Cyprus is located south of Turkey and southeast of Greece. The two national languages include Turkic and Greek which is reflective of a mixed Turks and Greeks population. It accommodates several religious and historical sites from monasteries to castles, mountain ranges, all lending to various types of worthy holiday visits. By far, the biggest Cyprus trade is tourism with spectacular beaches under the summer heat as its priceless assets.

These magnificent Cypriot beaches offer cheap self-catering holiday to luxurious all-inclusive beach holiday.  Visit one from among the following list of some of the best beaches Cyrus has to offer:

• Diana Beach – Literally hit rock bottom. This artificial sandy beach requires your surf shoes to walk the rocky water bottom. Go bare on a sun bed or care for an umbrella between you and the summer sun or let the air blow off as you drive your way around the beach with a scooter.
• Alagadi Turtle Beach – The wide-ranging shallow part makes a great space for swimming the rocky sea floor. You may have to spare the turtle some space though, in case your visit happens to be in time for the egg-laying season of the Loggerhead and Green turtles. You may be lucky enough for a rare experience of witnessing a turtle rise from the waters, go onshore, and lay eggs. Call it wonder of nature happening right in front of your eyes.
• Escape Beach – Get the experience of something far from the ordinary. An outdoor disco on a beach is indeed an escape from life’s little troubles. Name you kind of water sport from SCUBA diving to snorkeling and what more and they have it at the Escape beach. Play volleyball on its sandy beach as you retire from your underwater activity and later dance and drink all your worries away in the outdoor discos. European disc jockeys add to the mix. This beach is recommended for groups, families, and singles alike.
• Protaras Beach – This is the best-known beach in the municipality of Protaras as it caters to visitors a wide array of aqua sports.
• Ladies’ Mile Beach – More than sandy beach, the Ladies’ Mile is golden sandy. Come as a family and the kids will surely find the clear, shallow, and calm waters very irresistible as parents find the beach very safe. By the way, ironic as it may be, Ladies’ Mile Beach is mile long but nothing in the beach is just for ladies.
• Curium Beach – The restoration of Roman Amphitheater is without a doubt an outstanding craftsmanship. Rebuilding it high above the Curium Beach waters makes it an out-of-this-world work of art. This ingenious structure indeed captures visitors by the heart as boats pass by from the vantage. It can be a rough sea at times but in general, its gentleness favors swimmers and lovers of water sports. A crowd is reflective of its popularity but can never go against the vast seawaters.
• Pissouri Beach – This sandy pebbled beach is right in Pissouri village, thus, the name. Complimented by various water sports available is a school for SCUBA diving. Serenity rarely happens on weekends when there is over-crowding. Join the crowd on a weekend if you find more is merrier or otherwise visit Pissouri Beach any day of the week.

If you search harder enough, you may be able to find this fig tree up and alone on the beach amidst hotels and restaurants that line the beach front. This tree obviously named the Fig Tree Bay Beach. More beaches from rocky to sandy await Cyprus visitors for sailing, swimming, playing, sporting, and fishing. Explore Cyprus beaches and reap rich experiences as reward. Greatest beaches are all over and even if you will not find the waters so great, they surely would compensate onshore. The summer heat on sun beds, bars and restaurants add to the mix. Happy Cyprus Summer Holidays!

Planning a vacation for yourself or with your family soon but feeling kind of bored of the usual destinations? Now is the time to shake those worries away. Today you will be given a taste of a whole new destination offering you and your loved ones new activities, new things and new culture to taste and experience and this place is located right in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea where the water and skies greet their visitors with an exquisite experience of rest, relaxation and memories waiting to be kept the moment you set foot in the country until forever.

Cyprus can offer a lot for travellers who love the beach, history, rich culture and tradition. Cypriots, as what we call the people from Cyprus are known for their genuine friendliness and extreme hospitality, it is even advised that if something has been offered to you, it is quite expected to accept a little of what they are giving you even if you don’t really want it, it is considered common courtesy. Being in a place of fusion of races Cypriots are also known to value and appreciate art, literature and music very well.

