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.

Adrenaline Activities

You don’t have to be mad to ascend a shaky, 65-m (210-ft) high tower, then leap from the top attached to a length of elastic cord – but it helps. Agia Napa, that magnet for youthful thrill-seekers, is Cyprus’s bungee capital. Also available are the “skycoaster” and the “slingshot” – which instead of sending you plummeting towards the ground, fire you into the air.
Aegeo Tavern

Set in an old house, this traditional taverna serves excellent meze . In summer, dining is available in the pleasant courtyard or on the balcony if you book ahead.
Aeneas Hotel, Agia Napa

With its huge pool, this is the epitome of family-friendly luxury, on Agia Napa’s favourite beach. There is a mini-club for children.
Afelia

Lean cubes of tender pork, marinated overnight in red wine and flavoured with cumin, cinnamon, coriander and pepper are the mainstay of this quintessentially Greek Cypriot casserole dish.
Agia Napa

Agia Napa’s beaches are among the finest in southern Cyprus – and the liveliest, with activities ranging from water-skiiing to bungee jumping and quad-bike riding. Nissi is the closest to town, and gets busy in high summer. Makronissos, longer and less crowded, is 5 km (3 miles) from Agia Napa proper (see Agia Napa).
Agia Napa

Agia Napa, on the south shore of a peninsula that juts towards Cyprus’s southeast tip, has risen to fame as one of the world’s great dance party destinations, but there is much more than mere nightlife to this purpose-built sunshine resort. Agia Napa’s core – and the favourite evening rendezvous for party-goers – is its main square, which is packed with bars and café tables. Yet, only steps away from the hedonistic crowds is a tranquil oasis, the medieval Agia Napa Monastery, while down on the sea front the Limnaki (“little harbour”) still has some of its village character, even if, these days, the fishing boats are outnumbered by excursion vessels carrying holidaymakers to outlying beaches (see Agia Napa).
Agia Napa

This resort has a reputation as the liveliest spot in Cyprus, with great beaches, water sports and a huge number of bars, cafés and restaurants catering to every taste (see Agia Napa).
Agia Napa International Festival

Agia Napa’s lively annual festival has become a magnet for many folk dancers and traditional musicians, especially those from other Mediterranean countries and from Eastern Europe. The event also brings theatre groups, opera companies and international singers to the resort for a particularly dazzling weekend of performances in the island’s busiest resort.
Agia Napa Promenade

A mere 9.5 km (6 miles) there and back from central Agia Napa to Agia Thekla, on the flat all the way.
Agia Thekla, Agia Napa

This tiny cove west of Agia Napa manages to avoid the worst of the summer crowds. There’s a small sandy beach guarded by a little white chapel.

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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