If you’re visiting Cyprus on holiday soon, the Cyprus Mail have published a good review of which local wines to look out for when you’re dining out - or want to bring a bottle or two home (to read the article click here):

After setting up a confectionary business and a restaurant, Theodoros Fikardos was inspired to move into the wine business by his wife Ellie’s vineyards.

He does not have the advantage of family inheritance or government assistance. When he tours the winery with visitors Theo always mentions how he worked up a design, bought huge sheets of stainless steel, hired a welder and built his first fermentation tanks, which are still in use at the winery.

Based in Mesogi village since 1988, Fikardos winery has been at the forefront of the rise in popularity of the independent wineries that has taken place over the last 25 years.

For Fikardos winery his goal is simple: to craft better and better wines each year. He is a winemaker who likes to experiment and was one of the first to blend Xynisteri with an imported variety, in this case Semillon. He was also one of the first to use Mataro or Cabernet Sauvignon red grape varieties for rosé and he started experimenting with oak barrels and Chardonnay grapes years ago, not to mention his Riesling and the indigenous Spourtiko varietal exploits.

The future looks bright for this ebullient winemaker. His dream is to produce appellation of origin wines. A firm believer in quality control in the vineyards, first he purchased vineyards within an appellation zone and secondly land to build a new winery near Drousia in the Akamas, where he can benefit from the Akamas Laona Protected Designation of Origin zone.

2009 Fikardos Xilogefiro Chardonnay Fumé, Fikardos Winery, Pafos Regions, abv 12%

This is a finely grained, young and vibrant wine, definitely one of my favourite white wines for summer. Greeny-yellow colour, the aromas are still unfolding yet it has an appealing minerality. Citrusy nose, lime and grapefruit in particular, followed by green apple and white peach with a twist of melon. Medium bodied and dry, the palate has a light creamy, buttery texture and impressive length. It is fruit driven in the mouth with white peach, citrus to the fore with a subtle backdrop of oak. Seafood, chicken or pork dishes with cream, you have your match. Try it as well with citrus-based salads, smoked salmon or stuffed clams, crab cakes and mild cheddar too. €9.20

2009 Fikardos Iocasti, Mourvèdre, Fikardos Winery, Pafos Region, abv 13%

Made from Mataro from around Kallepia village. Cyprus is building up a wonderful tradition of rosés that are refreshing for a picnic or at the beach and marry extremely well with food. Pink colour, sweet fruit smell with good juicy strawberry and raspberry aromas. There is good weight in the mouth, racy acidity; tannins are soft, under the flavours section there is strawberry and apple skin as well as pomegranate. The finish is crisp, dry and balanced. An easy drinking wine, excellent with chicken dishes and stuffed vegetables, antipasto and barbecues. €4.90

2008 Fikardos Shiraz, Fikardos Winery, Pafos Region, abv14%

Shiraz is a variety that suits the Cyprus weather. This 2008 vintage red is still young and developing, dense purple colour, the nose displays notes of blackberry, cherry, nutmeg and intense spice and vanilla scents, a result of 16 months in French oak barrels. The wine is voluptuous and yet seamlessly elegant. Supple tannins complement richness and viscosity. Enjoy this wine with roast leg of lamb with lots of fresh herbs with a spicy-sweet sauce, with barbecue dishes or pasta arrabiata. €7.50

2008 Fikardos Maratheftiko, Fikardos Winery, Pafos Regions, abv 13.5%

New French oak barrels host this wine for 16 months. It displays a deep purple hue and has great clarity. The bouquet offers scents or ripe, well-defined blackcurrant, sour cherries, blackberry and blueberry. Add to that some herbs, spice and smoke. Flavours include notes of dark cherry and ripe plum with a hint of vanilla, some smoke and cocoa dust. Sturdy and firm but approachable. Try with grilled beef burgers or simple grilled lamb chops, grilled fillet mignon, pork belly marinated in red wine and sprinkled with coriander and hard cheese. €10.35

Fikardos Winery, Tel: 26 949814

Kyperounda

Enjoying Kyperounda wines in restaurants is one thing but tasting them at the winery is a sheer joy. The winery is situated in Kyperounda village in the Pitsilia region. At an altitude of 1,400m, it prides itself as sitting at a higher point than any other winery in Europe. Set up in the late 1990s, by 2000 Photos Photiades Distributors joined as a major shareholder, only to be quickly followed by the famous Greek winemaker Boutaris.

