07/02/2012 by Dave.

By: Dan Williams

The island of Cyprus has been a popular destination for visitors from the UK for many years and flights to the island are now using either Paphos or Larnanca airport as their destination. British Airways has had a significant presence at Larnanca for many years, with it serving as a maintenance base and also because British Airways was a major shareholder of Cyprus Airways when it was originally founded. When the range of aircraft was more limited the base at Larnaca acted as a hub for flight travelling between Europe and the Middle East. Now however the newly modified and enlarged airport at Paphos is receiving a larger volume of flights especially as it provides easier access to holiday resorts in the south of the island. Even though the two airports are only 65 miles apart the terrain on the island makes travel quite difficult with only one major road that has to route around mountains and through tunnels making the journey seem much longer.

Larnaca airport is also undergoing major construction and improvement work as part of the same project that started with Paphos airport. The reason for the decision to invest in the improvement work was due to a significant jump in passenger levels between 2006 and 2007 when passenger numbers doubled to 5 million annually. It is thought that much of this increase was due to younger people travelling to the resort of Ayia Napa which became popular as destination for fans of nightclubs. Ayia Napa is also a resort favoured by traditional holidaymakers and, due to its location 30 miles north of Larnanca, anyone wanting to go there would select to fly to Larnaca rather than Paphos. The work at Larnaca is due to complete in 2009 and will see new terminal buildings and an improved and extended runway as well as a new control tower, fire station and improvements to the road infrastructure serving the airport. There is an expectation that passenger numbers through Larnaca will continue to grow with a predicted 9 million using the airport by 2013, so building work will continue in phases up to that point to support the expected usage. This extra work includes an additional runway extension to allow larger aircraft to use the airport and an additional terminal building and boarding ramps. Flights in and out of Larnanca currently amount to almost 50,000 per year.

The capital of the island Nicosia is also located quite close to Larnanca, 25 miles to the North West and so a fair amount of commercial business uses the airport in addition to the holiday trade that makes up the majority of traffic. Nicosia did in fact have its own airport which was used as a base by the Royal Air Force until 1966. It is still owned by the UK Ministry of Defence but is now only used as a helicopter base for United Nations peace keeping patrols. The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 made continued operations at Nicosia airport untenable and so new airports were quickly commissioned at Ercan in the north and Paphos and Larnaca in the south. Currently the only flights operating out of Ercan are to Turkey itself, due to the fact that the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, where the airport lies, is not recognised internationally.

As a resort Larnaca is also quite attractive. The airport is located 2 miles to the south of the main town which has both a commercial harbour area and a more attractive marina complex. To the north are various beaches, several blue flag, and areas populated by holiday villas. Passengers flying into Larnanca airport will almost certainly notice the amazing salt lake, one side of which lies close to the airport perimeter. The lake provides a natural habitat for thousands of Flamingos and many other species of birds which use the lake during their migrations.

So Larnanca is not just about the airport there, although it does make up a significant part of the economy in this area. Larnanca acts as a resort in its own right but also as a gateway to holiday destinations with short transfer times to places such as Ayia Napa and Pernera to the north and Alaminos and Pervolia to the south.

Author Resource:->  Cyprus is continuing to improve its offering as an attractive holiday destination. Dan Williams has helped many travellers find great holiday resorts in Cyprus and check prices for flights to the island using websites such as http://book.flythomascook.com/

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07/02/2012 by Dave.

By: Dave Armour

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and can offer so much to today’s tourist.  The island has many archaeological sites, fantastic mountain ranges and golden sun drenched beaches. However, if you really want to see the island car hire is a must and there are many car hire companies to choose from.

The Cyprus climate is temperate and Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, sometimes wet winters. There is even snow during the winter months and this enables the seasonal ski facility in the Troodos mountains to come alive.

The capital of the island is the city of Nicosia, it is divided between North and South Cyprus. Other important cities are situated mainly on the coast, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Famagusta to name but a few.

Most tourists to the island are looking for great beaches, excellent restaurants and a lively night life. However, Cyprus can also provide smaller quieter  beaches  and  friendly restaurants for couples who want the low key night life.

