Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and to celebrate the beginning of the festive season, we’re bringing you the ‘Mercury Holidays 12 Destinations Advent Calendar’ – every day we’ll be taking a look at a top destination and what makes it the perfect place to visit with family, friends or enjoy a little you time.
So, without further ado let’s reveal day 3…
Cyprus Package Holidays
Tourists can always count on the weather in Cyprus to be fantastic – with annual temperatures of at least 24 degrees, you can depend on this extremely popular Mediterranean destination to deliver all year round. Whether you want to soak up the history and culture of Paphos, explore the lively town of Limassol and its range of nightlife or sit back and relax on the glorious beaches of Protaras; Cyprus is a holidaymaker’s haven.
Advent Calendar Fact: Halloumi is the most popular cheese in Cyprus and is a staple part of the diet. The earliest known descriptions of Halloumi were recorded in the mid-16th Century by Italian visitors to Cyprus.
There’s a wonderful variety of places to visit when holidaying in Cyprus, but if you’re looking for a town that will tick all the boxes, then Paphos is the prefect option. Once the capital of the island, this town is surrounded by the charm and mystery of Greek legends; stories of long ago claim that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born from the foam of the sea and worshipped throughout the land. Along with a rich history, Paphos is also an official UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless national treasures and ancient remains. If you want to learn more about the antiquity of Paphos, then we highly recommend the area of Kato Paphos by the harbour; here, you’ll find stunning archaeological sites including the House of Dionysus, Tombs of the Kings and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite.
Advent Calendar Fact: Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite’s Rock, is located off the shore along the main road from Paphos to Limassol. Its status in mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite makes it a tourist-hotspot.
After a fascinating history lesson, it’s time for a bit of relaxation and with over twenty breath-taking beaches and fifty kilometres of coastline, you’re guaranteed to find the prefect spot to sit down, soak up the sun and read a good book. In the evening we suggest heading to the ‘Entertainment Street’, here you’ll find a wide selection of tourist-friendly bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat whilst people watching and chatting.
Advent Calendar Fact: Many of the beaches in Paphos have been awarded the Blue Flag. This international award is presented to well-managed beaches that have excellent water quality and environmental educational programmes.
If you’re looking for activities that are more on the sporty side, then Ayia Napa is an ideal option. Although traditionally thought more of a nightlife hotspot, Ayia Napa has drawn many tourists looking to dance the night away, however, this town offers far more than clubs are bars. The quieter aspects of this destination are a popular choice for families and those looking to relax on some of the best beaches Cyprus has to offer. Whether you want to improve your handicap on the golf course, discover the ocean with a spot of scuba diving or test your driving skills on a Jet ski, this stunning town has a range of activities to suit all visitors.
If you’d like to take a look at our range of hotel offering across Cyprus, simply click the link below.
Advent Calendar Fact: The word ‘Ayia’ mean ‘Holy’ in Greek and ‘Napa’ is the archaic word for ‘wooded valley’. In ancient times, the area surrounding Ayia Napa was covered in a thick, dense forest.
Cyprus Fact File:
Geographic size – 9,250 square miles
Population – 1.17 million
Number of beaches – 160
Average temperature – May to October 24 degrees, November to April 14 degrees
Hotel of The Day:
Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris
The four-star Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris is located in the popular area of Paphos in Cyprus. This adults-only resort is located directly on the beach, allowing you to soak up the sun on the golden sands looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the exotic gardens that surround the property.
The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Paphos’ top sights; from the harbour and old town – full of cafes and restaurants, to the Archaeological Park with its incredible Roman mosaics. The Paphos water-park is also only a short distance away.