Resort: Coral Bay area

Eleven kilometres and only a twenty minute bus ride from Paphos along the west coast is the seaside town of Coral Bay, Cyprus. Villas in the area of this friendly resort are within easy reach of one of the best beaches on Cyprus; a glorious blue-flag beach whose soft sands are fringed by crystal clear water, overlooked by a craggy backdrop of cliffs and the distant Troodos mountains. Here there are plenty of water-based activities to enjoy, from windsurfing for all abilities, to scuba diving, waterskiing and less strenuous pedalo hire and banana boat rides. The resort has a few shops, a bank and plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as a popular beachside taverna. Choose Cyprus’ Coral Bay villas for holidays with plenty of outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, picturesque surroundings and a genuine local flavour. The resort of Coral Bay, Cyprus and our Coral Bay villas are all between 30 - 40 kilometres from the airport.

Region: Cyprus

The Island
Perhaps as a result of their popularity with overseas visitors over the centuries, the Cypriot people have embraced tourism with open arms and today's holidaymakers would be hard put to find anything here they can't do in the way of relaxation, intellectual stimulation or entertainment. Aided and abetted by its glorious sun-soaked weather and some lovely beaches, the island really does offer something for holidaymakers of all ages, from bustling cosmopolitan resorts to tranquil fishing villages with everything in between.

The Resorts
Most of the island's best tourist resorts are along the west and north west coast, ranging from the peaceful rural town of Polis at the top of the island down to the hustle and bustle of Paphos some forty kilometres further south. Beach lovers cannot fail to be impressed by the blue-flag sands which fringe much of the island's western shores, whilst more energetic visitors will find plenty to challenge their sporting prowess, whether it be a wealth of watersports, tennis, squash and basketball courts plus a couple of rather challenging golf courses.

The History
Apart from being an increasingly popular tourist destination, Cyprus is very proud of its diverse cultural heritage and relics from every era of its history can be discovered all over the island be they Roman mosaics, Greek temples and Byzantine churches, or a myriad religious frescoes and fascinating archaeological sites. Mythology too is very much alive and well here, with many a site alleged to have been a favourite of the energetic goddess Aphrodite, whether it be the rock where she rose from the foam, or the baths where she frolicked with her lovers.

The Art
Their ancient history also influences Cypriot artists today, with many villages specialising in a particular art form, be it pottery, silver and copperware, or basket weaving, tapestry and the famous lace produced in the village of Lefkara.

The Nature
Unlike some of its Mediterranean neighbours, Cyprus has always been an island, with the result that some of its flora and fauna are unique to the island and can be found nowhere else in the world. Nature lovers are in seventh heaven here, particularly in the less touristy northern part of the island which is home to many rare species, including the moufflon, a Cypriot wild sheep, as well as griffon vultures, fruit bats and sea turtles. To the west, criss-crossed by a network of paths across a landscape which is a patchwork of barren rock and lush vegetation, the Akamas Peninsula is a conservation area rich in wildlife and still amazingly wild and unspoilt. Inland to the south, the Troodos Mountains provide more than their fair share of stunning scenery and a slightly cooler climate in which to explore the area's many monasteries, wine-making villages and pretty walking trails.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Average flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Language: Greek
Currency: Euros
Tourist office: Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London W15 1YP
Telephone: 020 7569 8800
Website: www.cyprustourism.org