0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello and welcome to Getaways.
0:00:04 > 0:00:05The show were we go...
0:00:05 > 0:00:06Where you want us to go.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14We're on a mission to check out some of your most popular holiday destinations.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24You've been sharing your top travel tips, telling us where to go.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26And what to do when we get there.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34This week, we're in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36We're here to find out what makes this island
0:00:36 > 0:00:37a great family destination.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43We flew direct to Larnaca Airport in Cyprus, which takes a rather hefty
0:00:43 > 0:00:45four and a half hours.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49And we'll be visiting some of the most popular beach resorts along the coast.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51So what are you looking forward to in Cyprus, Vogue?
0:00:51 > 0:00:53I'm looking forward to seeing the other side of Cyprus.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56I mean, you always hear about the nightlife, the Ayia Napa, the crazy side,
0:00:56 > 0:00:58but it's a really beautiful island.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01There's going to be so many nice restaurants and I want to enjoy the sunshine and the beach.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- What about you?- Well, you see, the coastline here is absolutely stunning, right, but I've heard
0:01:05 > 0:01:08the mountains are beautiful as well. I've never really been inland in Cyprus.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- Really looking forward to seeing that.- Well, let's go and do it. - Yeah.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Cyprus is the easternmost island in the Mediterranean and is a popular
0:01:17 > 0:01:21sun destination for couples, families and the 18-30 crowd.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Summer in Cyprus lasts eight months of the year, so it's great to come
0:01:26 > 0:01:28here outside of school holiday times.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31We're here in September and it is hot, hot, hot!
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Cyprus has traditionally been a popular destination for visitors from the
0:01:36 > 0:01:41UK and Ireland, with some of the busiest resorts along the southern coast.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46You've been telling us about the places you like to visit when you're here.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51High up on your list is the beach resort of Ayia Napa,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53about 40 minutes from Larnaca Airport.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56It has a reputation as a party paradise,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58with plenty of nightclub action at night and
0:01:58 > 0:02:00lots of packed beaches during the day.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Nissi Beach is Ayia Napa's most popular beach and it literally
0:02:08 > 0:02:09means small island.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12It's made up of one long and lively beach and then you've also got a much
0:02:12 > 0:02:15smaller but quieter beach. It's just gorgeous here.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22It's fair to say that, during the summer months,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Nissi Beach attracts a predominantly young party crowd, so expect music
0:02:26 > 0:02:27and a lively atmosphere.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35The waters are shallow so you can walk out 100 metres without it getting
0:02:35 > 0:02:36deeper than your waist.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43And as you can imagine, it's great for watersports, too.
0:02:43 > 0:02:44Paddleboarding, parascending,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48jet skis and paddleboats are some of the popular water activities along
0:02:48 > 0:02:50this stretch of the coastline,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54but I'm going to have a go on the Stingray with watersports instructor George.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- Ready?- Yeah, you? Come on.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03We're excited!
0:03:03 > 0:03:06There's not a lot to it - the Stingray can take up to four people,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10you hang on for dear life while you get towed behind a speedboat.
0:03:47 > 0:03:53If you want somewhere more family-friendly, then about 20 minutes from Ayia Napa is Protaras.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59The promenade here stretches for about 4km along the coast.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01It's accessible and pram-friendly.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07And has access to more fantastic beaches.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10This is beautiful Fig Tree Bay,
0:04:10 > 0:04:14named after a solitary tree that once grew right at the beach.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Locals say it was brought here in the 17th century with invaders.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21It's survived many invasions since but it couldn't survive the invasion of tourism.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30Like Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, there are watersports on offer in Protaras.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34But there are fewer noisy speedboats and jet skis so, while it is really
0:04:34 > 0:04:37packed, it is much more family-friendly.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41The rocky part of the shoreline makes it perfect for fishing
0:04:41 > 0:04:43and snorkelling.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48Fig Tree Bay has been awarded a European Blue Flag for its
0:04:48 > 0:04:52clean water, and there's an environmental campaign to encourage locals and
0:04:52 > 0:04:53tourists to clean up.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00To really appreciate the coastline in Cyprus, you need to get out on
0:05:00 > 0:05:03the water, and there are plenty of boat excursions you can take.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09Party cruise boats come in all shapes and sizes and are a big hit with the
0:05:09 > 0:05:10young crowd.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14But I'm setting off from Protaras Harbour
0:05:14 > 0:05:16on board one of the glass bottom boats.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Now, when they say the boat has a glass bottom,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26they mean these portholes and, if you're prepared to spend enough time,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29then you might spot some sea creatures in their natural habitat.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34But for me, it's up on deck where you get the best view.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42This excursion takes us along the coast,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46past Ayia Napa and Protaras, and up close to some sea caves,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48which are only accessible from the water.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53I bumped into young Corey from back home.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Corey, what do you think of Cyprus?
