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Cyprus Sport
The mild climate in Cyprus means that sports enthusiasts can enjoy
sporting activities all year round.
Golfers can choose from three golf courses near Paphos. The Tsada Golf
Club, Secret Valley and Aphrodite Golf Club.
Hiking is a very popular pastime in Cyprus, due to the large areas of
unspoiled countryside. Many specialist companies offer excursions and
these are an excellent way for tourists to discover Cyprus. In addition
there are numerous sign posted trails all over the island.
Sea sports are also very popular due to the calm and clear waters
surrounding the island. All nature of water sports can be pursued
including water skiing, scuba diving, wind surfing and sailing. Trained
instructors are also on hand to offer assistance and tuition.
Water lovers will also like to try Water Park near Ayia Napa. "Waterworld"
which has a large number of slides, an activity pool as well as a
children's pool.
Although most people consider Cyprus a summer resort, winter sports can
also be enjoyed in the brief Cyprus winter. The high Troodos mountain
range sees some heavy snowfall enabling skiing from January often until
March.
Golf
The magnificent Aphrodite Hills championship golf course is the
centrepiece of as exclusive project encompassing a 5* hotel, villa
development, tennis academy, health spa and village, and is an exciting
addition to Cyprus for golf lovers!
Carved out of groves of carob and olive trees on two high plateaux
divided by a ravine, the course overlooks the Mediterranean with all but
a few holes enjoying superb sea views. Designed by world renowned Cabell
Robinson, the course harmonises beautifully with the natural landscape
and environment of the surrounding area. Fairways are generously wide
off the tee with large 'sculpted' bunkers and contoured or sloped
greens.
The spectacular par three 7th hole is destined to be much talked about!
It plays steeply downhill with a 30m drop across the canyon, requiring
careful club selection, to a large undulating green nestling within a
grove of olive trees. A long winding cart path takes one down to the
green and then up out of the canyon for added thrills!
Also on offer is a three-hole academy, 350m double-ended driving range
and short game practice facilities.
The clubhouse incorporates a bar and restaurant, with extensive terraces
offering spectacular views, locker rooms with bag storage and valet
service, and a well-stocked golf shop.
Shoe and club hire is available; golf buggies are essential.
Cyprus may be a newcomer in the golf holiday market but it is fast
becoming a favourite with many travellers due to an improvement in
facilities and, of course, its superb all year round climate. The island
now boasts three courses following the opening last year of Aphrodite
Hills, without doubt the jewel in the Cyprus golfing crown.
The course has been developed by the Lanitis family, one of the richest
in Cyprus and, in its promotional material, it is claimed that "if the
Gods played golf, then this would be their temple". Designed by Cabell
Robinson, a Spanish born American, the course is situated on two high
plateau divided by a ravine.
There are five sets of tees on each hole and the course offers an
excellent test of golf from start to finish. Buggies are compulsory here
and you don't have to wait long to discover why as you certainly
wouldn't want to walk from the second green to the third tee. From the
back tee at the third you have to carry the ravine to reach the fairway
but for the less adventurous there are tees on the other side.
The par-3 seventh is a real gem, as is the next hole, a par-4 where
accuracy is essential off the tee and the second is hit to a green which
has the sea sparkling like diamonds behind it. The back nine is even
more memorable and, like all good courses, Aphrodite Hills has an
excellent closing hole in the shape of a par-5 which is guarded up at
the green by a sizeable water hazard. No expense has been spared either
on or off the course at Aphrodite Hills and the clubhouse is certainly a
match for the best anywhere else in the world.
A large Intercontinental Hotel is being built, along with a health spa
and village centre, all of which will help Aphrodite Hills become a
serious player in the golf holiday market in years to come. The two
other courses in Cyprus are also in the Paphos area. Indeed, you can see
one of them - Secret Valley - from the 16th hole at Aphrodite Hills. It
opened in 1996 and lies, as the name suggests, in a valley - a scenic
one at that with bright rock formations creating a truly spectacular
setting.
