Top Ten Tuesdays – Things to Do in Cyprus

The following is a guest post.

This weeks “Top Ten Tuesdays” post covers the beautiful island country of Cyprus, in the Mediterranean. With its interesting political borders on the island, and its location in one of the most beautiful areas of the world, travelers flock to Cyprus to experience all it has to offer. Below you’ll find a list of ten great things to do while in Cyprus, written by Rosalea Collinge.

The island of Cyprus, found in the Eastern Mediterranean has a lot of exciting and relaxing things to do. Here is an idea of ten great things to do in this gorgeous place.

Mediterranean Waters
Swim in the Sparkling Mediterranean Water
Whether you want to feel the beautiful warmth of the water, or just soak up some sun, Cyprus is a fantastic spot. Relaxation will envelop you, as you lie on the beach in perfect tranquility. However, if you want something a little more active, the clear, blue water is also a great place to take part in water sports. So whether you want to be serene or adventurous, why not do it in this perfect setting.

Sports and Exploration in Rural Cyprus
If you like the idea of being active, but want to move away from the water, there are a great many other sports which are available. If cycling is your thing, then visit between November and March, when you will find competitions and training camps for some of the top biking teams in the world. Alternatively, you could find out more about the countryside in the Spring, in Stavros tis Psokas Forest Reserve. Here you can find a rare wild sheep, called the Cyprus Moufflon. They are unique to Cyprus, so it would be a very exciting sighting.

Play Golf
For a different activity, try playing golf here. This is a popular activity and many Cyprus hotels are located adjacent to the golf courses, to offer you luxury while you play your game.

Experience the Sea from a Yacht
If you want to really immerse yourself in the beauty of the sea, the ideal thing to do is to rent a yacht. If you are experienced in this field, even you should be impressed by the ‘LUX’ class of fast yachts, which are modern and have all that you should want on an adventure of this kind. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views and experiences.

Find your hobby in Cyprus
Whether you already have a special interest in an activity, or want to try something new, there are so many options available here. From winter sports to fishing, from mountain biking to hiking in the mountains or plains, there will be something for you. You can do something adventurous like parachuting, before a nice game of tennis. Ride horses in a beautiful setting, or go snorkeling in the warm, blue sea. So many options to choose from, that you will surely be kept occupied for as long as you want.

Relax on a Cruise
To properly experience the warmth of the sun, while going a little farther afield, relax on a cruise. You can go from Cyprus to places like the beautiful Greek islands, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel or Syria. Just be sure to pack your sunscreen and a fashionable hat, so you can enjoy your experience in comfort.

Fine Wines
If you are a fan of high quality wine, Cyprus is an ideal place to visit. Why not try going on a wine touring route. Alternatively, travel to Limassol and Pafos where you will find wine famed for its taste. Also, monasteries such as Chysorogiatissa make amazing Cypriot wines. If you go to Kykkos Monastery you can find a locally distilled red Zivania. All of these are famous, and one of the oldest wines in the world is the Commandaria.

Restaurants in Cyprus
Delicious experiences await if you want to dine in Cyprus. You can sample up to thirty different great dishes with the traditional “meze” meal, which provides samples of both cold and hot food. This is sure to give you an all round experience of the local cuisine.

Seasonal Events and Festivals
If you visit Cyprus, it is a great idea to go at the time when Carnival is taking place. This occurs 50 days prior to the orthodox Easter, with countless festivities in many different places. This excitement culminates in a parade on Carnival Sunday, in Lemesos. There is also the Anthestiria flower festival in May. There are other attractions such as music, dancing and performances of ancient Greek tragedies and comedies, which take place from mid-June to September, as well as other great festivals. Cyprus is such a vibrant place and there is so much attraction that if you make sure to come when something is going on, you will not be disappointed.

Fully relax at a spa
If all of that activity tired you out, many Cyprus hotels offer great Spa Centres Complete your relaxation in a sauna, or even go for some aromatherapy. There is a lot of choice, so you will be sure to find something to suit your needs. These “SPA” programs could mean a perfect end to a great, fun-filled holiday on the beautiful island of Cyprus.

The content and photos of this post are not the property of BackpackingWorldwide.com but are used with permission.

{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }

inka May 24, 2011 at 10:56 am

Cyprus, why not?

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Matt May 24, 2011 at 2:25 pm

Absolutely how I feel!! Looks like a beautiful place.

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Danielle May 24, 2011 at 2:10 pm

Looks beautiful!

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Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista May 24, 2011 at 2:44 pm

Great advice for spending time in Cyprus. By the looks of the pictures, a very special place to visit it is!

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Michael Figueiredo May 24, 2011 at 2:46 pm

Sign me up! Cyprus looks beautiful! :)

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Sophie | Sophie's World May 24, 2011 at 3:06 pm

Cyprus is lovely. I especially like the Troodos Mountains. Haven’t been for nearly 20 years though.

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Matt May 31, 2011 at 3:41 pm

Well I’ve never been so you’re beating me!

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Raymond @ Man On The Lam May 24, 2011 at 10:07 pm

I’ve always wanted to go to Cyprus. Who knew there was so much to do? :)

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Cathy Sweeney May 24, 2011 at 10:40 pm

It all sounds good to me. I’ve dreamed of being on a yacht in the Mediterranean sipping on a glass of wine. Maybe someday …

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Turkey's For Life May 25, 2011 at 3:13 am

Enjoyed this post. We have some friends who have just moved to Cyprus so we’re hoping to hop over there soon to go and see them. We’ll get to travel from the Turkish to the Greek side which should be interesting.
Julia

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Matt May 31, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Yea that will be quite an experience. Should be fun!

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Mark Wiens May 25, 2011 at 7:04 am

Sounds great, I’d love to experience the sea for a yacht!

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The Travel Chica May 25, 2011 at 7:29 am

I had no idea there was great wine in Cyprus. With the gorgeous waters and the wine, those are the only two reasons I need to go!

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Matt May 31, 2011 at 3:42 pm

Haha, I know a few people who feel the exact same way :)

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Laurel May 25, 2011 at 12:39 pm

I’ve never really considered Cyprus, but it sounds like there’s lots to do there and I could be bribed to go with good wine.

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Andrea May 25, 2011 at 10:18 pm

Wow, lots to do there…great list!

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John in France May 26, 2011 at 10:56 pm

I wonder which side of Cyprus you refer to? Is access to the Turkish side of the island easy ie without restrictions for tourists and locals alike??

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Matt May 31, 2011 at 3:42 pm

This is about the other side of Cypress :) I don’t really know how intense the restrictions are.

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