GREECE & CYPRUS PAUSE & PLAY DESTINATIONS T


hey might have to introduce a ticketing system at Petra


tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock, a small geological formation that peeks above the ocean off the southwestern coast of Cyprus. Legend has it that if you


swim around the landmark three times, the water will heal heartbreak, increase your chance of conceiving and bless you with eternal youth. It was an overcast day when


we visited, so the swimmers weren’t out in force, but the tale certainly added a sense of romance to proceedings. Cyprus is believed to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, and British tourists continue to enjoy their own love affair with the destination.


Cyprus boasts one of the mildest climates in the Med, with 326 days of sunshine pretty much guaranteed


According to recent figures from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, UK visitors account for nearly 35% of the island’s tourism trade. That popularity comes down to


three key factors: Cyprus boasts one of the mildest climates in the Mediterranean, with 326 days of sunshine pretty much guaranteed every year; it’s a short-haul


destination with an average flight time of four to five hours from the UK; and the British Forces have had a presence there since 1960, further strengthening ties. Away from the main resorts, the island still boasts areas of unspoilt, wild beauty. But with a recent change in building regulations, Limassol is set for an influx of Chinese investment, though rumours of plans to transform it into a ‘Mini Dubai’ are no doubt a tad overstated. For now, the charms of


Pissouri Bay, a gorgeous stretch of coastline 24 miles southeast of Paphos and its airport, are safe to explore in peace, as Travel Weekly discovered on a recent visit to this small but perfectly formed island.


w PLAY Pedal power: Head to cycling centre BikeCyprus, at the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri Bay, to meet two-time former Swiss cycling champion Thomas Wegmüller. Serious cyclists come here to


train for serious events: away from the beaches, heading inland, the island is surprisingly mountainous, with options including the Dora-Maglia Tour, a 45 to 55-mile workout past wind turbines and mountain villages. For those less inclined to get


sweaty, Thomas is just as happy to share his extensive local knowledge on a gentle pedal through the nearby and equally picturesque countryside. Children can be catered for too.


12 July 2018 travelweekly.co.uk 47


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