In the foothills of the Troodos mountains, in the hills 15Km north-east
from the city of Paphos is the Tsada golf club, designed by Donald
Steel, one of the world's leading architects. The course has been
designed in two loops of nine revealing the subtle hand of a man who
always allows a course to blend into its natural surroundings. In
addition to its exceptional course layout, one can find also at the
clubhouse, a fine restaurant, bars, a conference room, a swimming pool
and a games room. The clubhouse terraces with panoramic view permit
pleasant viewing of the course while enjoying lunch or coffee. If you
are a golfer, you may want to consider a few rounds of golf on the
picturesque landscapes of Paphos.
The Tsada golf club and course is situated some 500 meters above sea
level on the hills overlooking Paphos town and the coastline. This 18
hole golf course is comprised of two loops, each of nine holes. Designed
by the expert Donald Steel, it offers a challenge to all handicapped
golfers. In addition, there is a magnificent club house which apart from
a bar, also includes a swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and a snooker
room.
The Secret Valley Golf Club, located 18 km east of Paphos and 49 km from
Limassol, near "Petra tou Romiou" the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite,
the Goddess of Love.
It lies in a scenic valley with grand trees adding to the new course's
maturity and the beautiful sculptured natural rock formations offer
panoramic views to the golfer. It plays to a par 72 and measures 6120
metres.
Secret Valley promises players both the glories of nature and the
glories of golf. The front nine offer four nice holes for warming up,
two birdie opportunities and an easy dog leg (if you know how!). The
back nine, plays longer than the first nine and the challenge starts
immediately, no warm up holes on this side. Practice facilities include
putting greens, chipping areas, fairway bunkers and a large driving
range. Tuition can be tailored to suit individual requirements and
teaching can be on an individual or group basis.
The clubhouse at Secret Valley as the one of Tsada, has a wooden
interior and facilities including a fully stocked Pro-shop, locker
rooms, bar and restaurant with verandas overlooking the artificial lakes
and the golf course.
Mountain Biking
Cyprus is a fantastic place to go mountain biking as its varied terrain
offers some exciting sport and the weather is always good. In fact, you
can bike almost all year round.
Top tip:
Fortunately the Cypriots drive on the same side as in the UK - on the
left - but it is best to avoid cycling on major roads during the summer
when tourist traffic is at its heaviest.
Some cycling routes to try:
In the Akamas region there are three major cycling trails:
The first starts at the Baths of Aphrodite, near Polis, and heads
towards Fontana Amorosa - about 7km away. According to legend, Aphrodite
used to bathe in the pool of a natural grotto. Today there is still a
grotto at the Baths of Aphrodite with small rivulets running into it. On
the trail to Fontana Amorosa there are fabulous views of the landscape
as you ride to the spring at the end.
The second trail leads you from Neo Chorio (west of Polis) to Pyrgos and
back - a route which is about 16km long. The third route starts at Ayios
Georgios to Lara and Ayios Konon. Along the way there are plenty of
smaller routes and tracks especially around Lara. Ayios Georgios is
about 18.5km from Paphos.
In Paphos itself there is a trail which takes you from the CTO public
beach at Yeroskipou to Timi Beach, through Timi eucalyptus forest and on
to the picnic area near Paphos airport. The route is about 5km to 6km
long.
For more information, contact the Cyprus Cycling Federation, PO Box
24572, CY 1301 Nicosia, tel (22) 663344. The Cyprus Cycling Federation
organises a contest in spring and autumn while the Cyprus Mountain Bike
Association, tel (22) 356174 organises local and international races.
The code for Cyprus from UK is 00 357.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London W1R OAA, tel
020 7569 8800, fax 020 7499 4935, has a leaflet called Cyprus For
Cycling which outlines 10 major cycling trails on the island.
Hiking
The Troodos mountain range has some of the most beautiful forest in
Europe, and it is best explored on foot. You will be amazed how, a short
distance into the forest, you will soon find yourself in the middle of
nowhere, surrounded by the cool shade of the trees and the sounds of
nature.
Many of the old paths through the forests which have been used for
centuries have now been refurbished for hikers. They now have signs and
wooden markers which point out plants, animals, birds and other natural
features of interest. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation publication Nature
Trails of the Troodos is the best place to find detailed information on
the walks available.
