Best holiday places in Cyprus

Weather

The secret of the popularity of Cyprus as a holiday destination and a place to live is the magnificent weather. The sun shines for 11 months each year and the climate is mild all year round.

One reason we as a family moved to Cyprus is that it has sun 11 months of the year! Cyprus weather is one of the main reasons that make Cyprus an ideal holiday choice. There is no season on Cyprus that is unpleasant, even in January when the weather is at its least pleasant, you get several sunny days and by February with the arrival of Spring the entire island turns beautifully green. For those who are not used to hot climates the best times to visit Cyprus would be Winter and Spring. From February onwards the fields are in full bloom with Spring flowers, and from April onwards the sun gets hot and people head to the beaches. During July and August the beaches are packed with visitors and locals as well. The climate is brilliant all year round, what time of the year you personally would prefer to visit would depend on what type of weather you are used to back home.

Shopping

Cyprus is a shopper's paradise and in both the north and south of the island you will find plentiful shops that cater to all tastes and have all requirements. You can choose from fashionable boutiques, large chain stores, roadside kiosks or stalls in the market place. The larger cities all have shopping malls in the suburbs and you can shop till you drop and buy souvenirs to your heart's delight. In Nicosia you have access fashionable establishments such as Marks & Spencer and Woolworths.

Local craftwork is of a very high quality. You have a wide choice of ceramics, weaving, silver and copper items, woodcarvings, exquisite lace and basketry works, and of course the superb wines of Cyprus

Shops in the south of Cyprus have a much wider variety and selection of goods than the shops in the north of the island, but even here, you will be able to make some good purchases at extremely reasonable prices, so a shopping trip in the north part of the island is worthwhile.

Holiday Destination

Cyprus has risen to the top in popularity as a desired holiday destination in the recent times, and every year the number of tourists coming to the island increases. Though the whole of Cyprus has something to offer visitors, let us have a look at the top eight holiday destinations in Cyprus.

Nissi Beach: popular with families and those who want a quieter holiday, with beautiful long beaches with white sand for leisure and sport.
Protaras: this resort has been billed as the water sports capital of Cyprus. Protaras was built specifically as a resort town; therefore the attractions are concentrated in a small area for easy access for visitors.
Ayia Napa: labelled as the party town of Cyprus and one of the party capitals of Europe and said to rival Ibiza. The whole town is geared up to be an entertainment town with excellent restaurants, nightclubs and bars. The music is outstanding and visitors from all over Europe flock here to come and party.
Coral Bay: situated north of Paphos and listed as having the most beautiful beaches that Cyprus boasts. This resort has a laid-back atmosphere that encourages visitors to relax and forget about home and work. The food is excellent, there are plenty of bars and Coral Bay offers a varied nightlife. The accommodation is five-star and service staff friendly and helpful.
Limassol: this is the largest resort on Cyprus and a first-choice holiday destination for many people. Limassol caters to families with special services for couples with young children. The resort offers a wide range of accommodation to suit the needs of different sized families.
Paphos: situated on the western side of Cyprus, this is the historical port of the island as well as a very modern holiday resort. Paphos suits most visitors who are looking for an eclectic blend of culture and entertainment.
Aphrodite Hills: this area is often overlooked by visitors, or maybe the golf enthusiasts try to keep it a secret so that they can have the place to themselves. Aphrodite Hills sports a number of excellent golf courses and fine hotels that attract golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Argaka: this hillside resort, situated in the north-west corner of the island, is beautiful and peaceful. It attracts visitors who prefer to get away from the crowded holiday resorts and beaches. Argaka with its quiet elegance and peaceful atmosphere attracts scores of visitors each year, who specifically come here to totally relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of life.