Last year, myself and Nikhil decided to set off on a Mediterranean holiday. We chose Cyprus Islands, which is the third largest in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia. Cyprus is situated close to the south of Turkey. Our Cyprus tour was planned for the winter. We had boarded a flight with Cyprus Airways. It connects most of the towns and cities of Europe. Cheap flights to Cyprus are also available with this airlines.

Cyprus, the sun-kissed isle, is a wonderful holiday resort. We were struck by the beauty of the pine dotted mountains, the pristine beaches with sand like gleaming gold, the archaeological sites and monuments that bear witness to the bygone era and most of all the sparkling turquoise blue sea.  Nicosia, the capital, divided by the ‘green line’ border and Paphos, which has been declared as a World Cultural Heritage Site by the UNESCO, are eloquent in their grandeur and cultural heritage. We visited the Hamam Omerye, Augustinian Church of St. Mary, Paphos Archaeological Park, Quiet Valleys,The Rock of Aphrodite, The Seven St. Georges, Kykkos Monastery and the Famagusta.

The gorgeous sea beaches of Protaras and Ayia Napa and the beautiful Troodos Mountains with Mount  Olympus visible at its peak are must visit places for a relaxing sojourn. The cafeterias dotting the beach front of Larnaca and those at Nicosia and Limassol are simply awesome. You must also try out the mouth watering Cypriot cuisine.

Getting around Cyprus is no big hassle. There are lots of taxis, cars and buses that provide easy  transfer from one place to another. The Cyprus hotels, villas and apartments provide excellent lodging options. Our stay at the Forest Park Mountain Hotel was a pleasant one. The Cyprus budget hotels also offer comfort and shelter at an affordable rate. An important word for shoppers: Cyprus is famous for lace work, jewelery and leather goods.

The tranquil ambiance exuded by the islands and the warm camaraderie of the people lingers in the memory long after the visit. The Cyprus, is truly the ‘Emerald of the Mediterranean.’