The Harbour	Lara Bay on the nature reserve
A beach on the Akamas nature reserve	Bridge over a stream in the mountains

The summer climate is warm and dry so it is easy to see why it has become a playground for those wishing to escape the rigours of a northern climate. The sunshine is not the only lure to visitors, being at a "cross-roads" at the eastern end of the Mediterranean its place in history was assured. It is a place of Gods and Kings. Aphrodite and Adonis revelled in the glories of Cyprus and all over the island it is possible to picture that the place is still in the time of those ancient Gods. A little digging in the history books will show that King Richard the Lionheart married in Cyprus and the Knights Templar owned the island at one stage. With a human history stretching back over 10,000 years, there is something for all manner of history buff. Copper was discovered on the island and it is easy to see that the name Cyprus (Kypros in Greek) was derived from the metal. The Latin word for copper is Kuprum.

If you are a visitor who enjoys more than sun and history, the island still has lots to offer. There are numerous water-sport centres where the more adventurous individual can give full rein to their spirit and enjoy themselves. At the right time of the year, it is possible to go skiing in the morning and diving in the afternoon, if you are that energetic. The western end of the island is a nature reserve and in season, turtles visit the beaches to lay their eggs. There are many areas of unspoilt beauty in Cyprus and it is easy to slip away from the crowd to enjoy solitude. If you are of a mind, a short trip into the cool pine covered mountains makes a wonderful way to spend a day. And the wild birds add an extra dimension to the visit.

PAPHOS is the largest town in the west of the island and it is teeming with history and makes an excellent centre for visiting or just getting to know the joys and beauties of the west of Cyprus. As the focal point of the town is the old harbour and the old fort, it makes a wonderful place to slow down even further with a sun-downer at the end of a busy day enjoying yourself. To just sit and watch other relaxed visitors promenading in the last rays of a glorious sunset is a joy in itself.

Paphos harbour	The old fort and amphitheatre at Paphos
A quiet mountain road	Paphos harbour

The legend of Aphrodite was spawned in the Paphos area. Just off shore can be seen 'Petra tou Romiou' (The Venus Rock) and the Baths of Aphrodite are at Polis and echo with the enchantment of this Goddess of beauty. The route to Polis will take you near many small villages and it is worth finding time to stop for a break along the way, after all, the journey from Paphos to Polis must be close to twenty miles and you wouldn't want to over do it on your holiday. It is in the tiny villages that the genuine hospitality of Cyprus can be experienced. The local dishes are really amazing value and the wines of these small tavernnas can be a joy. But be warned, spending an hour or two in the shade, enjoying the warmth of the day and a lovely relaxing meal can be the ruin of good intentions.