Cyprus: Island of the gods

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23 SEPTEMBER 2004
The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus is one of the world's most heavenly holiday destinations; one which draws celebs as diverse as Leonardo DiCaprio and the Beckhams. Beautiful beaches, friendly people and stunning historic sites make for a vacation on the island that is nothing short of divine

Standing at the crossroads of three continents, Cyprus has served as a backdrop for thousands of years of civilisation. As a result, although just a four-hour flight from the UK and still showing traces of its days as a British colony, the beautiful island offers a total change of scene. Cypriots are famous for their hospitality and friendliness - especially towards children - meaning visitors are assured a warm welcome. And with sunshine virtually guaranteed, the greatest challenge faced by most holidaymakers is how to tear themselves away from the sunlounger in order to explore the island's many treasures.

On the beach
The prettiest strip of coastline is at Ayia Napa in the east of the island, an area immensely popular with tourists. Of the six beaches, Nissi is the busiest and Makronissos the most picturesque. There are great beaches at nearby Protaras, too. On the opposite side of the island at Paphos, beachfront hotels abutt onto sandy strips, but many visitors prefer to take the bus to bustling Coral Bay, five miles away. The favourite local beach - which is pebbly rather than sandy - is at Pissouri. If you're looking to get off the beaten track, it's best to head for the less-frequented coves on the Akamas Peninsula.

Walk on the wild side
The Akamas National Park on the west of the island is Cyprus' last unspoilt wilderness. Visitors can follow nature trails across its rolling hills and green fields to the Baths of Aphrodite, where Adonis is said to have watched the goddess of love bathing in a pool beneath a small waterfall. According to locals, women bathing in its waters benefit from the deity's eternal beauty. In the lesser-known hinterland are picture-postcard villages such as Tokhni, set among orchards and olive groves. Further north are the foothills of the Troodos mountains, a popular haunt for hikers, which rise towards 6,404-foot-high Mount Olympus, the highest point on the island. Also worth a visit is the wine producing village of Omodos, with its quaint cobbled market square where local produce is sold.