Just a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Great Britain, a picturesque winter sun paradise lies along the idyllic Mediterranean coast, with an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius in December.
The third smallest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus, also benefits from something that Britain does not in December: little rain.
The drive takes around two to three hours, so it’s possible to explore the varied landscapes, beautiful beaches and rugged mountains wherever you stay.
One of the most iconic activities is the 1,952-meter-high Mount Olympus, which is found in the Troodos Mountains, the largest on the island.
The area is also a popular destination for exploring traditional villages, such as picturesque Omodos, where you can visit a monastery and try traditional sweet wine.
Valleys, gorges and sandy coves on the Akamas Peninsula in western Cyprus are a great place to see wildlife, home to more than 150 species of birds, 20 different reptiles and 16 species of butterflies.
The beautiful Rock of Aphrodite, or Petra tou Romiou, lies along the coast, where, according to Greek mythology, Aphrodite was born from sea foam.
On a less sunny day, the Tombs of the Kings is a short distance from Paphos, where you can see underground tombs dating back to the 4th century BC.
Discover Cypriot cuisine with a meze platter, consisting of a variety of traditional small plates such as halloumi, souvlaki meat skewers, pita bread, stuffed vegetables, hummus and tzatziki. Slow-cooked lamb called Kleftiko is also a must-try.
The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is the only divided capital in the world after the 1974 civil war.
To the south lies the Greek Republic of Southern Cyprus, and to the north of the country lies the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
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