With its intense Mediterranean climate, the stunning island of Cyprus is worth considering whether you’re looking for a two week holiday or a short break, writes David Powell.

Cyprus Travel Guide - Travel to Cyprus Travel Information

Just over 4 hours flying time from the UK and you’re in Cyprus, a landscape of citrus and olive groves, pine forested mountains, miles of sandy beaches and warm clear seas. Apart from topping up your tan you’ll find an abundance of things to see and do whether its history, shopping or sightseeing.

Lying to the east, Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Med and is bathed by the sun from March to late October; June to September being particularly hot and the peak of the tourist season.

Cyprus Travel Guide

Named after Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, Cyprus is a destination that many Brits have fallen in love with over the years and is regularly featured in the top 5 most visited destinations. A former British colony, there are still strong links with the UK. English is widely spoken and the islanders even drive on the left so you’ll immediately feel at home here, although the Cyprus pound has now given way to the Euro.

There are many established resorts along the southern Cyprus coast and Larnanka is one such resort. Although the longest established and popular with the locals, it is not yet overrun by tourists. Larnanka is a port town with some great shopping, a historic old quarter and lines of mature palm trees which run along the harbour promenade.

Cyprus Travel Guide: Accommodation in Cyprus

Just 6 km along the coast from Larnaka city centre, and a 15 minute taxi ride from Larnaka International Airport is The Palm Beach Hotel and Bungalows which I found to be an ideal base for a perfect escape to Cyprus. This hotel has recently been extensively renovated and upgraded featuring superb 5 star facilities. They say first impressions count and this hotel certainly made an immediate and outstanding impression, which I’m pleased to report stayed with me all of my week long stay.

Set on a long, sandy beach with wonderful tropical and Mediterranean gardens and an abundance of palm trees (apparently there’s over 700), this is a stunning location and an ideal base for exploring Larnaka, the Troodos Mountains and Nicosia - or you may simply wish to spend lazy days on the private beach or well kept pool area.

The Palm Beach Hotel and Bungalows has all the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel. For extra style you can choose to stay in one of the Garden Bungalows with their own lagoon shaped pool and separate bar area. As for the service, I found the staff to be professional, friendly and courteous, nothing was too much trouble.

There is a choice of restaurants; the Palm Court terrace for breakfast, the excellent Seabreeze Tavern situated close to the main pool, an ideal location for lunch, and the elegant Pergola Restaurant offering a superb choice of dinner menu where you can dine in lovely surroundings or on the terrace just metres from the sea. Young children are well catered for with their own outdoor playground with a small pool, water slide and a mini club during the summer months. There are a number of bars throughout the hotel, where you can usually find live music; an indoor heated pool, fitness area, and beauty centre. During my stay an after dinner dance demonstration was performed by some excellent young dancers. If you’re feeling energetic there are two floodlit tennis courts and a full range of water sports available too.

© David Powell