Cyprus - Travel Blogs & Travel Guides (2021)

19 Best Hidden Gems In Europe

The best hidden gems in Europe include stunning mountain towns in Italy, overlooked islands in Croatia, the ultimate detox spot in Sweden and some surprising places to hit the slopes.

Heading to the beautiful island of Cyprus on holiday? Time to plan your trip with my handy travel guide.

A few years ago I jetted off to Cyprus for a few days of rather surprising adventures! I saw beautiful beaches, explored the Troodos Mountains, stayed in traditional stone villas, ate amazing local food and even went wine tasting. Rather than fly and flop, let’s just say I adventured to the max!

I really love how much there is to do on the island – it’s a place of contrasts. One day you’ll be on the beach, the next in the mountains. History lovers will adore exploring the ruins, while water babies can splash around in the sea or try out some water sports.

So time to relive a little of my adventures in Cyprus, and share a few extra highlights that you just can’t miss on your Cyprus holiday.

Explore The Villages

One of my favourite things to do in Cyprus is to get out of the cities and resorts, and out to where daily life happens for the people of the island. Lofou, Lefkara and Kato-Drys are stunning villages, and full of charm with their old stone houses and colourful shutters. You’ll see ladies practising traditional skills such as weaving and lacework, and enjoy stunning views over the landscape. The food you’ll find is exceptional too – local, reasonable and often the recipes have been passed down through the generations.

It’s official. We have no excuse to visit the island and just laze on the beach when there are all these amazing things to do in Cyprus!

From incredible food and wine tasting, to mountain hikes and skiing (yes, skiing!), it’s fair to say Cyprus really surprised me. In fact, I’d describe my trip as a holiday with a difference.

For the perfect trip, I’d recommend checking into one of these stunning boutique hotels. Many were crumbling stone wrecks until the agrotourism boom encouraged locals to transform them into beautiful accommodation for visitors.

So you’ve organised your place to stay, but what next? Well, it turns out there’s absolutely loads to keep you busy. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, or prefer a more relaxed break, you’re guaranteed to find something on this list you’d like to try.

Go Wine Tasting In Cyprus

Cyprus may not have made a huge name for itself internationally, but it turns out there are several great producers on the island, and wine tourism is certainly of interest to visitors. For a taste of the island’s top wines, take a trip to Zambartas Winery. Once you’ve toured the production room and heard about the wine making process, take a seat at the bar and work your way from white to rose to red! If you’re staying in Larnaca (one of the oldest cities in the world), check out this three hour wine tasting experience.

Wine tasting at Zambartas Winery, Cyprus

Taste The Best Food In Cyprus

The culinary scene is top-notch in Cyprus and I could easily write several blogs just on the island’s food.

It’s time to find out where to stay in Cyprus, including some beautiful, quirky and historic hotels.

When you think about holidays in Cyprus, you probably think of lovely sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, slightly dodgy evening entertainment, teenagers partying Ayia Napa and of course… glorious sunshine! Well I did anyway. That was until I was invited to explore the island with Cyprus Agrotourism.

I was surprised to find a whole other side to the island. One full of stunning views, unique hotels, delicious food and some of the most wonderful, hospitable people I’ve come across in a long time. I also discovered some incredible hotels in Cyprus, including some truly special and historic places to really relax and unwind.

Time for my review of the Tui Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus.

Last week I had the chance to tick another country off my bucket list… and do it in style. Just over four hours from London by plane is the beautiful island of Cyprus. For years friends have been telling me all about the beautiful scenery, perfect weather, and excellent hospitality.

I can’t deny that my love of the Cypriot cheese halloumi was another reason for wanting to visit… (imagine having that for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Yum!) I’d read a few Sensatori Cyprus reviews but was keen to share my own experiences.

Sensatori Cyprus - the main pool — Sensatori Cyprus – the main pool

Checking In To Tui Sensatori Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

In early June, I checked into the Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills (around twenty minutes from Paphos Airport). Sensatori is the luxury hotel brand from Tui. They offer “luxury holidays designed to fuel the senses” in 5-star surroundings, with gourmet food and plenty more to make it a truly special holiday. I was staying as an all-inclusive guest, which gave me the chance to check out several restaurants, enjoy a few cocktails and pile up my plate at the buffet breakfast!

I was curious about Sensatori Cyprus as it had just undergone a rebrand. I’d heard this might be the best Sensatori yet and I’m pleased to say it was a pleasant experience. Champagne was waiting on arrival, and the check-in staff were very welcoming. Arriving late at night (11.30pm) I had assumed it may be difficult to find any food, but thankfully a basic version of the buffet was still in operation.

Check prices and current availability at Sensatori Cyprus here.

My room was on the ground floor, and was stylishly decorated in a mix of grey, silver and white. The bathroom was large with a rain-style shower and bath. My French doors opened out onto a small terrace area with a couple of chairs and a table. Bluetooth speakers, fluffy robes, and plenty of toiletries added to the high-end feel.