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.

Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates

Stone fragments and toppled columns mark the site of this 7th century BC shrine to the sun-god Apollo in his role as “Hylates”, or god of the woods and forests. It is one of many examples of the way in which Cyprus blended the deities of each new religion that came to the island with the cults that were already established. The site has been partially restored by archaeologists and treasures found here are on display in the island’s museums.
Scuba-diving

Splendid underwater visibility makes Cyprus one of the best diving destinations in the Mediterranean, with some highly rated wreck dives and plenty of professional diving centres. The best diving is off the west coast, and there are dives at all depths and for all levels of expertise. There are PADI and British Sub Aqua Club-approved dive-training centres at all the major resorts (see Diving and Snorkelling Sites).
Seker Bayrami (Sugar Festival)

Feasts and family reunions mark the end of the Muslim religion’s annual Ramadan fast. At this time everyone dons new clothes and makes up for a month of abstinence.
Selim the Sot

The Muslim sultan drove the Venetians from Cyprus after a 10-month siege.
Selladi tou Stavros

A short stroll through the woods around Stavros covers 3 km (2 miles) and allows visits to the Forest Station with its breeding flock of endangered moufflon sheep.
Sez-i Fish Restaurant, Kyrenia

In the heart of Kyrenia’s beach resort area, Sez-i is rated one of the best fish restaurants in Northern Cyprus – which is praise indeed.
Shacolas Tower Museum, Nicosia

History of the capital.
Shakespeare Festival, Kourion

Kourion’s amphitheatre with its magnificent hillside location (see Kourion)makes the perfect venue for this summer festival of drama. Kourion is also used regularly for concerts, often featuring internationally-known Greek artists, such as Nana Mouskouri, Vicky Leandros and Demis Roussos.
Shakespeare's Bar and Restaurant

This is a really good restaurant catering for all tastes. It has a nice little play area for children and serves very good and reasonably priced food. From the outside it looks a bit like a sports bar and is the kind of place I would usually avoid like the plague but I was on holiday with my grandchildren in Limassol and we tried it. It was so good that we went back there several times and thoroughly enjoyed every meal we ate there. Whilst it caters for those english people that will not try foreign food, it also has a good menu of Cypriot and international dishes all cooked lovingly from fresh produce and I was very impressed
Sheftalia

These tasty mini-burgers made with minced pork and aromatic herbs often appear as part of a meze array or as an appetizer, but are equally good as a main course, when they are usually served with salad and the inevitable French fries.

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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