Cyprus Travel Guide, Cyprus Island, Travel Photos, Holiday Photos

Holiday Photo Site Cyprus holiday weather	Cyprus Photos and travel information about the island of Cyprus	Submit your holiday photos
Home \| Submit Photos


Cyprus Click on the map to see our photo gallery for Cyprus. The map requested shows only a limited number of the resorts on the island, if the resort you are looking for is not indicated on the map, please don't give up. If you are looking for a specific resort or place, you may find by browsing through our image gallery that you will find the location you are looking for and a brief summary of the place or image submitted. We hope to give you a good idea about the location, hotels and places of interest to help you make your mind up and find the perfect holiday destination for you. Click HERE to see our image gallery of the island you have chosen. If you find the holiday destination you are looking for, why not submit your favourite holiday photos and help others in there quest to find their perfect holiday destination.
About Cyprus Prehistoric and ancient Cyprus Cyprus is an Eurasian island in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea south of the Anatolian Peninsula. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. The north western area of the island, which proclaims itself the independent Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has been occupied by Turkey since 1974. However, Turkey is the only country to officially recognise this entity and both the United Nations and the European Union have declared it an illegal state. The UN-controlled Green Line separates the Turkish occupied areas from the rest of the mostly Greek island; in addition there are two British Military bases along the southern coast. The Republic of Cyprus, which almost all countries recognise as the legitimate government of the island, has been a member state of the European Union since May 1 st 2004. There are only small traces of the Stone Age, but the Bronze Age was characterised by a well-developed and clearly marked civilisation. The people quickly learned to work the rich copper mines of the island. The Mycenean civilisation seems to have reached Cyprus at around 1600 BC and several Greek and Phoenician settlements that belong to the iron Age can be found on the island. Cyprus came into contact with Egypt about 1500 BC and became an important trade partner for them. Around 1200 BC the Sea people began to arrive as settlers to Cyprus, a process which lasted for more than a century. This migration is remembered in many sagas concerning how some of the Greek heroes that participated in the Trojan war came to settle in Cyprus. The newcomers brought with them their language, new technology, and introduced a new outlook for visual arts. The Phoenicians arrived at the island in the early first Millennium BC. In those times Cyprus supplied the Greeks with timber for their fleets. In the 6th century BC, Amasis of Egypt conquered Cyprus, which soon fell under the rule of the Persians when Cambyses conquered Egypt. In the Persian Empire, Cyprus formed part of the fifth satrapy and in addition to tribute it had to supply the Persians with ships and crews. In their new fate the Greeks of Cyprus had as companions the Greeks of Ionia (west coast of Anatolia) with whom they forged closer ties. When the Ionian Greeks revolted against Persia (499 BC) the Cypriots, except for the city of Amathus, joined in led by Onesilos who dethroned his brother, the king of Salamis, for not wanting to fight for independence. The Persians reacted quickly sending a considerable force against Onesilos. The Persians finally won despite Ionian help. After their defeat, the Greeks mounted various expeditions in order to liberate Cyprus from the Persian rule, but all their efforts bore only temporary results. Eventually, Alexander the Great (356 – 323 BC) took the island from the Persians. Later, the Ptolemies of Egypt controlled it; finally Rome annexed it in 57-58 BC. No doubt the most important event that occurred in Roman Cyprus was the visit by Apostles Paul and Barnabas accompanied by ST Mark who came to the island at the outset of their first missionary journey in AD 45. After their arrival at Salamis they proceeded to Paphos where they converted the Roman Governor Sergoius Paulus to Christianity making Cyprus the first country in the world governed by a Christian ruler. Cyprus in ancient myth Cyprus is the legendary birthplace of the goddess of beauty, love, sex and passion, the beautiful Aphrodite. According to Hesiod’s Theogony, the goddess emerged fully grown from the sea where the severed genitals of the god Uranus were cast by his son, Kronos, causing the sea to foam (Greek: Aphros). Her birth was famously depicted by the artist Botticelli in The Birth of Venus. The legendary site of Aphrodite's birth is at 'Petra tou Romiou' (or 'Aphrodite's Rock'), a large sea stack close to the coastal cliffs near Paphos. Throughout ancient history, Cyprus was a flourishing centre for the cultic worship of Aphrodite. The third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia), Cyprus is geographically situated in the eastern Mediterranean and just south of the Anatolin peninsula (or Asia Minor) of the Asian mainland; thus, it is commonly included in the Middle East. The neighbouring countries include Syria and Lebanon to the east, Isreal to the southeast, Egypt to the south, and Greece to the west-north-west. Politically and culturally, however, it is closely aligned with Europe – particularly Greece and Turkey. Historically, The central plain (Mesaoria) with the Kyrenia and Pentadactylos mountains to the north and the Troodos mountain range to the south and west. There are also scattered, but significant, plains along the southern coast. The climate is temperate and Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, variably rainy winters. There is sufficient snow for a seasonal ski facility in the Troodos mountains. The capital city,Nicosia, is located to the north-east of the centre of the island and is the only divided capital in the world. All the other major cities are situated on the coast: Paphos to the south-west, Limassol to the south, Larnaca to the south-east, Famagusta to the east, and Kyrenia to the north.