The vineyards are located at 1,400m too, again the highest in Europe. Those owned by the winery are planted with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Xinisteri. There is Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a small vineyard of Merlot. Still, the demands of the winery force it to also buy from local producers, as well as from vine growers in Kilani, and as far as the Paphos region.

On a recent visit we also tasted a promising sparkling wine made from Xinisteri using the Champagne method; it only lacked for my taste a touch of sweetness and a bit more vibrancy. Fine bubbles, light and gentle with apple flavours, it is only available at the winery.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kyperounda Winery, Lemesos Region, abv 14%

The 2007 is an opaque red with purple rim colour, full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The varietal aromas of ripe black cherry on the nose etched with mint sets the tone for enjoyment. The nose and palate is also dominated with blackcurrant and a smidgen of mint and sage invades the medley of black fruits that dominate the palate. Dry, rich and complex while the length is just as impressive with an inky twist on the finish. Serve with steak and kidney pie, T-bone steaks, roast lamb shanks and hard cheeses. €9.80

The Independent in the UK report on the first six months of the year for the Cyprus holidays industry:

Cyprus’s tourism revenue rose 2.2 percent in the first six months, raising hopes the key sector can help revive the recession-hit economy, official figures showed on Wednesday.

Revenue from January to June increased to 578.3 million euros (763.4 million dollars) from 565.8 million euros a year earlier.

In June alone income spiked 11.4 percent to 195.3 million euros from 175.4 million euros a year earlier, the biggest jump in two years.

The average daily amount spent by tourists in June was 73.8 euros and the average stay was 9.6 days.

Swiss were the biggest spenders at an average 105.30 euros a day, while the Greeks were the most frugal, spending just 59.30 euros.

Income from tourism accounts for nearly 12 percent of gross domestic product. It dropped to an estimated 1.49 billion euros last year from 1.79 billion euros in 2008 and 1.85 billion euros in 2007.

Bumper spending by holidaymakers helped the island achieve GDP growth of 4.4 percent in 2007, easing to 3.7 percent in 2008.

The economy retracted by 1.7 percent in 2009, its worst performance since 1974.

The finance ministry expects GDP to grow by 0.5 percent in 2010.

More Cyprus holidays information is available with yourcyprus.info and includes a map of Cyprus

http://www.trivago have recently revealed the top island holiday destinations so far for this summer, and Tenerife is one of them. Trivago is worth visiting to check out hotel prices.

Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife, the number one destination for British travellers, is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, and also Spain’s busiest resort – the island receives 10 million visitors each year. The island’s crowning glory is the Pico del Teide, the third largest volcano in the world, which rises 3718 metres from the base of the island. From its peak, travellers have a remarkable view of the island’s 350km of coastline, tropical vegetation, volcanic craters and lava formations. Tenerife’s wild nature is undoubtedly the island’s best feature, but the island is also well known for its beautiful beaches. The island has a rich birdlife, and many travellers consider the bird park ”Loro Parque“ a mandatory stop. The Carnival of Santa Cruz – one of the world’s largest carnivals – takes place every year in February.

Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and while many associate its name with historical and political divisiveness, millions of tourists visit the island each year for its spectacular sights and attractions. As a result of its turbulent history, Cyprus has evolved into an intriguing and alluring blend of Greek and Turkish identities. The Tomb of the Kings, a network of underground tombs dating back to the 4th Century BC, are one of the island’s most prominent attractions, and the island’s many medieval forts and citrus groves are beautiful to behold. The Karpas Peninsula is also renowned for its breathtaking beaches.

