Cyprus Guide: Discover the cuisine, culture, highlands and history | Pro IQRA News

Cyprus Guide: Discover the cuisine, culture, highlands and history

 | Pro IQRA News

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yprus basks under bright blue skies up to 340 days a year, but sunshine is only the beginning. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and is a strong blend of European and Middle Eastern influences, and a legacy of centuries at the crossroads of East and West.

Book a break to Cyprus with British Airways Holidays and you can dip your toes in the warm Mediterranean waters, wander through pine-covered hills, and feast on sumptuous fare of hummus, halloumi and cheese. From Kleftiko (roast lamb with Cypriot herbs) and unearth more history than you can shake an archaeologist’s shovel at.

This is the Mediterranean I always imagined, down to the soft sugar sands and the scent of wild thyme in the breeze. To make the most of your trip, here are the best places to explore.

Travel back in time to historical Paphos

Paphos, full of family fun, is spiced in history. A short walk from Paphos Harbour, you can view the mosaic-filled Greco-Roman palaces in Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, climb the walls of the Ottoman castle, walk among the ornate tombs of ancient kings and visit the ruined basilica that marks the place where the Apostle is. Paul converted Roman Cyprus to Christianity.

Find space and silence on the Akamas Peninsula

The beautiful Akamas Peninsula features clear blue coves and secret beaches

/ Getty Images

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the beach resort, follow the back roads from Latchi or Peyia to the quiet and serene Akamas Peninsula. On this empty isthmus, walking trails and rugged dirt roads lead to rocky valleys, crystal blue coves, and secret beaches where green and loggerhead turtles nest from June to September. For the ultimate in tranquility, follow the rugged path from the Baths of Aphrodite – the natural spring where Adonis fell in love with the goddess of love – to the remote and beautiful Blue Lagoon.

Advantages of booking with British Airways Holidays

  • Book now, pay later with deposits from as low as £60 per person, and pay the balance in as many instalments as you like. The balance is due four weeks before travel for short trips
  • When you fly with British Airways, you will notice additional safety measures throughout your journey. There are also enhanced safety measures for hotels and car rentals to ensure you can enjoy your holiday safely
  • A dedicated holiday helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any issues while you are away. And if your plans change or the unexpected happens, British Airways Holidays will prioritize getting you home as soon as possible
  • ATOL Protection for All Vacations – meaning your money is safe and you can rest assured you won’t be stranded abroad

Enjoy the views from the ancient city of Kourion

The island has many interesting ancient ruins to explore

/ Getty Images/iStockphoto

After millennia at the center of Mediterranean empire building, Cyprus is overflowing with ancient ruins, but few locations can rival Kourion in sheer drama. Crowning the remains of this sprawling Greco-Roman city is a rocky outcrop to the west of Limassol, complete with ancient Christian mosaics, Roman baths and a reconstructed amphitheater that peers out over a long sand and pebble beach. Nearby, you can visit Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, and the windsurfing center at Pissouri Beach.

Find a different Cyprus in the Troodos Mountains

Discover a different side of Cyprus in the Troodos Mountain Range

/ Getty Images / EyeEm

The beaches grab the headlines, but the soul of Cyprus resides in the scented hills around 1,952-meter-high Mount Olympus. Walking trails lead through the Troodos mountain range to rustic taverns, Byzantine churches full of frescoes, and pine-covered outcrops that provide a home to owls, Bonelli’s eagles and Cyprus’ last wild animal. Approach the mountains from Limassol to visit the ancient wine-making villages around Omodos – this region has been producing full-bodied reds since at least 4000 BC.

Enjoy eating Cypriot food in Limassol

Fine seafood mezze dishes are always on the menu

/ British Airways Holidays

The second largest city in Cyprus lies along a sandy bay between Larnaca and Paphos, on the doorstep of some of the island’s most historic sites. Downtown, it’s the bars and restaurants in the lanes around the squat Ottoman castle that command attention. In addition to sumptuous mezze, look out for oriental-influenced Cypriot dishes such as stifado (Beef cooked with cinnamon and onions) and Avila (braised pork with red wine and coriander).

More reasons to choose a British Airways holiday

There are all kinds of advantages to booking

• A generous baggage allowance of 23kg per person is included in the price – so there are no extra costs to add

• Quality accommodation options to suit every budget, from 3* to 5*, there is something to suit everyone

• Extensive flights from the British Airways network: so you can find a flight that fits your schedule

• British Airways operates flights to central airports so you can be sure of good transport links to your final destination

• Upgrade to British Airways Club Europe – To experience an extra level of service and style, upgrade your travel plans to British Airways Club Europe. You’ll enjoy dedicated check-in desks and priority reservations, greater baggage allowance, access to private lounges, and complimentary onboard food and beverage options.

Take off in Ayia Napa and Protaras

The sea caves near Ayia Napa provide a calming contrast to the vibrant nightlife

/ British Airways Holidays

Relaxing on the blond sandy coves in the far southeast of the island, the twin resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras are where sun-seekers come to relax on the gorgeous beaches, savor delicious cuisine at the many restaurants and admire the museums. Those looking for something different can try water skiing, paragliding, and snorkeling in the warm turquoise waters – wrecks and eroding sea caves of Cape Greco National Park.

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and come with a 24 hour holiday helpline. Secure your Cyprus vacation for 2023 now with a low deposit at ba.com/cyprus

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