Walking
Cyprus is a great place to go walking.
The island's good weather means that only the depths of winter prevents
you from going for a hike. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has
teamed up with the Forestry Department and has created over 48 paths or
trails all over the island, totalling a distance of some 200km. The
paths cover areas which are rich in vegetation and of cultural interest.
Most trails are circular routes and have been devised so that all age
groups can enjoy them.
Nature Trails - General Information
The famous Baths of Aphrodite is the start and end point for both
trails. The two trails also have a common part (Baths of Aphrodite to
Pyrgos tis Rigaenas)which is approximately 2.5 km long. The total length
of each trail is approximately 7.5 Km and the walk time varies from 2 to
4 hours. The two trails are self guided. The numbered wooden signs you
notice along the trails refer to points of interest which are explained
below.
Aphrodite/Adonis Trail
THE COMMON PART OF THE TWO NATURE TRAILS
(FROM BATHS OF APHRODITE TO PYRGOS TIS RIGAENAS)
1. CAROB TREE Ceratonia siliqua. Carob, Olive, and Lentisk are "old"
species which survived the ice ages from Tertiary times. These plants
have few or no relatives, indicating that they diverged from main stock
a long time ago and all closely related species have become extinct. The
Carob for example is the only species in the genus Ceratonia.
Carob, Olive and Lentisk are important constituents of the genus too.
This important type of Mediterranean vegetation - a very dense cover of
xerophilous, sclerophyllous evergreen shrubs or small trees - resulted
largely from man's work on the evergreen sclerophyllous forests
constituting the climax community.
Carob is one of the most characteristic trees of the drier parts of the
Eastern Mediterranean region and is most commonly cultivated. The pod,
which was locally known as "black gold" due to its contribution to the
National Economy (at least in the past) in addition to its other uses,
is valuable fodder for animals. The wood is hard and it is used as
firewood, a practice which may endanger this species.
OLIVE TREE Olea europaea. Olive had its origin in the Orient, yet by the
end of the pre-Christian era was cultivated throughout the whole
Mediterranean region; it was derived most from the wild form. Olea
europaea ssp. Oleaster. The wealth of many, Mediterranean civilisations
since the, Minoans was based on the cultivation of olives.
An olive branch has been used as the emblem of peace. Olive branches are
also part of the emblem of the Republic of Cyprus. Olive oil has been
used for cooking, lighting and anointing the body during festivities
since the earliest times. It is considered by many people as
contributing to longevity.
LENTISK Pistacia lentiscus. Lentisk is known for its "mastic", a resin
obtained from punctured stems and used as a chewing gum for preserving
the gums and sweetening the breath.
BRAMBLE Rubus sanctus. Bramble usually grows abundantly near water
sources.
This romantic spot, as we noted earlier, is associated with Aphrodite
legend, here in the cool, clear pond the Goddess of Love took her bath.
5A. FIG TREE Ficus Carica. This is the wild form of the well known
cultivated variety.
EUCALYPT Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The number of species in the genus
Eucalyptus exceeds 600, most of which are native to Australia. Today,
these beautiful and fast growing trees can be found all over the world.
SAGE Salvia fruticosa. One of the commonest members of the so called
"low maquis". Also a member of the garigueit is an important type of
Mediterranean vegetation distinguished by its low scattered bushes,
rarely more than 0.5m high, dotted over the hillsides, with bare patches
of rock or stony ground between. A popular infusion (tea) made from its
dried aromatic leaves is believed to have medicinal properties.
Cairns are permanent signs to delimit forest land.
GOLDEN DROP Onosma fruticosum. Endemic; native only to Cyprus.
GROMWELL Lithodora hispidula ssp. versicolor.
HEADED THYME Thymus capitatus. It is a typical member of the maquis and
garigue. Its aromatic leaves produce an oil which has medicinal
properties and is used in perfumery and cosmetics. Honey produced in
areas where this shrub is abundant has a characteristic flavour and is
highly valued.
