May 19, 2001 05:18 PM
2710 Views
For those of us in the U.K.,Cyprus is a relatively close destination to get to in Europe. At about 4 to 5 hours flying time it`s not a very arduous flight.
You`ll fly into Larnaka on the south-east coast or into Paphos located in the south-west depending upon where your resort is located.
Don`t expect to fly into Nicosia,the islands capital, for the international airport there has been closed for many years following the Turkish invasion ,in fact the cease-fire line dividing the Turkish occupied north from the free south goes right through the old airport!
An excellent ''base of operations '' for any newcomers to the island , as well as many seasoned visitors , is Limassol,about dead centre on the south coast.You`ll fly into Larnaka and then it`s just a 45 minute drive away.
Limassol is the 2nd biggest city on the island but don`t let that put you off , for even then it`s population is only about 130,000 , except of course being swelled by many thousands of holiday-makers especially at peak times of the year.The main tourist area,hotels,restaurants etc is located along the beach area for about 8 kms from the city centre.Along this stretch you`ll find all sorts of accommodation from the humblest to 5 star, eating places from those who want just a quick snack to those catering to the gourmets amongst us. Night clubs, internet cafes ,shops,supermarkets and tourist travel places are to be found to abundance.
Car -hire is relatively cheap compared to other places in the med. and haggle, don`t accept the first price quoted.This is applicable to just about any purchase as well. Petrol is far less than U.K prices and they drive on the left! Once you`re mobile the island is opened up to you but don`t expect to be able to cross over ,by car to the north,although it is possible on foot especially in Nicosia which is still divided.
Excursions from Limassol to Paphos,Larnaka and Agia Napa can all be accomplished within a few hours or you may want to visit the Troodos Mountains with spectacular scenery ,mountain villages and monasteries to visit.Prehistoric sites,Roman and Greek ruins,vineyards,potteries,lace and much,much more are to be found in abundance.Get yourself a good guide-book before you go and plan! Excellent maps can be bought on the island as well a loads of free tourist info.
My wife and I went there a months or so ago.The end of March,beginning of April is just about right with long sunny days , temps of high 20`s Celcius and not too many visitors.We went half-board , including evening meal.When we go again we shall be self-catering so that we can enjoy the local food to the full!
I would recommend Cyprus and Limassol in particular to any one.Lots of British visit as well as Germans and Russians but you will not see may French or Americans.
It`s an ideal holiday destination for people of all ages from kids to the retired all being catered for within it`s shores.The local Cypriots are very nice people.Most of them speak good to fair English .Once visited it will beckon you back!