Around the Island Kyrenia The beaches around Kyrenia offer a large variety of water sports such as skiing, wind surfing and parascending. One of those beaches is Diana Beach which is a small sandy beach to the east of Kyrenia near Karakum. Although the beach is sand the sea can be quite rocky. Another beach is Acapulco Beach that lies further east of Kyrenia. This beach is very popular but the tides can be quite strong. The coastline around Kyrenia is some of the most beautifal natural and unspoilt area of Cyprus. Kyrenia town itself is one of the most picturesque towns on the island . The small harbour is just full of character and is dominated by the Castle of Hilarion. The castle with it's shipwreck museum is well worth a visit. Famagusta Famagusta has many miles of long white sandy beaches, some of which are privately owned by the hotels that line the coastline. The beaches can look a little too regimented with lines of sun beds and parasols but the area is ideal for families. The area is also good for snorkeling with clear waters and many rocky stretches. Three of the beaches in this area are Bediz, Glapsides and Silver beach. Bediz beach is situated on the east coast, just north of Famagusta. The beach has restaurants, sun beds and showers. Glapsides beach is a long sandy beach near Bediz beach and is a favourite with the younger tourists, load music being quite popular on this beach. Silver beach is ideal for families, the sandy beach shelves gently into the sea and the area is ideal for snorkeling. It does lack other facilities but a small cafe is available at times. Ayia Napa Probably the most crowded and some of the best beaches on Cyprus can be found in this area. The beaches have soft silver sands and clear waters and offer all the water sports you could want. If it's the night life you want then this is the resort for you, Ayia Napa is clubbers paradise. The streets come alive at night with bars, discos and nightclubs all trying to pull in the tourists. The beaches in this area include, Agia Thelka, Landa, Nissi, Makronisos, Vathia Gonia, Katsarka, Pantahou, Pernera, Kryo Nero, Liminara, Konnos, Kermia and Sandy Bay. Limassol The sand at Limassol changes to a dark gritty type of sand with stones in places. Many fine beaches can be found in this area such as Lady’s Mile, Dessoudi and Curium, Pissouri, Kourion, and Governor's Beach, most beaches having good facilities for the tourists. Limassol resorts offer a range of traditional tavernas and modern shops and restaurants. Most of the Limassol resorts can offer a good nightlife with perhaps the liveliest being in Yermasogea where you will find discos, bars and night clubs. For the more adventurous Limissol is ideally placed to visit the Troodos mountains, the castle at Kolossi and the ancient city of Kourion. Larnaca The main beaches around Larnaca are Dhekelia, Geroskipou, Dasoudi, and McKenzie, these beaches are ideal for families. Most of the beaches in this area will offer sun beds, parasols, changing facilities and restaurants or bars . Water sports are also very popular, wind surfing and parasailing is available. Scuba diving is also available in some resorts. Protaros The beaches in this area include, Skoutari, Agia Triada, Fig Tree Bay, Louma, Green Bay and Protoras many of these beaches have been developed due to hotels being built along this strip of coast line. Generally the beaches of Protaros have gently shelving waters and clam crystal clear water ideal for families. Quieter beaches can be found further north towards Cape Greko and are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Protaros is joined to Ayia Napa via a rugged coastline with many sea caves, fantastic views and archaeological ruins. The area is ideal for the younger children as well, why not try one of the water parks to keep the children and adults amused. Lara Bay Loggerhead Turtles can be found on a section of Lara beach which is protected. The beach itself is not so easy to get to and you are best advised to only go to this area with 4 wheel drive vehicles. The only other solution may be to walk to the beach. It may be a bit of a challenge but you are rewarded by some fantastic scenery, and a superb beach that is not to crowded. Lara Bay is part of the Akamas peninsula and is famous for its nature reserve with many rare plants, making this area a special place for flora and wild life. The Akamas area is not so densely populated as the rest of Cyprus, isolated villages and farming make up this a quite barren yet beautiful area. Fig Tree Bay Much of the development of Protaras has been due to the proximity of Fig Tree Bay. The bay is probably the best beach on the island, beautiful scenery, soft golden sands leading down to shallow crystal clear waters make this beach a firm favourite for tourists and the locals. The resort has every facility required by the visiting tourists, water sports, restaurants and bars make this beach very popular. For the more adventurous the clear waters are ideal for snorkeling. Makronissos beach The area of Makronissos is a combination of three fantastic bays giving the tourist a real choice, each bay having beautiful soft white sands and clear waters. Water