Majorca, Spain
Majorca is part of the Balearic Islands archipelago and is one of Europe’s most popular island destinations. The island is well known for its nightlife and numerous clubs and bars, particularly in the town centre of Playa de Palma and El Arenal. Visitors are drawn to the island’s turquoise blue bays, pristine sandy beaches, antique ruins and historical buildings, such as the Cathedral La Seu and the Palacio Real de la Almudaina in Palma. It pays to escape the island’s touristic heart and venture out into the wild, however; those who do will discover the true essence of Majorca, in the form of idyllic villages, local markets and the traditional Majorcan way of life.

Gran Canaria, Spain
Located 125 miles off the coast of West Africa, the Spanish island of Gran Canaria is often referred to as a mini continent, due to its many different climates. In the south, the climate is tropical and dry; in the north, it is subtropical and dry. The result is a glorious diversity of plant and animal life, giving nature enthusiasts plenty to explore during their stay. Hikers will also appreciate the 2,000 metre high Pozo de las Nieves mountain in the centre of Gran Canaria, which attracts climbers from around the world. Another of the island’s main attractions is the dune beach, located near Maspalomas, a town in the south of the island. Culture lovers should visit the capital Las Palmas in the north of Gran Canaria which has magnificent buildings, such as the Cathedral Santa Ana. Another highlight is the old fortress Castillo de la Luz that is currently used as a museum.

Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the Canary Island chain, and was the first of the islands to be settled in 1100 BC. At first glance, Lanzarote’s sparse, volcanic landscape may seem bleak, but for those willing to look a little closer, many amazing attractions are to be found. Lanzarote’s beaches are particularly well noted, and visitors to the Timanfaya National Park can witness the otherworldly beauty of the island’s volcanic craters and lava fields. Unique experiences abound; guests will certainly enjoy the park’s El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked directly over a volcanic vent, or a trek through the ‘Tunnel of Atlantis’ – the world’s largest submerged volcanic tunnel.

Crete
The island of Crete is probably best known for its legends ties to Greek legends such as the Minotaur and the tragic tale of Icarus and Daedalus. The ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos, of Venetian fortresses and former trading ports all point to the island’s rich history and cultural legacy. Yet this ancient island has much to offer the modern world as well: Cretan art, literature and music styles (typically performed with a lyre) are very distinct, and have contributed greatly to the diversity and evolution of Greek culture. Visitors to Crete would be remiss if they did not explore the island’s many ruins and heritage sites, and the island’s fresh produce and Mediterranean cuisine will provide a tantalizing treat for the senses.

Interesting statistics from the Foreign Office about some British holidaymakers visiting the island, and reported on by the Cyprus Mail - click through to them here to read the original article and for more of their travel reports.

OVER 200 Britons were detained in Cyprus in the past year as Cyprus ranked 10th among the top 20 countries where British nationals required the most consular assistance, according to a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) report released this week.

The report said 207 Britons were detained in Cyprus, including 39 – down from 48 in 2009 — on drugs charges, between April 2009 and March 2010.

There were two cases of rape, compared to 10 plus four sexual assaults the previous year.

In all, the local consulate was contacted for assistance in 736 cases.

The island sees some 1.3 million visitors from the UK every year while some 59,000 Britons are permanent residents.

The FCO said 112 people required hospitalisation.

“Younger British nationals in the resort areas, such as Ayia Napa, are often hospitilised due to accidents on hired quad or motor bikes, often involving alcohol,” the FCO said. “Other reasons for hospitalisation involve falls from buildings and fights when under the influence of alcohol.”

The FCO warned that most victims were unaware their holiday insurance will not pay if an accident happens while the person was intoxicated.

