Cheap flights to Cyprus

When trying to book flights to Cyprus I have often found them to be expensive. This though was when I was taking them at face value and accepting the first prices I saw. The last time I wanted to book flights I decided to spend a bit of time and dig a bit deeper. It was worth it. Matt and I ended up flying to Cyprus for £89 return each!

How did I do this you ask? Well you need a bit of time, patience and perseverance but it can be worth it to save money you can spend on enjoying yourself whilst away. Just enter your preferred flight times and airport on the cheapflights tab on this website – www.holidayletsincyprus.com. You will be given some flight providers to click on. Click through each of these and you will be given different costs and a selection of different dates as well. If you are able to travel at short notice, be flexible with dates and are able to hold your nerve you can find some great deals as some providers reduce their prices the nearer it gets to the flight date. You also have to keep searching through and don’t always accept the price you see is the price you will pay. You need to take some of these through as if you are booking them to get the final price which can then be heavily discounted just before you enter your personal details.

We know leaving it until the last minute can be a bit daunting which is why we will be happy to hold your booking at one of our apartments until the last minute and accept your payment on arrival.

Give it a go. You never know how much you could save until you try.
Good luck.
Maria

Here is just a small selection of our most favourite visitor destinations in Cyprus

1. Lefkara

A picturesque village in the hills between Limassol and Larnaca, partly restored and protected, famous for its Lefkara lace making skills and local Lefkara lace known as 'Lefkaritika'. A common sight is groups of women who sit in the narrow village streets working on their fine embroidery, as they have for centuries. The village is also known for its skilled silversmiths who produce fine filigree work, and there is a small Turkish Delight factory.

According to tradition, Leonardo Da Vinci visited the village and bought an altar cloth, which he donated to the Milan cathedral. 'Lefkaritika' is easily available from lace shops in all towns, which is ordered from the lace makers in the village direct at very competitive prices.

The church of the Archangel Michael in Kato Lefkara is of the single-aisled domed type and has wall paintings of the late 12th century. At Pano Lefkara, there is the church of the Holy Cross with a beautiful 18th century iconostasi and a unique 13th century silver cross. A religious fair takes place on the 13th-14th September, day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Lefkara is in fact two villages, Pano (upper) and Kato (lower) Lefkara. Pano Lefkara is the home of the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silver-smithing in the house of Patsalos - ideal for the visitor who wants to know more before they buy. Opening house 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm Friday & Saturday, closed Sunday - tel: 24342326

2. Choirokitia

To go right back to Cyprus' earliest history, you need to visit the remains of stone-age settlements at Choirokitia, better preserved than most other Neolithic sites in the eastern Mediterranean. The settlement dates back to the sixth or seventh centuries BC - although the site was discovered in 1936, serious excavation did not get underway until the 1970's. It is perhaps one of the earliest human settlements on the island and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The people of Choirokitia lived in beehive-shaped one storey houses - more that sixty such houses can be seen at the site, as well as the original streets and lanes and a larger chieftain's mansion.

This site can be found approximately half way between Larnaca and Limassol, signposted off the highway. Opening hours winter daily 9am to 5pm, summer 9am to 7.30 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday - tel: 24322710


3. Cedar Valley

A must for nature lovers, Cedar Valley in Tilliryan Troodos is aptly named. However, the cedars in this secluded valley over 200,000 in all are no ordinary trees, but the indigenous Cyprus cedar, Cedrus brevifolia, a close relative of the famous cedars of Lebanon. There are thousands of them in Cedar Valley. It's not the easiest of places to find, but for that reason you almost guaranteed peace and quiet when you get there. It can be reached via winding unpaved road from Pano Panagia on the Paphos side of the mountains or from the Kykkos side along a signposted (unpaved) road along the route from Kykkos to Stavros tis Psokas.

And if you are really lucky, it won't be only cedars you see. Cedar Valley is in the heart of the habitat of the moufflon, a species of wild sheep native to Cyprus, and the national symbol. They are very shy animals - those who want a guaranteed viewing will need to go to the enclosure at Stavros tis Psokas.


4. Panagia tou Araka Church

The 12th century church of Panagia tou Araka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands just outside the village of Lagoudera and boasts some of the finest frescoes of the late Comnenian style (1192) prevailing throughout Greece, the Balkans and Russia. Together with the churches of Asinou and Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, it is considered to be one of the most important Byzantine churches on the island. Visitors should ask for the priest, who can be found on the premises next to the church, to escort them to the church.


5. Curium/Kolossi Castle

Ancient Curium and the castle at Kolossi are both in the Limassol area and can be visited together in a day. They are just two examples of the wealth of history to be found in Cyprus - the Curium sites dating from the second century AD and Kolossi from the thirteenth century.

The ruins at Curium are to be found in breathtaking scenery overlooking the sea - this is probably the most spectacular archaeological site in Cyprus. There are actually two sites, the old city of Kolossi and the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates - they are a few kilometres apart. There is also a museum in the nearby village of Episkopi. As it is one of Cyprus' most popular tourist attractions, it's worth arriving early in high season.

