Franklin Dean
Cyprus is a popular honeymoon destination, offering a warm climate, beautiful scenery, and the hospitality of the Cypriots. With 326 days of sunshine a year, it is a great choice for a beach holiday, with crystal blue seas and sandy beaches. It also has a rich history, excellent nightlife, and a range of accommodation options, from 5-star resorts to self-catering apartments and luxury villas. There are plenty of romantic activities for couples, from snorkelling in natural grottoes to wine-tasting in quaint villages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements for British citizens | No visa required |
| Best time to visit | May to October |
| Languages | Greek, Turkish, English |
| Activities | History, wine tasting, hiking, water sports, snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, sunset walks, paragliding, scuba diving |
| Attractions | St Hilarion Castle, Petra Tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock), Blue Lagoon, Zenobia Wreck, Artemis Trail, Tombs of the Kings, Hrysopolitissa Basilica, Troodos Mountains, Kyrenia, Nicosia |
| Accommodations | Athena Royal Beach Hotel, Constantinou Bros Asimina, Anassa, Capo Bay Hotel, Almyra, Amphora Hotel, Nissi Beach Hotel, Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel, Sun Hall Beach Hotel Apts |
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What You'll Learn
- Adventurous activities: Sea caves, snorkelling, scuba diving, paragliding, and hiking
- Rich history: Byzantine churches, Phoenician tombs, Roman ruins, and St. Hilarion Castle
- Natural wonders: Blue Lagoon, Lara Bay, Alaminos Beach, and the Troodos Mountains
- Food and drink: Wine tasting in vineyards and quaint villages
- Romantic experiences: Sunset walks, swimming at Aphrodite's Rock, and Turkish baths
Adventurous activities: Sea caves, snorkelling, scuba diving, paragliding, and hiking
Cyprus is an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, known for its azure waters, pine-shrouded mountains, vineyards, valleys, and pristine beaches. It is an excellent destination for honeymooners seeking adventure, offering activities such as exploring sea caves, snorkelling, scuba diving, paragliding, and hiking.
Sea Caves
The sea caves in Ayia Napa, on the southeastern tip of Cyprus, are known for their turquoise waters. The coastline of Cyprus is dotted with caves, both underwater and above, providing extraordinary experiences for explorers.
Snorkelling
Cyprus is considered one of the best destinations in Europe to snorkel with sea turtles. The island offers coves, shipwrecks, underwater museums, and submerged archaeological sites to explore. Cape Greco, at the southeastern tip of the island, is the snorkelling hotspot, with its gin-clear waters, underwater museum, and abundant sea turtles. Green Bay in Protaras is another popular spot, known for its seagrass beds and underwater statues. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is also famous for its small island and vibrant rocky beds.
Scuba Diving
Cyprus is a famous spot for scuba diving, offering lessons and intermediate experiences. The reefs near Ayia Napa are known for their colourful variety, including red and green reefs. Divers can also explore underwater caves filled with cuttlefish and lobsters. The Akamas Peninsula features an uninterrupted stretch of diving land, leading to the White River, where exotic fish and large turtles can be found.
Paragliding
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, paragliding is available in Kyrenia through Highline Tandem.
Hiking
Hiking trails abound in Cyprus, particularly in the Troodos Mountains, which feature quaint villages and scenic nature trails. The Artemis Trail around the summit of Mount Olympus is a popular hike.
With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, Cyprus offers a unique and adventurous honeymoon experience.
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Rich history: Byzantine churches, Phoenician tombs, Roman ruins, and St. Hilarion Castle
Cyprus is an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, divided into two main societies: Greek and Turkish. Its rich and turbulent history has resulted in a remarkable collection of historic sites, including Byzantine churches, Phoenician tombs, and Roman ruins.
Byzantine Churches
Byzantine architecture, which emerged in the medieval Roman Empire, is known for its distinct style featuring exotic domes, mosaics, and round arches. Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) served as the centre of this architectural style, with churches such as Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene showcasing these features. The Pammakaristos Church in Constantinople, for example, features a highly ornate parekklesion added in the late Byzantine period.
