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.

EU membership

In April 2003 the Turkish Cypriot authorities decided to allow free movement by Greek Cypriots and visitors to the north of the island. Members of both communities now visit the “other side” on a regular basis. Despite the failure of a UN plan for reunification, Cyprus became a full member of the European Union on 1 May, 2004.
Evagoras of Salamis

Evagoras (410–374 BC), king of the city-state of Salamis, conquered much of Cyprus, but was defeated when rival city Amathous allied itself with the Persian Empire.
Evdimou

Despite sea and sand as clean and clear as any on the south coast, Evdimou is uncrowded and undeveloped – but it does have a couple of restaurants catering to hungry sun-worshippers (see Evdimou).
Evdimou

One of the least crowded and least visited beaches on the south coast. With around 2 km (1.5 miles) of sand and pebbles, it is great for beachcombers looking for solitude. A bar-restaurant midway along serves meals and cold drinks.
Express Café, Agia Napa

The largest and best of an array of cafés on Agia Napa’s main drag, Express is a popular, family-friendly place. It serves an extensive menu of snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Famagusta Walled City

Within Venetian ramparts, Famagusta conceals a wealth of Gothic and Islamic architecture. At its heart is the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque, originally the cathedral of St Nicholas, with its graceful Gothic porticoes and sixpaned rose window. Huge stone cannon-balls, relics of the eight-month siege of the city in 1570, lie in the streets, while overlooking the harbour is the “Othello Tower”, so called because Famagusta was the main setting for Shakespeare’s play.
Fans, Agia Napa

The top bar for sporting action, with big-screen TVs showing the world’s major sports events, from Grand Prix motor-racing to World Cup soccer.
Fasoula Village Agricultural Museum

Mule and manual labour were supplanted by the pick-up truck and tractor only very recently in Cyprus. This collection of farm tools – some of which hardly changed between pre-Roman times and the 20th century – is an eye-opener.
Fasouri Watermania Waterpark

With its high-speed chutes and slides, interactive games, pools for grown-ups, teens, sub-teens and toddlers, Cyprus’s largest and most exciting waterpark offers full-on family fun. A very welcome relief from the often blistering heat of high summer, and there are restaurants and shops on site too (see Fasouri Watermania, Limassol).
Fasouri Watermania, Limassol

Fasouri is the largest and best of the Cyprus water parks, with more than 50 different rides, slides and games, organized activities, thrills such as the near-vertical Kamikaze Ride and gentler paddling for toddlers. There are also two restaurants, three snack bars and a souvenir shop (see Fasouri Watermania Waterpark).