“For example, a young male fell from the roof of an apartment block while drunk and fractured his spine but his insurance declined to pay because he was drunk. His family had to pay more than 30,000 British pounds for an air ambulance to the UK,” the FCO said.

The report said FCO staff had also noticed an increase in the number of calls requesting help for Britons who want to return to the UK after several years of residency in Cyprus.

“Britons cite the lack of work opportunities and the economic downturn as reasons for their move, without having made provisions for a life abroad not working out and mistakenly believing the UK government will repatriate them.”

The FCO also warns of the risks of buying property on the island, both in the Turkish-occupied north and the government controlled areas.

“Many British nationals who have purchased property either in the north or south of Cyprus face problems caused by misleading advertising, the failure of developers to complete properties that have been purchased off plan, illegal construction or double selling.”

For the latest Cyprus weather visit yourcyprus.info

The Irish Times has written about a visit to Pissouri Bay.

AS I’M HOISTED off the back of the speedboat by a parachute billowing loudly in the wind, my vertigo suddenly comes to mind. It’s not the best time to remember that I’m not great with heights but, unless I want to make a complete fool of myself by flapping even more wildly than the brightly coloured silk behind me, there’s no way back onto the boat.

I climb higher and higher, close my eyes and wait for the end. Then the parachute falls silent and, as I fly in glorious sunshine high above Pissouri Bay on the south coast of Cyprus, the fear of plunging to my death fades and I find myself enjoying my first paragliding experience.

It is just one of a range of water-based activities offered at the five-star Colombia Beach Resort which sits on the edge of this little known bay. It is, however, the one which best showcases the resort’s finest qualities and one of its weaknesses.

Pissouri Bay is a breeding ground for turtles and even from a height of 200m, little families of the creatures can be seen meandering about on the sea bed, a crystal clear indication of how clean the water here is. From on high, the resort’s remoteness is also striking. Thanks to restrictions imposed by the RAF base nearby, the concrete hotel complexes and strips which have eaten away at the coastline near the island’s resort towns of Ayia Napa and Limassol, are nowhere to be seen.

Its remoteness is also its weakness. The nearest town is a fair hike away so, once you’re here, particularly at night, you are reliant on the resort for entertainment and, at least when I was there, the entertainment was patchy.

The 94-suite resort has been designed as homage to the Cypriot village and the locally sourced stone-clad “houses” draped in flowering bougainvilleas stretch down towards the bay. Instead of a village square, there is a beautiful 80-metre infinity pool, with a swim-up bar.

There are two restaurants – a tavern which sells good quality Greek Cypriot food and the distinctly fancier Dionysus where white-gloved waiting staff serve white chocolate risottos alongside elaborate glazes and palate-cleaning sorbets.

Some of the suites have stunning views of the lagoon-style pool and the shimmering sea just beyond it; others are less well situated and guests who have views of some fairly unkempt patches of grass might be just a little miffed.

Cyprus, one of the larger islands in the Mediterranean, was a British colony until 1960 when it was granted independence for the first time in a history stretching back to the ancient Greeks.

It lasted just 14 years and in 1974, the Turks invaded the northern and predominantly Muslim part of Cyprus. After a brief but bloody conflict, the UN stepped in and partitioned the island. The border remains today as does much of the bitterness.

Many British influences also remain: the Cypriots drive on the left and most speak excellent English, which makes things considerably easier for tourists from this part of the world.

AFTER MY white-knuckle paraglide, I needed a sit down and luckily there’s a sofa close to the shore. Unfortunately, it’s a “crazy sofa” (a large, inflatable tied to a boat parked by the resort’s jetty). This crazy Sofa is hilarious and those of us brave (or foolish) enough to give it a whirl are pulled around the bay at breakneck speed, getting tossed all over the place with the speedboat captain taking a, frankly, unseemly delight in our screams.

