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FIND OUT MOREWinter sun in Cyprus
If you want to escape the drab winter sky, a trip to Cyprus would do the trick beautifully. This year-round destination enjoys an annual average of 300 sunny days, and has much more to offer than the famous beaches and club nights of Ayia Napa, if you know where to look.
All images courtesy of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
Cyprus, the easternmost part of the European Union, is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Its geographic position at the crossroads of three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa - has played a determining part in its turbulent, 10,000-year history.
The many diverse cultures that found a home on the island over the centuries have left visible traces. This is a place of prehistoric settlements, classical Greek temples, Roman theatres, Byzantine churches, Muslim mosques and British colonial-style buildings.
Cyprus also boasts natural beauty that is the stuff of legends. According to mythology, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was born here, rising out of the sea foam. Given the island's stunning coastline, it is easy to see what inspired the myth.
Its beaches are just a small part of the island's charm. Cyprus is home to a massive mountain range, unspoilt national park areas, quaint villages, exciting cities, friendly, fun-loving people and year-round azure skies. Have we mentioned that the average maximum coastal temperature in December is 17° C?
Although its northern part is still illegally occupied by the Turks following a military invasion in 1974, the variety of attractions on offer in the free, southern part of the island is truly dazzling. So the best way to enjoy Cyprus is to rent a car and discover your favourite bits. Here is a quick overview:
Larnaca
Built on the site where the ancient city-kingdom of Kition once stood, the coastal town of Larnaca is the place most visitors see first, as it is home to the island's main international airport.
A palm tree lined promenade runs along the main beachfront (Phoinikoudes), from the marina to the old fort, boasting a host of restaurants, cafés and bars. Keep walking beyond the fort and you will discover one of the locals' favourite dining destinations - a row of fish tavernas right on the water's edge, serving fresh fish and seafood specialities.
In winter, thousands of flamingos, wild swans and ducks make their annual return to Larnaca's salt lake - lying in front of the Hala Sultan Tekkesi Mosque. Built in 648 AD on the spot where Umm Haram, a relative of the Prophet Mohammed, died, this beautiful mosque is one of the most important places of worship for Muslims.
But perhaps the most awe-inspiring place of worship in Larnaca is the 9th century Agios Lazaros Church. This stone building is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture on the island, and well worth a visit.
About 32 km from Larnaca is the archaeological site of Choirokitia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a well preserved settlement from the neolithic age.
Nicosia
Lefkosia, as it is known locally, is the capital and largest city of Cyprus. It is also the only divided capital in the world. Situated in the centre of the island, it is a thoroughly modern city steeped in history.
A visit to the old town is a must to walk along the 16th century walls that surround it, and explore its museums, old churches, medieval buildings and traditional tavernas with their mouth-watering kebabs and 'mezedes'. Outside the walls, you will find yourself in a vibrant European city, full of world-class restaurants, cafés, shops and nightclubs.
Visit the Cyprus Museum (1 Museum St), which showcases magnificent collections of pottery, jewellery, sculpture, copper objects and other finds from excavations all over the island, from the neolithic age to the early Byzantine period.
Also worth a visit is the Byzantine Museum (Archiepiskopou Kyprianou Sq), which contains the largest collection of Byzantine art in Cyprus, from icons to ecclesiastical vessels and robes.
No visit to Nicosia is complete without a stroll around Laiki Geitonia (Traditional Neighbourhood) - a restored pedestrian area within the walled town, near Elefterias Square. This quaint neighbourhood features restored traditional houses that are now used as shops, restaurants and craft centres.
Limassol
Lying between two ancient city-kingdoms, Amathous and Kourion, Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus, and the island's main port.
This is a sprawling, modern city, but it is the archaeological gems in its district that make it a must visit. Kolossi Medieval Castle, for example, 14 km west of Limassol, on the road to Paphos, is a great example of military architecture, dating back to the 13th century.
A bit further to the west, 19 km from Limassol, is the stunning ancient city-kingdom of Kourion - one of the most significant archaeological sites in Cyprus. Here, among the other unearthed structures, you will find a beautiful Greco-Roman open-air theatre, built in the 2nd century BC, overlooking the sea. Today, the theatre has been restored and regularly hosts theatrical performances - the ultimate romantic night out.
Paphos
The coastal town of Paphos, in the west of Cyprus, is where Aphrodite was said to have been born, and it is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the island. Here you will find rugged mountains overlooking the sapphire blue sea, tranquil villages where time seems to have stood still, a picturesque harbour and numerous archaeological sites.
In fact, the entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From its medieval port to the remains of its ancient city walls, Paphos is an open-air museum.
One of the main attractions of Kato Paphos (the main coastal area) is the Tombs of the Kings. This is a site of underground tombs carved out of solid rock and dating back to the 3rd century BC, where high ranking officials were buried.
But the true beauty of Paphos lies inland, up on the mountains. Drive through charming villages like Drouseia and Ineia, and stop for a bite to eat at a traditional taverna. Get out of the car and do some hiking or cycling, taking in stunning views of the sea below. Discover the wild, unspoilt beauty of the Akamas peninsula - a national park boasting spectacular landscapes and beaches, and teeming with biodiversity. It is way off the beaten track, but definitely worth your trouble.
The mountains
Stretching across most of the western side of Cyprus, Troodos is the island's biggest mountain range. Its highest peak, Mount Olympus, rises a staggering 1,951 metres above sea level.
There are many good reasons to visit Troodos, including the Byzantine churches perched on its peaks and the picturesque villages clinging to its slopes.
Ten of Troodos's churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but its most popular place of worship is the imposing Kykkos monastery. Founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Kykkos is where the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, started his ecclesiastical career as a novice monk. At his wish, he was buried at Throni, 3 km west of the monastery.
A long walk among the pine scented forests of Troodos is a magnificent experience any time of the year.
Ammochostos
The free part of the Ammochostos area is home to the popular holiday resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras, on the island's southeast coast. In the summer, these areas are overrun with tourists enjoying the sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. In winter, when the crowds have dissipated, the deserted coastline is perfect for long romantic walks.
If you are up for some more strenuous exercise, try the nature trails of the Cape Gkreko National Forest Park. With its towering cliff formations and gorgeous sea views, this is a great place to go hiking or cycling in winter.
WHERE TO STAY
If you just want a base from which to explore Cyprus, a good budget hotel is easyHotel Larnaca (www.easyhotel.com), which is located in the city centre. Fancy spoiling yourself? Then book a couple of nights in one of Paphos's luxury resorts, like the fabulously exclusive Anassa (www.anassa.com.cy) or the Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills (www.aphroditehills.com) - the latter also boasts a world-class golf course.
HOW TO GET THERE
Award-winning low fares airline Monarch (www.monarch.co.uk) offers year-round flights to Larnaca from Manchester Airport, with up to seven flights per week. Fares, including taxes, start from £52 one way. For a range of other flights from Manchester to Cyprus, visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk.