Islands in the Sun: Southern Cyprus

Cyprus is located south of Turkey and is a fantastic holiday destination. Whether you prefer relaxing on a beach, partying the nights (and days!) away, or soaking up the culture, Cyprus is sure to satisfy.

According to Greek mythology, Cyprus was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure.

Rich in culture both ancient and modern, Cyprus has many historical sites well worth visiting. The island has been fought over and invaded since antiquity.

In more modern times, Cyprus came under British administration in 1878, formally becoming a British colony in 1925. It was annexed in 1914 after the Ottoman Empire joined World War I on the opposing side.
Cyprus gained independence in 1960, becoming the Republic of Cyprus.

The population of Cyprus is mainly of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot descent, and both Greece and Turkey have historically vied for influence on the island. In the 1970s, tensions escalated into violent conflict, culminating in the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus in 1974. The island has remained divided ever since, with the Republic of Cyprus in the south (predominantly Greek Cypriot) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognised only by Turkey) in the north.

It’s the south of Cyprus that I’m going to focus on today. I went there with a large group of friends. Although we love eating, drinking, and spending time together, we have different interests too — so Cyprus was the perfect group destination.

Cyprus boasts the most Blue Flag beaches per capita in the world, with a total of 53.

One of the best-known resorts on the island is Ayia Napa. Nissi Beach is where most of the younger crowd heads. Ayia Napa has around eight sandy beaches

Water sports like windsurfing, water-skiing, and pedalo boating are hugely popular in Nissi Bay, and beach parties are still a big part of the Ayia Napa experience.

It’s also home to WaterWorld Waterpark, themed around ancient Greece, with over 18 rides and attractions — some wild enough for thrill-seekers and others gentle enough for small children. The park also features go-karting and a fish spa, where tiny fish nibble away at your dead skin!

Right in the heart of Ayia Napa town, amid the clubs and modern shops, is the Ayia Napa Monastery. Take a few minutes to stroll around it — it feels so surreal to step from a bustling street into a cool, quiet, centuries-old site. At the south gate stands a sycamore fig tree, believed to be over 600 years old. The church is partly cut into rock and dates back to Byzantine times. It is dedicated to “Our Lady of the Forest” and has become a place of pilgrimage for childless couples.

We hired a car for a couple of days. Don’t be nervous about driving in Cyprus — they drive on the left, just like in the UK (although, like many in the Mediterranean, locals do tend to favour driving in the shade!).

I wanted to see the Tombs of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Paphos. Despite the name, no actual kings are buried there — it’s the final resting place of high-ranking officials and aristocrats from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Another hauntingly memorable place is the ghost town of Varosha, a suburb of Famagusta. I didn’t go, but some of my friends did — they found it profoundly moving. Once a vibrant tourist resort, Varosha was abandoned in 1974 during the Turkish invasion and has been fenced off ever since. Everything was left just as it was — hotels, homes, even clothing in shop windows — frozen in time.

I’m not much of a shopper on holiday, but some of my self-confessed shopaholic friends say Paphos and Limassol are excellent for high fashion.

If you prefer local souvenirs, you’ll find a great variety: embroidered and lace goods (especially if handmade), brightly coloured ceramics, copper kettles, hubble-bubble pipes (narghiles), gold and silver jewellery, and beautiful leather bags and belts.

Traditional Greek Cypriot tavernas serve simple and delicious dishes: olives, fresh fish, flavoured pulses, goat’s milk cheese, and an abundance of sun-ripened vegetables. If you prefer British fare, there are plenty of places offering full English breakfasts or fish and chips.

And be sure to try a Cypriot kebab — you don’t need to be drunk to enjoy one!

Kym Frederick