Enjoy island life Cypriot-style after lockdown with our top travel tips
BEFORE the pandemic, Cyprus was a firm holiday favourite, with 42 per cent of visitors in 2019 hailing from the UK.
No wonder then that the Mediterranean isle is keen to welcome Brits back to its balmy beaches.
The Cypriot government announced last week that fully vaccinated tourists can travel to the country from May 1, more than two weeks before the earliest date that the UK government will even allow us to leave.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are returning to a favourite holiday hotspot, here are our tips on how to enjoy island life Cypriot-style post-lockdown.
THE CLASSIC SIGHT
Aphrodite’s Rock and Beach, known for its distinctive upright rock formations, is said to be the spot where the Greek goddess of love and passion first appeared. It also happens to be a lovely spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Take a dip near the rocks and legend has it that you may even regain your youth.
THE WOW MOMENT
Pack your sunglasses on your trip to the remote Kykkos Monastery as you will need them to see its shiny, gilded interiors. The rooms in this blingy Byzantine retreat are packed full of golden artefacts, artworks and relics.
Perched on a cliff edge, the 11th century holy site also boasts fantastic views over the surrounding Troodos Mountains.
A CULTURAL FIX
With the ancient city of Kourion built on a hillside overlooking the sparkling eastern Mediterranean, its inhabitants would have enjoyed views to rival those of the fanciest five-star hotels on the island.
Walk the streets of this once prosperous 3,000-year-old city-state just outside Limassol on the southwest of the island. You’ll find temples, public baths, 5th-century mosaics and the rebuilt 3,500-seat open air theatre which is now used for cultural events.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The rocky headland of Cape Greco National Park offers unspoilt scenery, sandy coves and mysterious sea caves without the crowds.
Pack a lunch and take a stroll along the nature trails that crisscross the area for fantastic views and swimming spots. There’s also a lovely shaded picnic site overlooking the sea.
A FANTASTIC FEAST
Head to the hills for the Halloumi Heaven Workshop and Tour. This day trip takes you to a local’s home in the Troodos Mountains where you will learn all about the traditional technique of making the world’s squeakiest cheese.
Also included are stops at a honey producer and donkey milk farmer. Tours are from £73pp at cyprus-sightseeing.com.
THE TOP TOUR
Mixing off-road adrenaline, natural beauty spots and great food, it’s no wonder the 4×4 jeep safari is a firm favourite with tourists. Racing around the Troodos Mountains and valleys is a great way to appreciate the lush Mediterranean landscape that exists away from the beaches and resorts.
Most tours include wine tasting and lunch in a remote village, usually with fantastic views over the island’s interior. Trackers Excursions’ jeep safari day tour, from £57, also takes in waterfalls and swimming holes. See trackersexcursions.com.
FUN NEIGHBOURHOOD
If you’re looking for a night out away from the coastal tourist strips then head to the capital, Nicosia and the Lost+Found Drinkery (lfdrinkery.com).
Creative cocktails, great music, lovely staff and moody lighting all make this place a hit with the locals and landed them the number 25 spot in the 50 Best Bars in the World awards. If you can’t get to the bar then don’t worry — thanks to Covid they now deliver their pre-made cocktails anywhere on the island.
If beer is more your thing then don’t miss the Pivo microbrewery and brewhouse in the heart of Nicosia’s old town, where they make delicious craft beers using traditional Czech methods.
WITH THE KIDS
Aphrodite Waterpark in Paphos has a great selection of slides and rides for all ages. There’s a lazy river, wave pool, some fantastic pirate-themed kids’ play areas and high-speed water slides for the big kids. Day tickets are from £85 for a family of five at aphroditewaterpark.com.
NEW FOR 2021
Larnaka’s new talking statues are helping to bring the island’s history to life. Simply scan a QR code on the plinth to hear the voices of each historical character on your handset or tablet device.
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After scanning the QR code, your phone will visit a website that mimics a “phone call” from the statue, which will then recount its own unique story about its connection to Larnaka.
Among the statues are Zeno of Kition, founder of the Stoic school of philosophy, who “talks” about his philosophical values, and the Winged
Lion of Venice, who “speaks” about the importance of the city when it was part of the Venetian empire.
GO:CYPRUS
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3H Kefalonitis Apartments from £399pp based on two sharing including London flights departing on selected dates between June 1-30 with 23kg luggage allowance. Book by March 19 at ba.com/cyprus.
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