As you walk, notice the hard crust of calcium carbonate which is locally
called "Kafkalla": it was formed years ago when calcium carbonate was
washed downwards and accumulated in thin layers on top of secondary
depositions of calcareous materials. Shallow red soils of Terra rossa
are usually found on the top of "Kafkalla"; they are red in colour due
to the presence of the reddish coloured iron. Notice that, as a result
of erosion, the soil is found only in pockets. Note that both "Kafkalla"
and Terra rossa are characteristic of the Mediterranean region.
ALEPPO PINE Pinus brutia. Aleppo Pine is the commonest of the conifers
on the island and it is in fact the principal forest tree.
GREEN BRIER Smilax aspera. This woody climber is common in thickets and
hedges all over the island.
ROCK ROSE Cistus monspeliensis. Cistus species are among the dominant
and characteristic species of the low maquis. They are also members of
garigue. This pretty shrub, which is common elsewhere in the
Mediterranean, is found from sea level to about 650m in isolated patches
only in the western part of the island. Cistus species exudes the gum "ladanum"
which is collected by dragging a kind of rake with leather prongs
through the shrubs. "Ladanum" is a dark brown, fragrant and bitter gum
used today in perfumery and medicinal plasters.
WICK WEED Phlomis cypria var. occidentalis. Endemic.
ROYAL OAK Quercus infectoria ssp. veneris.Isolated trees or groups of
Royal Oak are frequently found in cultivated fields particularly in the
western part of the island; They are found occasionally in the forest,
but never form pure forest stands.
The ruins of "Pyrgos tis Rigaenas" (The shelter of the Queen), as we
mentioned earlier, are associated with both history and mythology.
History, supported by the existence of frescoes, tells us that this was
a medieval monastery.
A fountain built by the Forestry Department. We are positive that you
are in need of its cool water.
STORAX Styrax officinalis. The Latin word "officinalis" means
"medicinal" which indicates the usefulness of this shrub. The gum,
storax, obtained by making incisions in the stem and branches, is also
used in perfumery. Moreover, at one time, its fruit was ground to a
powder which was then thrown into streams. A broth was produced, capable
of stupefying eels which come half-stunned to the surface where they
were easily caught.
OLIVE TREE Olea europaea ssp. Oleaster. Does this species look familiar
to you? It is the wild form of the known cultivated variety Olea
europaea met earlier (No.2 on the common part of the trail).
You should be familiar with this species too! In any case check No.2
(common part of the trail) again.
THORNY BROOM Calycotome villosa. It is a typical member of the maquis,
and garigue, family, which grows from sea level to about 1,200 m. In
early spring, in areas where it is abundant, it makes a pretty show with
its aromatic yellow flowers.
THORNY GORSE Genista, sphacelata this is a common constituent of the
maquis where it forms impenetrable thickets.
This is Lentisk again.
STRAWBERRY TREE Arbutus This beautiful small tree or shrub is quite
common and found in areas up to 1300 m. It is, however, one of the
dominant species and characteristic of the "high maquis". Its reddish
fruit, reminiscent of strawberries, is edible but not very palatable.
The Latin word "unedo" (from the similar species Arbutus unedo) means
"eat one".
ROCK ROSE.Cistus parviflorus. In spite of its name this species is often
found abundantly flowering in Cyprus and with more than ten flowers in a
flower head. This pretty shrub, which is found in large numbers in the
Kyrenia range, occurs only on limestone soils and has never been found
in the igneous central mountains.
ROCK ROSE Cistus.salviifloius This shrub is common all over the island
up to 1,700m. Its leaves, contrary to other species of the genus Cistus,
are hardly aromatic.
ROCK ROSE Cistus monspeliensis x parviflorus. A hybrid resulting from
cross breeding between two different species that is between Cistus
monspeliensis and parviflorus
THORNY BURNET Sarcopoterium spinosum. This pioneer species is the
commonest of all shrubs in all parts of the island, from sea level up to
an altitude of 1,250m. Its ripe fruits are widely used in folk medicine.
An infusion made from crushed ripe fruits is used as a tonic.
