The major resorts of Larnaca and Limassol on the south coast are a top choice for beach-based holidays. Throw in cultural Paphos on the west coast and hard partying Ayia Napa on the island’s eastern tip and you’ve got a powerful offering that will tick many clients’ boxes.
With the ‘big four’ catering for all tastes and budgets it can be easy to overlook the fact that there are plenty of other options on the 400-plus miles of coastline, including the beautiful and quieter backwaters of Pissouri and Latchi on the west coast. Plus, Cyprus has been rated as the number-one spot in Europe for bathing water quality, with 98.2% of beaches complying with EU standards, so all the beaches are excellent.
While the quieter resorts offer a very different experience to the main flop-and-drop destinations, clients won’t be cut off from the action if they want to go exploring under their own steam or on public transport. It’s easy to reach the major towns and historic sites and an added bonus for UK visitors is that Cypriots drive on the left and the majority of road signs are in Greek and English.
Prestige Holidays’ marketing manager Nicky Shafe says: “Pissouri is a wonderfully unspoilt resort with a great beach and good shops and restaurants. We feature the Columbia Beach Hotel, which is officially a three-star property but it really merits four.
The hotel is on the beach and complements its sister property, the Columbia Beach Resort, one of my favourite hotels. It’s in a wonderful location, very romantic and ideal for couples. The rooms are generous in size and the local area is still quite uncommercialised. I encouraged my best friend to get married in the hotel church, it was a fabulous wedding!”
Photis Lambrianides, commercial director of Olympic Holidays, says that while the vast majority of British tourists to Cyprus feed into the main resorts, there are excellent quieter alternatives for a seaside holiday.
“Small resorts such as Pissouri and Latchi are good for clients seeking peace and quiet,” he says. “They are peaceful places in lovely countryside, far removed from the bustle of livelier resorts and offering a different type of holiday. Both are off the beaten track with a good range of accommodation. They offer a nice choice of restaurants and tavernas with fresh fish widely available. They also make an ideal holiday base for visitors keen on golf, with the main Cyprus courses an easy drive away.”
Pissouri
Surrounded by vineyards and beautiful scenery, Pissouri is only half an hour from Paphos and Limassol. Kim Cattrall, Piers Morgan and Gordon Brown are among recent visitors to the area, which is divided between the hilltop village, with a handful of shops and tavernas surrounding the square, and Pissouri Beach, which has fine golden sand.
The bay is an excellent centre for water sports including diving, sailing and waterskiing, with mid-strength winds providing ideal conditions for kite and windsurfing.
Accommodation includes beach hotels and self-catering villas and the beach has a selection of bars, restaurants and shops. The main nearby attraction is the Aphrodite’s Rock, where the goddess is said to have emerged from the waves.
Sample product: Classic Collection offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast in a junior garden suite at the five-star Columbia Beach Resort in September from £1,351, including easyJet flights from Gatwick and private transfers. Upgrade to a sea view suite for £121 per person. classic-collection.co.uk, 0800 008 7288
Latchi
Latchi is a picturesque fishing village on the northwest coast and the harbour has excellent fish tavernas. Visitors can watch the fishing boats come in and dine on the catch of the day. Accommodation ranges from self-catering and budget two-star hotels to a five-star resort.
Situated on the edge of Akamas National Park, Latchi is a perfect choice for walkers who can follow four trails. The most popular walk is the Aphrodite Trail, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Cyprus. It starts and finishes at the Baths of Aphrodite and takes in the ruins of a Byzantine monastery.
Sample product: Olympic Holidays offers 10 nights’ half-board at the five-star Anassa Resort from £2,837 for September departures, including Eurocypria flights from Gatwick and transfers. olympicholidays.com, 0844 499 4449
Pomos
Located at the end of the wide northwest sweep of Hrysohou Bay, Pomos is for clients who want to unwind and live life in the slow lane. Self-catering is the most popular option and the fishing village, set against a backdrop of pine forests, has excellent villas, many with pools.
The small harbour is the focal point of village life and, unsurprisingly, the handful of tavernas are renowned for their fish dishes. Visitors can explore the natural surroundings or drive to the Akamas peninsula.
Sample product: Planet Holidays offers seven nights’ self-catering at the three-bedroom Aquamarine Villa from £680 in September based on six sharing and including easyJet flights from Gatwick and car hire. Clients can also pay for meals to be cooked in the villa. planet-holidays.co.uk, 0871 871 2234
Argaka
This traditional village between Pomos and Latchi is a secluded retreat. A pretty church and small selection of local tavernas are within easy reach, and beaches are a short drive away. The mainstay of the village is agriculture and goat herders and vegetable fields are all part of the local scene.
Sample product: Cosmos offers seven nights’ self-catering at three-bedroom Villa Christina from £425 per person based on six sharing this September, including Monarch flights from Gatwick. cosmos-holidays.co.uk, 0871 423 8518
