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.

Omodos

The main attraction here is the Timiou Stavrou monastery, believed to house fragments of the True Cross.
Onüçüncü Mil

This stretch of coast offers an arc of almost deserted, fine sand, backed by grassy dunes and pine trees and with craggy limestone headlands. One of the North’s best options, close to Kyrenia.
Ostrich Park, Malounda

Flocks of long-necked ostriches roam in the fields of Europe’s largest ostrich ranch. A mini-train carries families around the park to admire these eccentric flightless birds in a safari-style habitat. There’s also a restaurant serving ostrich burgers and steaks for lunch, after which you can browse in the entertaining on-site shop, where you can buy gigantic ostrich egg ornaments or fresh eggs to cook a family-size omelette.
Ouzo

Sweet and aniseed flavoured, ouzo turns a milky white when water is added. An acquired taste.
Pachyammos

Pachyammos, or “Thick Sand”, is aptly named. Although it can be too exposed for comfort when a north wind is blowing it is uncrowded and a fine spot for beachcombing.
Pafian Sun Holiday Village, Pafos

Studios and apartments, all with satellite TV. The range of activities includes indoor and outdoor pools, gym and sauna, tennis and volleyball courts and a games room, as well as live entertainment.
Pafos

Pafos’s best beaches are on the eastern edge of town, near Geroskipou, where the Cyprus Tourism Organization maintains a well-managed, family-friendly strand, and still further east at Floria Beach, next to Pafos airport. Close to the centre of Kato Pafos, there is also a municipal beach beneath shady palm trees, with loungers and umbrellas for hire, a snack bar and restaurant (see Pafos).
Pafos

Pafos is really two towns in one – Kato (“lower”) Pafos and Ktima (“upper Pafos”). Kato Pafos was one of the island’s most important seaports during the Middle Ages, then fell into decline and languished for centuries until tourism and the rediscovery of its famed mosaics turned it into a burgeoning resort town. Today, luxury hotels spread along the coast, east to west, and a modern centre is packed with souvenir shops, bars, cafés, nightspots and restaurants. Ktima, only 3 km (2 miles) inland, seems a world away from the tourist hype, being traditionally Cypriot, with authentic cafés and tavernas that cater to local tastes. Three museums in Ktima – ethnographical, archaeological and Byzantine – are well worth making time to see, each reflecting different eras on the island. Midway between the two are the eerie Tombs of the Kings, carved into a rocky hillside. Wealthy residents of the ancient city were entombed in these stone chambers from around the 3rd century. Despite their name, there’s no evidence that Pafian royalty is buried here (see Kato Pafos Archaeological Park).

Archaeological Museum, Pafos

Byzantine museum, Pafos
Pafos

Pafos municipality has transformed an unpromising stretch of shore opposite the harbour by planting lawns and palm trees, importing extra sand, providing sun-loungers, installing a beach bar, and offering an assortment of watersports.
Pafos Amathus Beach Hotel, Pafos

This is a 5-star property, close to Pafos harbour, overlooking the sea and with attractive poolside gardens.

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For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
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