Cyprus Boat Trips

Before the armies of Alexander the Great made their famous thrusts east toward lands unconquered, their ships called into port at Cyprus to be readied and refitted.

The same strategic location, at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, that made Cyprus a crucial starting point for Alexander's expanding empire makes the island a desirable centre today for a calmer kind of maritime activity, cruising. Whether for a cruise that originates there, as a port of call or a fly and cruise option, today Cyprus is among the premier cruising destinations in the Mediterranean.

As the easternmost island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a natural point of departure for exploring this amazingly diverse region. Throughout the year locally based cruise lines help locals and tourist alike to get a first hand perspective of the splendors of ancient Egypt, major attractions in Israel and Lebanon and, of course, the Greek Islands. Every year there are around 800 such "mini-cruises" leaving from the port of Limassol (Lemesos), one of the leading cruise ports in the Mediterranean, carrying around 250,000 passengers.

Base of Discovery: At the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus can also be a great component of your Middle East odyssey that combines a visit to the island with Israel, Egypt, and Lebanon or nearby Greek islands such as Rhodes. You can reach these destinations by air, most are an hour or less away by plane or cruise. Several cruise companies offer short but comprehensive itineraries to the most famous Middle East destinations, making Cyprus an ideal launch pad for discovery of the region at large.

Port Of History And Civilisation

Many international cruise ships utilize Cyprus as a major port of call on their international European and Mediterranean itineraries. Every year more than 30 of the finest international cruise ships make more than 80 calls at the ports of Limassol and Larnaka carrying in excess of 100,000 passengers to visit the major attractions of Cyprus.

Boat Trips Along The Coast Of Cyprus

One day sea cruises in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters are organised from May to October, weather permitting. These usually include drinks and snacks on board, with lunch served either on board, or at a seaside restaurant.

Itineraries are as follows:

From Lemesos (Limassol) old Harbour to Lady's Mile beach and back.
From Pafos Harbour to Coral Bay, Pegeia area and back.
From Agia Napa to Paralimni, Protaras area and back.
From Larnaka Marina along Larnaka, Agia Napa, Protaras coast and back.
From Polis (Latsi) along the Akamas coast and back.

For more detailed information visitors are requested to contact the Sightseeing Tour Operators directly.

SENSATIONAL CYPRUS AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR

Some come to Cyprus to swim in crystal water and soak up the sun, some to explore archaeology that goes back 10,000 years, and others to experience the country's diverse natural splendors, from bird watching to hiking the Aphrodite Trail. Many more pursue a combination of such interests, easily accomplished in so compact a place. But before you go, here is a foretaste of what Cyprus has to offer.

Winter Wonders

A sure sign of approaching winter in Cyprus is when the snowbirds arrive - literally. Flamingos, traditionally numbering around 10,000, stop to feed in the salt lakes at Akrotiri and by Larnaka Airport every year, usually in December after the first rains. Herons, egrets and glossy ibis also over winter in Cyprus. But birds are not the only ones attracted by Cyprus's mild winter weather.

This season is a great time for seniors (and anyone else fed up with the cold) from northern climes to come for long stays at a time when island life is decidedly low key. Winter is brief, generally extending from mid December to early February.

Cyprus's varied geography means that you can forget about winter in January if you want to, or truly savor the spirit of the season. While daytime temperatures are suitable for strolling in shorts near the coast, they are deliciously cooler in the Troodos, the mountain range at the center of the island. This means you can soak up the sun after breakfast and spend the afternoon skiing or snowboarding, or taking a brisk hike. Days may be shorter but they are still quite sunny, and daytime temperatures are still mild enough to accommodate most outdoor activities. Museums and ancient sites and are at their least crowded during these months, making it easier to linger longer and take in important details you might otherwise miss. Many hotels discount their rates substantially in the winter, and airfares to Cyprus are almost always lower right after the holidays.

Sun And Sea Tourism

The promise of uninterrupted Mediterranean sunshine is, of course, a large part of what makes Cyprus such an irresistible lure for travelers from around the world.

Even if you're not out to get a tan, the sun makes virtually everything more enjoyable on the island: from swimming to sailing, hiking the hills to surveying ancient ruins, it's all cast in a golden glow on average 300 plus days per year, almost all one needs for instant relaxation. Whether you're planning a honeymoon or an overdue family escape, Cyprus's sun kissed 840-kilometer shoreline has the stress-free answers.

Our beach hotels are amongst the best and best equipped in the world, with oversized swimming pools, tennis courts, health clubs, spas and top restaurants. Most of the hotels have a range of facilities for children, from beach clubs and special kids’ only swimming pools to fully fledged day care centers. And parents can rest easy knowing that Cyprus, with one of the highest standards of living in Europe, is a safe place where crime is virtually nonexistent. Spring and fall are when couples and independent travelers have the run of the island and its many beaches.

Water lovers can take comfort in the fact that the beaches of Cyprus are among the cleanest you'll find anywhere. Cyprus participates in the European Blue Flag Campaign, a program which promotes clean beaches and environmentally sound management of coastal areas throughout Europe. I