Enriched by a wealth of churches, antiquities and natural surroundings and with beautiful, diverse scenery, holidaying in Cyprus is sure to suit all tastes. With over 330 days of sunshine yearly and 9000 years of beguiling history, Cyprus, as a holiday retreat, has something for everybody. Feasibly you could vacation in Cyprus all year round and it's an outstanding place for a family vacation as there is something for all ages and preferences. For those who want to spend long lazy days in the sun as well as seeing many World heritage sites villa holidays are excellent .
From the clubs of Ayia Napa to the family beaches at Protaras, from the harbours of Larnaca and Limassol and the diverseness of Nicosia, to the Troodos Mountains and the Akamas Peninsula near the more restrained west coast resorts of Latchi and Polis that offer glorious walking holidays, Cyprus supplies all that you could desire in a holiday.
On the west coast you have Paphos which is an entrancing resort with an attractive harbour, a richness of nearby historical sites and options of moderately priced bars and tavernas. Polis is even more restrained than Paphos and has smaller unspoilt beaches and coves to unearth. Near to the foothills of the Paphos mountains is Pomos a village with uninhabited beaches, remarkable landscapes and sandy coves. Also near to Paphos is Pissouri which is surrounded by high cliffs. There are water sports galore available on the Coral Bay Beach and sightseeing and a choice of interests which will keep the older children occupied making Paphos ideal for combination family vacations, with a prosperity of things to see and do.
Known as the clubbing capital of Cyprus, Ayia Napa is on the eastern side and visited by many of the large European clubs who set up home on the island for the summer and is an alternative to Ibiza. The beaches here are excellent, but can get crowded, whereas Protaras, similar in style to Ayia Napa, has more space. Family holidays in Cyprus are best spent in Protaras, where the beaches are long and sandy with safe clear water for youngsters and nearby Pernera has one of the quietest and least crowded beaches in the Protaras area.
If you are looking to travel the island while enjoying your vacations in Cyprus then Limassol, the islands second largest city, provides a good base. Excellent for those planning a trip to the Troodos Mountains and the nearby villages. Authentic Greek tavernas and music clubs are some of the various attractions on offer . Those searching for a Cyprus holiday combining beaches with more authentic Cypriot life should contemplate one of the larger coastal towns like Limassol.
One of the oldest continuously populated cities in the world is Larnaca, which is acknowledged for its' large harbour and international yacht marina and is home to one of the two principal airports on the island. It is a modern oceanfront town with first-class shops and restaurants and the endearing Palm Tree Promenade and is located on the south-easterly side of the island.
The largest city in Cyprus is the capital Nicosia which is looked on as the shopping centre of the island. Contemporary, vigorous with diverseness within a prospering New city and an old walled city with a large array of shops and street markets. Hours can pass by just rambling the old cobbled streets delighting in the charming mixture of old and new.
You can be assured of sunny days and agreeable temperatures during a vacation in Cyprus. Excessive temperatures are uncommon and it is occasionally said that holidays in Cyprus are holidays in paradise. If you get a chance to visit Cyprus it is recommended because in all regions you will be received by courteous Cypriots and have a chance to taste mouth-watering traditional fare and excellent wine.
The Mediterranean Sea is filled with islands that have a rich history and beautiful landscapes that are wonderful places to visit for a full-blown vacation or just a day trip if in the regions. Pantelleria Island, once known as Cossyria, is one of these places.
Situated 62 miles southwest of Sicily, Pantelleria Island is a commune and part of the province of Trapani. The island is of volcanic origin and the highest point is Mt. Grande, which resides 2,743 feet above sea level. The soil is rich in minerals and the island hosts numerous hot springs and fumaroles, evidence that its volcanic origins are still at play. There is no source of fresh water anywhere on the island. The main town sits on a fortified harbor on the northwest edge of the island and it can be reached by hydrofoils, ferries, and small steamers from the city of Trapani on the mainland.
The islands history goes all the back to the ancient Greek and Romans. The islands native population wasn't Italian, but of Iberian stock. Taken over by the Carthaginians in the in the beginning of the 7th century BC, Pantelleria Island remained in their control until around 217 BC when the Romans took final control of it. It was part of Operation Corkscrew in World War II, although whether it was bombed by Allied Troops to be cleared for an airbase still remains a myth as the island shows no evidence of it. The island was also once home to a penal colony.
Visitors to the island will find that they can easily get around to see the sights. There are buses that run all over the island and for those more adventurous types, mopeds can be rented. The island is small enough to go around in four hours. Two hotels serve the island, as well as two restaurants that serve the local cuisine and are recommended by the locals. Anyone interested in handmade items can purchase sculptures and art from one of the three artisans that live on the island.
With its history dating back to the ancient times, Pantelleria Island has numerous tourist attractions that many will find interesting. Boat tours are offered for visitors for a small fee and include food and wine, swimming stops, photographic opportunities and the chance to see homes of many famous Italian's, such as Armani. For those who like to hike, the island boasts maintained trails through all of the complex geology that makes up this unique island. Visitors can also stop and enjoy many of the thermal pools and the Santaria, a hot pool inside a cave which is said to be the love nest of Ulysses and Calypso.
The Specchio di Venere is a lake that was formed within the crater of a former volcano on the island and is great for photo shoots. There are Neolithic villages that have been excavated as well as the Sesi, Neolithic funeral mounds near Cunelie. And for those tourists with a taste for vino, a tour of the vineyards in the Piano Ghiraldia is definitely in order.
As with many of the islands found in the Mediterranean, Pantelleria Island's rich history, hot springs, and beautiful vistas would be a wonderful place to visit for a taste of the exotic.
Both John Philips & Alfredo Gennaro Dagata are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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