Apartments

The tiny island of Cyprus is found in the Mediterranean Sea, just below Turkey and to the north of Egypt and Israel. This 9,000 square kilometer island is divided into two separate nations. The northern part composed of districts Famagusta and Kyrenia are controlled by the Turkish Cypriots, while the southern part whose four districts are Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, and Paphos are controlled by the Greek Cypriots. The capital Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia, is the only city actually divided by the two separate nations - located almost in the middle of the island. Even though the island is divided (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus in the south), it still remains one of the richer countries in the European Union, with the third highest per capita GDP. The Republic of Cyprus in the south is proud of their open market, their highly developed infrastructure, and their rapidly developing tourism industry. As one of the more popular tourist destinations in the European Union, Cyprus gets an average of more than 2 million visitors in a year.

What makes Cyprus a great tourist spot is their beautiful beaches. Travelers from all around the world flock to Cyprus for their holiday trips mostly in the spring and summer season, to enjoy the soothing clear blue waters and the soft and fine sandy shores. But there are other attractions too that are worth visiting in Cyprus. They have quite a number of important archaeological sites that have buildings, structures, and ancient artifacts that date back to the times of the New Stone Age and the Roman Empire. The divided capital Nicosia is also famous for its beautifully decorated Venetian walls, found all around the city. And inside these amazing walls are a good selection of Cypriot tavernas, bars and restaurants that serve Cypriot cuisines - a mixture of Mediterranean flavors coming from both Turkey and Greece. Another great destination is the collection of mountains in Troodos. These mountains reach as high as 3,000 meters, and there are a number of scenic walking and cycling trails within the mountains. Also, in the winter season the mountains’ sides are converted into great ski slopes. One of the more famous places in Cyprus is the Turkish bath called Hamam Omerye – a hammam established within age old buildings that have been around ever since the 14th century.

There are many choice accommodations within the island; most of them are found right in front, if not, near the public beaches. One type of lodging that is quite popular in Cyprus is self catering accommodation. Aside from the usual holiday villas, there are apartments for rent which are by far cheaper than renting a beach side hotel room. Apartments are usually located going towards the city proper, as most properties fronting the beach are hotels and resorts. There are a few apartments right in front of the beach, but the rates are more expensive would probably cost almost the same as a hotel room. Studio apartments are definitely spacious and can usually sleep up to 3 people. Getting a balcony room requires a higher rate but it will be well worth the extra money – nothing beats waking up to the sound of the sea and the rays of the sun. Like standard self catering services, apartments have their own bathrooms, a kitchen / dining area and a living room. Living areas are always the most spacious and they come with cable / satellite television, video player, radio, etc. Kitchens have the basic facilities like cutlery, crockery, glassware, and other cooking facilities. Those who will be renting in the lower floors more often than not have access to a barbecue grill. Also available are one bedroom (can comfortably sleep up to 3-4) or two bedroom apartments (can sleep up to 5-6. Like any other Cypriot property, most apartments also have their own swimming pool where you can relax and sunbathe in a more private environment. Water sports and other facilities of that nature are almost always available, even on budget.

Apartments charge per night, but you can get a better deal for a longer weeklong stay. Like other accommodations prices are subject to the season, and it gets more expensive starting in the middle of July until early September. One great thing about apartments is that they rarely ask for a minimum stay. Thanks to apartments, a Cyprus holiday doesn’t have to be expensive at all.