sports can also be found here such as water skiing, parasending and various small boats for hire. If your feeling very adventurous why not try snorkeling or for the scuba divers, local diving can be found. Nissi Bay Not far from Ayia Napa this beach is far enough away from the crowds and yet if it's the night life your after this beach is ideal to relax on after a long night out in Ayia Napa or one of the local bars. The beach is sheltered from the island of Nissi just off shore it has soft white sands and clear gently shelving waters. Water sports are available along with other tourist facilities such as restaurants and bars. Near by there is a water park that will give all the family a great fun day out. Goveners beach Named after the the local British Governor who swam in the clear waters many years ago this beach is very picturesque. The beach is a mixture of sand and stones with crystal clear shallow water ideal for bathing. Like many of the beaches there are some water sports available but the beach is one of the better beaches for snorkeling among the rocky outcrops. The resort also offers a good selection of restaurants and bars. Ladies Mile beach Soft golden sands, crystal clear shallow water, the ideal combination for the family beach. This beach is truly beautiful and only a short drive from Limassol. This beach also offers many water sports the favourite being wind surfing. Petra Fou Romiou Stunning scenery make this beach a must to visit even though the beach is shingle. This is the beach where the Goddess Aprhodite rose from the waves. Spend some time here to relax and soak up the scenery. Coral Bay Said to be one of the best beaches on the island, a long curved bay of soft white sands and rocky outcrops at either end. The clear sheltered waters make this beach ideal for the family. The main resort area has many restaurants and bars to make the evenings very enjoyable. For a more traditional greek atmosphere try Paphos harbour which has fantastic scenery and many good restaurants. Being near Paphos, makes this beach very popular and it can get quite crowded at times. if you interested in snorkeling or Scuba diving this is an ideal location. The other side of Coral Bay you will find the fantastic caves of St Georges. Pissouri beach The charming village of Pissouri has grown with the local beach that is a mixture of sand and shingle. The resort offers a more relaxed holiday than the more touristy areas and rarely gets too crowded. Restaurants are available at the back of the beach when you need to have lunch or just have a cool beer. The resort can offer the usual water sports and a local dive centre offers tuition if you are interested in taking that first scuba dive. The well known land mark known as "Aphrodites Rock" can be found a few miles west of Pissouri. Pissouri village is a favourite for british residents and tourists. The expansion into another Agia Napa that has been forecast has not materialised and the character of Pissouri will hopefully be maintained. The motor way now passes close to Pissouri and this makes traveling between Pissouri and larger resorts around the island a lot easier. During the summer the square in the centre of Pissouri comes alive and really is a true greek night atmosphere. Yiannakis beach The coast line at this resort is absolutely beautiful, the views just have to be seen. Yiannkis beach is a beach not to be missed. Crystal clear waters make this an ideal location for snorkeling. Restaurants and bars are available with a great selection of food to make sure your visit is relaxed and enjoyable. Polis Not so crowded as most beaches and not yet fully developed the beach is a mixture of sand and shingle with enough water sports to meet all tastes. A local beach bar will provide all the food and drinks that you need. Polis is the ideal location for that relaxing holiday, the resort of Chrysochau Bay is set in farmland, vineyards and mountain scenery just waiting to be explored. Polis is a nature lovers paradise just right for the those who like to spend time walking along the nature trails that can be found on the Arkamas Peninsula. Other activities that can be found in this area include golf, horse riding, and cycling. To get the best out of this area you need to rent your own transport so that you can take advantage of the spectacular scenery and secluded beaches that are quite difficult to get to without transport. If your looking to go further a field why not visit the monastery at Chrysoroyiatissa or Ayios Neophytos, or the Baths of Aphrodite Pomos beach This beautiful beach is located near the harbour at Pomos. There are stunning views of the Troodos Mountains that act as a back drop to the resort. The beach is well maintained and ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.	Airport Parking Get a quote now ! For park and ride, meet and greet services
Places of Interest Kykkos Monastery The museum is a unique cultural and historical institution housing a vast collection of rare and priceless exhibits. The museum will take you back to early Christian, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine times. Paphos Paphos has many archaeological sites including the Basilica of Khrysopolitissa which is situated next to the Paphos harbour. This site is famous for it's mosaics from the houses of Diononysus, Theseus, Orpheus and Aion. You can still see the remains of some of the old walls of Paphos. One of the most photographed places on Cyprus is the Paphos castle that stands at the harbour mouth. In Paphos itself you can visit a number of archaeological museums such as the Archaeological and Byzantine Museums in the old part of Paphos. Top of Page ©Copyright http://www.holidayphotosite.co.uk All rights reserved.

