From sumptuous coastal landscapes to mountainous and calm panoramas, the Republic of Cyprus offers holidaymakers a complete change of scenery under a bright sun all year round.
Seaside destination par excellence, Cyprus has kept its charm of yesteryear, far from the islands where mass tourism reigns. Turquoise sea, sun, fine sand and Mediterranean climate : all ingredients that make this island an ideal holiday resort.
Its capital, Nicosia, has the distinction of being cut in two by a border : the northern part of the city and the island is under Turkish rule, when the southern part is the Republic of Cyprus. Like most cities in the Mediterranean, the climate is hot and dry, and temperatures can quickly reach 40 ° C in summer. Here, orange trees, palms and olive trees are part of the charm of this booming city. Take time to stroll through its pretty streets, where you will see beautiful Venetian fortifications, but also Roman homes and Byzantine churches : thanks to its rich history of many foreign influences, Nicosia has a wide variety of architectural heritage. An animated cultural capital, Nicosia is home to a multitude of museums and galleries that painting and sculpture lovers will appreciate. Go to one of the restaurants in the city to discover Cypriot cuisine, gourmet and tasty. Taste the "mezze" : these hearty appetizers served as a starter with vegetables are a delight ! Thus, halloumi, humus, loubi or tahini and tzatziki will be on the menu. You can also enjoy hearty dishes with meatballs, eggplant, lamb or grilled fish.
Paradise sport lovers, Cyprus has several windward peninsulas where you can practice various water sports such as surfing or windsurfing. The seabed of the island is also exceptional, which is why many resorts offer underwater excursions to holidaymakers during which you can discover the beauty of the Cypriot coastline. Experienced hikers and mountain bikers will be able to explore the island via marked trails, through the mountains of the Troodos massif : here, climbers can even try to climb the famous Mount Olympus, which rises to 1952 meters above sea level. This mountain will delight aficionados of winter sports, which will also find a small ski resort (Mount Olympus Ski resort).
On the sea side, Cyprus is teeming with more beautiful seaside resorts than any other. To the north-west, Argaka and its splendid expanses of sand lined with a verdant pine forest will seduce holidaymakers in search of tranquility. A little further, water sports lovers will visit Polis Latchi, famous for its port and restaurants facing the sea.
To the west, Pegeia has one of the most beautiful resorts on the island : Coral Bay. Lie under one of the parasols on the beach and enjoy a few moments of idleness under the sun. 400 meters long and bordered by palm trees, this beach faces a turquoise and crystalline water, perfect for diving.
Further south is Kouklia : from its beach, you can see the rock "Petra Tou Romiou" : popular with holidaymakers, the legend says that it is the place where the goddess Aphrodite loved to bathe.
Halfway between Pegeia and Kouklia, lies the city of Paphos : city with two faces, it would be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Dating back to the fourth century BCE, this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of remains, sometimes buried. Admire the colorful mosaics of its Roman villas, its house of Dionysus or its vestiges of the Middle Ages and Prehistory.
Finally, south-east of Cyprus, Paralimni is one of the most beautiful cities of the coast. In front of a crystalline sea, hundreds of windmills punctuate the landscape. Pleasant and not very touristy, its beach with golden sand is a real invitation to rest.
