Holiday Activity Ideas in Cyprus
Cyprus' sea, mountains and countryside make it the perfect location for activity holidays, from on-land climbing, horse riding or mountain biking to marine scuba diving and surfing.
At some times of year, it's even possible to ski in the Troodos range.
So wherever you're staying on the island, here's a brief guide to Cyprus' outdoor activities.
Sea sports Cyprus' warm Mediterranean seas and golden beaches make it a great destination for lovers of water sports.
Look out for sites like Coral Bay Beach near Paphos, which has blue flag classification for its cleanliness and facilities.
Coral Bay has a range of providers offering diving lessons, dive trips and other water sports such as windsurfing, snorkeling, pedalos and water-skiing, with activities to suit all skills and levels.
Unusually, the Cypriot authorities allow amateur divers to explore wrecks in its waters, making for some of the most exciting diving most holiday divers are likely to encounter.
At sites like Coral Bay, the beach's other facilities - spas and cafes - mean that less sporty members of the family will also have plenty to do.
Further afield from Paphos, many smaller coastal villages have picturesque harbours and marinas where groups with boats or who've hired them to tour this 'sailor's paradise' can moor up and explore.
Skippered yachts can also be hired to take parties on boat trips, mainly from the ports at Limassol and Larnaca.
On land Staying on land, Cyprus' lush countryside and rugged mountains provide the settings for a range of different activities and sports.
The Troodos mountains themselves, especially their highest peak, Mount Olympus, are suitable for skiing and snowboarding from around December to March, with plenty of centres hiring out equipment and offering tuition for novices.
During the rest of the year, especially the cooler spring and autumn months, the island offers hundreds of walks, from gentle strolls amidst the spring flowers of the Akamas peninsula to more challenging hikes in the Troodos range and its upland cypress and pine forests.
Many local companies offer guided walks between otherwise hidden villages or on lesser-known mountain routes, but independent walkers need to ensure they take proper maps of the area and to go equipped with sunblock, plenty of water and, even when it's sunny on the beach, warm clothing against chilly mountain air.
And for tourists wanting to take the weight off their own feet, hotel or villa managers should be able to recommend somewhere to hire horses or join an organized horseback trek.
For those for whom walking or horse-riding is just that bit too leisurely a pace, there are also bicycle hire outlets across the island, offering equipment which ranges from tourer bikes for exploring Cyprus' roads and carrying camping gear or picnics, to rugged mountain bikes for taking to upland trails and forests.
Again, visitors need to make sure they go well-equipped, with puncture repair kits as well as the ubiquitous water and sunscreen.
Some centres also rent out quad bikes, scooters or even 4X4 vehicles for those looking for more mobility or adventure.
At some times of year, it's even possible to ski in the Troodos range.
So wherever you're staying on the island, here's a brief guide to Cyprus' outdoor activities.
Sea sports Cyprus' warm Mediterranean seas and golden beaches make it a great destination for lovers of water sports.
Look out for sites like Coral Bay Beach near Paphos, which has blue flag classification for its cleanliness and facilities.
Coral Bay has a range of providers offering diving lessons, dive trips and other water sports such as windsurfing, snorkeling, pedalos and water-skiing, with activities to suit all skills and levels.
Unusually, the Cypriot authorities allow amateur divers to explore wrecks in its waters, making for some of the most exciting diving most holiday divers are likely to encounter.
At sites like Coral Bay, the beach's other facilities - spas and cafes - mean that less sporty members of the family will also have plenty to do.
Further afield from Paphos, many smaller coastal villages have picturesque harbours and marinas where groups with boats or who've hired them to tour this 'sailor's paradise' can moor up and explore.
Skippered yachts can also be hired to take parties on boat trips, mainly from the ports at Limassol and Larnaca.
On land Staying on land, Cyprus' lush countryside and rugged mountains provide the settings for a range of different activities and sports.
The Troodos mountains themselves, especially their highest peak, Mount Olympus, are suitable for skiing and snowboarding from around December to March, with plenty of centres hiring out equipment and offering tuition for novices.
During the rest of the year, especially the cooler spring and autumn months, the island offers hundreds of walks, from gentle strolls amidst the spring flowers of the Akamas peninsula to more challenging hikes in the Troodos range and its upland cypress and pine forests.
Many local companies offer guided walks between otherwise hidden villages or on lesser-known mountain routes, but independent walkers need to ensure they take proper maps of the area and to go equipped with sunblock, plenty of water and, even when it's sunny on the beach, warm clothing against chilly mountain air.
And for tourists wanting to take the weight off their own feet, hotel or villa managers should be able to recommend somewhere to hire horses or join an organized horseback trek.
For those for whom walking or horse-riding is just that bit too leisurely a pace, there are also bicycle hire outlets across the island, offering equipment which ranges from tourer bikes for exploring Cyprus' roads and carrying camping gear or picnics, to rugged mountain bikes for taking to upland trails and forests.
Again, visitors need to make sure they go well-equipped, with puncture repair kits as well as the ubiquitous water and sunscreen.
Some centres also rent out quad bikes, scooters or even 4X4 vehicles for those looking for more mobility or adventure.
