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    > Europe > Cyprus >

    Cyprus

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    Cyprus Hotels
    Cyprus hotels cover the spectrum of quality with hotels in Cyprus ranging from 5 star Cyprus hotels and 4 star Cyprus hotels which are covered by Cranley and for the budget traveller 3 star hotels and below. Hotels in Cyprus are located in mostly in the coastal towns.

    The hotels in Cyprus include the major groups like InterContinental and locally owned hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel, Anassa Hotel, Columbia Beach Resort, Almyra Hotel and Cyprus boutique hotels like the Londa Hotel. The hotels include 5 star Cyprus hotels and 4 star Cyprus hotels and for budget travellers there are numerous local hotels which tend to be rated 4 star and below.

    The stock of hotels in Cyprus has been reasonably stable but a number of the Cyprus hotels have been renovated to create a high quality stock at the top end.

    Cranley now lists most 5 star hotels in Cyprus and most 4 star hotels in Cyprus with free comprehensive Cyprus hotel reports, hotel information, independent ratings and reviews including many photos. This makes Cranley the most comprehensive independent guide on Cyprus hotels today on-line. Cyprus hotels were indeed Cranley’s first country outside of the Middle-East. More Cyprus hotels will be added with detailed reports during the course of 2007. If you would like to see a report on a specific hotel please write to us.
    Background
    The very name Cyprus shimmers with an ages-old mystique. Today, history and hedonism are comfortably intertwined on the island. Five-star resorts within walking distance of well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins offer every amenity the modern traveller has come to expect and more, from pools, gardens and beachfronts to state of the art thalassotherapy health spas. One of the most impressive archaeological sites, the ancient city kingdom of Kourion, overlooks a stretch of beaches. Along the coastline, from Agia Napa in the east to Paphos in the west, world-class beach resorts alternate with settings untouched since antiquity.

    Along the route that leads from the port city of Limassol to Paphos, the roadway opens up to reveal a stretch of coastline where chalky white cliffs stand watch over a dazzling aquamarine sea. Here sun worshippers make detours for a picnic and a swim at Petra tou Romiou, a boulder that marks the spot where Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam in ancient times. In the Akamas region, hikers exploring the areas rich flora can cool off at the grotto where the love goddess bathed after her amorous interludes. Throughout Cyprus, the typically Mediterranean landscape is still blessed with the beauty of antiquity. There are crusader fortresses framed by tall cypress trees, Greco-Roman theatres carved out of cliffs and Byzantine monasteries perched improbably on mountaintops. Sophisticated cities successfully balance the ancient and modern. The capital, Nicosia, is surrounded by Venetian walls with heart-shaped bastions; Larnaca, site of the major international airport, is also home to St. Lazarus Church and the crypt of the eponymous saint resurrected by Christ. Near the animated harbor at Pafos are the Roman floor mosaics of the Houses of Aion, Achilles and Dionysus, their depictions of mythological scenes amazingly well preserved.

    The Cyprus mystique is as much a product of its legendary beauty as it is of millennia of competing empires. Nestled into the eastern Mediterranean Sea and a veritable crossroads of three continents, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and an abundance of copper in antiquity put small Cyprus on the map. In the late Bronze Age, Mycenaen Greeks settled on Cyprus and established trade links with Egypt and the Aegean islands. This is also the period when ceramic art first flourished. As centuries drifted by, the island came variously under Persian, Assyrian, Egyptian, and Roman rule. It was during the latter era that Marc Antony, enraptured by the islands sweet wines, gave Cyprus as a gift to his lover, the matchless Cleopatra. After a long period of Byzantine domination, European awareness of Cyprus surged with the Crusades. In 1191 a fierce sea storm led Richard the Lionheart to put his ship into port at Lemesos. He claimed the island as his own.

    From 1489 to 1571 the flag of Venice flew in Cyprus, until which time the Ottoman Turks moved in. That era ended in 1878 when Cyprus became part of the British Empire. Despite a turbulent past, or perhaps because of it, the Cypriots themselves are a resilient people. They have always remained a distinct culture - different even from their closest cousins, the Greeks - and retained their unique character. The Republic of Cyprus achieved independence in 1960 and is now a member of the European Union.

