About Cyprus At the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, from sumptuous coastline to mountainous interior, Cyprus is an island steeped in contrasts: lively resort to monastic serenity, cacophonous street life to ageless village silence, Greek temple to Byzantine hermitage, Neolithic dwelling to luxury hotel. Cyprus is an island for all seasons: with its short, mild winter and mountain snow, the glorious swathes of spring-time flora, the deep, burnishing heat of summer, and the mellow warmth of the island s long autumn. The island s coastline is shared between long popular beaches, tumbling headlands and hidden coves. As ever, the majority of tourists gather where it s most convenient, happy to bask in the inexhaustible sun and the boundless Cypriot hospitality, so it takes a mere step away to encounter the real Cyprus of small villages, age-old customs, and an almost undisturbed wealth of historic remains. At every point the sea beckons, dazzling, warm and enchanting. Inland, it can feel as if you have passed into another century, with sleepy villages nestling in the folds of the Troodos Mountain, amidst goats, olive groves, lemon trees and wild flowers, while groups of seated men contemplate life from beneath the fabled tree of idleness. Painted churches and dramatically positioned monasteries dot the landscape. The island invites exploration. A land so varied yet in such a compact space, with such differences in geography and cultural influences, is a perfect setting for the more independently-minded traveller. Ever helpful, the Cypriots even drive on the left-hand side of the road! Desired by Phoenicians and Greeks, Romans and Venetians, Ottomans and the British, Cyprus is but a four and a half hour flight from the UK. Once described as a huge archaeological site, it still retains a timeless physical beauty. The beach will beckon, the sun will shine, the sea will be a depthless blue, but it will be the landscape and the people who steal your heart. 2 for friendly, expert advice call: +44 (0) 20 8758 4758 For latest offers and more information visit www.sunvil.co.uk
Contents About Cyprus 2 Cyprus Regions 4 Sunvil in Cyprus 6 Example Itineraries 8 Polis and The Akamas 10 Pomos 12 Polis Outskirts 15 Latchi 17 Neo Chorio 24 Lysos 26 Droushia 27 Miliou 29 Paphos Region 30 Paphos 32 Anavargos 38 Geroskipou 38 Coral 39 Aghios Georgios 41 Peyia 42 Limassol Region 44 Pissouri 46 Limassol 47 Episkopi 50 Arsos 50 Larnaca Region 52 Kalavassos 54 Governor s Beach 55 Tochni 55 Khirokitia 57 Larnaca 59 Cape Greco 61 Troodos Mountains 62 Platres 64 Kakopetria 65 Kalopanayiotis 66 Much more than an island, Cyprus is a kaleidoscopic mix of human history and spectacular natural beauty... Nicosia Region 68 Nicosia 70 Sustainable Tourism 73 General Information 74 Genevieve 76 Car and Flight Information 77 Travel Insurance 78 Booking Conditions 79 Booking Form 80 Sunvil Family 82 For latest offers and more information visit www.sunvil.co.uk real Cyprus 3
Cyprus regions Polis and Akamas Deserted beaches, a wild coastline, traditional villages, stupendous views and dramatic sunsets are here in abundance for those who want a more profound experience of the island. Akamas National Park is an unspoiled treasure trove of rare plants and migratory birds. Page 10 Larnaca Region Within easy reach are so many of the elements that characterise Cyprus: splendid beaches, a diverse and historic town, exceptional archaeological sites and a smattering of picturesque stone villages that seem to have grown organically from the land. Page 52 Paphos Region Paphos is composed of contrasting elements. For some, a place of dark golden sand beaches, nightclubs, spa hotels and harbour strolls. For others, a place of Roman mosaics, fallen monuments, village hideaways, secret catacombs and Byzantine hermitages. Page 30 Troodos Mountains A region of tranquil valleys and vaunting peaks, snow-tipped in winter, flower-decked in spring and fruit-filled in autumn. In the height of summer, its coolness beckons: hiking trails, cherry blossom, the crested hoopoe, frescoes, waterfalls and vine-covered tavernas. Page 62 Limassol Region Lying between the ancient kingdoms of Curium and Amathus, Limassol is an extensive and cosmopolitan resort that is also a real working town. Explore an abundance of beaches, the foothills of the Troodos, a Crusader castle, and the splendour of Mycenean Kourion. Page 44 Nicosia Region Enclosed within its formidable Venetian bulwarks, the old medieval town seems to have a separate existence from the encircling urban sprawl. Inside its walls, find an historic fusion of Gothic and Ottoman buildings, hidden courtyards, filigree balconies and twisting streets. Page 68 4 for friendly, expert advice call: +44 (0) 20 8758 4758 For latest offers and more information visit www.sunvil.co.uk
