Cyprus,  in the eastern Mediterranean, takes its name from the Roman word for Copper and is a delightful Island southeast of Greece and south of Turkey.

 This holiday, which was in June when the temperatures were rising for Summer, came about as a last minute booking.  I was speaking to my friend late one evening, saying I was ready for a holiday, then found myself on a flight at 11:00 the following morning arriving at Larnaca in the late afternoon.  I was also informed by my friend that it was ‘hot and sticky’ and to a degree (33) this was true though I have been ‘hotter and stickier’ back in London on the odd occasion.  Having arrived we then drove around Larnaca in order to get home and found that the traffic could put Oxford Street to shame.

One of the Beaches at Akrotiri looking across the Bay.

Being only a week holiday it did not leave a great deal of time to go ‘sightseeing’ or even spending a weekend elsewhere but I enjoyed the time and, most certainly, the company.  My friend and her family live ‘behind the gates’ in RAF Akrotiri and I wandered fairly freely around the base with the obvious restrictions of the Military Areas and there was the NAAFI and a few small shops, one of which, Helena’s Clothes, is where I have bought quite a few casual shirts.  We also went to Pafos where, amongst other things, we had an evening meal at ‘The Pelican’ along the quayside near the Crusader’s Fort and I will quite happily say that ‘The Pelican’ does lay a very nice table.

 It is evident that the temperatures get hotter towards August and then gradually after 6 weeks of intense heat, begin to cool down towards the November rains and with this in mind one should dress according to the climate and the temperature.  I think the fact that I am on holiday and casually dressed may have something to do with my not ‘feeling the heat’ for the temperatures are certainly in the 30’s although there is a breeze (and ceiling fan) which does take the edge off.

Lemessos, a walk alongside the Bay towards the Centre of Town.

I think that if you dress sensibly then there should be no problems, I saw a ‘Tourist’ walking down a street in Pafos, licking an ice-cream, who was topless and wearing Nylon shorts which were clinging to the inside – not a pretty sight – nor I imagine all that comfortable.

I have a collection of shirts which are Rayon, Poly Cotton and Cotton, the best fabric for trousers is Cotton and any shirt of the materials mentioned should be all right provided they are larger than you would normally wear, for instance, I am a ‘Medium’ size whilst most of my shirts are ‘XXL’ which means they do not ‘cling’ even when buttoned and worn outside the trousers.  Cyprus is not an Island for the ‘Fashion Conscious’ it is an Island to enjoy and where you can enjoy yourself for the ‘Locals’ are friendly, polite and courteous – certainly in my experience, having – as they do – ‘first-hand’ experience of the British, we were the last Nation to occupy Cyprus (aside from the bits still Turkish occupied since 1974) though they are not as bitter about us.  It is also to be sincerely hoped that the two communities can get back together and resolve any ‘problems’ they feel they have.

 If you have never visited the land of Aphrodite you are truly missing out on an experience and it is an experience well worth enjoying, for the Cypriots are, as I have said, a friendly people, the food is excellent, the weather is gorgeous and the welcome is always warm.

If you are travelling with adults then it should not particularly worry you what time of year you visit as the Island enjoys around 300 days of sunshine, and I have not seen clearer – or bluer skies anywhere.  On the other hand, if you have children then perhaps it is best to come when the ‘Theme Parks’ and ‘Fairground Rides’ are open offering cool water and shade – you will still be welcome.

A Hotel poolside in Kyrenia                    Windsurfing in Akrotiri Bay