The downhill area has been recently cleared by fire, the worst enemy of
the forest. You should note that the climatic conditions of Cyprus
favour forest fires and thus protection is a difficult task. Nature has
its own means to fight disturbances and restore the balance. In the case
of fire pioneer species such as Thorny Burnet, Rock Rose, and Sage
colonise the burnt areas thus preparing the way for other more demanding
species. What you see now is an intermediate stage, significant changes,
however, occur continuously and will lead to the ultimate stage of the
"Climax" community.
PHOENICIAN JUNIPER Juniperus phoenicea, This is the most common species
in the Akamas region. It grows up to an altitude of 700m. It is one of
the dominant species and is characteristic of the high maquis. The
durability of its wood has made it suitable for house building for
thousands of years. Juniper, in addition to its medicinal uses, is well
known for its flavouring and aromatic properties; it is the principal
flavouring and aromatic substance in gin.
LENTISK HYBRID Pistacia x saportae This pretty shrub is a hybrid between
Lentisk Pistacia Lentiscus and Terebinth Pistacia terebinthus. It is
very rare and although it is believed to exist in other places, has
never been found anywhere else other than this spot.
Aleppo Pine again.
Does this species look familiar to you? If not, check No. A30
Adonis Nature Trail
FROM PYRGOS TIS RIGAENAS TO THE MAIN ROAD POLIS
BATHS OF APHRODITE, 200m BEFORE THE TOURIST PAVILION
PHOENICIAN JUNIPERJuniperus phoenicea. This is the commonest species in
the Akamas region, growing at attitudes as high as 700m. It is one of
the dominant species and is characteristic of the so called "high maquis".
STRAWBERRY TREE Arbutus andrachne. This beautiful small tree or shrub is
quite common and found up to 1300m. It is however one of the dominant
species and characteristic of the high maquis its reddish fruits,
reminiscent of strawberries are edible but not very palatable.
THORNY GORSE Genista sphacelata var. sphacelata his is a common
constituent of maquis, forming impenetrable thickets.
The trail now joins a forest road, constructed by the Forestry
Department to serve a forest nursery which has now been abandoned.
Remember, however, that forest roads serve against fire, the worst enemy
of forests.
As you walk on, notice to your right the thick stand of Aleppo Pine.
Relatively speaking, this is an example of a good quality site.
Notice now to your left an example of a poor quality site. Not only are
the trees scattered but also look at their height, shape, and
robustness. But how come? The demarcation line between the two sites is
just a road! The answer is not that difficult. It is due to the
existence of moisture, one of the factors controlling tree growth, which
is in fact the limiting factor in the case of Cyprus. Erosion left
little or no soil behind and thus moisture is almost non existent, a
situation aggravated by the southern aspect of this site.
MYRTLE Myrtus commumis. This decorative shrub is common near water
sources and in moist places all over the island up to 1700m. Myrtle is
one of the "old" species which have survived the ice ages. As a symbol
of love and peace, Myrtle was held sacred and it has been used to
decorate the entrance of churches, schools and other public buildings
during celebrations. It was also a traditional bridal flower in the
Orient, a symbol of virginity. The bark, leaves and flowers produce an
oil known as "Eau d' Agnes" used in perfumery. A little Myrtle oil in a
hot bath water is very relaxing and good for the skin.
As you walk along this steep limestone rock, depending of course on the
time of year you are visiting the area, notice, at its lower part,
different species characteristic of this rocky and rather damp habitat
such as Cyclamen, Stonecrop, Squill, Venus navelwort, Fern, Mosses etc.
Notice along the stream, Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). This plant is
very common in Cyprus; it grows both in the wild, specially on limestone
hillsides and as a cultivated tree in gardens and cemeteries. Legend
says that the island was probably named after it. What we know for sure,
however, is that the stream was named after it!
TEREBINTH Pistacia terebinthus. A common constituent of the maquis and
pine forest, found from 300 up to 1200m. One of the peculiarities of
this species is the great variation in leaf-form and size among
individual examples and the perfect consistancy of the leaf-form on any
one.
ZOULATSIA Bosea cypria. This decorative plant, which is endemic, forms
an attractive hedge or wall covering. It is frequently found in hedges
in the villages or towns and also on rocky outcrops in forest and maquis
in the lower altitudes.
