Villa Marpesia

 Just a few minutes from the beach in the Sotira region, this villa is in a peaceful area near Ayia Thekla. Sotira means 'saviour' and is a province from the Byzantine area. In the town, there are a number of historical churches from the 13th-16th century with post Kominian art including one called Ayios Monas Citadel, which has gorgeous ancient frescoes.

Sirens beach is a picturesque bay with golden sand, a hundred swirling shades of blue and a backdrop of the luscious forest. It is a fantastic quiet beach to enjoy unspoilt nature. There is a single beach bar where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas if you like. A little more lively yet still family-friendly, Ayia Thekla beach was named after the centuries-old church there. With its powdery sand and shimmering turquoise water, this beach is picturesque, family-friendly and has no shortage of umbrellas for some shade!

This villa is also close to Ayia Thekla, just outside of Ayia Napa. This area on the southeastern coast of Cyprus is known as a party destination, but Ayia Napa is also bursting with rich history and culture. In the centre of town, there is a well known ancient monastery with a tranquil garden setting and a medieval church. Made from honey-coloured limestone with Byzantine influences, this monastery even includes a cave.

Cyprus as an island is dotted with vineyards, pine trees and beautiful meadows. The coastline is adorned with dazzling white-sand beaches and impossibly blue water, while there's hiking, museums and ancient ruins to explore inland. In Ayia Napa town you'll find an impressive selection of atmospheric restaurants and folklore bars, as well as a buzzing nightlife.

A great example of Cyprus's dazzling nature is Cape Greco National Park with its sublime hiking trails such as Aphrodite's Nature Trail. This path has amazing views over the coastline below. Arguably the most spectacular attraction in Cape Greco is the array of sea caves and strange rock formations that have formed natural cavities, nooks and crannies that divers adore. You can swim in the crystalline waters here.

Take a day trip to Paphos to better understand Cyprus' culture and tumultuous history - the island has one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean area. With brilliantly preserved tombs, Roman ruins and ancient mosaics, there's so much to see and do in Paphos. The Tombs of the Kings, interestingly, has nothing to do with royalty but were named after how grand the underground chambers and tombs were.

Paphos is where you will find Aphrodite's Rock, the spiritual home of the Greek goddess of love. Aphrodite is said to have been born of the sea foam in Paphos. Swim around the rock three times you will be blessed with eternal youth, true love, beauty, good fortune and fertility according to ancient mythology.

In Cyprus, food is an integral part of family get-togethers and festivals. Dishes draw influences from Greece and the Middle East, with elements of past civilisations such as Roman root vegetables. The best way to start is with a traditional meze platter with lots of dips. Famously, Cyprus is where halloumi originates, grilled or barbecued and served with pitta bread, hummus and salad.

Read more about Protaras

Perched on Cyprus’s stunning southeastern coastline, Protaras is a Mediterranean jewel boasting sky-blue seas, sun-soaked beaches, and laid-back touches of traditional charm. What is more, Protaras’ serrated coastline of coves and promontories means there is no shortage of shallow, serene bays that are ideal for families, swimming, and watersports.

The famed Fig Tree Bay, with its shallow, protected water and golden sands is the most popular beach, and regularly listed among the best in Europe. Named after the lone fig tree set amidst its pristine sands, this quaint inlet is a picturesque retreat for sunbathers and snorkelers alike, but it’s also only the beginning of Protaras’ delightful qualities.

If you’re looking for a slightly quieter spot to sunbathe and dip your toes in the calm, Mediterranean waters, make your way south across the Fig Tree Peninsula to find a series of bays, including Green Bay which is a laid-back and excellent spot for snorkeling where you might even be lucky enough to see a sea turtle!

But snorkeling only scratches the surface of Protaras’ spectacular coastline, as it is a haven for scuba divers of all levels of experience. The region boasts a number of fantastic dive sights including the Green Bay Caves, the wrecks of the Liberty and the Nemesis, and the wonderful submerged gallery of statues which is close enough to shore to be accessible to divers and snorkelers alike. But if getting your feet wet isn’t your bag, not to fear, the coastline is equally wonderful to explore on a private boat tour. Tours explore highlights such as Cape Greco, Konnos Bay and the lovely Blue Lagoon.

Anyone looking to put their hiking boots to good use will revel in Protaras’s sublime selection of hiking options, from the rugged Cape Greco National Park to the unique Paralimni Lake – a natural saltwater wetland area swamped with migratory birds including herons, ducks, and even pink flamingoes. Cape Grego National Park is well known for its breathtaking landscapes and boasts several hiking trails. What is more, the Park offers a bevy of swimming spots so make sure to bring your bathers.

Far from limited to natural wonders, Protaras is also a culinary adventure. The town’s tavernas are brimming with grilled halloumi and souvlaki, and serve as the perfect spots to sit and relax as twilight turns to evening and the strum of bouzouki music serenades the streets and promenades. But don’t get too comfortable, because the night won’t end there. Protaras has a lively nightlife which centres on The Strip where numerous bars and clubs are open until late into the night, offering plenty of music and entertainment to keep the party going.

With its splendid assortment of natural wonders from serene bays to rugged landscapes, and no shortage of activities, attractions, and alluring culinary delights, Protaras is a picturesque location for a perfect vacation whether you’re a young family or a group of firm friends.