Beaches around the Island

Famagusta

Famagusta has many miles of long white sandy beaches, some of which are privately owned by the hotels that line the coastline. The beaches can look a little too regimented with lines of sun beds and parasols but the area is ideal for families. The area is also good for snorkelling with clear waters and many rocky stretches. Three of the beaches in this area are Bediz, Glapsides and Silver beach.

Ayia Napa

Probably the most crowded and some of the best beaches on Cyprus can be found in this area. The beaches have soft silver sands and clear waters and offer all the water sports you could want. If it’s the night life you want then this is the resort for you, Ayia Napa is clubbers paradise. The streets come alive at night with bars, discos and nightclubs all trying to pull in the tourists. The beaches in this area include, Agia Thelka, Landa, Nissi, Makronisos, Vathia Gonia, Katsarka, Pantahou, Pernera, Kryo Nero, Liminara, Konnos, Kermia and Sandy Bay.

 Limassol

The sand at Limassol changes to a dark gritty type of sand with stones in places. Many fine beaches can be found in this area such as Lady’s Mile, Dessoudi and Curium, Pissouri, Kourion, and Governor’s Beach, most beaches having good facilities for the tourists. Limassol resorts offer a range of traditional tavernas and modern shops and restaurants. Most of the Limassol resorts can offer a good nightlife with perhaps the liveliest being in Yermasogea where you will find discos, bars and night clubs. For the more adventurous Limissol is ideally placed to visit the Troodos mountains, the castle at Kolossi and the ancient city of Kourion.

Larnaca

The main beaches around Larnaca are Dhekelia, Geroskipou, Dasoudi, and McKenzie, these beaches are ideal for families. Most of the beaches in this area will offer sun beds, parasols, changing facilities and restaurants or bars . Water sports are also very popular, wind surfing and parasailing is available. Scuba diving is also available in some resorts.

Protaros

The beaches in this area include, Skoutari, Agia Triada, Fig Tree Bay, Louma, Green Bay and Protoras many of these beaches have been developed due to hotels being built along this strip of coast line. Generally the beaches of Protaros have gently shelving waters and calm crystal clear water ideal for families. Quieter beaches can be found further north towards Cape Greko and are ideal for diving and snorkelling.

Fig Tree Bay

Much of the development of Protaras has been due to the proximity of Fig Tree Bay. The bay is probably the best beach on the island, beautiful scenery; soft golden sands leading down to shallow crystal clear waters make this beach a firm favourite for tourists and the locals. The resort has every facility required by the visiting tourists, water sports, restaurants and bars make this beach very popular. For the more adventurous the clear waters are ideal for snorkelling.

Nissi Bay

Not far from Ayia Napa this beach is far enough away from the crowds and yet if it’s the night life your after this beach is ideal to relax on after a long night out in Ayia Napa or one of the local bars. The beach is sheltered from the island of Nissi just off shore it has soft white sands and clear gently shelving waters. Water sports are available along with other tourist facilities such as restaurants and bars. Near by there is a water park that will give all the family a great fun day out.

Coral Bay

Said to be one of the best beaches on the island, a long curved bay of soft white sands and rocky outcrops at either end. The clear sheltered waters make this beach ideal for the family. The main resort area has many restaurants and bars to make the evenings very enjoyable. For a more traditional greek atmosphere try Paphos harbour which has fantastic scenery and many good restaurants. Being near Paphos, makes this beach very popular and it can get quite crowded at times. if you interested in snorkelling or Scuba diving this is an ideal location. The other side of Coral Bay you will find the fantastic caves of St Georges.

Pissouri

The charming village of Pissouri has grown with the local beach that is a mixture of sand and shingle. The resort offers a more relaxed holiday than the more touristy areas and rarely gets too crowded. Restaurants are available at the back of the beach when you need to have lunch or just have a cool beer. The resort can offer the usual water sports and a local dive centre offers tuition if you are interested in taking that first scuba dive. The well known land mark known as “Aphrodites Rock” can be found a few miles west of Pissouri.

There are many more beaches on Cyprus that need to be mentioned, if you would like to read more about the beaches of Cyprus go to http://www.holidayphotosite.co.uk

Author Resource:-Dave Armour is the owner The Holiday Photo Site

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