Cyprus enjoys year-round sun – an annual average of 300 days to be precise – making it a great winter getaway destination when Britain is at its gloomiest.
Coastal temperatures average 16C-18C and you can still swim in the sea in December, and again in March.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia, and unlike smaller Mediterranean destinations, it doesn’t shut down for the winter season, plus museums and historic sites are less crowded.
There are plenty of activities on offer, and visitors yearning for a small taste of winter can ski in the Troodos Mountains, and be back beside the seaside in the afternoon.
Some operators have introduced long-stay packages, which are perfect for mature clients looking to escape hiked-up winter gas bills.
Other news for this winter includes the renovated Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort, now an adult-only boutique property, and the recently launched villas4you.co.uk, the latest offering from the Holiday Cottages Group.
Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides says recession-beating offers introduced by hoteliers to stimulate business earlier this year show every sign of continuing, making Cyprus an attractive destination for winter sun clients.
Getting there
With a flight time of four and a half hours, Cyprus is accessible for a winter weekend. Visitors don’t have to go far to make the most of their time, as lively Larnaca is only 10 minutes from the airport, and Limassol is a short drive further along the coast.
Those with time to spare can enjoy the island’s attractions on a long stay. Cultural events carry on through the winter and Cypriots drive on the left, which is convenient for Brits, and roads are quieter.
Sample product: Cosmos offers three nights’ self-catering at the Estella apartments in Limassol from £399 per person in December, including flights. cosmos-holidays.co.uk, 0871 423 8518
Villas4you.co.uk has 21 nights’ self-catering in a one-bedroom apartment at the Capital Coast Resort and Spa in Paphos from £876 next January, excluding flights. villas4you.co.uk, 0845 268 1700
Get active
With its climate, varied terrain and contrasting landscapes, the island is a breath of fresh air for clients who enjoy the great outdoors.
Coastal landscapes give way to orchards and forests within relatively short distances and the mild winter, when everything turns green, is ideal for walking, cycling and horse riding.
A network of themed routes, such as the Aphrodite trail, enable visitors to follow in the footsteps of history and take in local wineries en route.
Sample product: Headwater offers a seven-night self-guided Aphrodite’s Trail walking tour from £1,043 per person half-board next January, including flights, maps and luggage transfer between hotels. headwater.com, 01606 720199
Equine Adventures has a seven-day riding holiday based at Drapia Farm, between Limassol and Larnaca, from £925 per person half-board in December and next January and February, including flights. equineadventures.co.uk, 0845 130 6981
Tee off
Rain is highly unlikely to stop play in Cyprus, an emerging golfer’s paradise where players can enjoy the game throughout the winter. Golfers can choose between three international-standard 18-hole courses situated in peaceful surroundings amid landscaped hills and with breathtaking views across the Mediterranean.
Located in the Paphos region, they are close to resorts or, in the case of Aphrodite Hills, have golf on the doorstep.
Sample product: Cyplon Holidays offers seven nights at the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills from £699 per person bed and breakfast next January, including flights and private transfers.
Golf is available from £78 per person per round, with an offer of buy two rounds get two free, with buggy included. cyplon.co.uk, 020 8340 7612
Kick back and relax
Discovering the secret of Aphrodite’s eternal youth might not be guaranteed, but Cyprus has made a name for itself as a spa destination, and is a good choice for clients wanting to de-stress after Christmas, or kick-start healthy new year resolutions.
Among the many spas across the island are Aphrodite Hills, Thalassa Boutique Hotel and Spa, Azia Resort and Spa, and Anassa.
Spa menus incorporate big-name beauty brands and local treatments such as the trachana wrap, using milk and wheat.
Sample product:Sunvil Holidays has four nights at the Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort near Polis from £502 per person bed and breakfast next January, including flights and car hire. sunvil.co.uk, 020 8758 4759
Make a splash
Cyprus is an outstanding water sports destination, and not just in the peak summer months.
Diving is available throughout the winter, and operators offer courses through dive centres in resorts such as Paphos and Limassol. Excellent areas for water sports include Pissouri Bay, where mid-strength winds and clear waters provide ideal conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving, sailing, and water-skiing.
Sample product: Olympic Holidays offers seven nights at the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri from £589 per person bed and breakfast next March, including flights and transfers. olympicholidays.com, 0800 093 3322
Family fun
The Holiday Village Aliathon in Paphos, which previously opened in May, will open in March for 2010, allowing families to take advantage of sun and fun during school holidays earlier in the year.
Sample product: First Choice offers seven nights’ self-catering at Holiday Village Aliathon from £361 per adult, with the first child travelling free, and the second child from £350, next March, including flights. firstchoice.co.uk, 0871 664 9014
