| There's more to Cyprus than sun, sea and sand. | | | | workshops in Larnaca, producing |
| It's difficult not to fall madly in love with Cyprus, | | | | beautifully-crafted ceramics, tiles and jewellery. |
| blessed by Aphrodite, goddess of love. The locals | | | | Lefkara is the place to buy hand-crafted lace - |
| are extremely friendly and hospitable, the | | | | see the ladies dressed in black ply their craft |
| atmosphere is relaxed, the food is fabulous and | | | | outside their shops. |
| you can enjoy everything from jeep safaris and | | | | Cities: Visit Europe's last divided capital, Lefkosia |
| wine tours to walking and even snow skiing in | | | | (Nicosia) for shopping and museums. Wander Laiki |
| winter. Cyprus is a place where you can discover | | | | Geitonia's narrow streets, sweat in a restored |
| hidden UNESCO churches and mountain villages or | | | | Ottoman hamam and stroll along Venetian city |
| join in the Greek dancing at a family-run taverna. | | | | walls for great views. You'll find Richard the |
| Here are are 10 tips and reasons to visit Cyprus | | | | Lionheart's Crusader castle in Limassol old town. |
| to help start your holiday planning and further | | | | Nature: The stunning Troodos mountains with |
| research together with some "lifestage" | | | | Mount Olympus at its peak offers a cool retreat |
| destination recommendations to check out. | | | | in summer with its charming hilltop villages, |
| Beaches: From gently-shelving white sand beaches | | | | vine-blessed slopes and hiking trails. For unspoilt |
| in the east around Ayia Napa and Protaras to | | | | nature, the rugged Akamas national park is |
| fun-filled bays with water-skiing and kite-surfing in | | | | stunning. |
| the west, you will find everything from deserted | | | | History: Venetian walls, Crusader castles, ancient |
| coves to busy holiday resorts. | | | | tombs and Roman mosaics are testament to |
| Nightlife: Dance the night away in one of Ayia | | | | Cyprus's 10,000 year history. The Green Line in |
| Napa's trendy clubs or hang out on Bar Street in | | | | Nicosia separating the Greek south from Turkish |
| Paphos. Away from the neon, join in the Greek | | | | north, now open to tourists, is a reminder of its |
| dancing at a local taverna or chill in a café | | | | recent political past. |
| on Larnaca's fashionable mile-long beachfront | | | | Shopping: From big city stores in Nicosia to |
| promenade. | | | | designer boutiques and jewellers in Limassol, you'll |
| Food: Cypriots are happiest when eating so join | | | | find shops selling souvenirs to take home all over |
| them for a meze, a slow banquet of Cypriot | | | | the island. The markets in Limassol and Paphos |
| delicacies such as grilled halloumi cheese, dolmades | | | | are worth checking out too. |
| (vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat) and | | | | Touring: Cypriots drive on the left and the roads |
| delicious kleftiko, lamb slowly baked till it drops off | | | | are fast and well signposted so getting around by |
| the bone. Freshly-caught fish and seafood are | | | | car is easy. A jeep safari is the best way to go |
| delicacies too. | | | | off-road and explore remote Akamas or |
| Wine: Drive into the Troodos foothills to taste | | | | mountainous Troodos. Car rental in Cyprus is |
| crisp white wines and hearty reds at family-run | | | | reasonably priced, and easy to arrange. |
| wineries. Follow a wine route or check out the | | | | A holiday in Cyprus is up there with the best of |
| island's long wine-making heritage at the Wine | | | | travel destinations in terms of great climate, |
| Museum just outside Limassol. | | | | friendly people, history, adventure and good living. |
| Art: Watch local artisans at work in their | | | | |