Kolossi castle was the commanderie of the Knights Hospitallers - the name later given to the Commanderia dessert wine. Despite changing owners a number of times, the castle is inextricably linked with both the Hospitallers and wine making.

Both Curium and Kolossi are signposted from the Limassol-Paphos highway. Curium is close to Episkopi village, Kolossi to the village of the same name.

Opening hours Ancient Curium winter daily 8am to 5pm - summer 8am to 7.30pm - tel 25995048. Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates October to April daily 9am to 5pm - summer 9am to 7.30pm - tel 25995049. Kourion Museum September to June Monday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm - Thursday only 3pm to 5pm - summer 9am to 7.30pm - tel 25934907.


6. Ayia Napa and Protaras

If you like entertainment of the non-stop variety, then Ayia Napa should be top of your list. It was once a small fishing village, but not any more. It boasts some of the best beaches on the island, lots of opportunities for watersports and is a popular destination for package tours. Arrive on a summer's morning and you will find a quiet, almost eerie place - but only because most of the visitors are sleeping off the excesses of the night before! This is Cyprus, however, and in the midst of all the fun and noise in the very heart of the town, you can find peace and tranquility in the monastery with its fountain, flowers and quiet cloisters.

Opening hours 8.15am to 2.30pm and 3pm to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday, closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons - tel: 23721796

The nearby resort of Protaras is said to be more family orientated and like Ayia Napa, has good beaches and lots of watersports. South of Protaras is Cape Greko, the easternmost point of this end of the island.


7. Paphos Harbour and Castle

The harbour at Paphos attracts visitors all year round, who take the opportunity to walk along the quay and maybe visit one of the fish restaurants, tavernas or cafes. The view is superb, with lots of colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour. The castle is in fact all that remains of a much earlier castle dating from 1391, which was demolished by the Venetians. The Ottomans used it as dungeons and the British as a warehouse for salt! It can be reached via a small bridge over a moat and is worth a visit for the view from the top. Opening hours - winter daily 9am to 5pm - summer daily 9am to 6pm - tel 26932841 (Paphos Tourism Office).

The harbour is also a good place to take a boat tour of the surrounding beaches and coastline.


8. Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke

For those of you arriving at Larnaca airport, one of Cyprus' most impressive places to visit is right under your noses! As you turn left out of the airport you will find the road running along a causeway. On either side you will either see two lakes, or two salt flats, depending on the time of year - this is the Larnaca Salt Lake and site of the mosque or Tekke of Hala Sultan. Salt has been extracted from the lake since ancient times and this continues, on a small scale, to this day. If you are visiting Cyprus in late winter or early spring, look out for the visiting flamingos and other migratory birds. Another salt lake can be found further along the coast of Akrotiri.

Peer across the lake and you will see the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque surrounded by palm trees. This is a wonderful place to visit. Opening hours Hala Sultan Tekke winter 9am - 5pm - summer 7.30am to 7.30pm.


9. Nicosia 'within the walls' and the House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios

Look at any map of Nicosia and you will see the distinctive shape of the walls of the old city. The walls and their eleven bastions were built by the Venetians in the 1570's - most of the historic monuments of Nicosia can be found in the winding streets within the walls. It is also the site of the famous tourist quarter, Laiki Yitoniak, which is full of gift shops and restaurants. The best way to see what is on offer is on foot - for a bird's eye view of the city old and new go to the Ledra Museum and Observatory on the eleventh floor of the Shakolas Tower (next door to Woolworths on the corner of Ledra Street and Arsinois Street).
Opening hours winter daily 10am to 7pm - summer 10am to 8pm - tel: 22679369.
One of the most beautiful buildings in the old city is the house of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios - also known as the House of the Dragoman - built in the fifteenth century. It is a wonderful example of a combination of Venetian and Ottoman building styles. The position of dragoman was a powerful one - he served as translator to the Turkish governor and liaised between the Ottoman authorities and the Orthodox Christians. He was an immensely powerful man and, as was common for such people in those days, was beheaded in 1808. The house can be found at 20 Patriarchou Grigoriou near the Omeriye mosque.
Opening hours 8am to 2pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm Saturday - tel: 22305316


10. The Paphos Mosaics

Last but by no means least, the colourful and intricate Roman mosaics to be found in Paphos are a must for all visitors to Cyprus. They were discovered by accident in the 1960's - further excavation revealed a number of Roman houses all with spectacular mosaics, depicting scenes from ancient mythology.
The mosaics give a clue to the wealthy and opulent lives of some of the Roman Paphiots. The main sites are the House of Dionysos, the House of Aion and the House of Theseus. The mosaics can be found near the lighthouse and fortress of Saranda Kolones situated in close proximity to Paphos Harbour. Opening hours October to March daily 8am to 5pm - April/May and September 8am to 6pm. June to August 8am to 7pm - tel:26306217

Of course, if after all that you still have time and energy, there's always the Akamas peninsula, the Archbishop in Nicosia, Panagia Chrysoirroyiatissa monastery, Petra too Romiou, Aguios Lazaros in Larnaca ….. And so the list goes on.

