Cyprus, especially Nissi Beach, is known for its Irish pubs, English Fish & Chips and nightlife. If this is your thing, then fine. However, if this isn’t your thing, don’t let these pictures put you off! You will only have to make a little effort to avoid the crowds, but it will be worth it! Let me show you how!
South Cyprus, especially Nissi Beach in Agia Napa, has a reputation of being only for young people and people who want to have fun. Yes, the bars are there and the main beaches will be full in August. However, you can easily avoid them by taking a short drive or bike ride to visit the small coves and beaches that line this cobalt-blue coastline. There is now a good public transport system in Agia Napa.
If you are looking for a bit of solitude, rent a scooter and visit Cape Greco or Konnos. Swimming is good as the water is idyllic in these areas. Konnos is the best of all, with a Caribbean sea, white sand and fantastic swimming. There are numerous other beaches dotted along the coast that you can visit. Having your own transportation will be the best way to discover this island and it will feel like a luxury getaway to the Caribbean and the like!
However, the big advantage is that you don’t need to fly ten hours to Mauritius or Seychelles to soak up the sun and enjoy the white sand beaches. Cyprus has half the flight time and you can have the same. White sand beaches with all water sports, water skiing, swimming with dolphins, sailing and surfing. Other benefits are the wonderful Mediterranean diet, waking up in the mountains, looking at ancient monasteries and soaking up an ancient civilization, it’s all there to explore and enjoy!
Alternatively, you can also stay inside a resort if you prefer. The newly completed Nissi Elena Court has many vacation apartments to choose from. Here you will enjoy a large cobalt blue tiled swimming pool, a new but spacious Mediterranean garden with small palm trees and your own terrace with your choice of apartment. There’s no need to leave the resort other than to buy food, and with shopping practically on your doorstep, it won’t be a hassle.
The furnishings in these apartments are of a high standard. They are all equipped with marble effect floors, air conditioning in every room and all the comforts you would expect. Apartments that contrast light floors with dark leather sofas and furniture give a luxurious East Bali feel and work well. You can sip your drink on the top floor terrace and look out over the surrounding garden area and the expansive sea views beyond, giving you privacy and comfort. After you have taken a look at the rooms with their huge bed covered with white sheets, you can have your first drink, especially if you organized yourself well and bought them on the way.
These amazing apartments are ideally located; five minutes walk from the sea. It has the great advantage of being away from the main street, but has the convenience of having everything you need close by. They are furnished to a 5 star standard and are not your usual holiday accommodation. The owners want guests to feel the comfort of this 5-star accommodation while on vacation and enjoy all that this resort has to offer. The terraces are large and can accommodate four to six people, patio doors open directly from the master bedroom and lounge, so whether it’s fresh coffee in the morning or alfresco dining in the the night, the terrace is fabulous. All apartments are equipped with air conditioning, which will keep you cool during those high temperatures. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need. Within a 5-10 minute walk you will find excellent tavernas, restaurants and supermarkets. There is also a 24-hour bakery serving delicious breads and sweets! A flexible sleeping layout means couples, families and small groups alike can be accommodated.
While we are talking about finding your ideal accommodation, it is important to note that you need to book your accommodation in advance. Especially if you want to have your vacation between mid-July and mid-August; otherwise, you may find yourself without a bed. I advise you to ask the owners as many questions as you can to make sure you are clear on locations, sizes and sleeping arrangements. Having an apartment is still the best option. You’ll have space, dictate your own schedule, and best of all, save money for activities instead of spending it on a hotel room. Since everyone has different needs, it is important to explain the advantages or disadvantages of each. However, opinions differ and what is an advantage for one guest may be a disadvantage for another.
Also, if lying on the beach all day is not your thing, you don’t have to! You won’t be bored, I promise! You will find the old and the romantic on this island. Old Harbors can be found along the coast, where you’ll enjoy the quayside taverns selling a colorful mix of fish. Cyprus has about 200 species, including parrotfish, red and gray mullet, swordfish, sharks, and rays. Fish can be an expensive option in restaurants, although you can’t miss it and you must try a fish maze just once!
You can also find cool and cozy places in the monasteries during the hot midday sun, and Agia Napa has its own Monastery to gaze at or just enjoy its fountain and fresh air in the courtyard. For people who really want to cool off, the best place is the Trodos massif. A popular getaway spot in the summer for natives. Here you will have the opportunity to try simple local dishes and soak up the atmosphere. One of the most prominent is Vouni, a virgin village, partly deserted, and located in an area with a long wine tradition. The stone houses have smooth red tiled roofs and yellowish-brown masonry showing age, stacked on top of each other. They look like a Cézanne painting in their glorious yellow light at sunset. The view is enormous from this high point and you may be surprised to admit that it is not the Cyprus that the brochures advertise. This area is listed as one of the most impressive on the island. Welcome to the real Cyprus!