Things to do in Cyprus

Romantic Cyprus

Cyprus is the perfect destination for couples wanting a romantic holiday. As well as being the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, Cyprus also inspired Mark Anthony to new romantic heights: he thought the country would be the perfect gift for his beloved Cleopatra. Although an entire island is out of question for most of us, a luxury Cyprus holiday is sure to score you serious brownie points with your partner.

To begin to discover some of Cyprus’s most seductive attractions, we recommend following in the footsteps of Aphrodite herself and modern-day romantics should begin a trip to Petra Tou Romiou. Commonly referred to as “Aphrodite’s Rock” or “Rock of the Greek”, Petra Tou Romiou is located just 20 minutes east of Paphos Airport off the old Pafos-Lemesos road, on a well-signposted yet secluded strip of coastline.

It is here where from the sea arose white foam, from which the maiden Aphrodite emerged, the waves first took her to Kythera and then brought her to Cyprus. Aphrodite then went to the assembly of gods from Cyprus. The Romans widely referred to her as Venus.

The myth goes that if you swim around the rock three times at midnight you will be granted eternal youth.

The Retreat

Nearby, you will find The Retreat, an opulent spa that provides an extensive range of indulgent, pampering treatments in serene Greco-Roman surroundings, marking new heights in luxury. In a private couples suite simultaneously enjoy a Swedish massage (from €60 per person), Thai herbal therapy (from €85 per person) or Royal Thai massage (€135 per person).

For the ultimate spa treatment, consider the 75-minute Thermae Experience. Begin with the low-humidity Laconium heat room, followed by the steamy Calderium sauna, then move on to the hammam, the traditional domed Turkish bath. All this is interspersed by cooling showers, a highlight of which is the two-minute visit to the Frigidarium where you can rub ice shavings onto your partner! Complete your experience in the Tepidarium, a warm bathing room where you can relax on gently heated loungers and reach a state of heavenly nirvana.

Troodos Mountains

The Troodos Mountains stretches across the western side of Cyprus. The highest peak is that of Mount Olympus which rises to 6,404 feet (1952 m). It has many famous resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches nestled into its valleys and atop its peaks. Many of these are counted among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites for their historic importance. There are also picturesque villages which cling to terraced hill slopes.

Although peerfectly accessible by car, the best way to experience the Troodos Mountains is by bike where you can truly experience the Cypriot wildlife including the rare Bonelli’s eagles. Mountain bikes can be hired from as little as €15 per day, and daily guided tours from €60 per day. Troodos is also great for hiking, and those on foot are more likely to catch sight of the mouflon, a curly horned wild sheep. The mouflon also features in the logo for Cyprus Airways as well as on the 1, 2, and 5 cent Cypriot euro coins.

Although it is dependent on the weather, the ski season in Cyprus generally starts sometime in January and last until the end of March. The Cyprus Ski Club (+357 2244 9837; www.cyprusski.com) runs and maintains the Troodos Skiing Centre which is located between the two highest peaks. Although Troodos is no Kitzbuhel, it can offer a very reasonable skiing break.