KERMES OAK Quercus coccifera ssp. Calliprinos. This shrub which
occasionally grows into medium sized trees, is one of the dominant
species and characteristics of the high maquis. It is found in middle
and lower regions in most parts of the island and exists in a great
number of varieties, all showing minor morphological differences. Its
acorns are used as pig fodder and its wood as fuel.
Green-brier suppressing both Carob Tree and Aleppo Pine.
You have heard about the maquis. Here we would like to tell you just a
few things about this plant community which is in fact the most
important vegetative feature of the Akamas region. But to begin with
what is the maquis? You will have been looking at examples on your walk
of a very dense cover of xerophilous, sclerophyllous evergreen shrubs or
small trees. This plant community can be found in all environments with
a Mediterranean climate. Its geographical distribution, however, is so
vast that the vegetation of the maquis varies greatly from place to
place. In most cases it is undoubtedly originated from the deterioration
of tree formations as a result of man's work on the evergreen
sclerophyllous forests. There are many causes of deterioration but the
most significant arc tree felling, pasturing, and fire. Only in a few
special cases is there an undisturbed climax community, and so, "primary
maquis".
Although the maquis shows a bewildering number of variations, two broad
variants are easily distinguished. These are: "High maquis" is
characterised by the presence of a number of trees and shrubs which may
grow as high as 4-5m. The most important trees are Strawberry Tree, Holm
and Kermes Oak, Phoenician juniper, Olive Tree, Carob Tree, Aleppo Pine,
and larger shrubs such as Myrtle, Tree Heather, Wig Tree, and Spanish
Broom. Here are graduations between this and "Low maquis" where the
bushes are 1-2m high and there are no tree forming species. The
commonest species are Lentisk, Thorny Broom and Gorse, Sage and Rock
Rose.
Is this a species you met earlier? Yes, it is. Check, however, No 19
(from the common part of the trail) to make sure.
ROCK ROSE Cistus monspeliensis x parviflorus. A hybrid resulting from
cross-breeding between two different species, that is between Cistus
monspeliensis and Cistus parviflorus.
ALATERNUS.Rhamnus alaternus. This is found here and there in the lower
and middle regions as a constituent of the maquis but never in large
numbers. Its Greek name "Chrysoxylo" is derived from the golden like
colour of its wood, which is hard and durable.
SMALL-LEAVED MARJIORAN Origanum majorana var. tenuifolium. This is
endemic and an excellent culinary and medicinal plant. An infusion (tea)
made from its dried leaves is regarded as very beneficial in cases of
the common cold, tonsilitis and pharyngitis.
THORNY BROOM Calycotome villosa. This is a typical member of the maquis,
from sea level to about 1200m. In early Spring, in areas where it is
abundant, it makes a pretty show with its aromatic yellow flowers.
Some other trails:
The Smigies Trail
Length short route 2.5km, time one hour
Length long route 5km, time two hours
This trail starts at Smigies (near Neo Chorio) picnic site and continues
to Neo Chorio about 2.5km away. The route takes in views east of Polis
Chrysochous Bay, Latchi, Pachyammos and Paphos Forest as well as the
beaches of the Akamas to the west.
Pissouromouttis Trail
Length 3km, time one and a half hours
The trail, which starts again at Smigies picnic site takes in view of
Polis Bay and the beaches of the Akamas.
Kathikas Trail
Length 2km, time one hour
This route starts 1km from Kathikas towards Pegeia (Peyia), near the
Kyparissos restaurant. The route passes by a stone-built fountain and
the chapel at Agia Marina.
Water and Sea Sports
A comprehensive range of sea-sports facilities can be found at various
beaches around the island, including Coral Bay, Polis, Lemosos, Larnaka,
Pafos, Agia Napa and Paralimni (Protaras) coasts.
These include jet skiing, water skiing, banana rides, speed boats, and
parachuting flights.
Note: On every beach red buoys indicate the swimmers' area, where
speed-boats etc, are not allowed to enter.
Diving - Sub-Aqua Activities
There are no dangerous underwater currents in any of the recommended
diving areas.