After the extreme couch-surfing comes some gentle windsurfing. The resort takes justifiable pride in the sailing and windsurfing classes it offers to children and adults, whether they’re total novices or experts. The resident windsurfing expert is Colin Brown. He’s a methodical, softly spoken Englishman who turned 60 this year.

He also happens to be one of Britain’s most respected political journalists. He was the political editor of the Independent on Sunday and the Sunday Telegraph before he retired and relocated here to ride the waves.

Within an hour I’m a windsurfing god. For three beautiful seconds, then it all falls apart and I fall off the board in slapstick fashion.

Brown may be a good teacher but I am a bad pupil and the only phrase I take in amid all the talk of tacking and jibing is “the walk of shame”. One of the nice things about the bay is its natural safety. If you lose control of the board, you’ll be blown inland and not out to sea, so the worst that can happen is you’ll have to do this walk of shame up the hot sand to the windsurfing school with the board on your back. I’m only spared this because I can’t stay on the board long enough to be blown anywhere. To continue reading the article click here

For today’s Cyprus weather visit yourcyprus.info

If you’re in Cyprus between the 26th of July and the 1st of August this summer, the Koumandaria Festival may be worth attending, report Thomas Cook Holidays.

The locals of the Kourris Valley, one of Cyprus’ better known wine producing areas near Paphos, celebrates the wine called Koumandaria with this annual festival. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this sweet, amber-coloured dessert wine. The main participating villages are Alassa, Agios Georgios, Doros, Laneia, Monagri and Silikou.

The ancient Greek poet Homer already mentioned a sweet wine produced in Cyprus, and scientists are fairly certain that Koumandaria is produced on this island since 4000 years ago. However, it got its name from the Gran Commanderie, an area surrounding the well preserved Kolossi Castle west of Limassol. This castle became the headquarters (Commanderia, Koumandaria) of the Knights of Templars in the 12th Century. Thanks to the knights, the wine became famous during the time of the Crusades. After all these centuries, it is still a popular drink with both locals and tourists.

Even though Cyprus is a warm weather destination all year long, the summers here are not as intensely hot as they are in other regions of the Med. August temperatures rarely climb higher than 32 C. Summer rain is nearly non-existent and humidity is also very low. Sea water in Paphos is warm throughout the summer months. Winter in Paphos is fairly mild with temperatures normally no colder than 10 degrees. However, winters in Paphos tend to be rainy. Late spring and early autumn are the best seasons to visit this island when it comes to the weather, but the majority of tourists flock to Paphos in July and August and they hardly ever complain!

For those who have booked flights to Cyprus the Arkadia Festival will be an interesting event. This festival celebrates traditional Cypriot hospitality with live music, traditional dancing and wonderful Cypriot food.

For the latest Cyprus weather visit http://www.yourcyprus.info

Thomas Cook Holidays offer both flights and accommodation for the island.

Incoming revenue from Cyprus’s key tourism sector plunged 17.1 percent in April when the eruption of the Icelandic volcano severely disrupted flights across Europe, official figures showed on Thursday.

Last month at least 20,000 holidaymakers failed to make it to the eastern Mediterranean island, even though both of its international airports remained open. Total arrivals in Cyprus in April were down 23 percent.

More than 350 flights between Cyprus and Britain and northern Europe — the country’s major tourism markets — were cancelled during the mid-April volcanic ash cloud alert.

In April, tourism revenue dipped to 89 million euros, down from 107.4 million in the same month of 2009. Tourism income has been in steady decline since December 2008.

Income from tourism, which accounts for nearly 12 percent of gross domestic product, dropped to an estimated 1.49 billion euros for the whole of last year, down from 1.79 billion euros in 2008 and 1.85 billion euros in 2007.

For the four months ending in April income fell 6.1 percent to 218.2 million euros from 232.3 million euros during the same period in 2009.

The average daily amount spent by tourists in April was 62.7 euros and the average stay was 10.2 days.

