Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean sea. The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite - the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and sits midway between Europe and Africa. It enjoys year-round sunshine, tempting beaches, varied and scenic countryside and a wealth of historical and archaeological sites. From February onwards you are assured of sunny days and excellent temperatures and if you're looking for the warmest of seas then July and August are the best months for swimming at night. The allure of antiquity, the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea and sun, and the legendary hospitality of the Cypriots themselves make Cyprus the ultimate honeymoon destination. Cyprus takes its influences from both Greek and Turkish cultures, and the island is steeped in history with evidence of ancient occupation and civilisations apparent everywhere.
What to do:
Cyprus is classified into 6 major districts (major cities with their suburbs) - Nicosia, the capital city, Limassol, Larnaka, Paphos, Famagusta, and Kyrenia, and each district has something unique to offer. There's so much to do and see, whether you just want to lie around the beach, and enjoy the local cuisine, or explore the ancient treasures of the island like the Church of Saint Sophia (now a mosque) or if you have a taste for art and history, you can check out the Cyprus Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the State Collection of Contemporary Art. Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, or Amathus, one of the ancient city Kingdoms of Cyprus. See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port. Visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theatre, overlooking the blue Mediterranean, and, a bit further on, explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo. You could also explore jewellery and handcraft shops, dine in charming tavernas, marvel at churches centuries old, and enjoy miles of beautiful beaches.
Where to stay:
Elysium Hotel: The Elysium is a luxury boutique hotel in Paphos with a world class spa situated near Paphos Beach, and the ancient Tomb of the Kings. The hotel offers a variety of accommodations from Deluxe Bedrooms with balconies, to Royal Luxury Studios, Cyprian Maisonettes, and Royal Garden Villas with private pools. It also has six restaurants which all offer gourmet menus and appetising healthy options, using local ingredients.
Londa Beach Hotel: The Londa Beach Hotel is a luxury hotel located directly on a private beach in Limassol, within easy reach of Limassol District Archeological Museum, Zoo Garden Limassol, and Limassol Municipal Gardnes. It has 68 rooms each furnished to the highest standard to showcase the influences of the island's heritage, and each with complimentary in-room espresso machines, and high speed internet. The honeymoon suite comes with a large round bed, spacious living area, Jacuzzi, and separate shower divided from the bedroom with a glass partition, and a private balcony. The hotel has a spa that boasts of a sauna, steam bath, plunge pool, Jacuzzi, and jet shower, as well as a range of body treatments and massages, to provide you with total relaxation and body rejuvenation. It also has a gym with a range of exercise facilities including cardiovascular and strength facilities. Their restaurant has achieved the Seal of Excellence from the Cyprus Gourmet Awards, and offers fine dining and first class service, with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. You can enjoy a romantic dinner outside on the terrace and deck overlooking the sea, or indoors as you enjoy the ambience of the restaurant.
Travel Requirements: Nigerians need a valid passport and tourist visa to go to Cyprus and must apply for one in person at the Cypriote Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria.
Cypriot Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria
A. G. Leventis Building
Iddo House
Oyingbo, Ebuta Metta
Lagos
Nigeria
How to get there: British Airways has direct flights from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Lanarca International Airport, Lanarca, Cyprus. There are buses to Limassol and Paphos. You can also have an airport pick up arranged by your travel agent or hotel. British Airways also flies from Abuja to Paphos via Heathrow and Gatwick, but only in the summer.