Cyprus in May...(retagged)
#1
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Join Date: May 2007
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Cyprus in May...(retagged)
Mid-May this year, my wife and I (early 60s, no kids in tow) plan a 10-day vacation, most of the days of which we'd like to spend in Cyprus. Our interests are people, culture, art, ancient civilizations, natural environment, relaxation (beaches), and food, not necessarily in that order. We love walking in places we travel, particularly in cities. We've looked at some of the Fodor threads on Cyprus and see there are good questions on where--the Greek south or the Turkish north--to spend more time, and I'd like to hear from this community thoughts to consider on where to base ourselves for five or seven nights (we plan to come in and out of Athens, and fly into Cyprus from there, spending a couple of days at the end of the trip in Athens). Also, getting around (renting a car best for flexibility?), the challenges of passing from the Greek to the Turkish areas, and back. Must-see sites, must-try experiences, friendly beaches for travelers, noteworthy food spots, etc. would be welcome, or good resources for more insight. Too, we'd hoped there might be ferry service back to Greek islands as an alternative to flying back to Athens, but we don't see anything like that. Thoughts? Thanks.
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There will be no organized beach life as the seawater temperature will be around 17 degrees.
What are you interested in exactly:
hiking
archeologic sites like Kourion, Salamis, Engomi, Paphos, Vouni
medieval cathedrals (Nicosia, Famagusta)
monasteries (all over the country)
medieval castles like St. Hilarion, Buffavento, Kantara
?????
If you want to explore the North, book a taxi transfer from LCA airport up to your first hotel (may be Cyprus Merit Gardens at Iskele, Conti at Salamis/Famagusta, Noahs Arch at Bafra) and rent then a car for the North only.
Unspoilt nature and beaches in the North: Karpas Peninsula; can be done by rental car form Bafra (luxury), Merit Cyprus Gardens Iskele (medium class), Nitovikla Kumyali (very basic, but charming owners, Karpaz Arch House (basic-medium) at Dipkarpaz.
For the same in the South, check Neochorio (Tavros) or Polis.
Archeological places: Paphos, Salamis, Kourion, Soli/Vouni.
What are you interested in exactly:
hiking
archeologic sites like Kourion, Salamis, Engomi, Paphos, Vouni
medieval cathedrals (Nicosia, Famagusta)
monasteries (all over the country)
medieval castles like St. Hilarion, Buffavento, Kantara
?????
If you want to explore the North, book a taxi transfer from LCA airport up to your first hotel (may be Cyprus Merit Gardens at Iskele, Conti at Salamis/Famagusta, Noahs Arch at Bafra) and rent then a car for the North only.
Unspoilt nature and beaches in the North: Karpas Peninsula; can be done by rental car form Bafra (luxury), Merit Cyprus Gardens Iskele (medium class), Nitovikla Kumyali (very basic, but charming owners, Karpaz Arch House (basic-medium) at Dipkarpaz.
For the same in the South, check Neochorio (Tavros) or Polis.
Archeological places: Paphos, Salamis, Kourion, Soli/Vouni.
#5
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There is organised beach life from April to October in Cyprus and the average sea temps in May is around 20C.
Renting a car will give you the best flexibility. Old Limassol is nice to walk around esp the old market close to Limassol castle, same with Paphos, along the seafront, there are several villages which are worth a visit.
Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca, the mosaics in Paphos are fantastic, Tomb of the Kings. The Akamas peninsula, near Polis is unspoilt and a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon is recommended, you can take one from Latchi.
Last Castle Viklari is worth a visit to eat souvla very rustic place, no menu just pork or lamb souvla & salad. Paradisos Hills in Lysos is a lovely place to go for lunch. Lara Beach, Sea Caves, the list goes on of interesting places to go.
Renting a car will give you the best flexibility. Old Limassol is nice to walk around esp the old market close to Limassol castle, same with Paphos, along the seafront, there are several villages which are worth a visit.
Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca, the mosaics in Paphos are fantastic, Tomb of the Kings. The Akamas peninsula, near Polis is unspoilt and a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon is recommended, you can take one from Latchi.
Last Castle Viklari is worth a visit to eat souvla very rustic place, no menu just pork or lamb souvla & salad. Paradisos Hills in Lysos is a lovely place to go for lunch. Lara Beach, Sea Caves, the list goes on of interesting places to go.
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We spent 2 weeks in Cyprus and loved it. on't remember much he names of the places we had bought some paperguides and organized the trip.
The local wine is EX-CEL-LENT.
The food is geat.
The weaher is fantastic.
The culture is omnipresent (mnasteries..).
The nature is superb.
Wevisited cedar valley and loved it btw.
We didn't bother going to the northern part.
The local wine is EX-CEL-LENT.
The food is geat.
The weaher is fantastic.
The culture is omnipresent (mnasteries..).
The nature is superb.
Wevisited cedar valley and loved it btw.
We didn't bother going to the northern part.