DK Travel : Cyprus

Cyprus packs a remarkable array of sights and attractions into such a small space: museums and archaeological sites that span more than five millennia of history, throbbing beach resorts, medieval fortresses, age-old temples standing on empty hillsides, cool mountain forests and pretty valleys chequered with vineyards, grain fields and olive groves all complete the landscape. On an island where one can swim and ski all in the same day, this is truly a holiday paradise with something for everyone.

Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery

The monks of this impressive monastery, devoted to “Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate” (the symbol of Cyprus), guard a treasury of icons and costly religious ornaments which have been hoarded here since its foundation in the 12th century (see Chryssorogiatissa Monastery). These include an icon of the Virgin Mary, discovered by St Ignatius, and kept on the iconostasis. The monks also make some of Cyprus’s finest vintages on the premises, which can be tasted and bought at their winery, Monte Royia (see Monte Royia).
Chryssochou Bay, Polis

A beautiful strip of clean pebbles and coarse sand, with clear water and great coastal views. In a forest of eucalyptus trees immediately behind the beach there’s a pleasant camp site and a beach bar and restaurant.
Chryssorogiatissa Monastery

This monastery produces some of the island’s best wines. Within is a museum of religious paraphernalia.
Circus, Larnaka

Larnaka’s nightlife is less Brit-oriented than Agia Napa’s and Circus is no exception. With a strong local audience, its music embraces Greek pop and rock as well as mainstream dance.
Cleopatra, Limassol

For an exotic experience – belly dancers, hookah pipes and all – visit this fine Lebanese restaurant. The menu is authentically Middle Eastern and you can sample an after-dinner nargileh (hubble-bubble pipe) packed with apple-flavoured tobacco.
Club Ice, Agia Napa

Famed for its R&B nights in the summer, which feature bigname DJs from the UK and elsewhere, this is one of the hottest places in Cyprus for R&B and garage music. An added attraction are the foam and popcorn parties.
Cocktails

From the brandy sour to the saucy Sex on the Beach, Cypriot bars offer an extensive cocktail list.
Coffee

Starbucks and Costa Coffee are here, but you should also try ellinikos kafes , served in a tiny cup and thick with sugar and caffeine.
Colony Hotel, Kyrenia

This is a luxury hotel without the pomp and circumstance that makes you whisper. It has everything that the modern traveller could want including a rooftop pool and the most romantic rooftop restaurant where you can overlook the lights of Kyrenia and the surrounding areas, watch a spectacular sunset whilst being served impeccable food and drink by the politest and frindliest of waiters and all at Nothern Cypriot prices - a real bargain.
Columbia Beach Hotel, Pissouri

Located on a “Blue Flag” beach, the Columbia has a children’s playground and pool, and offers baby-sitting services. There are also water sports and a tennis court. It is next door to the larger resort hotel under the same management (see Columbia Beach Resort, Pissouri).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- £5–£10
- £10–£15
- £15–£20
- £20–£30
- over £30
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £25
- £25-£50
- £50-£100
- £100-£150
- over £150