It’s rugged, picturesque shores hold myths of Greek gods and legends of Alexander the Great, the Ottomans and Saint Peter and its impossibly pretty villages and hills are ripe to create some more stories. Cyprus combines every cliché of a perfect Mediterranean family holiday; blue skies, turquoise seas, rustic fishing villages, olive trees and fresh foods, a vibrant night life, historic ruins and eerie castles. Flying into Larnaca International Airport is usually your best bet. For example, on fly.co.uk a Lufthansa return flight from London to Larnaca costs about £215($360). Once you are there, the activities are nearly endless. (Photo by eschu1952)Here are five activities on Cyprus to get you started:
Take a Pilgrimage
For a small island, Cyprus boasts a mighty history and one that’s well preserved. One unforgettable city is Paphos with ancient theatres, fortresses, palaces, tombs and Roman mosaics. The ancient city of Salamis looks like St Paul could still be strolling the streets as he did in around 45 AD. There are probably too many well preserved sights to explore or just accidently trip across to mention here.
Indulge in Mediterranean Luxury
The thing about rustic ancient Cyprus is that it exists right alongside super modern, super luxury Cyprus. Stay near Pahpos at Aphrodite Hills Resorts in the 5-star resort owned by InterContinental. Keeping with the flavours of nearby Paphos, you don’t even need to leave the resort to find shops, restaurants and bars and there’s even a little recreated central Village Square for when you are just too busy lounging in the sun to go exploring. (Photo by eschu1952)
Feast in a Fishing Village
There are a lot of charming fishing villages to explore and savor but try the area around Kyrenia Harbour for a brilliant fish dinner. Quayside underneath the Venetian warehouse you can even watch the fisherman unload your dinner. If you like very fresh fish with a quiet wine head for the Castle end. If you are after nightlife and techno bars head to the other end.
Dip in a Turkish Bath
The Buyuk Hamam or Great Turkish Bath in Nicosia dates back to the 14thcentury and was originally a church. It was converted into a bathhouse by the Ottomans in around 1580. A visit will usually include scrubbing, washing, a foam massage and a full body massage. It’s not a fancy place but with what it lacks in modern spa luxury it makes up for in history and ambience.
Visit Some Torture Chambers
While in the Turkish side visit a dummy and see some gruesome history. The display at Kyrenia (Girne) Castle shows the torture and imprisonment of a 12th century nobleman in a series of wax dummies displays. There are waxwork prisoners in loincloths and reproductions of hideous torture devices being used by waxwork guards on them. One of the pits contains a mummified dummy of the real victim. On the bright side, the ice cream in the courtyard is very good!
