Cyprus Holiday Area Guide
Paphos Area Description:
The attractions of Cyprus are many: beautiful beaches, authentic cuisine and markets, a deep sense of cypriot history, and not least its reliable sunny cyprus weather throughout much of the year. In general, you can expect temperatures round 33°C and over 12 hours of sunshine per day in July and August in Southern Cyprus. Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures of approximately 27°C on average, and cypriot winters are very mild (average 17°C in January). And the warmth of the Mediterranean climate is matched by the cypriot people, who are renowned for their hospitality.
Discount flights to Paphos:
Highly recommended after using several times myself, and by others who have also used and recommended. Use the facility to compare prices a few days before or after departure date to check prices. Try thomson for direct non-stop discount flights to Paphos available from: Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow, Luton, Manchester, Nottingham East Midlands and Stansted. Prices from £100 return fare per adult plus taxes, prices vary according to time of the year. Look out for late bookings, and special offers. Meals and travel insurance are extra.
Cypriot Culture:
Cyprus boasts many ancient sites which bear witness to the island’s previous historical importance, including Roman mosaics in Paphos, a 2nd century amphitheatre in Kourion and Nicosia's National Archaeological Museum. But it’s in the west of Cyprus, in the area around Paphos where you will find the most beautiful scenery and the best beaches.
Activities in Cyprus:
Cyprus proves itself a joy for keen walkers, who can discover the picturesque hilltop villages in the Troödos Mountains for example, and watersports are well catered for all round the island. If you can, try to catch one of the various annual festivals: Procession of St Lazarus (Apr), Anthestiria (May), Festival of Ancient Greek Drama (Jul), Aphrodite Festival (Sep), Limassol Wine Festival (Sep), Re-enactment of Christ's Birth (Dec).
Extensive tourist guide of Cyprus:
An indepth and unbiased view of Cyprus tourist attractions. This is the easy way to negotiate around what to do in Cyprus, and makes planning much simpler if you want to make that special trip. Well worth a look, very informative and useful.Take a look at all the links and consider something different to do. Try anything from a jeep safari in the Troodos mountains to romantic sunset cruise, or just look up bus routes. Plenty of choice, and countless activities included on this site. From beaches to Byzantine churches, food and wine, golf courses, cycling, scuba diving, the list goes on. Try the colourful images link to view photos.
Pafos bird park
This excellent bird park exceeded all my expectations and is a treat for visitors of all ages. Try and catch the special parrot show, and have a huge macaw come and land on your hand ! Great fun for all the family. Situated just past Coral bay and well sign posted.
Driving:
In Cyprus you drive on the left hand side of the road as you do in the UK and Ireland. You will need a full driving Licence to rent a car. Rental cars have distinctive red license plates so that the locals can give you a bit of space on the road. There is an abundance of car rental companies in Cyprus, you can rent anything from a small hatchback to a 7 seater 4x4 Jeep. If you are venturing into the Troodos mountains, a 4x4 is recommended.
Public Transport:
There are plenty of buses in Cyprus which are frequent and reliable and very cheap. Taxis are easy to get, but the most expensive form of getting around. There are no trains in Cyprus. Excursions with tour companies tend to work out very expensive, and much cheaper trips can be found by simply shopping around, expect to pay up to 50% less through independent companies.
Safety and Security:
Cyprus has a very low crime rate, it boasts the lowest crime rate in the whole of Europe. You will see locals leaving valuables in their car, and quite often the keys in the ignition of the car. However, you should take normal precautions, and travel insurance is essential. Always lock up when leaving the house, including all windows. What little crime there is mostly committed by foreigners. Be smart and safe.
Language:
Cyprus is a former British Colony, everyone speaks English, but the native language is Greek. You will be treated very well for making a small effort to say a couple of words in Greek, such as 'Yass-ooh' which means hello and ' Ef-har-isto' which means thank you. There are quite a few Russians, as well as other nationalities, living in Cyprus, but most also speak English.
Additional information:
Buy a travel guide, there are many to choose from each with their own views, also speak to others who you meet and ask what they regard as the best things to see and do. There is a huge variety of activities, and a vast range of excellent cuisine and entertainment, what you choose is up to you and your individual tastes and needs. One thing Cyprus does offer is a huge variety of different things to do, or you can just sit back and relax, soak up the sunshine and do whatever you want.
For property purchases in Cyprus:
Some developers will offer many types of enticements to make you buy. So why not try a family run small business that passes its' savings on to you. Leo and Daisy are helpful and pleasant and do not use pressure sales techniques. They offer a very professional service, and operate a well run business. Please use my name Mark Evans when making an enquiry. I bought my property through Open House Real Estate, and recommend them to anyone wanting to buy a property in the Greek Cypriot area of Cyprus. Contact details on website. Open House Real Estate operate independently of all developers, and can offer the best discounts to you. Don't just take my word for it, give them a try, you won't be disappointed!