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SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH A PERFECT EASTER BREAK IN CYPRUS

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With almost a million British visitors choosing the Mediterranean’s third largest island for a holiday last year, Cyprus continues to be a popular Easter getaway for travellers wanting to enjoy sunny days, mouth-watering cuisine and charming scenery – all just over a four-hour flight from London. 

Whether you are a couple, or a group of friends wanting to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, or a family wanting to enjoy a care-free break in a culture which welcomes children, there is something for everyone this Easter.

Those looking to get away from it all can enjoy hikes across the Troodos mountain range; or hire a car and road-test one of the island’s six self-drive village routes which take travellers to some of the lesser known and more traditional parts of the island. Vinophiles will enjoy a further six dedicated wine routes, taking in some of 40 boutique wineries offering a range of grapes to sample, including Koumandaria – Cyprus’ most ancient wine.

For those looking for a gourmet treat, there is a wide variety of typical Cypriot dishes and delicacies to savour whilst on the island. From Agros - a traditional village in the Troodos mountains, famed for the production of cured meats, traditionally served in Cypriot meze dishes with slices of cucumber and crushed green olives; to Anogyra – the holy grail of halloumi (TV food goddess Nigella Lawson loves it grilled), where you can watch the cheese being produced from fresh goat milk.

Family has always been an important part of Cypriot life, a factor which extends to the islanders’ hospitality to visitors. Most hotels actively welcome children, and there are a host of family-friendly activities across the island. Highlights include:

Paphos Zoo (www.pafoszoo.com) - ideal for all the family, a visit to the Paphos Zoo (Bird & Animal Park) makes for a great day out. Housing one of Europe’s largest bird collections along with deer, antelopes, gazelles, raccoons, giraffes, reptiles, giant tortoises, monkeys, lions and elephants, Paphos Zoo sits within acres of verdant gardens along with lakes and waterfalls. A daily Parrot & Owl show takes place in its amphitheatre and is a highlight for all children. Open all year round. Prices: €15.50 per adult & €8.50 per child

Donkey safaris During a stay in Paphos, families wanting to venture further afield than the hotel and experience local customs, should embark upon a donkey safari. Starting off in an old 1950s Bedford village bus, you will be transported to the Donkey Farm a few kilometres outside of Paphos for a hearty traditional Cypriot brunch, with local delicacies including halloumi, olives, soutzoukos (an unusual tubular shaped concoction made of grape syrup and almonds) and oven-baked bread. After your repast, you will enjoy a leisurely donkey ride through picturesque orange groves and quaint countryside before arriving at an abandoned 14th century monastery, Panayia tou Sindi, which has been restored by UNESCO. Once back at the farm, a typical BBQ meal at its restaurant will await you along with refreshments including the local firewater, Zivania and a range of wines for the adults. A range of local tour operators offer daily excursions, with average prices of €74 per adult and €38 per child.

Where to stay: On the island there are a wide variety of hotels to suit all tastes and needs – from boutique bolt-holes and spa retreats, family-friendly hotels where you can find all the baby essentials you need, to an ever growing number of agro-tourism projects ideal for those wanting to experience the more rural and authentic side to Cyprus.

Getting there: Return flights with Cyprus Airlines from London Heathrow to Larnaca, from £240 (inclusive VAT) per person. For more information, visit www.cyprusair.com.

Plan your first sunshine break of the year, using the newly launched British Airways ‘Perfect Day’ Facebook application.  The CTO has recently launched it’s own route on the highly successful BA ‘Perfect Days’ app. Find inspiration for how best to use 24hrs in Cyprus by following routes recommended by those who know and love the island. Or even use the app to create your own Perfect Day.

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Notes to Editors
For high resolution images and more information on Cyprus and forthcoming press trips contact the Kallaway Travel team:
Email: visitcyprus@kallaway.com Tel: 020 7313 6274
Media centre: http://mediacentre.kallaway.co.uk/cyprus-tourism.htm

About Cyprus
www.visitcyprus.com
Cyprus – the third largest island in the Mediterranean – attracts over 2m tourists annually –lured by its legendary hospitality, glorious coastline and stunning mountain villages. There is something to suit every traveller  – family resorts, world class spas, golf courses, marinas, agrotourism, food and wine trails. For the active; the warm waters of Cyprus are perfect for diving and waterskiing. Adventure seekers can explore the beauty of Cyprus with trekking or birdwatching tours, while golfing enthusiasts play on award winning courses.

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family-friendly cyprus tourism organisation Year-round sunshine easter break British Airways Perfect Day app agro-tourism