Cyprus

Destination Overview

Cyprus is a small island located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, the coastline is around 400 miles long and you can drive the entire length of the island in a few hours so there is no need to miss anything that this wonderful destination has to offer. Cyprus is said to be one of the hottest places in Europe with average temperatures climbing above 30°c in the peak summer months and sea temperatures of around 27/28°c.

This island has something for everyone whether you enjoy sun-kissed beaches, historical ruins, adventurous water sports, vibrant nightlife, or bustling markets, and all of this is less than 5 hours by air from the UK. The area is rich in history and culture, you can immerse yourself in Greek mythology and ancient legends, and for the romantics a visit to Aphrodite’s Rock is a must. The goddess of love is said to have been born here and under certain weather conditions the waves break on the rock and form a pillar of water, as this dissolves into foam onlookers may see a surreal human shape that some say is Aphrodite herself!

Paphos, a southwestern city, has now been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site where several ruins have been traced to the Middle Ages. The famous ‘Tomb of The Kings’ is a must see. During the summer months visitors can enjoy musical and theatrical events at the magnificent Greco-Roman theatre, this is the centre piece of the archaeological remains of Kourian, the most impressive on the island.

If you fancy a day away from the beach then take a trip to the Troodos Mountains, the pine scented air and breath-taking vista of winding valleys, snowy peaks, dramatic forests, and pretty orchards will refresh you. The area is filled with traditional villages, winemaking communities, agriculture, along with churches, monasteries, and chapels. Take your time and explore on foot or by bicycle.

If you are looking for family friendly activities, then you have come to the right place! Fasouria Watermania in Limassol is the largest waterpark in Cyprus and has 30 different attractions for kids of all ages, or try your hand at the zip lines and rope courses at Sparti Advenure Park, for lazy days take your pick of the many beautiful beaches where you can spent hours just paddling and building sand castles.

For those that love to shop there is a nice mix of designer shops, trendy malls, and fascinating flea markets, you can go bargain hunting, and grab some souvenirs for home. Paphos Municipal Market is a great place to meet the locals, there is an indoor and outdoor area, and you will find everything here from jewellery and leather goods, to artwork and homemade delicacies. Shoppers come from afar for the fresh produce direct from the countryside..

The area offers an excellent choice of accommodation that caters for all budgets, tastes and group sizes. Whether you are looking for the relaxed freedom of a self-catering apartment or villa, or a luxury break in an exclusive spa hotel, there really is something for everyone.

Average temperatures in Summer (May-October): Air 24-33°c / Sea: 23-30°c

Average temperatures in Winter (November-April): Air 14-18°c / Sea 17-21°c

Diving Information

A great time to dive in Cyprus is between March and November when you will enjoy calm seas and warm crystal-clear water, however this island is one of the best places in the Mediterranean to dive all year with its abundance of sunny days and endless visibility. Cyprus waters rarely drop below 17°c even over the winter months, and visibility ranges from 20-30m as standard, up to 40m.

Cyprus is home to one of the most famous wrecks in the world, the Zenobia, with her pristine cargo valued at over £200 million comprising of over 100 lorries and trailers, forklifts, tractors and even the Captain’s Lada car! Her sheer size is breath taking and divers will want to spend hours exploring this fascinating site.

As part of the ongoing programme to create protected areas of artificial reefs we are excited to let you know about the latest wreck for divers in Cyprus, MV Elpida. She was sunk in December 2019 and wreck enthusiasts can explore the large bridge, accommodation areas, deck and two masts on the outside, and container, engine room and three decks of quarters inside. Over the coming months this new dive site will be colonised by marine life, growths of flora and fauna and will soon develop its own diverse eco system. Already large shoals of fish have been seen followed by hundreds of amberjacks. bream, triggerfish and trumpetfish are already on deck.

Paphos’s rocky coast provides excellent sites with amazing topography, Pistol Bay has numerous large swim throughs, and there are the beautiful underwater formations of the Stage and Amphitheatre. Latchi is a lovely marina resort that has crystal clear waters and abundant sea life, the islands offer incredible features with swim throughs, walls up to 33 metres, caves, ancient amphorae, and stunning topography. A trip to St George’s Island is a must.

There really is a fantastic mixture of shore diving, boat diving, wall and reefs dives, and of course a choice of wrecks in Cyprus. The sites surrounding the island are home to an abundance of sea life including large grouper, large shoals of barracuda, parrot fish, trigger fish, various wrasses, moray eels, jacks, green turtles, loggerhead turtles, tuna, trumpet fish, nudibranchs, lobster, crabs, sea sponges, sea hares, star fish, hard and soft corals, pufferfish, sea breams, gobies, rays, cuttlefish, octopus, squid and lobster.

Cyprus Diving Adventures are an established PADI 5-star Dive Centre that offers a full range of courses, lessons and daily trips to the top dive sites in Cyprus including the Zenobia, one of the best wreck dives in the world! The dive team provide a personal and flexible service to ensure divers of all levels get the best diving experience that this wonderful island has to offer.

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