Memories of Cyprus
We arrived in the evening at Larnaca airport and soon we were on our way to Ayia Napa, where our first hotel was the Nissi Beach. I liked the Nissi Beach and my impression was that it would be a good choice for a family holiday. The hotel has very good facilities including a ‘kid’s club’. Situated just outside of Ayia Napa town, the hotel is in a lovely setting. It has beautiful grounds and the views from the front are stunning. It’s definitely worth paying the extra for a sea view here!
Ayia Napa is a resort for ‘party people’ in the summer but we were there in March. The weather was very pleasantly warm and it was very quiet. It would be a good choice for couples and families wanting a winter break. We were taken to the monastery of Ayia Napa in the centre of town. It’s a little oasis of peace and tranquillity and was really pleasant to just wander around.
From Ayia Napa, we moved on to Limassol, first spending some time in Larnaca where we were able to wander along the lovely promenade. In Limassol we stayed at the Amathus Beach Hotel….wow! This is such a lovely hotel and it was definitely my favourite of the three we stayed at. It’s a 5* hotel and I just couldn’t fault anything. The rooms were superb, the décor, the service. Everything was just amazing. We toured the hotel and I was especially impressed with the spa! Just wonderful and one of the best I’ve ever seen.
During our stay in Limassol, we were taken for a trip into the Troodos Mountains. The scenery is magnificent there and we were taken to visit the Tsiakkis Winery. Of course we had to sample the wines, purely in the interests of research of course! We also spent some time in the pretty villages of Kakopetria and Omodhos. These are two very pretty villages, which are regular stops on tours of the region. We were able to explore the narrow streets and the numerous little shops and cafes there.
Onwards to Paphos! We travelled via Petra trou Romiou, which is where legend says was the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. It’s certainly a beautiful part of the coastline and we stopped a while to take lots of photos! We had lunch at the Aphrodite Hills Resort, close to Paphos. This is an excellent 5* purpose built resort built around a superb professional golf course. There is lots to do here for the active, and there are some very attractive apartments and villas, as well as the main hotel.
Paphos is lovely. We stayed at the Almyra Hotel, which is in a very good location, minutes from the harbour. It is a modern hotel with ‘minimalist’ décor and good facilities. We were taken around the harbour and on a visit to the Mosaics and the Tombs. I was particularly interested in the Mosaics, which were in the houses of the very wealthy. As you gaze at them, you can’t help but wonder what life must have been like for people in this ancient civilization. Soon it was time to head home and I left Cyprus feeling that I’d learned so much more about the island. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend hiring a car here. There is just so much to see and do and the scenery is spectacular. It’s particularly easy for holidaymakers from the UK, as they drive on the left!
It was a wonderful trip and I can’t wait to go back!