Discover The Real Cyprus

Venture beyond the resorts to find warm welcomes, scenic delights and activities galore!

- BRIDGET MCGROUTHER 

As this was my seventh visit to Cyprus, you can sense how much I love this island, the third largest in the Med.

As soon as the plane door opens, you're greeted not only by balmy temperatures but by the genuinely hospitable Cypriot people, proud to share their beautiful homeland.

Yet I'd urge those considering future seaside breaks in Paphos, Limassol or Ayia Napa to follow a new tourism initiative which encourages visitors to discover the "real" Cyprus.

Difficult as it was to prise ourselves away from the relaxing Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel on the Paphos seafront, we were curious to explore the quieter, slightly cooler island interior with its elevated panoramas, sleepy villages and laid-back way of life.

Enjoying a day on a private tour, our chatty and charming guide Ulla introduced us to ancient archaeological sites; wine tasting at family-run Gerolemo vineyard, with jovial owner Charilaos Athenodorou; mouth-watering meze in tasty taverna Story Kyr Yianni; and boutiques and delis in pretty Omodos for hand-crafted souvenirs and delicacies like pomegranate-flavoured cashew nuts. En route through hidden hamlets, she shared legends, stories and secrets, revealing the soul and sap of Cyprus.