If you are a religious enthusiast, you can also go around and enjoy a heritage tour for churches, Cyprus offers some of the most beautiful and lavish set of churches which took them years to construct as evidence that they take religious observance seriously. While being located near the sea, it is expected to experience a hot and humid weather, this is why light and cotton type of clothing is strongly advised for both local and tourists but this feeling doesn’t go unrewarded because you can spend your day eating seafood as often as you wish without having to worry about the cost too much compared as when you are in other parts of the globe like America or Europe.

Cyprus, being a place good for growing grapes is also known for great tasting wines, so if you are a wine aficionado or just someone who wants to relax with a drink or two, Cyprus wines are also a good variety to try. Getting around Cyprus is easy, it is common to find rental services around so it’s only just a matter of knowing your preference on which you really want to utilize within the day and you’re already good to go. Name it – taxicabs, bicycles, cars or even boats to go around the islands are available to cater every need. In this paradise, you can surely sip, eat and savor Cyprus any way you want it.

So what are you waiting for? Isn’t today just the perfect timing to give in and try out this new destination? Visit your nearest travel agent today and hop on the next plane out to this breathtaking country! It’s far from your usual pick but it sure is 100% guaranteed to be pleasurable, memorable and worth every penny you’ve worked hard for. More than anyone else, you deserve it.

If there is one thing that Cypriots are known to be proud of, it is their cultural heritage. Cyprus culture and traditions stretches back to almost nine millennia, but the citizens focus more on events that happened in the last few decades. Northern Cyprus is currently recreating itself and embracing the culture of its northern neighbor, Turkey. Tourists who visit the magnificent country can observe their traditions and customs in ceremonies that are held on special occasions, such as weddings, feasts, a baby’s birth or a child starting school. Hospitality is one of the attributes that Cypriots value. They serve their guests with various foods and beverages starting with sherbets or coffee.

Religion and Family Tradition in Cyprus

Two major religions in the country of Cyprus are Islam and Christianity; 78 percent of the people belong to the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Cyprus and 18 percent of Turkish Cypriots follow Islam. Based on the number of churches that have been built the past years, religious observance is varied in the country. Cyprus culture and traditions usually have the women attend the religious services more often than men and the elderly family members are the ones responsible for fulfilling religious obligations on behalf of the whole family.

The family system has undergone changes over the past years, but Cypriots still believe in their traditions. Nationals have chosen to retain the basic essence that their parents and grandparents have inculcated in them; they have been taught to consult older family members when making important decisions and they should also give due respect to the elderly. When children grow into adulthood, they are taught to take care of their aging parents to show their debt of gratitude; their accomplishments are a result of their mother and father’s hard work and numerous sacrifices.

The Great Things about Cyprus

This beautiful island country reflects its culture in its rich folk art. Age-old crafts have been handed down from generation to generation and are carried on faithfully up until this day by nimble fingers which are attached to skillful hands. Fashionable handicrafts which people all over the world find useful and decorative can embellish any home. Cyprus is endowed with a number of natural resources and boasts its long shoreline, attracting visitors from different countries.

The third largest Mediterranean island has a wonderful climate year round, with temperatures often hitting 40 degrees Celsius on peak season. An array of water sports is offered in the far eastern end of the southern coast of Cyprus with nightlife that is renowned internationally for its energy and awesome DJs. Vacationers who come to Cyprus visit sites such as Tombs of the Kings, Baths of Aphrodite and House of Dionysus. Another spectacular place to visit is the Akamas National Park where people can witness the country’s unspoiled beauty. This place, according to some people, is the most picturesque corner of the island. Here you can find 12 different mammals, 20 different reptiles, 168 different varieties of birds and 16 different species of butterflies.

Because of the presence of the country’s scenic surroundings and the hospitable citizens, Cyprus remains to be one of the most visited places in the European Union as well as the world. Many visitors have fallen in love with the island country and they look forward to another fun-filled vacation to the exquisite nation.

