the Persians. The Greek king Alexander the Great liberated the island from Persian rule in 325 BCE.

Cyprus and the Greek and Roman Empires

Cypriot culture flourished during the Hellenistic period of Greek rule. A temple to the Greek goddess of love and fertility, Aphrodite, was built just outside the city of Paphos on the south-west coast of the island. This sacred site still attracts many visitors every year, who come to learn about Greek mythology and browse through ancient artifacts in the nearby Palaipafos Museum. In 58 BCE, Cyprus changed hands once again to become part of the Roman Empire. During its time under Roman rule, Christianity became widespread in Cyprus, as evidenced by the large number of churches on the island. The painted churches of Troodos are fantastic examples of the architecture of the Byzantine period, which followed the break-up of the Roman empire.

St Lazarus Church in Larnaca / Martin Belam

Cyprus as a British Protectorate

Britain’s first interaction with Cyprus occurred in 1191, when Richard the Lion Heart landed at Limassol during a storm. After conquering the island, Richard held his wedding to Queen Berengaria of Navarre in Limassol castle. This is the only British royal wedding to have taken place outside of England. Cyprus returned to British control in 1878. Under the protection of the British empire, peace and prosperity reigned in Cyprus – until some groups of Cypriots began demanding independence for their nation, which was finally granted in 1960.

A Divided Nation

A conflict with invading Turkish forces in 1974 resulted in a still-disputed nation in the northern part of the island. Visitors to the capital city of Nicosia can see the border, known as the Green Line, that separates the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from the rest of the island. Nicosia is a fantastic place to visit to experience the island’s long history, since many of the cultures that have ruled Cyprus are represented here. Visitors wandering through old Nicosia will see Ottoman mosques, Venetian city walls, and Roman architecture. A trip to the Byzantine Museum is a must for anyone interested in learning about the island’s culture and religion during this period.

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