Around the Island

Kyrenia

The beaches around Kyrenia offer a large variety of water sports such as skiing, wind surfing and parascending. One of those beaches is Diana Beach which is a small sandy beach to the east of Kyrenia near Karakum. Although the beach is sand the sea can be quite rocky. Another beach is Acapulco Beach that lies further east of Kyrenia. This beach is very popular but the tides can be quite strong.

The coastline around Kyrenia is some of the most beautifal natural and unspoilt area of Cyprus. Kyrenia town itself is one of the most picturesque towns on the island . The small harbour is just full of character and is dominated by the Castle of Hilarion. The castle with it's shipwreck museum is well worth a visit.

Famagusta

Famagusta has many miles of long white sandy beaches, some of which are privately owned by the hotels that line the coastline. The beaches can look a little too regimented with lines of sun beds and parasols but the area is ideal for families. The area is also good for snorkeling with clear waters and many rocky stretches. Three of the beaches in this area are Bediz, Glapsides and Silver beach. Bediz beach is situated on the east coast, just north of Famagusta. The beach has restaurants, sun beds and showers. Glapsides beach is a long sandy beach near Bediz beach and is a favourite with the younger tourists, load music being quite popular on this beach. Silver beach is ideal for families, the sandy beach shelves gently into the sea and the area is ideal for snorkeling. It does lack other facilities but a small cafe is available at times.

Ayia Napa

Probably the most crowded and some of the best beaches on Cyprus can be found in this area. The beaches have soft silver sands and clear waters and offer all the water sports you could want. If it's the night life you want then this is the resort for you, Ayia Napa is clubbers paradise. The streets come alive at night with bars, discos and nightclubs all trying to pull in the tourists.

The beaches in this area include, Agia Thelka, Landa, Nissi, Makronisos, Vathia Gonia, Katsarka, Pantahou, Pernera, Kryo Nero, Liminara, Konnos, Kermia and Sandy Bay.

Limassol

The sand at Limassol changes to a dark gritty type of sand with stones in places. Many fine beaches can be found in this area such as Lady’s Mile, Dessoudi and Curium, Pissouri, Kourion, and Governor's Beach, most beaches having good facilities for the tourists. Limassol resorts offer a range of traditional tavernas and modern shops and restaurants.

Most of the Limassol resorts can offer a good nightlife with perhaps the liveliest being in Yermasogea where you will find discos, bars and night clubs. For the more adventurous Limissol is ideally placed to visit the Troodos mountains, the castle at Kolossi and the ancient city of Kourion.

Larnaca

The main beaches around Larnaca are Dhekelia, Geroskipou, Dasoudi, and McKenzie, these beaches are ideal for families. Most of the beaches in this area will offer sun beds, parasols, changing facilities and restaurants or bars . Water sports are also very popular, wind surfing and parasailing is available. Scuba diving is also available in some resorts.

Protaros

The beaches in this area include, Skoutari, Agia Triada, Fig Tree Bay, Louma, Green Bay and Protoras many of these beaches have been developed due to hotels being built along this strip of coast line. Generally the beaches of Protaros have gently shelving waters and clam crystal clear water ideal for families. Quieter beaches can be found further north towards Cape Greko and are ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Protaros is joined to Ayia Napa via a rugged coastline with many sea caves, fantastic views and archaeological ruins. The area is ideal for the younger children as well, why not try one of the water parks to keep the children and adults amused.

Lara Bay

Loggerhead Turtles can be found on a section of Lara beach which is protected. The beach itself is not so easy to get to and you are best advised to only go to this area with 4 wheel drive vehicles. The only other solution may be to walk to the beach. It may be a bit of a challenge but you are rewarded by some fantastic scenery, and a superb beach that is not to crowded.

Lara Bay is part of the Akamas peninsula and is famous for its nature reserve with many rare plants, making this area a special place for flora and wild life. The Akamas area is not so densely populated as the rest of Cyprus, isolated villages and farming make up this a quite barren yet beautiful area.