Spear-fishing is prohibited within the bathers' areas, which are
demarcated with red buoys.
IT IS FORBIDDEN TO REMOVE ANTIQUITIES AND SPONGES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE
SEA.
There is a therapeutic Decompression Chamber for hyperbatic oxygen
treatment at the Larnaka Makarion General Hospital (new Hospital), Tel:
(04) 630300,
Organised Sub-Aqua clubs and Diving centres can be found in all towns
and resorts, as well as at a number of hotels.
Besides these clubs and centres, many firms sell or hire sub-aqua
equipment to holders of diving certificates
For more information please contact:
Cyprus Federation of Underwater Activities (C.F.U.A.) P.O.Box: 1503,
1510 Lefkosia, Tel: (22) 454647
Swimming
The clear blue waters of the sea around Cyprus and the long stretches of
sandy beaches offer excellent opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation Public Beaches, with cafeterias, bars
and restaurants, offer full facilities to swimmers, including
changing-rooms, and beach furniture for hire (Parasols, chairs and
reclining chairs).
On every beach red-buoys indicate the swimmers' area, where speed-boats
etc. are not allowed to enter.
Sailing
The climatic conditions, the unpolluted sea and the interesting
coastline make Cyprus an interesting and up-coming destination for
yachting.
Two marinas, several ports and numerous bays provide shelter from the
prevailing moderate westerlies. Even during temperatures around 17C -
competing with early summer back home.
For chartering motor or sailing yachts one may apply to:
Bare-Boat or skippered-yacht charter facilities:
SAIL FASCINATION SHIPPING LTD.,
Nikiforou Foka 27, P.O,Box 257, CY 3602 Lemesos,
Tel: (25) 364200, (99) 555799 Fax: (25) 352657
THE OLD SALT YACHTING CO. LTD.
P.O.Box 7048, CY 3311 Lemesos
Tel: (25) 337624, Fax: (25) 337768
NAVIMED LTD,
Lefkosia
Tel: (22) 338950, Fax: (22) 338951
INTERYACHTING LTD.
P.O.Box 4292, CY 3722 Lemesos
Tel: (25) 725533, (29) 652686, (99) 642734 Fax: (25) 720021
Amateur Fishing
Spear-fishing (without aqualung) angling, fishing with vertical lines or
trolling are the permitted methods for which no licence is required.
Special (sport) fishing licences are required by law for those fishermen
who use:
1. Boats and fishing-nets, longlines and traps,
2. Spearguns with an aqualung
3. Spearguns with lights at night-without aqualung
4. Nets without a boat.
The licences have several conditions attached to them that regulate the
gear used, the days, the licensees are allowed to fish and in certain
cases (spearguns with aqualung and fishing at night with light), the
allowable catches for each fishing trip.
Species of fish which can be caught: sea-breams, groupers, amber jacks,
sea-perch etc.
Further information from the Cyprus Association of Free Spearfishing
Tel: 357 22 59 12 02,
Fax: 357 22 59 12 03.
Fishing boats can be found at the following fishing shelters and
stations:
PAFOS DISTRICT
Pafos Harbour: Pafos town
Agios Georgios Pegeias: 20 km, north-west of Pafos town
Polis (Lakki/Latsi): 40 km, north of Pafos town
Pomos: 16 km, north of Polis
LEFKOSIA DISTRICT
Kato Pyrgos: 40 km, north of Polis
LEMESOS DISTRICT
Lemesos Old Port: Lemesos centre
Pissouri anchorage: Lemesos-Pafos Road
Melounta anchorage: Lemesos-Pafos Road
LARNAKA DISTRICT
Zygi - Vasilikos anchorage: Off the Lemesos-Lefkosia highway-exit 16
Larnaka fishing shelter: east of Larnaka International Airport
Ormideia - "Romantzo": 16 km, east of Larnaka
AMMOCHOSTOS DISTRICT
Potamos Liopetriou: 16 km, west of Agia Napa (Xylofagou)
Agia Napa Harbour: Agia Napa Village
Fishing: Shelter of Paralimni (Protaras)
Agia Trias: Fishing shelter (Paralimni)
Shooting
Cyprus Olympic Range
(Lefkosia Shooting Club)
P.O.Box 2198, CY 1518 Lefkosia
Tel: (22) 482660, Telefax: (22) 623008
The Range is located in the Lakkia (Latsia) area, 8km (5 miles)
south-west from the City centre, near the Lefkosia-Lemesos Highway.
