The Island of the Sun

Since ancient times Cyprus has been known as ‘The Island of the Sun’ because the sun shines for over 330 days a year.  This is one of the biggest attractions for Brit tourists, with over 1.3 million of them converging on the island every year.  With plenty of airlines offering cheap flights to Cyprus there has never been a better time to visit the island.

 

Another reason why there is such a heavy presence of Brits in Cyprus is because of the positioning of the British Armed forces base in the southern Greek part of the island.  The UK retains a military presence in order to have a gateway for forces to the Middle East and Asia.  The impact of this on the surrounding area is that Cypriots have grown used to, and in turn, now cater for the Brits.   From English being spoken fluently by (almost) all Cypriots, to English cuisine being served in virtually every bar you walk into, a major attraction for many Brit visitors is that the island offers all of the comforts and familiarities of home, but in a sunnier climate.

 

For many people reading this, the prospect of taking a holiday away from England only to be greeted by a taxi driver hailing from Croydon and being served an ‘authentic’ dish of steak and chips will not appeal.  However, this image of Cyprus, which continues to attract millions of Brit package tourists, is only one side of the tourist trail.  As soon as you leave the packaged paradise of Paphos and hit the open road, the real country reveals itself and is there to be explored. 

 

Renting a car is the most convenient and comfortable (just make sure it has air-conditioning) way to get around.  Holiday Autos offers cheap car hire from Paphos airport, as well as the other major cities in Cyprus.  A trip well worth making is into Cyprus’ largest mountain range, the Troodos Mountains.  Located in the centre of the island, it’s a good two hours drive from Paphos but well worth it and an undeniable highlight of a holiday in Cyprus.  As you drive up the winding mountain roads the Mediterranean Sea becomes a distant panoramic view and you get a good understanding of the country’s landscape.

 

In the heart of the Troodos Mountains is the Kykkos monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site.   Housing exhibits and art on ancient Greece, the monastery has the twin function of being a museum for visitors and a practising monastery lived in by worshiping monks.  Wondering round enjoying the icons, religious relics and piety of the monks this monastery is a haven for tranquillity, which is what many people really seek on holiday.  Kykkos even has its own winery where the monks produce and sell their own unique wine.  Many tourists choose to spend a night or two in the Troodos, and accommodation within the monastery itself can be arranged. Alternatively, you could try an overnight stay in a guesthouse within one of the many villages that are within the mountains.  Populated by authentic Cypriots and infrequently visited by tourists they are always very welcoming and keen to hear about life in England.