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.

Protaras

Here the water is beautiful, and the soft white sand is clean and plentiful (see Protaras).
Protaras

On the east coast of Cyprus and only 8 km (5 miles) from Agia Napa, Protaras has mushroomed into prominence around a clutch of sandy beaches where the warm, shallow water is a vivid turquoise. During the day, the beaches are lined with sunbathers while the sea is dotted with the bright sails of windsurfers and catamarans. At night, Protaras comes into its cosmopolitan own, with a main street lined with bars, cafés and restaurants to suit all tastes. There are plenty of excursions to be made to nearby sights and attractions, such as Fig Tree Bay (see Fig Tree Bay, Protaras and Beaches).
Psilodendro Forest

A ride through pine woods from the Troodos Resort to Caledonia Falls – 13 km (8 miles), all downhill.
Psilodendro Trout Farm Restaurant

Catch your trout, then eat it at this open-air restaurant on the northern outskirts of Platres. Also serves kebabs, mixed grills and salads.
Pyla Fish Tavern, Larnaca

Mouthwatering seafood at this long-established restaurant includes prawns, octopus, squid, sea bass and swordfish and much more.
Pyrgos to Governor’s Beach

A 13-km (8-mile) downhill run from the Troodos foothills ends at one of the island’s better beaches.
Rainbow, Pafos

You can’t miss Rainbow, which flaunts its neon sign above Pafos’s “nightlife street”, Agiou Antoniou. It’s the resort’s longest established nightspot, with a musical menu that rivals anything in Agia Napa or even Ibiza, and guest DJs from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
Red Cube Club, Pafos

A spot for real night owls, the Red Cube’s doors don’t even open until midnight and the joint then jumps until 4:30am on summer nights. Its DJs play soul, R&B and garage to a mixed audience of holidaymakers.
Reed Baskets

Multicoloured bread baskets are practical and decorative gifts or souvenirs.
Religion

Christianity gained an early foothold in Cyprus and most Greek Cypriots are devoutly Orthodox. Turkish Cypriots in the North follow an easy-going form of Islam that doesn’t seem to preclude alcohol.

Jump to top

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