Warm sunshine, great beaches and a rich, ancient culture
The birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus is home to dazzling azure seas, beautiful beaches and endless sunshine. Important archaeological sites dot the island. Many people take holidays in Cyprus for its beaches, but its rugged interior and sleepy villages make it a great destination for walking, cycling and cultural discovery too.
Paphos (or Pafos) is a buzzing seaside town. It’s palm-fringed seafront is filled with excellent restaurants, all served up with views of the Ottoman harbour castle. Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage City with rich crumbling legacy from its Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras. Be sure to explore the taverna-dotted coastline around Paphos too.
One of the most famous sights in Cyprus is the rock from where Aphrodite is said to have been born. Close to a choice of great beaches as well as a number of popular resorts in Cyprus, Aphrodite’s Rock is an important part of Cypriot culture. The nearby temple in Kouklia offers further insight into the goddess and her followers.
If you want to sample some of the island’s best seafood, visit Latsi. Its famous dishes are often served in the converted stone warehouses that once stored the local carob crop. You can then walk off your lunch on the photogenic trails of the Akamas Peninsula. The region’s often vertiginous slopes merge seamlessly with ochre rocks and the translucent sea.