    From independent travellers to honeymooners, archaeology aficionados to friends of nature, every visitor to Cyprus finds the island offers layer upon layer of discovery. Food lovers delight in farm-fresh halloumi cheese and delectable mezze, the local specialty appetizers that mix western ingredients with eastern zest. Travellers on business appreciate the fine conference facilities and warm, professional service at more than 64 hotels and resorts, and like incentive groups value the proximity of the beach. And that golden Old World sunshine - there are generally 300-plus sunny days per year.
    Medical Facilities
    Hospitals Government General Hospitals and Private clinics/hospitals are mostly concentrated in urban areas, while health centres, subcentres, and dispensaries function in the rural areas, providing a network to meet the medical needs of the whole population.
    All Government General Hospitals as well as some private clinics have Accident and Emergency Departments for emergency cases. Medical treatment and assistance is offered free of charge to international tourists in case of health emergencies at the Accident and Emergency Department of Government Hospitals/Institutions. Out-patient and in-patient treatment is provided against payment of the prescribed fees, except for EU citizens who produce form E111, issued by their countrys health care authorities.
    Holiday-makers can also make use of their health insurance, which covers medical expenses, provided that this insurance covers the length of their stay on the island.
    Hospitals include:
    Lefkosia General Hospital: +357 22 603 000 (Accidents & Emergency)
    Lemesos General Hospital: +357 25 801 100
    Larnaka General Hospital: +357 24 800 500
    Pafos General Hospital: +357 26 803 145
    Famagusta General Hospital: +357 23 200 200
    Polis Hospital: +357 26 821 800
    Kyperounta Hospital: +357 25 806 700
    Agros Rural Health Centre: +357 25 521 317
    Ambulances Ambulances are run by the government and take patients to a public hospital. Response times as in many other major cities can be variable
    Dentists Good dentists are available and there is a high quality of dentistry care.
    Pharmacies there a wide range of pharmacies available in most areas. Almost all brands of manufactured medicines are available in Cyprus. Local newspapers list pharmacies which are open during the night and on weekends/holidays, as well as the names of doctors who are on call on weekends/holidays.
    Golf Courses

    Aphrodite Hills

    Description Sitting amidst olive trees, the 234-hectare Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Golf Resort is located on a plateau overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Its land extends over two olive tree covered slopes on either side of a rugged ravine. This, twinned with architecture designed to compliment the natural surroundings creates a unique setting. Golf enthusiasts will be attracted to the World Class eighteen hole golf course, the largest on the island complete with a three hole golf academy and clubhouse.
    Holes 18
    Facilities Double ended 350 metre practice range
    Four target greens with bunkers
    Short game practice facilities
    Two academy holes (One Par 3, Two Par 4)
    PGA qualified resident golf instructors
    Clubhouse with bar and restaurant facilities
    Terraces and function lawn overlooking 18th green
    Pro shop offering the latest fashion in golf apparel
    Golf equipment from the leading manufacturers
    Ideal setting for hosting special events
    Length / Par 71/70 Course length 6,900 yards

    Secret Valley Golf Club

    Description The Secret Valley Golf Course, is located by the renowned area of "Petra tou Romiou", the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. It is set in a scenic valley surrounded by mature trees and natural rock formations. It is consistently appearing as the preferred course amongst the island's visiting players in terms of sheer playability and enjoyment.
    Holes 18 holes
    Facilities Twelve bay covered driving range
    Putting green
    Changing facilities
    PGA Pro and lessons
    Pro shop
    Restaurant and bar
    Length / Par 6,700 yards

    Tsada Golf Club

    Description The Golf course was constructed in 1994 on the hills of Tsada, set on the grounds of a 12th century monastery in a verdant valley. The course, created by Donald Steel, plays to a par 72 and measures 6,700 yards. It is situated on the outskirts of Paphos at an altitude of 550 metres above sea level ensuring cool breezes during the summer months. The course is closed until April 2007 as it is currently undergoing a major renovation. Those familiar with the course know that its condition has always suffered as a result of poor original construction and these problems will be addressed with a substantial investment to bring the course up to match the highest standards of European golf. Firstly, a full new irrigation system is to be installed that will cover the areas of rough that have previously suffered during the baking Cypriot summer, followed by a comprehensive reseeding programme. All tees are to be rebuilt and expanded, every bunker reshaped and twelve new bunkers added. The more ambitious aspect, however, involves a major overhaul of the fifteenth hole, which was always weak. It will become a short par three with a stream hugging the left of the green and the fourteenth will be extended to become a dramatic driveable short par four across a valley. The severe eights green is also to be rebuilt and a new putting green created. The final element is a dramatic new practice ground, replacing the existing area. In parallel with the Golf Course renovation will be a renovation of the existing Club House.
    Holes 18 holes
    Facilities Twelve bay covered driving range
    PGA professionals and lessons
    Tennis courts
    Putting Green
    Pro shop
    Bar
    Restaurant
    Length / Par Par 72 6,700 yards

