Thinking about going on vacation this year? Think about visiting the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Steeped in history, the birthplace of Aphrodite and washed in sunshine, it's hard for anyone not to fall in love with this isle.
Cyprus, which includes Paphos, Nicoasia, Limassol and Larnaca to name a few of its towns, is inhabited by the Turkish in the North and Greek Cypriots in the South, but it's Ayia Napa in the Larnaca region which is one of the places worthy of a visit.
Ayia Napa:
Once a small fishing village, Ayia Napa has grown in popularity over they years and transformed itself from a small sleepy village to a thriving tourist town. Once famed for being the party capital of Cyprus and on a par with Ibiza you may, or may not, be reluctant to visit the town especially if you have children and want a quiet family vacation. Well whilst it's true that there are plenty of places to party, there is also another side to Ayia Napa which makes it a great place for a family summer vacation.
Places of Interest:
From the clean Golden Beaches of Ayia Napa with their turquoise blue waters – to the Water and Amusement Park riddled with rides.There's the breath-taking views of Cape Greco which is a must see, many Museums and archeological sites, the main harbour, Churches, Monastery and not to mention the vast array of places to shop and eat! There is definitely something to suit everyone's taste and budget when Exploring Ayia Napa.
Getting around Cyprus:
With so much to explore on the island it is worth hiring a car either for part or the duration of your stay. If you are a visitor from the UK then you'll be happy to find that the Cypriots drive on the same side of the road as in the UK, the left hand side. To hire a car you must have a full driving license and be over 18 years of age, prices start from €36 to €85 per day depending on the type of car hired.
Other way of exploring Ayia Napa can be by hiring a moped, taking a taxi or by catching the bus which runs regularly throughout the week. A fare can cost as little as €3 return if you are travelling to one of the nearby towns and villages or €15 return to the capital Nicosia. But by far the best form of travel is to hire a bicycle, which costs €12 for the day, and let the wind whip through your hair as you take in the stunning scenery around you.
Accommodation:
Accommodation can be as basic or as lavish as your budget can stretch and there is plenty to choose from. There's the 5* Alion Beach Hotel with rooms starting from €74 per night to a more modest 3* Okeanos Beach Hotel with prices starting from €39 per night. For those who like to go Self Catering, there are plenty of supermarkets on hand for your basic grocery needs and a wealth of eateries to choose from, you really will be spoilt for choice. For more information on accommodation go to Book Cyprus.
Cypriot Hospitality:
The people of Cyprus are very hospitable and warming. Many will go out of their way to help you if you are lost or unsure of something. English is widely spoken as a second language but it does help if you try to learn a few of their pleasantries. Showing this gesture to a Cypriot person will make them warm to you even more. Here are a few basic words to help you on your way;
Words, Pronunciations & Meaning
Kalimera ka-lee-merah Good Morning
Kalispera ka-lee-spea-rah Good Afternoon
Kalinychta ka-lee-nic-tah Good Night
Yassou yass-oo Hello/Goodbye (informal)
Parakalo para-ka-low Please
Efkharisto ef-kar-ree-sto Thank You
Jessica Biggs - I've always had a passion for writing and have many interests. My other passions are music, food, travel and alternative medicine.
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