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.

Amphorae Caves

This is a fascinating offshore cave dive – the clay wine-jar embedded in the roof of one of the caves seems to imply, according to archaeologists, that they were once above the waterline and have been drowned over the centuries by seismic movement. Beautiful coral abounds here. Maximum descent is 10 m (30 ft).
Anassa, Polis

Rated not just the best hotel in Cyprus but, according to some, the best in the Mediterranean, the Anassa oozes style. No expense has been spared in the decorating of this lavish property, set in landscaped grounds, above one of the finest beaches on the island and with views out to sea. The rooms are comfortable, and the staff attentive.
Ancient Amathous

Standing aloof above the coastal highway east of Limassol, the ruined foundations of Amathous can only hint of its bygone glories. This was one of the very first of the island’s city-states – under the Romans it was a provincial capital, while under the Byzantine Empire it was the seat of one of the island’s bishops. The remnants of an early Christian basilica, a pagan temple and a spacious Hellenistic agora (marketplace) are the highlights of a site that, despite its accessibility, not far from the luxury resorts and beaches of Limassol’s tourist area, is almost always crowd-free (see Ancient Amathous).
Ancient Amathous

It takes a little imagination to conjure up an image of Amathous in ancient times from the fragments of walls that still remain, but this hillside temple site, just a short distance from the busy coastal highway, is proof of the city’s glorious past (see Ancient Amathous).
Ancient Idalion

Dali is a farming village that takes its name from the ancient city-state of Idalion. Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis, was killed by the boar of Idalion and the red flowers that bloom here are deemed tokens of his death.
Anemone

Pink and red anemones or “windflowers” bloom as late as December.
Angela’s Stone House, Tochni

In the centre of Tochni is this 19th-century stone house which has been lovingly restored. Two bedrooms, a balcony, and a courtyard filled with lemon trees and pomegranates.
Angling

Angling is offered year-round from the banks of more than 20 freshwater reservoirs stocked with trout, largemouth bass, carp, pike-perch and roach. Licences are required from the Cyprus Fisheries Department.
Annunciation

Annunciation is a Greek national holiday.
Anthistiria, Larnaka and Pafos

Cyprus blossoms under the spring sun and in May the streets of Larnaka and Pafos are draped in blooms during flower festivals. They climax with parades of floats drowned in colourful garlands.

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