Cyprus West holidays

Things to do

Explore your destination

Here’s a little taste of what’s on offer: for more excursion ideas, speak to your Rep.

Cairo by Air

Enjoying a whirlwind day in Cairo, this special day trip (with return flights from Cyprus) includes a visit to the tomb of Tutankhamun, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, a relaxing sunset cruise and an exotic belly-dancing show.

Aphrodite Waterpark

A Kamikaze, a Free Fall and a Black Hole. It sounds a bit like the set of a B-movie thriller. Actually, these are just some of the heart-in-mouth rides at Paphos’ Aphrodite water park. But for something less white-knuckle, you’ve also got a host of serene options like the Lazy River, Wave Pool and Super Volcano. And kids will be smiling with their own pools and slides. Refreshment-wise, there’s a fast food joint and the Kyrenia restaurant, both serving snacks and drinks, plus three ice-cream kiosks.

Northern Exposure

This scenic tour visits northern Cyprus's most famous landmarks. From Nicosia, the trip takes in beautiful mountain scenery, historical buildings and the harbour town of Kyrenia, with its medieval fortress, castle and ancient shipwreck.

Highlights

• Taking in Paphos’s amazing archaeological sights, of which there are plenty like, the Tombs of the Kings, a World Heritage site of underground tombs
• Discovering the huge Nea Paphos and seeing some of the best mosaics in the world, as well as the House of Dionysos, the best known of the mosaic homes
• Satisfying your appetite for history at the Fort of Paphos, which was used to protect Paphos and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times
• Splashing about at Aphrodite Waterpark, which is great for kids, thrill-seekers and anyone who wants to cool off
• Getting that loving feeling at the Baths of Aphrodite, where legend has it, Adonis fell in love with the Greek goddess of love; and at Aphrodite’s Rock, where she emerged from the sea
• Lazing under your favourite paperback on the excellent sandy beaches of western Cyprus
• Discovering a world of animals and plants at Akamas National Park on the Akamas Peninsula, where you can also hike and take in great views
• Visiting the animals at Paphos Bird Park, where you can talk to parrots, look up at giraffes and watch amazing crocodiles
• Swinging into action on western Cyprus’s great golf courses, including Tsada Golf Course, just outside Paphos, which uses the grounds of a 12th century monastery for its fairways

Food and drink

There’s plenty to treat your taste buds to in Paphos, with British-style food, like fish ‘n’ chips and all your fave takeaways.

If you fancy some traditional flavours, there’s plenty of choice in and around Paphos, especially along the promenade, with popular meals including moussaka, meze appetisers and fish dishes.

The eateries along the beach in Limassol range from traditional Cypriot restaurants to fast food outlets and Indian restaurants, so like Paphos, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Evening Flavour

Paphos has its fair share of lively clubs and bars, with the Kato Paphos area of the resort, near the beach, having the most entertainment, with clubs, bars and restaurants to suit all types of fun-seekers.

Limassol has all the entertainment facilities required for a top night out, with bars, clubs, restaurants and pubs showing English footy matches on large TV screens.

The Kourion Amphitheatre, just outside Limassol also puts shows and theatrical performances throughout the summer.

Shopping

There are lots of shops in and around Paphos selling traditional Cypriot products, like jewellery and ceramics, and the town’s market sells lace, leather, tablecloths and other products at good prices.

If you’d rather take back a taste of Cyprus, pick up the local tipple, Ouzo, use up your duty-free on Cypriot wine or fill your suitcase with Cyprus Delight; great for those with a sweet tooth, it’s the same as Turkish Delight, but from Cyprus, obviously.

Dates for the Diary

Every June Limassol celebrates Kataklysmos, which means festival of the flood, on the resort’s shore. Everyone gathers to splash water at each other, all in the name of Aphrodite.

For the Family

• Get a fast-paced fix of the island’s sites on a 4x4 safari.
• Whizz down waterslides and plunge into pools at the Aphrodite Waterpark.
• From glass-bottomed boat rides to all-out shopping sprees, Paphos’ harbour dishes up a full dose of family-fun.
• Pop into Paphos Aquarium – it’s bursting with fluorescent fish and strange-looking sea life.
• With its shallow waters and flour soft sands, Limassol’s Ladies Mile beach is a top spot for kicking back with the kids.
• Get back to nature and walk with the wildlife in the forest-filled Akamas National Park.

Local weather

Information

Language: Cypriot Greek. Currency: Euro. Cyprus Tourist Office: 17 Hanover Street, London W1S 1YP. Tel: 020 7569 8800. www.visitcyprus.org.cy

Travel money

Euro

You can get commission-free foreign exchange on currency notes and travellers cheques at most First Choice Travel Shops and Holiday Hypermarkets.

Travel foundation

Regenerating mountain villages in Cyprus

When you book a holiday with us we’ll ask you to make a small donation to the World Care Fund. With your donations, we’re supporting the regeneration of inland villages and giving you a more authentic Cypriot experience with the new Discover the Real Cyprus driving routes. They take you to beautiful remote villages and you get to sample local food and drink. Ask your rep for a guide when you arrive in resort.



Our World Care Fund project partner, The Travel Foundation, is an independent sustainable tourism charity that works in close partnership with the UK travel industry to fund these projects.