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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Lindos beach, Rhodos, Greece by Ana Raquel S. Hernandes

1. When we go on our summer vacation we want to spend some time relaxing on a beach. The problem is that everybody else has the same idea and the best beaches are usually crammed to the breaking point. Well, when you travel to Rhodos, try to take a trip to Ladiko Bay as it rarely gets overcrowded. Also known as Anthony Quinn Bay this is a great place to swim, snorkel and relax by the sea. You probably will not be the only people on the sand but there will not be the crowds found in other places.

2. If you hire a car, then you want to explore the island. So travel up into the mountains to Petaloudes. This is known as the valley of the Butterflies because there are lots of them about. The admission fee into the park is pretty reasonable and the drive up to it is worth it alone. The air is cooler up here which is sometimes a relief in the warmer months and you can enjoy the beautiful walks along the trails, where butterflies and moths flutter around you.

3. When you visit Rhodos town you will want to see the old section. Start your tour at the Avenue of the Knights where the protectors of the city used to live. The cobblestone road is over half a kilometre long and surrounded by spectacular foreboding buildings that are made from golden stone. The history and culture of the area can be felt in the atmosphere although many of the original inns are now offices.

4. Whilst you are in Rhodes Town you have to see some ruins so make your way to the Acropolis of Rhodes. This is where the ancient town used to be sited and it is on top of a hill so the views are spectacular. From here you can enter the Temple of Pythian Apollo, which has seen some reconstruction work and is truly outstanding. When you travel to Rhodos you are never far away from history and that makes the trip an absolute must.

5. Alright, there might be plenty to do already, but if you are still looking for more, then you will have to visit The Red Lion pub in Rhodes Town. This might not seem like one of the best places to see on the island but for those that like to learn about where they have travelled to, it is a very useful place to be. The pub is loosely based on the English Pub theme and the atmosphere is relaxed and easy going. The best bit is the owners Ron and Vasilis as they know everything there is to know about the island. Buy a drink and tap their knowledge and you will find all the information you need to make your stay a great one.

So when you travel to Rhodos (Interesting information for you could be that the Danish term is rejser to Rhodos) try not to spend all day on the beach and get out and see some sights. It really will make your holiday a much better experience.

The post Top 5 Things to Do When You Travel to Rhodos | Greece appeared first on Europe Explored.