AYIA NAPA

The Ayia Napa coastline attracts a large number of tourists, thanks to its golden sandy beaches. Water sports such as water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving and speed boating. The Cyprus Tourism Organization supervises the beaches and is responsible for protecting the interests of all tourists. All beaches in Ayia Napa have been awarded with the EU blue flag for their level of cleanliness and the comprehensive facilities offered in line with the uniform standards set by the European Union. The first and most popular is Nissi beach, a sandy exotic beach with crystal clear waters. It is visited mainly by clubbers and young people at summer and gets very busy. Another one of the best beaches is the Harbour Beach or Limanaki or Pantahou beach. It is one of the longest beaches of Cyprus, and the longest beach of Ayia Napa. Sandy with crystal clear waters, the Harbour Beach is a family and relaxing beach. With no noise or parties, just people who like to relax. Another one of the best beaches to visit in Ayia Napa is the New Golden Bay, or what is known as Lanta / Landa beach to the locals. It is a lovely beach with many things to do, escaping the busyness of Nissi beach, but still a good place to be seen, and the whole family can enjoy it.

The Square, central to the town, is filled with restaurants, nightclubs and shops, and is by many seen as the focal point of the Ayia Napa nightlife.

Cape Greco is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Ayia Napa, and is considered one of the most beautiful places on the island.

PROTARAS

Protaras is one of Ayia Napa’s main satellite resorts and a firm favourite with British families. Historically the resort was known as Fig Tree Bay, however anyone expecting the kind of tranquillity that this name suggests will leave disappointed. Today back-to-back hotels line the waterfront and there isn’t a single fig tree in sight. Fortunately the sea has retained its glassy clarity and Protaras’ beaches are among the best on the island. Travel north and you’ll discover isolated coves bitten from the coastline.

Sunbathing is usually at the top of most visitors list but you’ll find the entire spectrum of water sports to choose from, as well as a variety of white-knuckle pursuits such as paragliding and water-skiing.

Protaras is popular with Cypriots and the beaches can get busy (especially at weekends) and anyone wanting to ‘get away from it all’ should head south to Cape Greko. Besides ‘peace and quiet’ the rocky shoreline provides some great snorkelling and diving. If you want to stretch your legs there’s an attractive coastal path running all the way form Protaras to Ayia Napa which takes in some impressive cliffs, sea caves and a number of Roman ruins. The resort of Pernera lies to the north of Protaras and offers similar opportunities for sun worshiping.

Although Protaras is billed as a predominantly ‘family-orientated’ destination, it is also a place that knows how to party.  

NICOSIA

As the last divided city in Europe; Nicosia enjoys a certain degree of international notoriety. However, the Cypriot capital's to do list doesn't make for great reading and Nicosia is understandably omitted form many visitor's itineraries (although it does have a rich past).

Nicosia came to prominence in The Middle Ages with a succession of visits from a number of historical heavyweights. Richard the Lionheart besieged Nicosia on his way to Jerusalem and later sold the island to the Knights Templar. The locals weren't happy and took control of the city, passing governance to Guy de Lusignan in 1192. Unfortunately their new patron turned out to be a ruthless despot and it wasn't long before the Nicosians realised the error of their ways. The self-styled king stamped his authority on the city by fortifying it and constructing a number of impressive gothic buildings, many of which can still be seen today.

The sacking of Nicosia by the Ottomans in 1570 turned it into a ghost town and it would be a further three hundred years before fortunes revived under the British. The Cypriots took rude economic health as an excuse to exercise their passion for chaotic urban development, and it wasn't long before the skyline was transformed into a dispiriting jumble of high-rise blocks. The influx Greek-Cypriots in 1974 did little to help the urban planning situation.

Factor-in dry landlocked winds and searing heat and you begin to understand why Nicosia is so often overlooked. Yet it's worth giving the capital a chance. Once you've overcome the initial climatic and aesthetic disappointments, you'll find that Nicosia has plenty to offer, including a good crop of bars and restaurants and a handful of beautiful churches and museums.

In a world where Cold War partition is a distant memory the Green Line has itself become something of a tourist attraction. The humorless guards manning the Ledra Palace checkpoint allow tourists to visit the north on day-trips, but if you stay the night - you won't be allowed back in. The experience gives visitors a tangible sense of what it is like to live in a divided land and some insight into the tensions existing between the neighboring peoples.

TROODOS

The Troodos Mountains offer welcome respite to anyone suffering from an overdose of Mediterranean beach life. Traveling inland; Cyprus’ palette changes from the thirsty ochre of the coastal strip to a lush green mosaic that cloaks the mountains. The Troodos Mountains form the country’s backbone, stretching across Western Cyprus and rising to a height of nearly 2000m.

Driving up the helter-skelter of hairpins and switchbacks of the Troodos Mountains takes you back in time to an older and wiser Cyprus; a world away from the bustle of the coast. Hiking trails weave through the forests to half-forgotten villages, glorious Byzantine churches and remote monasteries. Pine-resin scents the crisp mountain air and it’s easy to believe that little has changed since the first visionaries and churchmen chose Troodos as their pious retreat.

The Troodos Mountains are littered with Orthodox churches, ten of which are now protected with UNESCO World Heritage status. The churches of Asinou, Panayia Tou Araka and the Archangel Michael are notable highlights and well worth a visit. A glimpse of monastic life can be had at the celebrated monasteries of Kykko (20km west of Pedhoulas) and the spectacular Ayios Ioannis Lamndhistis (near the village of Kalopanayiotis). Local monks are happy to welcome visitors and pilgrims alike.

If you’re on the island between New Year and the end of March it’s possible to go skiing in the Troodos Mountains. Mount Olympus has seven runs, so there’s something to suit all abilities, and you can always head down to the coast for some lively après-ski.