Destination of the Month - Cyprus

CYPRUS

Discover an island rich in history and culture, and full of wonderful experiences just waiting to be enjoyed. Whatever the season, Cyprus provides ample opportunity to experience something new, interesting and exciting, including activities, events, customs and places that are unique and special to the island.

Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid–May to mid–October and mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Blessed with the beauty of nature’s best palette, the scenery of Cyprus unfolds across glittering coasts, rolling mountains, fragrant forests and rugged headlands. From the warm shores of the mainland to the unspoiled and cool oasis of the Troodos mountain range, nature lovers, artists, photographers and explorers will all delight in meeting shy creatures, and discovering rare plants that peep out amidst waterfalls, coves, woodland, winding trails and secluded sands. As the island is on the migration path between Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus is a birdwatchers dream, with flocks of flamingos frequenting the salt lakes, and many other significant species passing through or nesting. And deep in the forests, the national animal - the Mouflon – roams freely, with catching a glimpse of this timid, wild sheep a real treat for locals and visitors alike. 

DANCING HOLIDAYS out of the main summer season are very popular with groups. The Constantinou Bros Hotels in Paphos offer unrivalled dance facilities, making these hotels one of the most popular choices for dancing holidays in Cyprus. The hotels have a range of ballrooms to suit your needs offering pillar free halls with wooden floors and sound systems, ideal for dancing enthusiasts, ensuring an enjoyable dancing holiday in Cyprus. Dance halls vary in size from 70m which his suitable for small groups to 2 large halls over 570m2 which can accommodate large groups of over 200 dancers.

Simply Groups work closely with these hotels, who are very experienced in organising dancing holidays for individuals and group leaders and between us, we are able to take care of your groups’ special requirements.  They have their own resident experienced dance leaders from November through to April who teach a full daily programme of sequence, ballroom and latin dancing from beginners up to advanced level, making your dancing holiday in Cyprus truly memorable. Our packages contain complimentary dance classes organised at least 3 times a week.

BOWLING HOLIDAYS

If you enjoy bowls, booking a group holiday through Simply Groups and Constantinou Bros Hotels in Paphos will secure you an ideal destination for your next group break. Cyprus, and Paphos in particular, combines a climate of especially mild, warm winters and bright hot summers, a variety of cuisines, superb historical sights and places of archaeological interest and Bowling Greens of top International standards. Constantinou Bros Hotels are all conveniently located directly on the beach with a dazzling array of facilities and amenities; recently we expanded our Bowls facilities making them the largest and most impressive in Europe outside of the United Kingdom. There are 18 full size rinks and an additional 12 indoor short mat rinks between the Athena Beach Hotel and the Athena Royal Beach Hotel as well as a new 4-rink green at the Pioneer Beach Hotel nearby. Enjoy a splendid holiday and your favourite game at the same time leaving all the arrangements to us and all the pleasure to you! The Athena Beach Hotel and the Athena Royal Beach Hotel are a favourite for both individual bowlers and groups. The hotels offer the extra bonus of British, Resident Bowls Coordinators who organize matches and competitions for touring clubs and offer individual bowlers the opportunity to join in the bowls programmes which include drives, knock outs, fun bowls and learn to bowl sessions.

HOTELS:

When staying in Paphos, Simply Groups work closely with Constantinou Bros Hotels, specifically the 4* Athena Beach Hotel. Click here for the full details of this hotel.

Regions of Cyprus :

Paphos - An air of romance and history carries through the this naturally abundant and culturally rich region.

Comprised of its old and new towns, rural villages and picturesque resorts, the region is home to some of the most stunning areas of natural beauty on the island, whilst its many archaeological sites are historically invaluable, with Katos Pafos declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a whole. Centred around the quaint harbour and impressive Medieval Castle, Pafos’ environs then stretch to incorporate the tourist resort of Polis Chrysochous. The pretty and tranquil area - known simply as ‘Polis’ - has expanded to become a sub-district in its own right, and encompasses the beautiful Akamas National Park, Lara beach - which is a breeding site for turtles, and the traditional fishing shelter of Latchi. Whilst visiting the area, pass by the Baths of Aphrodite, which is located near Polis. Greek mythology tells that the Goddess of Love and Beauty bathed here, and it is one of the enticing sites in the region that trace her story. Her connection with Cyprus begins at the landmark rock formation of Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock/birthplace), where  she rose from the waves. From there, make a pilgrimage to her sanctuary at Kouklia.