Fig Tree Bay

Much of the development of Protaras has been due to the proximity of Fig Tree Bay. The bay is probably the best beach on the island, beautiful scenery, soft golden sands leading down to shallow crystal clear waters make this beach a firm favourite for tourists and the locals.

The resort has every facility required by the visiting tourists, water sports, restaurants and bars make this beach very popular. For the more adventurous the clear waters are ideal for snorkeling.

Makronissos beach

The area of Makronissos is a combination of three fantastic bays giving the tourist a real choice, each bay having beautiful soft white sands and clear waters. Water sports can also be found here such as water skiing, parasending and various small boats for hire. If your feeling very adventurous why not try snorkeling or for the scuba divers, local diving can be found.

Nissi Bay

Not far from Ayia Napa this beach is far enough away from the crowds and yet if it's the night life your after this beach is ideal to relax on after a long night out in Ayia Napa or one of the local bars.

The beach is sheltered from the island of Nissi just off shore it has soft white sands and clear gently shelving waters. Water sports are available along with other tourist facilities such as restaurants and bars. Near by there is a water park that will give all the family a great fun day out.

Goveners beach

Named after the the local British Governor who swam in the clear waters many years ago this beach is very picturesque. The beach is a mixture of sand and stones with crystal clear shallow water ideal for bathing.

Like many of the beaches there are some water sports available but the beach is one of the better beaches for snorkeling among the rocky outcrops. The resort also offers a good selection of restaurants and bars.

Ladies Mile beach

Soft golden sands, crystal clear shallow water, the ideal combination for the family beach. This beach is truly beautiful and only a short drive from Limassol.

This beach also offers many water sports the favourite being wind surfing.

Petra Fou Romiou

Stunning scenery make this beach a must to visit even though the beach is shingle. This is the beach where the Goddess Aprhodite rose from the waves. Spend some time here to relax and soak up the scenery.

Coral Bay

Said to be one of the best beaches on the island, a long curved bay of soft white sands and rocky outcrops at either end. The clear sheltered waters make this beach ideal for the family. The main resort area has many restaurants and bars to make the evenings very enjoyable. For a more traditional greek atmosphere try Paphos harbour which has fantastic scenery and many good restaurants.

Being near Paphos, makes this beach very popular and it can get quite crowded at times. if you interested in snorkeling or Scuba diving this is an ideal location. The other side of Coral Bay you will find the fantastic caves of St Georges.

Pissouri beach

The charming village of Pissouri has grown with the local beach that is a mixture of sand and shingle. The resort offers a more relaxed holiday than the more touristy areas and rarely gets too crowded. Restaurants are available at the back of the beach when you need to have lunch or just have a cool beer.

The resort can offer the usual water sports and a local dive centre offers tuition if you are interested in taking that first scuba dive. The well known land mark known as "Aphrodites Rock" can be found a few miles west of Pissouri.

Pissouri village is a favourite for british residents and tourists. The expansion into another Agia Napa that has been forecast has not materialised and the character of Pissouri will hopefully be maintained.

The motor way now passes close to Pissouri and this makes traveling between Pissouri and larger resorts around the island a lot easier. During the summer the square in the centre of Pissouri comes alive and really is a true greek night atmosphere.

Yiannakis beach

The coast line at this resort is absolutely beautiful, the views just have to be seen. Yiannkis beach is a beach not to be missed. Crystal clear waters make this an ideal location for snorkeling. Restaurants and bars are available with a great selection of food to make sure your visit is relaxed and enjoyable.

Polis

Not so crowded as most beaches and not yet fully developed the beach is a mixture of sand and shingle with enough water sports to meet all tastes. A local beach bar will provide all the food and drinks that you need.

Polis is the ideal location for that relaxing holiday, the resort of Chrysochau Bay is set in farmland, vineyards and mountain scenery just waiting to be explored. Polis is a nature lovers paradise just right for the those who like to spend time walking along the nature trails that can be found on the Arkamas Peninsula. Other activities that can be found in this area include golf, horse riding, and cycling.

To get the best out of this area you need to rent your own transport so that you can take advantage of the spectacular scenery and secluded beaches that are quite difficult to get to without transport. If your looking to go further a field why not visit the monastery at Chrysoroyiatissa or Ayios Neophytos, or the Baths of Aphrodite

Pomos beach

This beautiful beach is located near the harbour at Pomos. There are stunning views of the Troodos Mountains that act as a back drop to the resort. The beach is well maintained and ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cyprus photos and travel guide

Cyprus

Cyprus

Ayia Napa