Swiss were the biggest spenders at 105.8 euros a day, while the Greeks were the most frugal, spending just 50.7 euros a day on average.

Most tourists to Cyprus come from fellow recession-affected EU countries, especially Britain, Greece and Germany.

Bumper spending by holidaymakers helped the island achieve GDP growth of 4.4 percent in 2007, easing to 3.7 percent in 2008.

On the back of poor tourism receipts, the economy retracted by 1.7 percent in 2009, its worst performance since 1974.

The finance ministry expects the economy to grow by 0.5 percent in 2010 but the Cyprus central bank has warned the downturn could continue until 2011.

Cyprus is currently trying to reduce a fiscal deficit that ballooned to 6.1 percent of GDP in 2009 — double the EU’s permitted ceiling of three percent.

For Cyprus flights visit yourcyprus.info

Holiday islands such as Cyprus welcome holidaymakers with open arms, but with increasing environmental awareness many of them are hoping to address any damage done while people visit.

The campaign to get Cyprus greener has started in Paphos, and aimed initially at those taking self catering holidays with Thomas Cook Holidays, who with the Travel Foundation launched the initiative.

A press release recently explained what they were doing and why:

A campaign to reduce plastic waste and help keep Paphos green has been launched by Thomas Cook UK & Ireland in collaboration with sustainable tourism charity, the Travel Foundation and the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative. This summer, self-caterers enjoying Cyprus holidays with Thomas Cook will be given reusable cloth bags to use instead of plastic bags. Local hotels will also receive advice and guidance on how to minimise plastic waste.

The scheme has been designed to reduce the 2,000-plus tonnes of plastic bags that are used in Cyprus every year. Many of these bags and other plastic items end up in land-fill, where they slowly break down into smaller particles that can then contaminate the soil and waterways. The organisations hope to help protect the environment by reducing the amount of plastic used in the resort. To promote the initiative, those who use the bags when shopping will have the opportunity to enter a draw to win a voucher for £200 off their next Thomas Cook holidays.

Hotel staff and guests will also receive advice on how to reduce plastic waste. The organisations have developed an in-depth plastic waste reduction programme, which will involve approximately eight Cyprus hotels.

Andy Cooper, Director of Government and External Affairs at Thomas Cook, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Travel Foundation on a great cause which will go some way to protect the island’s environment. With the support and involvement of customers, resort representatives, hoteliers and local businesses, we’re hoping that this campaign will be a huge success.”

Julie Middleton, the Travel Foundation’s Industry Programmes Manager, said: ‘By taking simple actions such as using cloth bags for shopping and reusing plastic bottles holiday makers can help keep Cyprus clean and green. With over 2 million tourists travelling to Cyprus every year, small changes made by individuals can have a significant impact on the environment. Selected supermarkets, hotels and self-catering properties in Paphos are supporting the campaign and we hope that local people will get involved too.’

All very encouraging for those who believe in global warming and want to do their bit for the environment.

For more news and travel information about Cyprus visit yourcyprus.info Independent comments from holidaymakers who are on the island now are available with social media like facebook and myspace

A good article has appeared in the Scottish newspaper, the Press & Journal, about golf holidays in Cyprus:

For years, Portugal and Spain have enjoyed something of a monopoly on the finest golfing destinations in the Mediterranean, but they may be about to face quite a challenge from Cyprus.

When it comes to golf, Cyprus is the new kid on the block – it boasts only three courses, but there are ambitious plans for another 14 in the next few years to turn the island into another golfer’s paradise.

If the impressive courses at Aphrodite Hills, Secret Valley and Minthis Hills are anything to go by, Cyprus is well on its way to becoming a utopia for golfers of all abilities.

I teed off my experience in the opulent surroundings of the Aphrodite Hills Resort, a fabulous five-star development on a plateau overlooking Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

This resort oozes elegance, with many of its 290 rooms and suites fit for a king, but it also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Cabell Robinson, Europe’s leading course architect.