0:05:55 > 0:05:59What would you say to kids your age? Do you think they should come?
0:05:59 > 0:06:00- Yes.- Will I have a good time?
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Yeah.- Are you going to say anything else but yeah?
0:06:03 > 0:06:04Maybe.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06THEY LAUGH
0:06:08 > 0:06:10The highlight here is the Blue Lagoon,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14which is a perfect place to cool off in the clear water.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16CHEERING
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Whoo!
0:06:28 > 0:06:30You can see why it is called the Blue Lagoon, can't you?
0:06:30 > 0:06:34The colour of that water - so clear and beautifully warm.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35This is heaven.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44In Ayia Napa, we stayed at the Nestor Hotel.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49It's a short walk to the beach and has indoor and outdoor pools,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51a health club and a spa.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Now, if you want to get a break from the beach or get that little bit
0:07:03 > 0:07:08closer to heaven, you could take the 172 steps up to St Elias Church.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10I'm told that the view alone makes it worth it.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Now, if you're expecting some ancient historical monument,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23I'm afraid you'll be disappointed.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Although the original was built over 100 years ago,
0:07:26 > 0:07:30the Church of Profitis Elias was rebuilt in 1984.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36The chapel is a perfect place for a wedding ceremony,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39but the unique thing here is the custom of tying ribbons to the branches
0:07:39 > 0:07:43of the trees surrounding the church in remembrance of a loved one.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50The best time to come here is at dusk
0:07:50 > 0:07:52to catch one of the magnificent sunsets.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Now, for a lot of people, it's not until after dark that Ayia Napa really
0:08:02 > 0:08:03comes to life.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12And these bars and clubs are bunged with revellers during the summer nights.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Ayia Napa is synonymous with decadent wild 18-30s parties, where
0:08:26 > 0:08:28fish bowls and foam are the norm.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31A lot of you suggested that this was where you came for your youthful party
0:08:31 > 0:08:33holiday. We're going to join in.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42This is the square. Now, it's not busy tonight but, during July and August,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44this is where it's all happening.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51We've been recommended to go to the Castle Club.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54And the good news is that, tonight, there's no queue.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06This is the place to party.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10It regularly hosts some world-class DJs with 14 bars on three levels.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15We're having one drink, then home...honest.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26If the party resort of Ayia Napa isn't for you,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30then we're heading to another of Cyprus' key resorts, Limassol.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34It's about an hour from Larnaca Airport and it's the second largest city
0:09:34 > 0:09:35in Cyprus.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Like Ayia Napa, Limassol has plenty of beaches,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41but the sand is dark and coarse.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44It isn't just as attractive to the young party crowd but it is popular
0:09:44 > 0:09:45with families.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Limassol has had a makeover in recent years and the marina is modern and a
0:09:52 > 0:09:55popular stop-off point for yachts cruising the eastern Mediterranean.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01So your first impression might be of a built-up urban resort.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04However, like most European sun destinations,
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Limassol or Lemesos, as it's also known,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09has an old town, and that's where we're headed.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17There are some interesting buildings in the old town, like the
0:10:17 > 0:10:23colonial-style post office, the neoclassical town hall, the cathedral...
0:10:24 > 0:10:28..and at the centre of the historic old town is Limassol Castle.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36The original castle was built in the 12th century
0:10:36 > 0:10:39but, after many hostile attacks and earthquakes,
0:10:39 > 0:10:44it was eventually demolished and rebuilt as we see it today in 1590.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Legend has it this is where King Richard the Lionheart married his
0:10:47 > 0:10:52Spanish bride, Berengaria, in 1191, thus crowning her Queen of England.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Some of the remains unearthed here suggest this may have been the
0:10:58 > 0:10:59site of the city's first cathedral.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04But more recently, it was used as a prison during Victorian times.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08And today, it houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum...
