ith over 300 days of sunshine and one of the most enduring summer climates in the Mediterranean it is no wonder that Cyprus attracts the swimsuit brigade, blessed as it is with miles upon miles of sandy beaches. And yet it is an island of many layers, political complexities and the famous and welcoming Cypriot love of life and long, drawn out meals washed down with their excellent wines! Finally, the island has a long relationship with the UK, which is reflected in their genuine affinity to visitors from our shores to the vibrant Greek Cypriot south-west area and the more rustic Turkish area to the north-east. It is steeped in history and legends with many ancient ruins like the Greco-Roman ruins at Kourion as well as an important mediaval legacy as the staging point for the medieval crusades as reminded at mighty Limassol Castle. Along the coast at Paphos, you’ll find intricate, 1,800-year-old mosaics and a necropolis dating back to the 4th century BC. Then there’s the island’s shimmering beauty, fitting for a goddess like Aphrodite, who, according to mythology, rose from the sea here. The Troodos mountain range, a craggy spine running through the centre of the island, is criss-crossed with hiking trails through cedar forests and alongside icy, tumbling rivers, while remote stretches of coast are studded with sea caves and rock stacks. The craggy Akamas Peninsula in the north-west is one of Europe’s few remaining refuges for sea turtles. Nearby, colonies of the well-heeled gather for the finer things at the legendary Anassa (see overleaf). 15 Cyprus Sun, sand and ancient legends Limassol Troodos Mountains Turkish Cypriot area Greek Cypriot area Polis Q Q Q Q Kourion Temple Larnaca Kyrenia NICOSIA Paphos W
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjE5ODQ=