    Vikla Golf and Country Club

    Description Vikla Golf and Country Club is about 20 kilometres from the main Limassol tourist/residential area. Vikla Golf Club is a husband and wife run, small proprietary club and is an eighteen hole golf course with a par of sixty-eight, achieved by utilising twelve fairways, fourteen greens and seventeen men's and ladies' tees in the same way as nine hole golf courses offer eighteen holes by using double tees. The club has spectacular mountain views and a friendly and informal atmosphere. For the non-golfers there is a swimming pool and an outside terrace overlooking the course. If playing golf in Cyprus at this club, the two par fives and six par threes offer a realistic challenge and no handicap certificates are required.
    Holes 18 holes
    Facilities The Club House offers an excellent standard of drinks and bar snacks at affordable prices and for the non-golfers there is a swimming pool and an outside terrace overlooking the course. Clubs and trolleys are available for hire from the Pro shop where there's also an excellent selection of golfing equipment for sale.
    Length / Par 4,400 yards Par 68
    Beaches

    Almyra Hotel Beach Paphos

    Description The Almyra Hotel looks across landscaped gardens and onto a sandy beach which is just a short walk away from the hotel's swimming pool.
    Size/Frontage The beach has a small frontage.
    Facilities During the summer months:
    Loungers
    Parasols
    Food and Drink from Ouzeri Restaurant
    Water Sports Club
    Parking No Parking
    Safety No Hotel Lifeguards on duty.
    Cranley Comment The Almyra Hotel has a small public beach with uninterrupted views of Paphos Harbour and the medieval fort across the Bay. The Sandy Beach is reached through the hotel's large landscaped gardens and below the swimming pool area. During the summer months, the hotel provides loungers and parasols for guests and food and drink from Ouzeri Restaurant which is located a few meters away from the sea. There is a Water Sports Club offering a wealth of activities from windsurfing, water-skiing, kite-surfing, scuba diving, sailing, jet bikes, self drive speed boats, pedaloes and much more. The Water Sports Center is run by an external company and is open from April to November and during other periods is available weather permitting.

    Columbia Hotel Beach

    Description The Columbia Hotel's "Blue Flag" sandy beach is approximately a five minute walk from the hotel's main building. The beach is located by walking down past the lagoon style pool, through the hotel's attractive landscaped gardens and grass area and out onto the sandy beach. Loungers and parasols are provided.
    Size/Frontage The width of the hotel's lush green gardens which lead down onto the beach.
    Facilities Parasols
    Loungers
    Water Sports Center offering: canoeing, pedaloes, windsurfing, scuba diving, motorized water sports and much more. All watersports activities are run by an independent company and are chargeable.


    Parking There is no parking on the beach.
    Safety All beaches in Cyprus are public and therefore it is not the hotel's responsibility to have a life guard on duty on the beach.
    Cranley Comment The Columbia Beach Resort’s Blue Flag public sandy beach (there are no private beaches in Cyprus), is located halfway between Limassol and Paphos and is situated at the center of the 2km Blue Flag beach of Pissouri Bay. During the summer the hotel provides loungers and parasols for guests on the beach. The sheltered bay is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The Water Sports centre is located on the beach in front of the resort and offers a full range of activities and includes a windsurf school. Similarly, tuition for scuba diving can be arranged. The water sports facility is provided by an outside contractor and is closed between the months of November and March.

