Cyprus - not just for Summer

I have just returned from a wonderful week in Cyprus hosted by ‘Cyprus Tourism Organisation’. I think everyone knows Cyprus for great summer holidays, blue skies, beautiful beaches and top hotels but maybe it wouldn’t be top of your list for a winter break? Think again. Whether you have just a long weekend or a six week long stay, there is plenty to see and do.

My first stop was Ayia Napa and a stay at Nissi Beach Hotel. Fabulous sea views from my balcony, the hotel was just far enough from the main town to suit families as well as couples. A great sandy beach, well tended gardens and a great range of food added to my stay. It is well worth a visit to the Monastery and Thalassa museum in town and I’d recommend the ‘Limanaki’ restaurant at Ayia Napa harbour for a delicious, freshly cooked meal (I had whole sea bass). Contrary to popular belief, Ayia Napa is not just suited to young clubbers!

A short distance away you will find the caves at Cavo Greko with crystal clear water popular with divers and the town of Protaras with its seafront promenade lined with palm trees, very popular with people out for a stroll.

Larnaca has the luxury of a main town flanked by a long sandy beach, bars and restaurants. Why not visit Agios Lazaros Byzantine Church and see the tomb of Lazarus and treat yourself to lunch at ‘Yefseis en lefko’. Delicious baklava!

Limassol can be reached by the old seaside road (don’t be afraid to hire a car, they drive on the left just like in the UK), I stayed at the Elias Beach Hotel with its fantastic pool and views. The old town is beautiful with a marina, harbour and market.

A short drive through beautiful countryside brings you to Zambartas winery. The first time I had sampled Cypriot wine. A picturesque old village named Omodos with its cobbled main street offered several traditional shops and tavernas, the ‘To Katoi’ being my choice with the most delicious Meze.

A stunning view from the Kourion archaeological site led onwards to Petra tou Romiou (the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite) before reaching the Almyra hotel in Paphos with its clean, calm lines and emphasis on wellbeing and the Annabelle next door looking more classic.

Paphos is a mixture of old and new. It has been chosen as ‘European Capital of Culture’ for 2017 and therefore a lot of investment can be seen as well as archaeological sites, an old town and beautiful harbour lined with a huge choice of restaurants. My choice was the ‘Pelican’ for a tasty fish meze – real pelicans arrived part way through which caused a stir, particularly when one tried to help himself!

Cyclists, birdwatchers or yoga enthusiasts would love the peace and tranquillity offered by ‘Cyprus Villages’. A selection of picturesque, simple, traditional accommodation with an emphasis on fresh home grown produce and relaxation.

Why not give Cyprus a try, you can even get married there!