Bed and Breakfasts
The island of Cyprus has many great offerings for its tourists. Found in the Mediterranean Sea, this tiny 9,000 square kilometer island is one of the richest nations in the European Union. With the third biggest GDP per capita in the EU, Cyprus is proud of its highly developed infrastructure, its open free market, and their emerging tourism industry. Located below Turkey and Greece, the island of Cyprus is a wonderful mix of the two cultures. The northern part of the island, districts Famagusta and Kyrenia, are governed by Turkish Cypriots; while the southern part, districts Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, and Paphos, are taken care of by the Greek Cypriots. The capital Nicosia, or Lefkosia as it is locally known, is located almost in the middle of the island. It’s the only city actually divided by the two separate governing states. Being one of the popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, Cyprus gets an average of about 2 and a half million visitors per year.
Perhaps the main drawing characteristic of the tiny island are the beaches. Tourists come and visit the island for the crystal clear waters and its fine sands. Other attractions also worth noting are: the Venetian walls of the capital Nicosia, the archaeological sites around the island that date back to the New Stone Age and the Roman Empire, the Troodos Mountains that have walking trails in the summer and ski slopes in the winter, and the Hamam Omerye, a famous Turkish bath located in a reinvented 14th century structure. Cyprus is also proud of its delightful Mediterranean cuisine - a great mixture of recipes and flavors from Turkey and Greece.
Staying in Cyprus almost automatically means that you stay near the beach. Most of the hotels, resorts, apartments, and villas are located within walking distance from the sea. Although some accommodations offer free Mediterranean of Continental breakfast in the room rate, you rarely see a true Bed and Breakfast in the island. For those used to staying at B&Bs, you know that the personal service is the main selling point of the business. As for those who are yet to experience it and are on their way to Cyprus, we’re glad to tell you that there are B&Bs in this great beach destination. All the B&Bs in the island are hidden away in the middle, far from the busy streets of the city and the bustling beaches – really private and romantic. Most are located near the aforementioned Troodos Mountains. They are places of relaxation, not your typical Cyprus getaway. B&Bs are known worldwide for the peace and tranquility – this holds true especially in Cyprus. So if you want to experience something new in this wonderful island, then we recommend that you stay at one of our chosen B&Bs.
Like I said earlier, there are quite a few B&Bs that are close to the mountains, totally veering away from the normal Cyprus hotels. These lodgings are great for nature lovers and offer a great view of the Troodos mountains in every room. They offer exclusive services to their guests – walking tours, cycling tours, and the like – you can go hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, etc. Other B&Bs are found near the fishing harbors, again an experience that breaks away from the norm; you can go and fish for famous Mediterranean kinds and if its your first time then you can start learning, too. The B&Bs have en suite rooms that come in single, twin, or double occupancy. They serve Mediterranean dishes but also provide light continental breakfasts as requested. Rooms come with satellite / cable television, video players, radio / alarm clock and other basic accommodation facilities. And like any other Cyprus property, most of the B&Bs have their own swimming pool; but this time in a more relaxed and peaceful environment. If you’re looking for a more romantic spot, and still want to enjoy a dip or two, then a B&B is you best choice.
B&Bs charge per night and are available for weekend or weeklong stay. Prices are still subject to the season but are definitely more under the low-cost and budget price range.