Things to Know about Cyprus

Religion
The Greeks are Greek Orthodox Christians which represent 78% of the population while the Turks are Muslims represents 18% of the population and Maronite, Armenian, Apostolic, Latin, and others 4%.

Weather and Climate
Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate, warm and rather dry, with rainfall mainly between November and March. In general, the island experiences mild wet winters and dry hot summers which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. The higher mountain areas are cooler and moister than the rest of the island.

Cyprus Languages
The official languages are Greek and Turkish with English often used as a second language and widely understood by both ethnic groups.

Cyprus Currency
The official currency in North is Turkish Lira (TL) and the currency in South is Pound (CP) however the English sterling is highly accepted.

Currency in South Cyprus
The legal tender of the South Cyprus is the Euro. Former Cyprus Pound was used until 31 December 2008. Check current exchange rates.

Currency in North Cyprus
The Turkish Lira (TRL - Türk Lirasi) is the current legal tender of Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, issued on January 1, 2005. The currency was accompanied with its inflation mostly in 1994; in summer 2001 seven banks failed. At present unit of 1 YTL is equivalent to 1 million old Turkish Lira that was introduced in 1983 (and remains valid until the end of 2005). The Turkish Lira is divisible into 100 new kurus (cents).

Electricity
Throughout Cyprus, voltage is supplied at 220/240 volts AC, supplied at 50 Hz. Plugs at 5 amp or 13 amp are generally of British type with 3 pins, but also exist some 2 pinned. Most anti-mosquito machines are fitted with the continental 2-pin type of plug, so an adaptor is required. These are widely available in supermarkets, grocery shops and electricians, or provided by holiday hotel itself. Since not many accommodations have a shaver point, it is better to take wet razors. Power cuts are quite often. Larger hotels and holiday villages have their own generators. A torch is therefore useful to bring, as there is little or no street lighting in the villages and along the minor roads. Batteries (including alkaline and Ni-Cad) are manufactured locally or imported, and are available in all popular sizes.

Time
Cyprus is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC), and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Clocks go forward one hour for summer time at 3 am on the last Sunday in March and back again at 3 am on the last Sunday in October. In South Cyprus a recorded time message can be heard by dialling 193.

Cyprus Traffic

In Cyprus traffic circulates on the left, the traffic signs are international and seat belts must be worn. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr and vehicles entering Cyprus must be insured upon arrival.

George's Fun Bus - Paphos

A must do for anyone visiting for the first time or even the second time around is to jump on George’s Fun Bus for a great day out!
Book before you leave or when in Cyprus.
“Best day out in Paphos is George's fun bus”
“We laughed all day and didnt want it to end!”

Paphos (Pafos)

The town of Paphos is famed for being the birthplace of Aphrodite (the Goddess of Love) and home to Aphrodite's Rock (Petra Toy Romiou), which was erected by the Myceneans in the 12th century BC. The town also boasts majestic landscapes, lovely coastline, as well as numerous historic sites including the beautiful Mosaics of Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings, the Medieval Fort, the Paphos District Archaelogical Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Ethnographical Museum. The impressive second century Odeon, which was rediscovered in 1973, the 12th-century Saranta Kolones Castle, which was built by the Lusignans but virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1222, and the fifth-century Panagia Limeniotissa Basilica are all also worth a visit for their architectural and historical importance.

Contact Addresses
Pafos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), 7 Athinon Avenue and Alexandrou Papagou Corner, Tolmi Court, First Floor, Office 101-102, Pafos, Cyprus
Tel: (26) 235 115
Website: www.ccci.org.cy

Transportation
Road: Car: Coastal road east to Paphos (from Limassol); coastal road south to Paphos (from the Polis region); road southwest, past Platres and Kedares. Then join coast road east from Limassol (from Troodos).

Kykkos Monastery (Panagia tou Kykkou)

Kykkos Monastery is the largest and most famous monastery in Cyprus. Founded in AD 1100 by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is home to one of the three surviving icons painted by the Apostle Luke. Kykkos Monastery is ornately decorated and covered in a silver gilt, enclosed in a tortoiseshell shrine.

It is also famous for its museum, located within the monastery grounds, which houses an impressive collection of icons, woodcarvings and manuscripts, and other Cypriot antiquities. The nearby Troodos Mountains, with magnificent hills and valleys, should also be explored as they are home to nine Byzantine churches, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and richly decorated with murals and Byzantine paintings.

Contact Addresses
Kykkos Monastery, PO Box 24850, 1304 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: (02) 942 736 (museum) or 590 768 (office)
Website: www.kykkos-museum.cy.net

Transportation
Road: Car: Road to Pedoulas which leads to Kykkos (from Troodos); road north towards Platres, past Pedoulas to Kykkos (from Limassol); towards Limassol, then northeast past Kedares to Platres (from Paphos). The monastery is well-signposted.

Location

Kykkos