Holidays to Cyprus away from the beach

Word (and also beautiful photos) to David, this time bringing us an article on that amazing Mediterranean Island called: Cyprus. After seeing this waters I can only hope to be able to go there for a swim someday :)

Although cheap holidays to Cyprus can be fantastic for doing little more than soaking up the sun, spending your entire break by the beach means that you may miss out on everything else this captivating island has to offer. Indeed, the Mediterranean country has so many things that you can see and do that you may want to put some thought into how you plan on getting around Cyprus in order to take everything in.

But whether you decide to hire a car or make use of the public transport system, you will certainly not be short of captivating historic attractions. One place that you should be sure to visit is Paphos. Located on the south-west of the island, the city contains a wealth of fascinating ancient architecture.


Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, is said to have been born off the coast of Paphos and as such a number of palaces, temples and other buildings have been built in tribute to her. With some of these structures dating back many hundreds of years, you may be able to get a good glimpse into what life was like back on the island while it was under Greek rule.

Indeed, the houses of noblemen Orpheus, Aion and Dionysus contain some stunning mosaics which were built between the third and fifth centuries. You should also check out Petra tou Romiou - or Aphrodite's Rock as it translates in English - a rock which marks the site of the goddess' birth.

The Villa of Thesus is also a fantastic site to visit as you wander through Paphos. While the development had been buried for around 1,600 years, it was largely intact when discovered by archaeologists, so a visit here means that you may be able to get a good insight into what life was like many centuries ago. Paphos is so historic that it was named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1980, so by taking a trip here during the course of a low-cost Cyprus holiday you can be confident of seeing something that contains real historic value.

For a deeper glimpse into the island's history, you should also take the time to visit Maa-Palaeokastro. The defensive settlement was built by the Mycenaean Greeks who arrived on Cyprus around 1200 BC and wandering through the development today allows you to see how they protected the ancient city of Maa from attackers. History buffs may also want to visit the medieval castle of Limassol. It is here that English king Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in the 12th century. Over the years the castle has also been used as a prison and now houses a museum displaying a range of ancient artefacts.

But there are plenty of other things to see and do in Cyprus apart from learning more about its extensive past. The island is home to a number of international-standard golf courses, so if you're keen to hone your swing in the midst of some beautiful natural scenery, you may find that you are in the right place to do exactly that. With its pleasant year-round temperature, you will be able to tee off in style no matter when you decide to go on Cyprus holidays.


After your round is over, why not go for a trek through the Troodos Mountains? With the range containing a number of routes, you should be able to find a path suitable for you whatever your age or walking ability. And as you hike, you may find that you can get a glimpse of some of the island's stunning flora and fauna.

With so many things to see and do away from the beach, you are bound to discover a trip to Cyprus to be a fun-packed, activity-filled experience.