    Elysium Hotel Beach

    Description The Elysium Hotel has a small sandy beach located directly from the gardens of the hotel.
    Size/Frontage The beach has approximately 150 metres frontage and is just a few metres from the sands edge to the water.
    Facilities Loungers and Parasols
    Parking There is no parking
    Safety There is no lifeguard on duty
    Cranley Comment The Elysium Hotel's secluded small sandy beach overlooks the Mediterranean and is located directly below the garden area of the hotel. There are man made levels leading down to the beach one with a wooden decked area with loungers, parasols and tables. The beach has a small sandy area leading out to the water which goes from shallow to deep quickly. Loungers and parasols are available on the beach.

    Four Seasons Hotel Beach

    Description The Four Seasons "Blue Flag" sandy Beach is located by walking through the Hotel's gardens and down past the outdoor swimming pool. Loungers and Parasols are provided and the Beach Bar, located in the gardens, serves to surrounding areas.
    Size/Frontage The width of the hotel's grounds.
    Facilities Loungers & Parasols
    Diving Center
    Water Sports Center offering canoeing, pedaloes, windsurfing, scuba diving, motorized water sports all run by an independent company
    Parking No Parking available
    Safety It is a public Beach and therefore no Hotel Lifeguard on duty
    Cranley Comment The Four Seasons Hotel's Blue Flag public sandy beach (there are no private beaches in Cyprus) is located east of Limassol along the 16 kilometre stretch of the Limassol shore which is the largest seaside resort on the island and is situated against the backdrop of the Troodos mountains. During the summer the hotel provides loungers and parasols for guests on the beach. The Dive-In is a 5 Star PADI Diving School located on the premises of the hotel, in close proximity to the beach and main outdoor swimming pool. The diving school is privately owned and there is a charge for its use. Open daily between March and December. A large variety of water sports are available on the beach directly in front of the hotel, all at a charge. The Water Sports facility is provided by an outside contractor and is closed between the months of November and March.

    Mediterranean Beach Hotel Beach

    Description The Mediterranean Beach Hotel’s "Blue Flag" public sandy Beach is located walking past the outdoor swimming pool and through the Hotel's gardens and is approximately a two minute walk from the hotel.
    Size/Frontage The width of the hotel's grounds
    Facilities Loungers & Parasols are not hired to hotel guests
    Diving Centre
    Water Sports Centre offering canoeing, pedaloes, windsurfing, scuba diving, motorized water sports all run by an independent company
    Parking No Parking available
    Safety It is a public Beach and therefore no Hotel Lifeguard on duty on the Beach.
    Cranley Comment The Mediterranean Beach Hotel’s Blue Flag public sandy beach (there are no private beaches in Cyprus) is located east of Limassol along the 16 kilometre stretch of the Limassol shore which is the largest seaside resort on the island and is situated against the backdrop of the Troodos mountains. The course dark sandy beach has loungers and parasols for hire. There is an independent water sports hire company along the beach area with motorized water sports equipment available for hire during the months of April to November and other periods weather permitting. There is a walking pathway leading along the shore above the beach area. The Beach is a Blue Flag Beach which means a safe swimming beach.

    Olympic Lagoon Resort Beach Aiya Napa

    Description The Olympic Lagoon Resort is a short walk, approximately 200 metres, from Macronissos "Blue Flag" Beach, Aiya Napa and is located by walking through the Hotel's gardens, down past the outdoor swimming pools and crossing the road and the back entrance to the hotel. Loungers and Parasols are available on the Beach through an outside company and are chargeable. Macronissos Beach is a gold sandy beach located on the south-eastern coast of Cyprus close to the centre of Aiya Napa.
    Size/Frontage The beach has a frontage of approximately half a kilometre and is about 200 metres from the entrance down to the water’s edge.
    Facilities During the summer months:
    Loungers
    Parasols
    Food and Drink
    Toilets
    Showers
    Parking Parking is available at the entrance to the beach.
    Safety There is a lifeguard on duty during the summer months.
    Cranley Comment Macronissos Beach is a public blue flag beach located just outside the bustling tourist centre of Aiya Napa on the south east coast of Cyprus. The gold sandy beach is secluded in a small bay and has safe and shallow waters. There are several companies located on the beach offering sun loungers and parasols for hire. Also located directly on the beach are a number of restaurants. There is a lifeguard on duty during summer months. There are no water sport hire companies on the beach; these can be located a few kilometres away in the beach areas of Aiya Napa.

    Public Beach

    Description The public beach is directly accessible from the hotel pool deck.

    St Raphael Resort Beach