It’s spectacular, but for 150 euros a round, you expect something special. Built on a mountain, it is separated by a dramatic ravine, so buggies are essential to complete the course in a day.

The drive from second green to third tee is about a kilometre in itself, but this is nothing compared with the perilous, rollercoaster-style descent to the seventh.

You drive your cart down narrow twists and turns, not daring to take your eyes off the road ahead, to reach a glorious tee shot over a 160m gorge towards a luscious green surrounded by olive and carob trees.

The next hole is again impressive, with the massive eighth green seeming to teeter on the edge of the Mediterranean. Every hole is an event in itself, and is a fantastic experience.

Aphrodite Hills has plenty for golf widows and families, too: it also features a first-class tennis academy, a beach club and a multipurpose sports court for children with anything from volleyball to mini-football.

The surrounding region of Paphos is steeped in local history and culture, too: taste the local vintage at a nearby winery and wine museum, or try the handiwork at workshops which turn out traditional Cypriot clay pots.

Completing our rounds in near darkness, we headed back to base, the five-star Columbia Beach Resort, in the picturesque coastal village of Pissouri, for a traditional Cypriot meze, a constant supply of small dishes of meat and fish, including delicious barbecued octopus, all cooked to perfection.

Smaller than Aphrodite Hills resort, the Columbia is equally luxurious.

With elegant suites around the main pool, a stone’s throw from the sea, this hotel is rightly regarded as one of the best in the region. After a day’s golf, what better way to relax than in the hotel’s spa, with highly trained therapists on hand to massage aches and strains away?

Next up was Secret Valley Golf Club, a short drive from Aphrodite Hills and a course within a colourful, picturesque valley – an “easier” proposition than the previous day, but hardly one to be taken lightly.

The course has a stunning new clubhouse, redeveloped in 2006, and manager Stelios Patsalides summed up the course perfectly: “The views of the surroundings, combined with the design efforts, create a unique and memorable golfing experience.”

Quite right. Although less glamorous, Secret Valley still had an air of grandeur in the setting of a natural amphitheatre with the hills looming up to create a bowl.

It felt the most “British” of the three – and the rain we encountered made us feel decidedly British, too.

While we got drenched by a heavy downpour – rare in these parts, but welcome for the rain-starved country – this was Cyprus, so we were soon dry and the round was completed in bright sunshine.

We then moved up the road to Paphos, a city festooned in history and an archaeology lover’s delight, whether it be the immaculately preserved mosaics at the House of Dionysus, near the popular harbour, or the World Heritage Site of the Tombs of the Kings.

Our home for the next couple of nights was the impressive Almyra Hotel, the first hotel built in Paphos in 1972. Originally the Paphos Beach Hotel, it was renamed Almyra after a huge renovation in 2003.

A very modern-feeling complex, the hotel offers the ultimate in “resort chic”, and our Aethon Sea View rooms resembled mini-villas with a balcony overlooking the sea. We lived like kings for two days.

One of the main selling points of the Almyra is the Almyra Spa, which promises “to create a holistic approach through health, beauty and fitness”.

With luxury treatments ranging from Fragrant Flower Rituals to Mountain Herb Retreats, the spa provides a pampering to ease any painful memories of poor shots on the fairways.

Our final golfing destination was Minthis Hills, near the village of Tsada, just 15km north-east of Paphos, another venue of breathtaking beauty.

Built in 1994 by Donald Steel, the course underwent massive renovation before reopening in June 2007. A new clubhouse is under construction.

The club’s temporary base, a ramshackle-style building, might lack the “wow factor”, but the course has that in spades. Afterwards, the clubhouse restaurant served a cracking mixed grill.

At 550m above sea level and with meandering hills all around, Minthis provides a stunning vista of the Cypriot countryside and offers a really challenging 18 holes.

