Cyprus, one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, lies off the coast of Turkey and the west coast of Syria. Settled by the ancient Phoenicians and Greeks, the island has survived a dynamic and sometimes turbulent history as a strategic location for a variety of conquests and invasions. Today the island is divided, with most of it being a Republic. Over the past few decades, Cyprus has enjoyed a thriving tourism industry, with visitors from all over the world seeking its good weather, exotic cuisine and beautiful scenery. Cyprus villas are also known for their luxury and comfort, combining the traditional whitewashed walls so ubiquitous in the Mediterranean with modern conveniences.
One of the best coastlines in Cyprus for beaches is Agia Napa. With many sandy beaches that are ideal for a range of activities from windsurfing to kayaking, Agia Napa includes the three bays that make up Makronisos Beach and Kyro Nero Beach, all with a variety of water sports on offer. What is remarkable about the Cypriot coast is the great diversity of geology and landscapes. In addition to miles of sandy beaches, there are cliffs and caves, many of which are best viewed from the water, or perhaps underwater if you get the chance. Around the mythical ancient city of Paphos there are a number of diving schools and beautiful places to snorkel and swim. So even if you haven’t tried scuba diving before, you can still find plenty of places to learn and then take advantage of all ‘Underwater Cyprus’ has to offer.
A place to visit at any time of the year, thanks to its relatively mild climate compared to northern Europe, Cyprus has more than 50 beaches that have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag for quality. Away from the beach, there are also fantastic water parks, which means that water activities are not limited to just the beach and the sea. With Cypriot cuisine featuring a wide range of seafood, visitors looking to try sea fishing will find a selection of short and long trips to choose from. There are also many leisure boating and yacht charters to enjoy.
The real Cyprus: avoid the crowds.
Depending on your taste, a Cyprus water sports holiday can be based on the dynamic east coast, where the resorts are popular with families for their crystal clear shallow waters and soft white sand beaches. The beaches on the western coast of the island are more secluded, with space to practice the sports you like but also plenty of space to relax and unwind. To be critical of Cyprus, some visitors may find certain areas of the island too developed. But if you allow yourself to get away from those busier areas and cities, there are some exciting and visually stunning areas where you can explore for yourself the true delights of Cypriot life.
The Akamas Peninsula has the almost perfect combination of fun things to do outdoors and important nature reserves and ecological sites. Situated in the north-west of Cyprus, Akamas is essentially a cape or promontory covering around 230 square kilometers of forest, mountains and pristine coastline. While there are a number of specialist sports such as golf and kayaking, the area also features a diverse and often unique variety of flora and fauna. Wildlife is colorful and abundant, with native species such as waterfowl and owls able to thrive in this protected area.
From the citrus groves of Morfou to the golden sands of the Karpas Peninsula, Cyprus’ idyllic, undeveloped coastline is a walker’s paradise, with many tempting stops giving you the chance to plunge into the sea and enjoy a dip. calm. Inland from the coast, the Cyprus countryside has much to offer, from walks in the mountains to horse riding and rafting. A cultured, elegant and romantic destination, holidays in Cyprus have something for everyone.
Get to know the real Cyprus. With frequent flights from the UK, traveling to Cyprus is simple, and with some great places to stay, including a range of convenient and comfortable villas in Cyprus, this is an ideal destination to experience life in the great outdoors.