Cypriot cuisine is a wonderful blend of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures, with gastronomic delights to tantalise the taste buds of every visitor. The island boasts an ultra-healthy diet, with olive oil, lean meat, fresh fruit, pulses and local herbs figuring prominently in the most popular recipes. From beachfront cafes and taverns to gourmet restaurants, there’s no shortage of fabulous places to dine in the island’s many charming resorts.

Mezzes, grills, stews, kebabs and soups are very popular, with meats and fish being prepared by a range of interesting methods. Koupepia is a tasty favourite comprising minced meat, rice, onions, tomatoes and mixed herbs which is wrapped in fresh vine leaves, while souvlaki  Makaronia tou fournou is a fabulous dish made with minced pork, halloumi, pasta tubes, bechamel sauce and halloumi, Cyprus’s most famous product. Loukoumades are scrumptious dough balls which are deep-fried, soaked in honey and coated with cinnamon, sesame seeds and crushed nuts.

 Brandy sour is a much-loved cocktail in Cyprus featuring local brandy, lemon squash, soda water and angostura bitters, while Commandaria is a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried Xynisteri and Mavro grapes.

Cyprus enjoys wonderful warm weather all year round, with an impressive average of 340 days of sunshine annually. Late spring and autumn are ideal times to visit the easternmost island in the Mediterranean Sea, when conditions are warm and pleasant, rather than uncomfortably hot.
Temperatures range between 23°C and 28°C during these periods. The mercury peaks during July and August on the island, with temperatures rarely falling below 30°C and around 12 hours daily sunshine, with almost no rainfall. April and October are quieter months in Cyprus when you can escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing time when your cruise ship drops anchor. December is the wettest month on the island and average temperature during this month are around 17°C inland and 19°C on the coast.      

There’s no shortage of wonderful things to see and do when your cruise ship docks in the mesmerising island of Cyprus. Every type of experience is catered for, from an exciting beach adventure packed with water sports action to a slow-paced romantic getaway in the sun. The island’s rich history and culture is all around you, with many ancient treasures to explore including the Temple of Aphrodite, Kamares Aqueduct, Paphos Mosaics, Tomb of the Kings and Kourion archaeological site. The Cyprus Museum in Nicosia is a fascinating place with captivating artifacts from the Neolithic Age to the Byzantine period.
 There’s plenty to keep families entertained during their visit to the island, with water parks, zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks among the delights. Jeep safaris, ziplining fun, sightseeing tours, dolphin-watching trips, water sports, scuba diving and catamaran cruises are just a few of the exciting activities you’ll find in this spellbinding island. Many of the resorts in Cyprus burst into life after dark, with a myriad of night clubs and live music venues, and you can enjoy your fill of retail therapy in the island’s fabulous markets and shopping malls. If you just want to chill out on the sands, you’ll discover dozens of golden expanses including Finikoudes Beach in Larnaca, Makronissos Beach in Ayia Napa and Lara Beach in Paphos, which is a sanctuary for protected turtles.