ACTIVITIES
Beaches
Golden beaches on the island are wonderful and offer plenty of activities for the sun-lovers and amenities for swimmers. Beaches are sandy and sometimes made from sand mixed with pebbles. 52 beaches were awarded the Blue Flag and they are really crystal clear and safe. One of the famous beaches stretches between Famagusta ans Bogaz for about 25 kilometers. Some parts of the beach are owned by hotels and an entrance fee is required there. Beautiful beaches are also to be found around Lefke, Agia Napa, Limassol, Larnaca, Protaras and Kyrenia. Most of them offer opportunities for windsurfing, parascending, water skiing, jet skiing, etc. It is also possible to rent speed boats, scooters, motor boats, canoes and pedals.
Sightseeing
Nicosia and every bigger city have many historical sights which are worth visiting. In Nicosia, walking around the walled Old City is a must. There are numerous interesting museums and art galleries around the island. However, all the ancient buildings, the city walls and churches may be even better. Ghost Town is also worth visiting. It has been deserted for more than 30 years. Amathus is equally interesting. This was one of the oldest cities in Cyprus. Now it is in ruins and partly underwater. Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and other main cities won’t disappoint the tourists.
Hiking
Cyprus has more than 200 kilometers of hiking trails. The popular routes include Troodos area, the Akmas Peninsula, the Aphrodite Trail, the Adonis Trail and the Avakas Gorge. Routes are well-marked. While walking one should be careful and aware of snakes. There are three venomous species of snakes and one of them (blunt-nosed viper, Vipera lebetina) is dangerous to humans.
Skiing
Skiing is also possible in Cyprus, however, only between January and April. There are eight alpine ski runs on the Mount Olympus. There are ski lifts and places offering ski equipment for rent.
Water sports
Cyprus is a paradise as far as water sports are concerned. It is possible to rent equipment for sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, banana ride, tube ride, parasailing and others. There is a plenty of training schools that will teach the beginners. Adventures on Cyprus never end.
Fishing
Cyprus is rich in fishing opportunities. Species such as garfish, sea bass, barracuda, bluefish, tunafish, amberjack, blackfish, scorpion-fish, conger eel, parrot fish and many others are to be found around the island. Some tour operators specialize in fishing trips and they organize transfers, fishing permits and fishing equipment.
Rock climbing
Rock climbing in Cyprus is possible both indoor and outdoor. There are climbing courses for beginners and advanced climbers. There are some climbing gyms and numerous outdoor climbing routes (for example, in the area of Pafos and Agios Iraklidios).
Nightlife
The most attractive nightlife concentrates in Ayia Napa. There are numerous clubs with music ranging from house or garage music to original 70’s disco. However, every city has a variety of restaurants, pubs and clubs to choose from. Many places have regular events such as karaoke and live music.
Others
Cyprus has an endless variety of activities. There are many unique places in the unspoilt countryside. Watching birds and wild donkeys may be an unforgettable experience. Turtle watch is also extremely popular (the green and the loggerhead turtles can be observed). If one needs more exciting experience, paragliding, paintball and go-karting are worth trying.
