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.

Stavrovouni Monastery

With awesome views from its hilltop location, this monastery, founded in the 4th century by St Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine I, is aptly named the “Mountain of the Cross”. It is said to house a fragment of the Holy Cross, and its monks, who keep strict vows, are renowned icon painters. No women are allowed to enter (see Stavrovouni Monastery).
Stavrovouni Monastery

This impressive monastic eyrie, founded by a Byzantine empress (the mother of Constantine the Great) is poised high above the coastal plains on a 700-m (2,300-ft) crag in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range. Still home to a community of 20 monks, it claims as its most holy relic a fragment of the True Cross – its name in Greek means “Cross Mountain” (see Stavrovouni Monastery).
Step Inn Irish Bar, Limassol

This massive Irish pub on four floors has sports screenings on satellite TV, snooker, darts, nightly karaoke, and, of course, Guinness and other Irish beers on tap.
Steptoe’s of Chlorakas

More a glorified junk shop than an antiques store, Steptoe’s is worth foraging through for treasures to take home. The stock changes constantly, though judging by the patina of age on some items they may have languished unsold for years.
Sterna Winery

The Pafos region has been famous for wine since antiquity, and a visit to this vineyard is a great way to try some of the best. Among the exhibits is a 200-year-old copper still that continues to be used to produce zivania , Cyprus’s high-octane moonshine.
Stratos House, Kalavassos

Stratos is only steps away from the village square, with a beautiful arcaded courtyard off which open two large studio rooms, each with their own en-suite bathroom and kitchenette. On the upper floor is a lovely vine-covered verandah. Sensitively renovated, the house still retains much of its original 19th-century character.
Strovolos

The unique Pancyprian Geographical Museum – the only one of its kind in Cyprus – within an attractively restored traditional building is the main reason for visiting Strovolos. It is dedicated to the island’s geology, with displays of minerals, especially copper, which made Cyprus wealthy in pre-Christian times, and semiprecious stones. The town itself is built around the 18th-century church of Agios Georgios (one of half a dozen churches named after St George in this part of Cyprus). Like Aglandjia, Strovolos is now on the verge of becoming a suburb of Nicosia.
Swimming

Cyprus’s sea is sparklingly clean and crystal clear and ideal for swimming. Most beaches have lifeguards on duty in high season, but look out for red flags, which mean bathing is inadvisable at that time because of high waves or strong currents. Most holiday hotels have at least one large outdoor pool for serious swimmers and a smaller pool for toddlers, but only a few deluxe hotels have indoor pools for use in winter.
Sydney Australian Bar, Agia Napa

This Aussie-run pub offers the cheapest beer in Agia Napa. A stone’s throw from Kryo Nero beach, it’s a great place to chill during the heat of the afternoon, and gets lively after sundown.
Tahini

Sesame seeds are the key ingredient of this dip, ground with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and cumin and garnished with flat parsley.

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