Cyprus has so much more to offer than the sun, sea and sand for which it is famous. A history of colonisation has given the island a fascinating mix of architectural styles, matched only in variety by its natural delights.
The lifestyle is relaxed, food cheap and weather superb - all of which make Cyprus one of the most popular destinations with British holidaymakers.
It's a very popular destination so there are lots of bargains but as a guide, expect flights to Cyprus to cost from £150, a night in a three-star hotel from £30-£45 and a seven-day fly-drive package with B&B accommodation from £470.
July and August are incredibly busy and sizzlingly hot, with temperatures often well above 90F (35C+). April and May are particularly lovely with dry, sunny days in the mid-70s to 80Fs (23-30C) and citrus trees in blossom.
September to October is also a popular time to visit. Easter is the most important religious festival in the Republic and everything closes down.
Don't pass up the capital. Away from the tourist atmosphere of the resorts, Lefkosia (previously Nicosia) is more truly Cypriot than the large towns on the coast.
It is known as "the last divided capital" and UN troops patrol the Green Line that separates the Republic from North Cyprus. Brush up on Cypriot history with a visit to the Cyprus Museum, then check out the wonderful frescoes at St John's Cathedral.
Nine of the frescoed Byzantine churches in the peaceful Troodos mountains are on the World Heritage list, and are definitely worth the trip inland.
The Tombs of the Kings date back to the third century BC and can be combined with an excursion to see the famous Roman mosaics at Paphos.
According to legend, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love; visit the Baths of Aphrodite nestled amongst the lush foliage of the Akamas Peninsula.
Invaded by Turkey in 1974, Northern Cyprus has largely escaped the tourist development found on the south coast. Take a stroll along the waterfront at Kyrenia, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
Indulge in a traditional Turkish bath at the world-famous Buyuk Hammam in North Lefkosia. In the Republic, head for the serene fishing village of Latchi on the north-west coast or the pine forests and walking trails of the Troodos Massif.
Once a small fishing port, the resort of Ayia Napa has shot up the clubbers' popularity charts in the past couple of years and is now something of a Mecca for those who like their nights to keep going until morning.
Lively bars and cafes can be found in all the major towns and resorts, with Paphos and Lemesos (Limassol) particularly popular.
The island's mixed cultural heritage is highlighted by Cypriot cuisine. Dishes show the strong Middle Eastern influences of Turkey as well as elements from more traditional Greek cooking.
Try a meat or fish meze, a feast made up of about 20 different appetiser-sized dishes, or halloumi, the local cheese that is typically served grilled. Cypriot wine is excellent and Turkish coffee strong enough to wake even the Ayia Napa crowd.
Bottles of ouzo, the local spirit, and regional wines make welcome gifts. Most villages specialise in some type of craft, whether it be pottery, silverware, basket-weaving or the famous lace from Lefkara. Find these at the Handicraft Centre in Lefkosia.
Children are well catered-for in most resort hotels, with children's pools, games rooms and watersports programmes.
A little history is best introduced by a scramble around the ruins of one of the island's many castles, or with a visit to the medieval fort at Larnaca. Family is important to Cypriots and children are welcome in cafes and restaurants at all hours.
Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London, W1R 0AA. Tel. 020 7569-8800.
Cyprus
Did you know?
According to legend, Caesar gave the island to Cleopatra as a token of his love.
Language
Greek.
Visas
No visas required for stays of up to three months.
Getting there
Scheduled and charter flights are available direct from London and regional UK airports. Fly to Larnaca and Paphos airports.
Flying time from London
Between four and a half and five hours.
Getting around
The best way to travel around is by hiring a car or motorbike. It's fairly cheap and easy, with driving on the left and many road signs in English. Buses are efficient but the best way to explore locally is to rent a bike.
Currency
Cypriot pound.
Costs
Prices vary greatly, but as a rough guide: a meal for two with wine costs around £10; a bottle of wine is £2.50; a bottle of beer £1; local buses are 50p within resort, and a local taxi ride is 80p per kilometre.
