Cyprus Small Group Holidays

Introducing Cyprus (Continued...)

topography rises slowly at first, before then suddenly climbing sharply through pine forests and into the Troodos Mountains. At higher elevations the weather is naturally cool, providing a welcome reprieve from what can be stifling summer temperatures. Such is the contrast in conditions, that you’ll find snow on the island’s peaks (the tallest being Mt Olympus 6.401ft) during winter and temperatures up to 40C on the coast in summer. Spring strikes a perfect balance and allows for more exertion and extra sporting activity. Thanks to excellent beaches and strong winds, Cyprus proves popular for windsports fans. Culturally and religiously the island is split by the central border running east to west. But thanks to increased cooperation, it’s a spirit of friendliness that pervades on the island of the goddess of love.

Walking

Once into the Troodos Mountains, you’ll find great tracks and trails to negotiate. Thanks to having many heavily-forested regions, the going is good, but can be testing. The focal point of many of these walks are the three natural trails that wind their way around its foothills. There are other areas to wander that are less testing: Machairas to the east, the Pafos Forest to the west, and routes on the north coast are great alternatives. Mountain villages are sleepy, but welcoming of visitors. Walking in Cyprus you’ll get to rest up in peaceful village squares and make the most of the inland calm.

If you prefer walking through woods to trekking up mountains then there’s the Limassol Forest to explore. Set back from the town of the same name, it’s easy to find and you’ll never have to climb past 3000 feet. These routes are all well established. Underfoot, expect typical tracks and trails, with the air infused with the aroma of sweet pines.

As an island Cyprus has hundreds of coastal paths to wander. Look to the Akamas Peninsula for some of the best routes and there’s always a chance of a dip so pack those trunks.

Kitesurfing

Fans of windsurfing and kitesurfing are well provided for. There is 648km of coast to enjoy, the best beaches for these board sports are across three areas: Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca.

Winds prevail from the south-west and help drive coastal spots such as Potima and Helios Bay. Potima is favoured by the windsports and Helios Bay preferred by surfers.

It’s a little more challenging at Pafos, although at nearby Geroskipou there’s a closed bay that creates flat seas, which can be sailed with either a south-west or south-easterly wind.

At Paramali you’ll find on-shore winds and are likely to have the beach to yourself. This is luxury kitesurfing and has great regular winds all summer, for May to October. If you can’t catch a wave here then look to Carium. It is a busy tourist spot, however it is one of the places you can get in and get some air almost all-year-round.

Mountain Biking

With the island sporting two prominent mountain ranges (Troodos and Kyrenia) there’s always going to be some mountainbiking going on.

Across foothills, then up to the big hills, mountainbiking here can be leisurely but could easily test the most adventurous of riders. As well as making the most of the general trails, there are dedicated downhill routes near Akamas and Kokkali. There are uplifts to get you to the start and wonderful views to be enjoyed before you fly downhill, out of the pine forests and into the sun. You‘ll easily be able to reach the sea in one ride, so pack the appropriate gear.
Families can also get in on the action; there are lower-level thrills, double tracks, and even single tracks for the more advanced riders.

Scuba Diving

Divers won’t be able to resist the waters off of Cyprus. The water clarity is excellent and there are cove after cove of small dive spots. There’s even an underwater amphitheatre to be played in! With dive schools doted around the coast, you’ll be sure to get some advice and tips on the Cypriot undersea worlds.

If you’re tired of looking at fish and corals, try a wreck dive instead. All around the cost there are wrecks to be found and none more spectacular than the Zanobia, a cargo ferry, which is pretty much intact. For novices there’s a training wreck in Limassol harbour, and for the more experienced there’s the ancient remains of a British man-o-war, clutching to the tip of the Akrotiri peninsula.

Perhaps you prefer your corals to your wrecks? If so there’s diving to be had all along the coast; sometimes the smallest of coves will leave you amazed after just a quick dive.
You don’t always need a tank on your back to see all the ocean has to offer. A lightweight mask and snorkel combination will provide you hours of underworld entertainment. The Cypriot coastline forms many rock pools, the safest ones are often frequented by locals and are usually worth a look. The Akamas peninsula is a favourite place for swimmers to marvel at tropical fish. Just don’t expect all the fishes to be pretty little puffers, as bigger fish occupy these waters, too.

Sea caves near Aya Napa are popular spots, as is Makronisos beach, and the reefs at Green Bay and St Georges Island.

The beauty about snorkeling is you remain mobile. No need for hefty compressors and tanks; just by having a car and the most basic gear you are ready to explore, both above and below the water.

Rock Climbing

Limestone: Cyprus has lots of it. New to the sport you’ll quickly be able to get used to the safety equipment and get scrambling.

To the south east of the island you’ll find Cavo Greko and its featured soft limestone, there’s a significant hard limestone area in Dhiarizos, between Limassol and Pafos, and some great sandstone climbing to be had at Droushia.

There are opportunities for trad and sport climbing spread across the island, although the more established routes are on the Greek-Cypriot side. Bouldering fans won’t be disappointed either. All the climbs are within an hour’s drive of the sea, so efforts on the rock are easily rewarded with hours in the water.

Skiing

The absolute jewel in Cyprus’ sporting crown! Few people are aware that thanks to the elevation of the Troodos Mountains, there is good snow and real fun to be had on skis or on snowboards. Conditions are at their best between January and March with ski lifts commonly opening at 9am and closing at 4pm. There are four main pistes: Sun Valley 1, Sun Valley II and North Face I and II, as well as a cross-country track. Who ever would have thought it was possible to ski in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon? Well it is, in Cyprus!

Classic Itineraries

From arriving at the airport take a bus to your hotel on the coast and relax. With a few days of sunbathing out of the way it’s soon time to get adventurous. Why not head into the mountains and around the Troodos Massif? Get that mountain bike out and get out for a blast, before returning to the coast again in the evening. Zig-zagging between Troodos and the south coast you’ll pass the bays of Episkopi, Akroitiri and Larnaca, before rounding Cape Grecko on your way to Famagusta and the relatively undiscovered Northern Cyprus. This route will provide all the sporting challenges you could possibly fit into a holiday and many more you couldn’t!

Other Activities

There are watersports galore in Cyprus. From sea kayaking to sailing, coasteering to dinghy sailing, you won’t be short of options when it comes to choosing. Great beaches and strong winds help seafarers develop their skills. That said, there are plenty of activities for land lubbers: Archery, shooting, mountain boarding, to name but a few. And if you prefer to get some air you’ll be able to paraglide or paramotor with ease. Steeped on classical history, the island has exceptional cultural resources from which you can learn and just a short step from Jerusalem, it’s a perfect stop off for further travels to the Middle East and beyond.