Phoenician Tombs
Phoenician sailors, who travelled along the North African coastal routes, settled in Tipasa, a village in northern Algeria. The earliest traces of their presence are the Phoenician tombs, with the oldest dating back to the 6th century BCE. Artifacts found at these sites provide evidence of trade with Italy, Greece, and the Iberian Peninsula.
Roman Ruins
Cyprus boasts several Roman ruins, including those found in Tipasa, Algeria. This site includes a forum, a curia, four thermal baths, a theatre, a Christian cemetery, and a large Christian basilica with nine naves. These ruins showcase the Roman influence in the region, which dates back to the 1st century BCE when Mauretania came under indirect Roman rule.
St. Hilarion Castle
The Saint Hilarion Castle is located on the Kyrenia mountain range in Cyprus and served as a defence against Arab raids. The castle has three divisions: the lower and middle wards for economic purposes, and the upper ward, which housed the royal family and was surrounded by a 1.4-metre-thick Byzantine wall. The castle has been featured in various novels and video games, including Leon Uris's "Exodus" and the 2009 video game "Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines."
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Natural wonders: Blue Lagoon, Lara Bay, Alaminos Beach, and the Troodos Mountains
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island boasting a rich history and a diverse landscape of mountains, vineyards, valleys, and pristine beaches. Among its natural wonders, the Blue Lagoon, Lara Bay, Alaminos Beach, and the Troodos Mountains stand out as must-see destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Blue Lagoon, located in the Akamas peninsula, is renowned for its warm, crystalline waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The sheltered bay offers clear views of the seabed and the diverse marine life that inhabits its waters. A boat trip to the lagoon from Latchi Harbour costs around €20 and takes about three hours, including travel and exploration time. While the Blue Lagoon is a popular summer destination, it is recommended to visit during other seasons to avoid the crowds.
Lara Bay, famous for its turtle conservation efforts, is another natural wonder in Cyprus. The beach is dotted with metal baskets protecting hundreds of sea turtle nests. Visitors are advised to follow conservation rules, such as avoiding the use of sunscreen and umbrellas, to ensure the safety of the turtles. The journey to Lara Bay is an adventure in itself, involving a bumpy ride on a twisty and sandy road.
Alaminos Beach, also known as Secret Paradise, offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. The beach has clear waters, sandy shores, and sunbeds with umbrellas available for a reasonable price. It is known for its cleanliness, with minimal plastic litter, and its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families with young children. Alaminos Beach provides a pleasant escape from the crowds and is easily accessible, with free parking available.
The Troodos Mountains, the largest mountain range in Cyprus, offer a different kind of natural wonder. With their quaint villages, scenic nature trails, and rich biodiversity, they provide a captivating experience. The mountains are home to endemic plants and animals, including the endangered Cyprus mouflon and the venomous Cypriot blunt-nosed viper. The region is also known for its Byzantine churches and monasteries, with the Kykkos monastery being the most famous. The mountains' Mediterranean climate and pine-shrouded peaks create a striking natural environment.
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Food and drink: Wine tasting in vineyards and quaint villages
Wine tasting in Cyprus offers a delightful experience for both wine connoisseurs and novices alike. The island, known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, is becoming a popular destination among wine enthusiasts. Cyprus is famous for its exceptional wines, with a vibrant wine culture that spans millennia. The Mediterranean climate, characterised by abundant sunshine and mild winters, provides perfect conditions for grape cultivation.
One of the most popular villages in Cyprus for wine lovers is Omodos, known for its high production of traditional products like zivania, an alcoholic drink, and soutzouko, a sweet made from grape must. The village centre is made up of cobbled streets, with lines of traditional shops and restaurants leading up to the Monastery of the Holy Cross, one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus. Omodos is a well-known agro-tourism destination, offering something for all visitors, from wineries to museums and Cypriot lace. Quaint cafes and restaurants fill the main street, providing the perfect spot to relax and indulge in the local cuisine.
