Heathrow Airport has the benefit of allowing you to reach all corners of the world. Many people head to the closest European countries for a week or two away from home. But there are a lot more treats in store if you can handle a flight slightly further afield.
Take Cyprus, for example. Many people go here every year, going back time and again to enjoy all the island has to offer. Let’s find out some more.
Where is Cyprus?
Cyprus is an island off the southern coast of Turkey. It is effectively nestling in the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Turkey, Syria, Israel and Egypt.
As with many countries of its type, it boasts plenty of ancient remnants and monuments to tell us what the island used to be like in centuries gone by. It is also able to offer a classic summer holiday to those who are in need of one.
Flights from Heathrow are available to two separate airports in Cyprus. The first is to Larnaca, which is located on the southern coastline of the island. The second option is to fly from Heathrow to Paphos. This airport is on the western coast.
Why should you visit Cyprus?
Cyprus is quite a distance from the UK when compared with flights to other popular holiday destinations such as Spain and Portugal. It is also further than Greece and Turkey (depending on where you are heading in Turkey).
But it is worth the effort, because it is not only dripping with historical significance, it also offers a holiday that brings you close to the culture of the island. The weather is generally superb and there are dozens of great beaches all over the island. No matter where you stay you will find plenty to indulge in.
What main areas are there to stay in?
Paphos is a popular hotspot for visitors, offering Coral Bay beaches that are sandy and frequented regularly. But make sure you don’t miss the sight of the Tombs of the Kings, which is situated nearby. This is a necropolis which can be traced back in time to 300BC. The scenery is nothing short of magnificent.
Limassol is another good bet as it offers a handful of beaches that are all worth a visit. Try Pissouri Beach if you like to swim in gentle waters instead of having to contend with huge waves!
You can also enjoy exploring the cities of Cyprus as well as the beaches. This is particularly well recommended if you want to see more of the island, as well as drinking in the scenery and history of the place.
To this end, Nicosia is the capital and offers a nice insight into both modern and ancient Cyprus. Don’t miss the Venetian city wall, for example, which is more than four hundred years old.
The city of Famagusta is another example of a city that dates back to around 300BC. Walking among the artefacts and monuments throughout Cyprus that date back to similar times is quite an experience, and it is not one to be missed.
Tokhni will take you away from the plethora of beaches and introduce you to a small but very pleasant village nestling at the foot of mountains. You will find it about equidistant between Limassol and Larnaca, so it provides a nice stop off on a day out along the south coast.
What type of holidays is it good for?
As you might expect, Cyprus is an ideal location for those wanting to soak up some sun. The wide variety of beaches and seafront locations means that wherever you go, you can find just the kind of beach you like.
It is also good for family holidays. Once again, places like Limassol do offer beaches that benefit from calmer swimming conditions – perfect for the kids and those who aren’t as happy in choppier waters.
You can also enjoy locations that are more inland, and Cyprus has its fair share of cities that have plenty of educational sights that are worth seeing. With a history that stretches back for thousands of years it offers an experience quite unlike any other.
In short, you can do as much or as little as you like on this particular island. And that is precisely why so many people love it.
In conclusion
Some people aren’t keen on the extended flying time to Cyprus. It does take more than four hours to fly to Larnaca for example. But as those who have taken the flight will attest, it’s well worth the journey!
Cyprus has long been one of the most popular destinations for many British holidaymakers. This testifies to the fact that once you step off the plane after your flight from Heathrow, you can look forward to a wonderful holiday courtesy of the people of Cyprus.