Holidays to Cyprus tick all the right boxes, from beautiful beaches and ancient history to a serious party scene.
Classic crowd-pleaser
Cyprus holidays are the gift that keep on giving, no matter what kind of trip you’re after. Solid sunshine? Sorted. Nightlife? No problem. History and culture? Heaps of both. And the island’s a firm fave for fly-and-flopping thanks to its beaches, with 64 Blue Flag wavers to its name. The sandy stretches are split between the lively towns that dot the coastline – you’ve got Paphos on one end, Ayia Napa on the other, and Limassol and Larnaca in between. And if you head inland, it’s all pretty villages and churches nestled in the valleys of the towering Troodos Mountains.
Rich roots
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, Cyprus has passed through many hands over the years. The Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans have all left their mark here, so you’ll find a real mish-mash of cultures across the cities, from the cuisine to the architecture.
Ancient wonders
The island’s home to some seriously old stuff, like the age-old ruins of Kourion in Limassol. Built by the Greeks and later refurbed by the Romans, this complex of crumbling columns and stones was a bustling city in its hey-day. Still standing today are the open-air theatre, temple and bathhouse, as well a few surviving mosaics in the House of the Gladiators. Over in Paphos, you can visit the Tombs of the Kings, an underground network of burial sites that date all the way back to the 4th century BC. Not only are the fancy frescoes fit for a royal, but they’ve since been given UNESCO status.
Good enough for a goddess
Another big historical win for Paphos is Aphrodite’s Rock. Legend has it, the goddess of love walked right out of the sea here. Whether you believe it or not, the bluey-green waters and perfectly placed rocks definitely give off mythical vibes, so it’s as good a spot as any for a few holiday snaps.
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