The stand-out hole is the 14th, right on the edge of the course, where the tee has been cut out of the side of a hill, with a drive over a valley of out-of-bounds shrubbery and olive trees, with ominous perils awaiting those brave enough to have a blast at the hole perched above the valley some 250m away.

Just enjoying the beautiful Cypriot sunshine and countryside was a delight in itself, but to do it while playing a round was pure heaven.

If you are seeking a new challenge, Cyprus is definitely the place to take your clubs to. And make it snappy before the secret’s out about a new golfing paradise.

Time to go: Spring and early autumn – it’s not too hot and the island is in bloom. To read the full article click here

For more details about Cyprus, including reviews of the hotels in Cyprus visit yourcyprus.info

Also available are villas on and near golf courses, with some good offers for Cyprus villa holidays

Here’s some information about the island we have just seen that could be helpful for those considering a holiday in Cyprus, published at coolmediaradio:

The third largest island in the heart of the pristine Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus, is full of rich history, splendors that dazzle the eye and incredible attractions making it one of the world’s most prominent tourist attractions. With its easy access form all corners of the earth; there is no reason to skip out on this alluring island paradise.

Cyprus has a culture rich with Western Europe. Greek mythology calls the island the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. It’s location being close to the shores of Africa and Asia it is riddled with touches of the East. Its rich, cultural tones, which creep throughout the island, are an excellent place to start your journey, immersing yourself in an ambience soaked in fascinating history.

The city of Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus, which flourishes with ancient ruins and modern wonders. One of the first places to greet tourists like a stone monolith looming on the horizon is Kolossi Castle. The castle was said to be the marriage place of Richard the Lion Heart to Berengaria of Navarro after the returning form the Crusades. It was destroyed during the 15th century but was rebuilt on a smaller scale then left to ruin and eventually the British restored the castle in 1933.

Within the city limits of Limassol lies the ancient city of Kourion. Containing some of the most masterful ruins on Cyprus, this ancient city should not be overlooked. The ruins contain a Greco-Roman theatre, which is a breath-taking sight to behold. Other key attractions in Kourion are the House of Gladiators, the House of Achilles and several well-preserved mosaics. Another place of interest is the Cyprus Medieval Museum that is housed in the Limassol Castle. If able to do so, a whole day could easily be spent exploring what the past has to offer.

Nicosia, the capital of the island, is filled with museums and districts delivering information about the history, art, literature and culture have laid the foundation for the island’s colorful culture. Among them is the famous Byzantine Museum that contains historical artifacts ranging between the 9th and 18th centuries. Laiki Yitonia is an area filled with pedestrians that boasts restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. The architecture of this area pays homage to a forgotten era in the history of Cyprus.

In the capital city lie the ruins of the Kingdom of Idalion. The Ancient city is still in the process of being excavated but here this is the location with roots deep in mythological lore. This is the place where her jealous husband, through use of a wild boar, killed Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis. The ancient city can be seen on the outskirts of the village, Dhali.

Among the historical sights, Cyprus is also known for its glorious festivals that occur though out the year. In June, Kataklysmos, the Festival of the Flood, takes place in Limassol. On the Sunday after Pentecost and the Monday of the Holy Spirit, people gather on the near sea to douse each other in water from the sea in honor of Aphrodite and Adonis. Singing and dance contests last thought out the festival spreading jubilation to all who attend.

In late August and early September, tourists flock in great hordes to take part in the Limassol Wine Festival. It rivals the festivals held by the ancient Greeks honoring Dionysus, the God of Wine and Aphrodite. At this festival, the locals serve up mouth-watering dishes, a vast medley of wines and a heart-warming environment with local theatre, music and dancing. This festival is the perfect time to visit Cyprus and save money while doing it (the festival is free of charge).

Although it is hidden deep in the realm of the gorgeous blue Mediterranean, Cyprus offers quite the travel destination. With is fair climate year round, there isn’t a poor time to visit and get lost in culture far different from your own. To read the full article click here

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