Cyprus is situated between Africa and Asia which is now the favorite holiday destination especially among Brits. It still is making its mark to international tourism as the country offers best vacation places and people to enjoy the vacation with. Cyprus foremost boasts of its sandy beaches perfect for a sunny get away. Topping the list of must-see-places in Cyrus is Ayia Napa.

“Ayia” (Agia) meaning holy in Greek and “Napa”, in Archaic, is wooded valley situated Cape Greco in the eastern part of Cyprus. It is located south of Famagusta and forms part of a layer area of the Kokkinochoria, a name derived from its red colored soil). The place is also 8 kilometres from Proturas, another tourist destination.

Ayia Napa:  A holiday destination

Security.  Cyprus Tourism Organization supervises the beaches so you are assured that it is safe and secure and highly recommended.

Cleanliness.  All beaches in Ayia Napa have been awarded the EU blue flag for their level of cleanliness and facilities.  It has hosted one of Europe’s largest parties on the beach-the Kandi Beach Party in 2011 and gained international recognition for marketing and innovation of its park.

Food.  Ayia Napa boasts of its Fiji Polynesian Cuisine, something that tourists would really crave for.

Fun.  The place has been visited and frequented by famous celebrities and athletes. It is like having the vacation of a lifetime going to this place.

Local Government Support.  Local government has special programs in the promotion and preservation of marine heritage of Cyprus. Activities and music festivals are well supported by the local council.

History.  Historic, cultural and agricultural traditions are being showcased. As one enjoys the place, they are also opened to the colorful history of Cyprus.  Greek culture and tourism continues to attempt to make it to the Guinness Book of World records.

Going  To and Around Ayia Napa

Visitors can get in Cyprus through Larnaca airport, then a 45 minute taxi drive to Ayia Napa. Total fare should be 55 euro dollars.

Service taxis, regular bus services, or rent a car are means of transportation in getting to Ayia Napa. In going around the place, you can use the widely available bicycles, mopeds, or hire taxis and avail other car rentals. Or you can go around on foot, as it is just a small place to go around.

There are a lot of beaches, and a lot of tourist flocking to the place too, so it’s better to get reservations in advance. Ayia Napa is very famous for its nightlife. So be aware of the rules and beware of the law breakers. If you go in great numbers (family or group tour) a holiday villa is best recommended. It is more cost-effective than staying in a hotel.

Best Places To Visit

Nissi Beach.  About 4 km from the central square, have a younger crowd during summer. The place is practically bursting with life. It is best place for activities that needs a huge and vibrant crowd. BBC Radio One has staged its beach parties here.

Makronisos Beach. A more quiet and family oriented place located farther the rest of the beaches.  This has been choice for MTV’s and Kandi beach parties.

Grecian Bay.  This is situated near the centre of Agia Napa, a beautiful beach that stretches along three coves eastward of the small fishing harbor.

Cape Greco. It is only a ten minute drive from the heart of Ayia Napa, one of the most beautiful places on the island offering sightseeing and cliff jumping.

Thalassa.  This is the municipal museum that houses sculptures, engravings, ceramics and paintings of seascapes by the greatest 19^th and 20^th century Greek and Cypriot artists depicting the rich collection of marine fauna of Cyprus.

Makronissos Tombs. This famous place is located in the west of the village. It is the ancient burial site. As tourists visit, history is shared with them.

Ayia Napa Monastery.  This is the best known landmark of the area, depicting its charm of a sleeping fishing village within a thick forest.

Ayia Napa Waterworld themed park. This is the biggest in Europe which is open for  7 days in a week. Offers upgraded attraction, extensive relaxations for the adults, play area for the kids and lots of food outlets and gift shops.  Fun gets better in this place every day and every visit.

Your 2012 holiday is guaranteed at Ayia Napa. Sandy beach during the day and party all night awaits you.  This is one holiday you and the whole family will truly enjoy.