Why Cyprus? | SPL Villas Blog | The Villa Specialists

Villa holidays in Cyprus

If reliably warm weather and gorgeous beaches are high on your holiday wish list, then the island of Cyprus is a fantastic option for you. Thanks to its south easterly position in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is bathed in sunshine for most of the year. Furthermore, wherever you are on the island, you are never far from an inviting beach for a cooling dip in the sparkling sea. It is little wonder that Cyprus is a favourite destination for both visitors and expats escaping colder climes. Our villas with private pools in Cyprus are perfectly positioned to explore everything that this wonderful island has to offer.

Cyprus has so much more to offer than just the heat and coast though. The third largest island in the Mediterranean with a unique mix of Greek and Turkish culture, Cyprus has a wealth of fascinating and fun things to experience. It means keeping everyone in the family happy requires little effort. From its easy going, family friendly resorts and majestic mountains to historic hot spots and cultural highlights, Cyprus holds an irresistible appeal.

If you prefer to avoid the sizzling summer heat, then head to Cyprus in spring or autumn. It starts to warm up as early as March. It is the time to unwind, admire wild flowers blooming in the mountains and benefit from lower off season rental prices too. By April the weather is pleasant. Temperatures in the mid 20s make it ideal for an Easter break by the sea.

Are you are wondering if Cyprus is hot enough for a half term beach holiday? It definitely is. At the end of May, Cyprus is basking in balmy sunshine in the upper 20s. It is a fantastic time of the year to head to the beach and soak up some rays. It really heats up in June, then by July and August temperatures peak in the mid 30s. Be sure to book one of our Cyprus holiday homes with cooling shade, a pool and air conditioning then!

If you can get away in September and October then seize the opportunity to visit Cyprus then. The heat recedes to a more mellow temperature, there are less visitors around and the sea is still warm enough for swimming.

How to get there

Depending on the location of your villa, book direct flights to either Larnaca or Paphos airport. From the UK, the flight is around 4 hours to Cyprus. Just remember to take your favourite books and toys to entertain little ones! Aim to time your flights in order to coincide with villa tenancy times. It means arriving by the afternoon. Car hire and transfers are easily arranged from the airport to your villa or apartment.

Where to stay

We have sourced our villas and apartments with pools in the parts of Cyprus we love. Mostly set along sandy stretches in the south around Paphos and Aphrodite Hills, our Cyprus holiday homes are dotted along the coast. They extend to the golden sands of Protaras in the south east.

Stay in a villa or holiday apartment in Paphos and it will give you the best of both worlds. It is a strategic base for reaching a variety of attractions. When you arrive in Paphos you step into the most historic area on the island with its castle and ancient ruins. It is also steeped in Greek mythology, the beaches are gorgeous and accommodation is set up with families in mind.

From Paphos take the coastal path to the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park to discover fascinating ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Beyond is an impressive Tomb of the Kings with its necropolis with underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, so a definite must see for a cultural holiday experience.

South east of Paphos on the other side of the island is the lively coastal resort of Ayia Napa and neighbouring Protaras. A villa holiday in Protaras gives you access to a sandy stretch of inviting beaches which hug the coastline, so fun to explore or for a welcome afternoon siesta.

How is the food and wine in Cyprus?

The food in Cyprus is a mouth-watering mix of Greek and Turkish cuisine. There is always plenty of fresh fish, fruits, vegetables and sweet cakes.

As there is an established British expat community in southern Cyprus, when you step into your local supermarket, you are bound to spot British staples. You also find a good variety of fresh local produce. So stock up and enjoy dining in style together on your villa terrace or head out to one of the many eateries.

Firstly, share a traditional meze platter for a real Cypriot taste experience. Be sure to try grilled halloumi cheese, koupepia or dolmades (stuffed grape or vine leaves), sheftalia (spiced sausages), tzatziki dip and calamari.

Secondly. choose a favourite dish served in most beach side eateries. It is souvlakia, a delicious pitta stuffed with chargrilled chicken or pork with salad and tzatziki.

Thirdly, loukoumades, a honey soaked fried doughnut, is the perfect sweet dessert. You may find it becomes a firm favourite with your children too. Juicy fresh fruit is plentiful and grown locally. Make sure you try freshly picked seasonal favourites such as melon, grapes and prickly pears.

Lastly, your meals should be accompanied by Cypriot drinks of course. The vineyards of the Troödos hills produce delicious wine which perfectly complements your meze, barbecue or seafood platter Be sure to try at least one bottle. Finish off with ouzo liqueur or maybe just a shot of strong, black Cypriot coffee.