Sandwiched between Greece, Turkey and the Middle East, the fabulously sun-filled isle of Cyprus has spent fifteen years as somewhat of a notorious Eden for party-lovers. Yet, Cyprus hotels may, surprisingly, boast more than stretches of sand and gaudy cocktail umbrellas - useful if your perfect vacation involves greater adventures, culture and views. From snow-capped mountains to caves and pine forests, it’s a haven not only for night-owls, but for the more adventurous too.
Cyprus has attracted an abundance of trekkers throughout the decades, eager to experience its awe-inspiring gorges and jagged cliff edges. This face of the island, which they know and love, is a million miles away from Ayia Napa and its manic beach dance clubs. Offering bikers and trekkers miles of unkempt trails, groves of citrus trees and woods, the Akamas Peninsula National Park creeps far into the Mediterranean Sea. Spend your nights within a stone’s throw of the peace and stunning landscape of this appealing region in close-by Cyprus hotels, including the Pafian Sun Villages of the Pafian Sun.
The Southern Akamas, further along the western coast to the south, is scattered with ancient ruins which date back to the 12th century and some even older. The Aphrodite Hills Golf and Spa residences is set in the untouched Cypriot countryside in Pafos, and if all those outdoor activities sound a little too taxing, you could easily spend a week or two being pampered within its spa complex.
Limassol may be one of the most recognisable holiday destinations, but don’t let the thought of package tours and coach trips put you off. The Troodos Mountains are the range that the great Mount Olympus calls its home, and during the winter months it becomes the perfect destination for skiing and snowboarding. The countryside of the Troodus is also speckled with a monastery and nine churches, forming a World Heritage area that transforms in the summertime into a region full of easy-to-discover natural beauty spots, including the Caledonia Falls. The Crowne Plaza or the Grand Resort hotels are close enough to the mountains, while still providing some much-needed luxury after a day on the hills.