For those seeking a more intimate wine-growing village, Inia is a hidden gem nestled between vineyards in the Paphos district. The village's name derives from the Ancient Greek word for wine, "inos", reflecting its strong connection to viticulture. While Inia is renowned for its wine-tasting experiences, there is more to this village than meets the eye. Visitors can explore traditional basket weaving, a craft that has been passed down through generations, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
If you wish to taste Cyprus's famous dessert wine, Commandaria, then Lofou is the place to go. Situated between Paphos and Limassol, Lofou is surrounded by mountains and two main rivers that feed its vineyards. The village offers spectacular countryside views, and visitors can dine at traditional Cypriot taverns to savour local dishes. Explore the stone walkways of Lofou and discover hidden gems like the olive mill and the Folk Art Museum, adorned with street art.
For wine enthusiasts seeking the best wine production in Cyprus, Arsos is the place to be. Sitting at 1,092 metres above sea level, this village offers magnificent countryside views and a glimpse into traditional Cypriot life. Wine-making is still the main profession of the villagers, and the surrounding open fields of the Limassol district provide the perfect setting for grape cultivation. Visitors can explore the narrow alleys, traditional buildings, mineral water springs, and the olive press, all while enjoying the renowned local wine.
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Romantic experiences: Sunset walks, swimming at Aphrodite's Rock, and Turkish baths
Cyprus is a picturesque island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, known for its azure waters, pine-shrouded mountains, lush vineyards, valleys, pristine beaches, and rich history. It is an ideal honeymoon destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway with a blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.
Romantic Experiences in Cyprus:
Sunset Walks
Stroll along the coast at sunset and enjoy the magnificent views. The island offers a variety of scenic walking paths, such as the new coastal promenade in Limassol or the Phinikoudes promenade in Larnaka, which provide smooth walks with plenty of places to pause and admire the surroundings. The sunsets in Cyprus are known to be especially dramatic and romantic, particularly in autumn and in Pafos, located on the island's west coast.
Swimming at Aphrodite's Rock
Take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea at Aphrodite's Rock, located off the coast of Cyprus in Paphos. According to legend, this is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty. Swimming around the rock three times is said to bring eternal youth and beauty, and some believe it will help you find your true love.
Turkish Baths
Experience the ultimate relaxation with your partner by visiting the traditional Hammam Baths, also known as Loutra or Turkish baths, in the old town of Paphos. These baths date back to the Ottoman era and have been fully restored, offering an authentic and romantic spa experience with marble steam rooms, scrubs, hair washing, and massages.
Cyprus provides a range of romantic experiences, from sunset walks and swimming in legendary waters to indulging in luxurious Turkish baths. With its stunning natural scenery, cultural attractions, and year-round sunshine, Cyprus sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable honeymoon. The best time to visit is between May and October, when the weather is warm and sunny, allowing you to make the most of the island's outdoor activities and coastal experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Cyprus is known as the 'Island of Love' and is famed for its beautiful climate, scenery, and the warm hospitality of the locals. The island offers a short flight from all European countries, 326 days of sunshine a year, and crystal-clear blue waters.
There are plenty of romantic activities for couples in Cyprus, including snorkelling in the natural grottoes near Coral Bay, visiting the birthplace of Aphrodite, and exploring the sea caves. Couples can also enjoy wine-tasting in quaint villages, sunset walks along the coast, and a trip to the Blue Lagoon.
Cyprus offers a range of accommodation options for honeymooners, from 5-star resorts to self-catering apartments and luxury villas. The Amavi, MadeForTwo Hotels in Paphos is a couples-only beachfront resort with luxurious honeymoon suites and romantic dinners. Other popular resorts include the Ciao Stelio Deluxe Hotel and the Sun Hall Beach Hotel Apts.
The south-western coastal resort of Paphos is a popular choice for honeymooners, known for its old harbour, tavernas, and Roman mosaics. Latchi, a former fishing village on the north coast, offers a relaxed atmosphere, great diving, and a selection of beachside restaurants.
