Why Cyprus is a MUST in 2016 for you and the family
As the mercury drops and the days get shorter, many families cure the winter blues by booking a holiday for the year ahead. Having something exciting in the diary is bound to lift your mood, so if you’re searching for a fun-filled destination that’s perfect for your entire brood – including babies and toddlers – look no further than Cyprus.
There’s something for everyone on this sunshine island, so here are just several reasons why this is the ideal location:
1. Sunny weather
Nestled in the Mediterranean ocean, Cyprus offers days upon days of cloudless skies and balmy temperatures. In fact, from April until around October, you can pretty much guarantee sunshine every day allowing you to make the most of the spectacular beaches, waterparks and outdoor swimming pools that are ideal for families looking for adventure. While July and August are perfect for sun lovers with thermometers reaching 40-plus degrees, it’s probably best to avoid these months if you’re travelling with children, as they can be quite stifling.
2. Snowy weather
And if you hate the sun altogether? Well fear not, as when temperatures dip in winter you’ll find snow up in the Troodos Mountains which is ideal not only for snowball fights and sledging but skiing holidays too. In fact, with plenty of ski resorts and chalets dotted amongst the pine trees of the area, you’re sure to find somewhere wonderfully cosy to snuggle down for a week or two and explore the exquisite views. From Platres Square to Kaledonia Falls, there are no shortage of tourist hotspots to check out either, so it’s well worth popping Cyprus on your must-see list.
3. Glorious beaches
Being an island, Cyprus is of course home to a wide array of beaches with Fig Tree Bay in Protaras and Agia Napa coastlines named among the most surreal, clean, beautiful and tourist-friendly beaches in Europe. Golden sands and clear blue seas are what you can expect here and if water sports take your fancy then why not check out the island’s snorkelling and scuba diving? You could even hop on board a banana boat for some great fun on the sea, hire out a jet ski for the day or board a pirate ship in the Paphos Harbour and spend the afternoon discovering hidden coves and looking for treasure.
4. Delicious cuisine
There’s no doubt about it, Cypriots love their meat with kebabs, kleftiko, sheftalia and other delights topping most taverna and hotel menus. Mezes are also extremely popular with many eateries serving an array of traditional dishes at a slow pace allowing you to sample a host of tongue-tingling treats at one sitting. Fish restaurants overlooking the ocean are plentiful and if you head into the villages you’re sure to get a feast for a fraction of what it would cost you in the tourist areas – and that’s worth remembering.
5. Variety
Cyprus’ turbulent history means it’s a divided island. While the politics are both unsettling and a little too recent for comfort, the fact that you need a passport to travel from the Turkish side to the Greek side means you can almost enjoy two holidays in one. While highlights of the south include the bustling towns of Limassol and Paphos, and stretches of beautiful beaches, the north is home to Saint Hilarion Castle which is sure to take your breath away, as well as the wonderfully picturesque city of Kyrenia.
Cyprus really is a place of variety and intrigue. It’s full of beauty and the Cypriots welcome people of all ages with open arms, so why not see what all the fuss is about for yourself?