Weather
Midsummer can be very hot so try to visit in April to May or September to October. Winter is intermittently wet but still pleasant.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 357.
Voltage
240V, 50Hz AC. Plugs are square three-pin, the same as the UK.
Opening hours
Very relaxed — most shops are open 8am-7.30pm, with lunch from 1-4pm, and closing at 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Religion is important, so few businesses open on Sundays — but many cafes, restaurants and clubs are open until 2am or later during the week.
Health — before you go
No jabs are necessary. Though tourists receive free medical attention and treatment for emergencies at the Ambulatory and Emergency Department of government hospitals and institutions, adequate insurance should be taken to cover inpatient care and unexpected health costs.
Health — when you are there
The emergency number is 199. Tap water is safe to drink, but overexposure to the sun can cause sunstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration, and sunburn. Take it easy, especially during the first few days. The embassy can recommend a doctor.
Warnings
Hire cars cannot be taken across the border between the Republic and the North. It is also advisable to get Immigration to stamp a separate piece of paper rather than your passport if you're visiting North Cyprus, for later ease of passage into the Republic or Greece.
Emergency
The emergency number is 199. British Embassy High Commission, Alexandrou Pallis St, PO Box 1978, Nicosia. Tel (00 357) 2 861100.
Customs
Family life and religion are central to Cypriot life. Though Cypriots on both sides of the border are friendly and easy-going, most are fiercely patriotic and passions can rise about partition.
Pets
Cyprus is now included in the Pets travel scheme, but be aware that organising the necessary vaccinations and documentation takes some months to set up. See your vet for details.
Tipping
A service charge of 10% is sometimes added to restaurant bills; if not, leave a similar amount. Taxi drivers and hotel porters appreciate a small tip.
Tourist office
Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London, W1R 0AA. Tel: 020 7569 8800.
Did you know?
According to legend, Caesar gave the island to Cleopatra as a token of his love.
Language
Greek in the Republic; Turkish in North Cyprus. English is widely spoken.
Visas
No visas required in either the Republic or the North for stays of up to three months.
Getting there
Scheduled and charter flights are available direct from London and regional UK airports. Fly to Larnaca and Paphos airports for the Republic and to Ercan Airport, via Turkey, for the North.
Flying time from London
Between 4 1/2 and 5 hours.
Getting around
The best way to travel around is by hiring a car or motorbike. It's fairly cheap and easy, with driving on the left and many road signs in English. Buses are efficient but the best way to explore locally is to rent a bike.
Currency
Cypriot pound in the Republic, Turkish lira in the North.
Costs
Bottle of beer 85p; roll of camera film £2.50; moderate restaurant meal £6-£7.50; litre of petrol 45p; four-mile taxi ride £2-£3. These prices are a rough guide as prices will vary around the island.
Weather
Cyprus is the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, with an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. April-May and September-October are the most pleasant months, dry with temperatures between 70F-85F(22C-30C). Summer temperatures can reach well above 90F(35C), and it can drop to around 50F(10C) in December and January.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 357 for the Republic. 00 90 392 for the North.
Voltage
240V, 50Hz AC. Plugs are square three-pin, the same as the UK.
Opening hours
Very relaxed - most shops are open 8am-7:30pm, with lunch from 1-4pm, and closing at 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Religion is important, so few businesses open on Sundays - but many cafes, restaurants and clubs are open until 2am or later during the week.
Health - Before you go
No jabs are necessary. Though tourists receive free medical attention and treatment for emergencies at the Ambulatory and Emergency Department of Government Hospitals and Institutions, adequate insurance should be taken to cover inpatient care and unexpected health costs.
Health - When you are there
The emergency number is 199. Tap water is safe to drink, but overexposure to the sun can cause sunstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration, and sunburn. Take it easy, especially during the first few days. The embassy can recommend a doctor.
Warnings
Hire cars cannot be taken across the border between the Republic and the North. It is also advisable to get Immigration to stamp a separate piece of paper rather than your passport when entering North Cyprus, for later ease of passage into the Republic or Greece.
