Cyprus: Sunshine and Sandy Beaches
The island of Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean's most sought after holiday destinations for travellers from all over the world. Among all the benefits of this ancient place is her near perfect weather. Temperature extremes are rare for Cyprus, even during the height of summer. On the few days when the temperature does reach near 32°C, the cool Mediterranean water or the mountainous Troodos region offer a good way to stay cool.
Beginning your Cyprus holiday of sunshine and sandy beaches starts with a car hire Paphos airport, or Larnaca, if your flight lands there instead. Seaside resorts and small hotels are plentiful all along the Mediterranean coast. Less expensive accommodations are available inland, yet still just a short distance away from the water.
One thing you'll notice rather quickly in Cyprus is all the sunshine she sees. The Mediterranean is one of the sunniest places on earth, making a wonderful holiday for tourists from Europe and North America. Be sure to pack a hat and enough sunscreen to last your entire holiday. Sunglasses are a great idea as well.
The region's summer season is a long one, running from May to October. Even though the calendar claims autumn begins two-thirds of the way through September, the weather in Cyprus remains comfortably warm through October. You'll be able to enjoy the sun and sand, complete with swimming, even into early November.
If your home base happens to be Paphos, you'll have plenty of beaches available to you, including Alykes, Coral Beach, Faros, Laourou, Geroskipou, Pachyammos, and Vrysoudia. Some of these beaches offer municipal baths and camping sites.
Beaches near Larnaca include Castella, Ellinas, Mckenzie, Phinikoudes, and Yannathes. For other coastal cities like Ayia Napa, Limassol, Polis, and Protaras, check with your travel agent to find the best available beaches.
Once on the beach, the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean offers a plethora of activities to keep you busy. There's water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, boating, snorkelling, diving, and fishing. And after a full day on the water, take advantage of that car hire from the Paphos airport and drive inland for an authentic local meal and the Cypriote night life. You'll encounter local bars with both the old and the new; an eclectic mix of everything that makes Cyprus such a great place to visit.
When the night is over, be sure not to pass up another quick stop at the beach before you head to bed. The cool breezes off the water provide a refreshing end to the day, and the lights along the shore reflect off the sea for a picture-perfect scene. There's no better way to say goodnight in the Mediterranean than a bare-foot stroll on the water's edge.