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Holidayco.co.uk specialises in cheap cypriot holidays, package holidays and late deals to a huge number of destinations. Find out more about Cyprus in our guide below.

Holidays in Cyprus

Cyprus is a large island in the eastern end of the Mediterranean. Although it lies off the coast of Turkey, Cyprus is mainly owned by Greece. Since 1974 part of the island has been claimed by Turkey and is sometimes known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. There is still some tension over this matter but this tends not to affect holidaymakers unless they want to cross the frontier between Greek and Turkish Cyprus. The Greek part of Cyprus is a member of the EU.

The island's climate is hot and sunny, and the people are very welcoming to visitors. As an island, Cyprus has many kilometres of beaches and sea cliffs. Inland there is a large central plain with mountains to north and south of it. Forests and orchards are common.

Cyprus Facts At A Glance

Area: 9,250 square km.

Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate. Summers are hot and dry. Winters are cool.

Terrain: Varied. Central plain flanked by mountains to north and south. Discontinuous plains along southern coast

Population: 780 Thousand

Languages: Greek, Turkish, English

Currency: Cypriot Pound (The Turkish Lira is used in Turkish Cyprus)

Time Zone: 2 Hours ahead of GMT

International Dialling Code: +357

Food and Drink

Cypriot food is excellent. The climate is ideal for fruit and vegetable growing, and the quality of produce is superlative. Traditional Cypriot cuisine includes Meze, which actually means 'mixture' and can include as many as thirty different dishes. Moussaka, kebabs and baklava are popular, along with a range of dishes involving fish, chicken and local vegetables.

Louvia me lahana is a mixture of greens cooked with black eyed beans and served with olive oil and lemon juice. Souvla consists of chunks of lamb, flavoured with fresh herbs, threaded onto a spit and grilled over charcoal. Melintzanes Yiahni is a mixture of baked aubergines, garlic and fresh tomatoes.

Cypriot food has been subject to many influences over the centuries. As a rule, Cypriots do not like to cook with anything that is not fresh. The local diet is in general very healthy, although many traditional desserts are almost life-threateningly luxurious.

Cyprus has been a centre for wine making for 4000 years, and produces a range of excellent white and red wines in large and small-scale wineries. Cypriots also like coffee, which they serve strong and accompanied by a glass of water.

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Places to visit

Nicosia is the largest city on Cyprus and is at least a thousand years old. The city was walled with fortresses for defence; many of these remain. The older sections of the city contain many interesting old buildings. The modern city has grown up mainly outside the walled area. Nightlife and entertainment in Nicosia are good and there are many historical attractions including Byzantine churches, museums and galleries.

Limassol is the second-largest city on Cyprus and is important as a port and wine producing region as well as a popular resort. Limassol has over 15km of beaches and many cultural attractions plus many bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Larnaca in the south is important as a port and airport. It has many historical attractions including medieval churches and monasteries. Larnaca has good night life too.

Paphos lies in the west of Cyprus and hosts the second international airport on the island. The region has several unspoiled natural attractions as well as many fine bars and restaurants.

Ammochostos is a district in the east of Cyprus containing the towns of Ayia Napa, Paralimni and Protaras. It is the most popular region for tourists. In addition to excellent beaches and a good party atmosphere, Ammochostos also boasts several historic monuments and attractions.

Troodos is the central mountain range and the only place on Cyprus to receive snow in its higher regions. Troodos boasts several nature trails and charming villages, plus historic churches and monasteries.

Things to do

Cyprus attracts many holidaymakers who are there simply to party. While Ayia Napa in particular is well set up to accommodate their needs, there is a lot more to Cyprus than nightclubs and karaoke.

Cyprus has thousands of years of history and myth to discover. The goddess Aphrodite is said to have lived on Cyprus’ shores, and her festival is still celebrated with large quantities of local wine. Lazarus, brought back from the dead by Jesus, founded a religious community on the island.

More recently, Cyprus has acquired a large number of churches showing Byzantine and later influences. Richard the Lionheart and his Crusaders came to the island in the Middle Ages and left their mark.

Cyprus is also a land of great beauty, with many nature trails. Picnic areas are well regulated and cared for, and subject to strict laws regarding conservation and protection of the environment. A vast number of species of wild flowers are native to Cyprus.

Many holidaymakers like to hire a car and tour the island at their own pace. This gives the opportunity to see many different places and attractions, and to find hidden gems off the beaten track.

Fishing is also popular. Cyprus offers a range of fishing opportunities from fierce competitions to lazy afternoons on the bank with a rod and a bottle of wine. Fish stocks are good and varied.

For those seeking sport and adventure Cyprus offers golf and para-gliding, and along the coasts there are a number of diving schools with dozens of excellent diving sites. More experienced divers can explore wrecks off the coast, which include ships sunk over 2000 years ago. Other watersports including sailing, water-skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing are available around the coasts. Cruises from Cyprus are also popular, taking in destinations such as Egypt, Rhodes and Syria.