Troodos Mountains - With pine-scented air that feels more invigorating the higher you climb, this mountain range is the island’s ‘green heart’ and a refreshing oasis that is immersed in endless vistas of forests, valleys and orchards. Comprised of many different & traditional villages, every twist and turn of the mountain roads leads to something different. The chain of winemaking communities has practiced viticulture here for centuries, whilst others are famous for their intricate handmade folk-art, from lace and silverwork to pottery and basket weaving. Agricultural villages known for their different fruit unfold towards others, where waterfalls and springs offer a cooling drink to both human and wildlife. At its very peak – 2000m above sea level – sits Mount Olympus - whose snowy mounds welcome skiers in winter. A myriad of natural wealth awaits exploration by foot or bike, along paths, over rocks and into woodland, with the villages all welcoming visitors to observe their unique local customs. Troodos is also religiously significant for its string of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Site Byzantine churches and other monasteries and chapels. Priceless ancient frescos, fascinating stories of saints, and unique architecture showcase the island’s deep Christian roots. Whether you want to escape the hot beaches, discover the island’s flora and fauna, or step back in time, the Troodos mountain range is beautifully ideal for a different Cyprus experience.

Lefkosia (Nicosia) - With its distinction as the only divided capital in the world, this region combines the heartbeat of the island’s commercial and businesses centre with an interesting past, and rural areas where escape is possible in naturally beautiful, green environs. The capital itself is steeped in history and culture, with a charming old city surrounded by massive Venetian walls, and the island’s largest concentration of museums, art galleries and religious and historical monuments, that all tell wonderful stories of the island through the ages. Leaving the busy capital behind, the region then expands to the countryside, where a different side unfolds amidst orchards and olives groves, forests and hillsides. Visitors will encounter the ruins of two rich city-kingdoms that also form part of the Lefkosia region; those of Tamassos  and Idalion (both south of Lefkosia). Stretching up into the pine forest of the Machairas mountains, the scenery becomes more and more picturesque, with significant sights, such as the ancient Machairas monastery and Agios Irakleidios Convent, where the relics of the saint are kept inside the church. There are also an abundance of quaint, mountainous villages that form part of the rural areas of the region, with their cobbled streets and preserved stone and adobe houses, offering a glimpse of village life in Cyprus. Worth visiting is the village of Fikardou, which has been declared a national monument, and was awarded the Europa Nostra award in 1987 for its carefully restored 18th century houses with their remarkable woodwork and folk architecture. Other interesting villages include Alona, Prodromos, Pedoulas, Kakopetria and Palaichori. 

Lemesos (Limassol) - With legends of kings and kingdoms, and the origins of the island’s wine making industry, this region embodies both the ancient and the modern. Known as the region of wine, celebrations and ancient realms, Lemesos (Limassol) is comprised of its main city – which sits between two important archaeological sites; the ancient city-kingdom of Amathus to the east, and the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion to the west – along with rural areas and charming mountainous villages, where old traditions and crafts are still practised. Lemesos is the second largest city of Cyprus, the home of the island’s main port, and a bustling holiday resort. From its jewel of a marina and impressive archaeological monuments, to the vast 15 km coastal strip lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and entertainment establishments, the main city is thriving and colourful. The region also encompasses two unique wetlands. Germasogeia Dam is a peaceful place to relax, take a stroll, or enjoy a spot of angling, whilst Akrotiri Salt Lake is perfect for observing nature and wildlife (especially birds). The environmental significance of the Salt Lake and its surrounding area are showcased at the new installations of Akrotiri Environmental Centre. The region then trails up the sun-kissed southern slopes of the Troodos mountains, with vineyards forming a pleasant green backdrop to the city. The hillside villages here are known collectively as the 'Krassochoria' (or wine villages), and keep their old traditions of viticulture alive, producing the island’s best wines even today, and especially one of the oldest named wines in the world – the sweet dessert wine of Commandaria. Here, visitors will find a tranquil, rural retreat where hiking and cycling can be enjoyed in the unspoilt countryside. With its viticultural pedigree and a magical history, the region of Lemesos simply sparkles with opportunity from coast to hillside.

Larnaka - Beautifully compact, easily accessible and truly authentic, this is the island’s oldest soul; the longest continually inhabited region of Cyprus, with a history that dates back 4,000 years. And whilst it is rich in ancient culture, Larnaka is also a thriving and modern European city that offers the best of all worlds. A characteristic feature of Larnaka is that visitors will find that there is no distinction between resort and town; locals and visitors alike can enjoy the same daily experience of a charming and diverse Mediterranean city. From stretches of varied coastline, a mix of traditional and cosmopolitan establishments and fascinating monuments, Larnaka seamlessly blends its two ‘faces’. One of its most popular spots is the bustling promenade of Phinikoudes, which is lined with mature palm trees and flanked by beach, eateries and entertainment. Its coast joins with the sea walkway of Piale Pasha - which passes by quaint old neighbourhoods and fresh fish taverns - whilst its parallel shopping centre puts everything at your fingertips, and is home to the grand cathedral church of Saint Lazarus. As the town’s Patron Saint, the story and monument of Saint Lazarus serve as an enduring symbol of Larnaka’s significant religious history. The town is also the most centrally positioned, offering easy access to other regions, whilst its small and scenic rural villages are famous for their local handicrafts.