MEDITERRANEAN SEA Morphou Famagusta Baths of Aphrodite Chrysochou Pomos Nicosia Latchi Neo Chorio Prodromi Polis Droushia Lysos Miliou Aghios Georgios Peyia Coral P a p M o u n h o s t a i n s Kakopetria Kalopanayiotis T r o o d o s M Mt Olympus 1952 m Pano Platres CYPRUS o u n t a i n s Lefkara Larnaca Larnaca Ayia Napa Cape Greco Paphos Geroskipou Tochni Kalavasos Maximum Average Air Temperature N Rock of Aphrodite Pissouri Episkopi Episkopi Limassol Govenor s Beach MEDITERRANEAN SEA C 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Jan Coastal Resort Mountain Resort London Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec F 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 For latest offers and more information visit www.sunvil.co.uk real Cyprus 5
Sunvil Sunvil has been organising holidays to Cyprus since 1970, and we are now long-established as the leading specialist to Greece and Cyprus. Conscious of its heritage, we remain as committed as ever to the well-being and beauty of this unique, historically diverse island. Our aim has always been to offer independently-minded people an opportunity to experience the variety and fascination of the island in much the same way as Cypriots do themselves. We want our clients to feel that they have spent their holiday in the real Cyprus, among genuine people. Our concern has never been to provide for people who are content with the mass market, who perhaps want an anonymous resort holiday, or to hide away in a private enclave. Rather, we feature selected properties that come closest to our own expectations: unique locations, of good quality, full of character, in tune with their environment, competitively priced and locally owned. There is no uniform type of Sunvil accommodation: our interest is in variety. We have modern properties, older ones, spacious villas and intimate studios, village houses and local inns. We can offer a holiday in a 5-star spa hotel overlooking the sea just as easily as a self-catering touring trip around the mountains or indeed a mix of both. Flexibility is key to the Sunvil philosophy: we can arrange tailor-made holidays to fit the individual needs of our customers. We do not proscribe the sort of holiday you can have. Perhaps you want one week on a beach and another in the mountains, with use of a car for 5 days? Perhaps you are not sure which village might be the most suitable base, or when the wild orchids will be in bloom? Our team can advise, because they will have visited the island many times and know it thoroughly. We want our customers to be confident that their interests are taken care of and that their holidays are secure. Sunvil is bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL 808) and ABTA, and your money is 100% safe. There are no overblown descriptions of properties and no pretence that every inch of the island is an earthly paradise. We try to tell it like it is, because a misinformed customer is one who does not return and 70% of our bookings are from regulars or on recommendation. In any case, Cyprus has no need of false praise! At the forefront of environmental initiatives and good practice for nearly 30 years and with many accolades and awards from the travel industry and the national press, Sunvil remains dedicated to the idea that holidays are a precious time, best served by a company that is knowledgeable, experienced, reliable and responsive to customers interests. 5124 6 for friendly, expert advice call: +44 (0) 20 8758 4758 For latest offers and more information visit www.sunvil.co.uk
For latest offers and more information visit www.sunvil.co.uk real Cyprus 7