Emergency
The emergency number is 199. British Embassy High Commission, Alexandrou Pallis St, PO Box 1978, Nicosia. Tel (00 357) 2 861100.
Customs
Family life and religion are central to Cypriot life. Though Cypriots on both sides of the border are friendly and easy-going, most are fiercely patriotic and passions can rise about partition.
Pets
Cyprus is now included in the PETS Travel Scheme, but be aware that organising the necessary vaccinations and documentation takes some months to set up. See your vet for details.
Tipping
10% service charge is sometimes added to restaurant bills; if not, leave a similar amount. Taxi drivers and hotel porters appreciate a small tip.
Tourist office
Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London, W1R 0AA. Tel: 020 7569-8800.
Reviews for : Cyprus
Who would've thought that Cyprus could be a place where you could pleasure your senses with lovely spa treatments, and indulge in fine wines and gratifying food?
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We went to Protaras a couple of years ago, a last minute decision and well worth it! I lived in Cyprus for three years in the early 70's, so I knew my way around, I have wanted to go back for ages.
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In Cyprus the past is literally bursting from the ground. A farmer, ploughing his land, is quite likely to turn up the face of a god and, dutifully taking the mosaic to the Department of Antiquities, is given profuse thanks and has his land taken from under his feet. It is cordoned off, excavated - and another amazing slice of history revealed.
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I stayed at the Hotel Episkopi in Episkopi Bay and had a fantastic time. The staff where excellent, the food very good and the four-star hotel lived up to its ranking.
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Paphos is more for families not young people. Ayia Napa is for the young ones. It is a quiet place. But plenty to do on a night, plenty of bars and quizzes going on. I recommend it!!
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I have visited Cyprus many times over the years, as some of my family have decided to move there.
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We awoke to the chatter of sparrows and sunlight streaming in through the windows. A glorious orange blossom perfume drenched the air. High above the citrus grove surrounding our villa, stone-topped mountains with wooded flanks stood sharp against a clear blue sky.
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Northern Cyprus is the invisible country. Just one government in the world has recognised it since it was formed in 1983 - nine years after Turkey invaded in response to a coup in the south. Two decades on, it still doesn't exist as far as the world is concerned. Even to get there you need to sneak in through the back door, flying in via mainland Turkey.
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Forty million lire? I looked up at the waiter suspiciously. The meal had been good, but hey, 40 MILLION lire? OK, we'd had a bottle of delicious wine and something called 'the full kebab', which consisted of about a dozen little dishes of delicacies such as salads and stuffed vine leaves, with succulent meats on skewers, followed by coffee and a small bowl of Turkish delight.
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Lunch had been enormous. Again. The afternoon sun was pleasantly hot and the waves made a gentle rhythm on the shore. In no time at all, I was peacefully dozing on the deserted sandy beach.
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I really enjoyed my stay at Larnaca. The sea was crystal clear and the beaches were soft white sand.
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I holidayed in Kyrenia in 2001 over the Christmas and New Year period. The weather was warm and sunny most of the time.
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We have been to Northern Cyprus three times in the last two years - twice in 1999 and once in 2001.
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This was our first time in the North, having spent several years enjoying the South. We only arrived back in the UK on 21 June so I am really still in holiday mode.
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Socialite Tara Palmer-Tompkinson says she regularly has weekend breaks in Thailand.
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I have been to Cyprus a couple of times. I have stayed in Nicosia and Protaras.
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Cyprus might not be the first name on the golf fanatic's card, but the island is putting that straight.
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I have just returned from a one-week stay here. This was my first visit and it will not be my last. I loved every minute of my stay.
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With its bracing pine-scented air, Byzantine churches, stirring ancient ruins and pristine beaches, Cyprus ticks all the right holiday boxes with plenty to offer.
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This is by far the best place I have ever been to.
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Had a great time there three years ago. The people are friendly, the beaches great, and even though everyone thinks of Ayia Napa as the clubbing capital (which it is) you can also find some nice local attractions.
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I have been to Cyprus twice. The first time was for a week in Larnaca. My fiance and I liked the island so much we decided to get married there.
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