Open every day except Mondays.
Winter timetable: 10:00-13:00 & 14:30 till dusk.
Summer timetable: 10:00-13:00 & 16:00 till dusk.
Closed from the 2nd to the 4th week of August, for summer holidays.
Lemesos Shooting Club
P.O.Box 3264, CY 3301, Lemesos
Tel: (25) 355572, Telefax: (25) 362375
The Club is located near Polemidia, 8 km (5 miles) north-west from the
city centre on the way to Troodos.
Open every day except Mondays.
Winter timetable: 10:00-1 3:00 & 14:30 till dusk.
Summer timetable: 10:00-13:00 & 16:00 till dusk.
Closed from the 2nd to the 4th week of August for summer holidays.
Larnaka Shooting Club
P.O.Box 217, CY 6302 Larnaka
Tel: (24) 636309, 625050, Telefax: (24) 636503
The club is located on the south-west side of the salt lake, behind the
old roman aqueduct (Kamares) off the Lemesos - Larnaka Highway.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.
Winter timetable: 14:00 till dusk.
Summer timetable: 16:00 till dusk.
Closed from the 2nd to the 4th week of August for Summer holidays.
Ammochostos District Shooting Club
P.O.Box 177, CY 5311 Paralimni
Tel: (23) 827000, Telefax: (23) 821357
The Club is located on the outskirts of Paralimni off the road to Sotira
village.
Open every day. Winter timetable: 14:30 till dusk.
Summer timetable: 16:30 till dusk
Closed on the 2nd week of August for summer vacations.
Pafos Shooting Club
P.O.Box89, CY8100Pafos Tel: (26) 232109,
Telefax: (26) 236057
The club is locatedintheAnatolikoarea,12km(8miles) east of Pafos town on
the way to Lemesos.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays only Winter timetable: 14:30 till dusk.
Summer timetable:16:00till dusk.
Closed from the 2nd to the 4th week of August for summer holidays.
Tennis
Tennis courts are found in all towns as well as in most hotels and hotel
apartment complexes.
Most of these tennis courts are all weather and flood-lighted.
Cyprus Tennis Federation
P.O.Box 3931, CY 1687, Lefkosia
Tel: (22) 366822 (in the mornings), Fax: (22) 458016
LEFKOSIA
a) Field Club:
Leoforos Aigyptou, in the centre of the town.
Tel: (22) 452041
b) Eleon Tennis Club:
Ploutarchou 3, Egkomi, south-west from the city centre.
Tel: (22) 449923.
c) Lapatsa Sporting Centre:
Deftera 11 km (7 miles) south-west of Lefkosia.,
Tel: (22) 621 201
d) Laiki Sporting Club:
Lakkia, 5 km (3 miles) south-east of Lefkosia.
Tel: (22) 484815.
e) Strovolos Municipality Tennis Courts: Tel: (02) 318358
LEMESOS
a) Lemesos Sporting Club:
I. Zachariadou 4, Tsiflikoudia. P.O.Box 619, CY 3608 Lemesos.
Tel: (25) 359818, 344697.
The club is west of Lemesos town centre, a 15 minutes drive from the
hotels area.
b) Famagusta Tennis Club:
Mesaorias 3, (in the centre of the town). Tel: (25) 335952
LARNAKA
Larnaka Tennis Club:
Kilkis 10, (in the centre of the town), Tel: (24) 656999.
PAFOS
Geroskipou Tourist Beach:
3 km (1,5 miles) east of Pafos Harbour, Tel: (26) 234525
PARALIMNI
Paralimni Tennis Club, next to the Paralimni Municipal Athletic Centre,
Stadiou, P.O.Box 236, Paralimni,Tel: (23) 820600.
Most of the above tennis courts are flood-lighted, with an additional
charge for the use of lighting facilities.
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