0:11:10 > 0:11:12..displaying artefacts from the time of the Crusades.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24No holiday is complete without a little bit of retail therapy.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Here, on Agiou Andreou Street, you can get your hands on some local souvenirs,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31lace, leathers, art and just a little bit of everything.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47OK, so don't expect any designer brands or high-street stores
0:11:47 > 0:11:50but, if you're just looking for a souvenir or something for the kids,
0:11:50 > 0:11:52then you won't be disappointed.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03There's also a market where the locals shop, so you can stock up on some
0:12:03 > 0:12:05fresh farm foods.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22As you explore the old town of Limassol,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25you'll be aware of the huge amount of graffiti on some of the beautiful
0:12:25 > 0:12:26old buildings here.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33But it's not all vandalism.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38In recent times, graffiti artists have been creating street art in these backstreets,
0:12:38 > 0:12:43some with political and social messages, and it's become a bit of a tourist attraction.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47So, if you're staying in Limassol,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50it's worth leaving your sun lounger for a dander round the old town.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54But if you prefer a getaway a little closer to home, then Joe has been on
0:12:54 > 0:12:56a short break to County Sligo.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Around three hours' drive from either Dublin or Belfast,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10the city of Sligo is considered the gateway to the west coast of Ireland.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14It's famous for its culture, particularly it being WB Yeats country,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17its surfing and its music, and I'm here to check it all out.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25For my visit to Sligo, I'm staying in The Glasshouse -
0:13:25 > 0:13:29a modern hotel right in the centre of the city overlooking the Garavogue River.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34It has a good restaurant, on-site parking and modern rooms
0:13:34 > 0:13:35with good Wi-Fi.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42And just across the street is the headquarters of the Yeats Society, where
0:13:42 > 0:13:46I'm meeting Martin Enright, who runs a summer school for visitors to learn
0:13:46 > 0:13:49about Sligo's most famous son.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52So, Martin, tell me, how did the Yeats Society actually start?
0:13:52 > 0:13:54The Yeats Society began, you could say, as a tourist initiative
0:13:54 > 0:13:58to attract people to Sligo to see the Land of Heart's Desire -
0:13:58 > 0:14:00to see the Yeats landscape and the Yeats country.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01The term was coined then.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05I mean, it's quite extraordinary - when you come to Sligo, you really are in Yeats country.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Well, you suddenly realise that you are in the middle of that lovely line,
0:14:09 > 0:14:14"Like a child's vow, sworn in vain, never to leave that valley his fathers call their home."
0:14:14 > 0:14:19So Sligo town with Rosses Point nestles between the landscape of Knocknarea and Benbulbin.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24And Yeats uses those locations, linking back to the mythology on
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- so many times.- It's great, you sound so proud and passionate about it.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Yeah, we love to share what we have here.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33We enjoy living in Sligo 12 months of the year, and we love to share that
0:14:33 > 0:14:34with the tourists.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Motivated by Martin's love of the Sligo landscape,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I'm going to take a look at some of WB Yeats' inspirations for myself.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Just north of the town is Benbulbin,
0:14:50 > 0:14:55one of Yeats' great muses, and its distinctive shape overlooks Streedagh Strand -
0:14:55 > 0:14:59a safe, well-protected beach that is part of one of Ireland's most popular
0:14:59 > 0:15:00tourist trails.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Sligo is on the route of the Wild Atlantic Way and a recent initiative
0:15:05 > 0:15:08launched brought out this - the Wild Atlantic Way passport.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Now, in here, not only will you find little bits of information about the places
0:15:11 > 0:15:13you'll see but, look, everywhere you visit,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16there are blank spaces for little stamps, just like a passport.
0:15:16 > 0:15:22For example, here I am on Streedagh Beach, and there's my stamp, right there.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23It's a nice wee keepsake.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27And you can get your passport stamped at post offices and tourist information
0:15:27 > 0:15:28centres along the trail.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34But Streedagh Beach wasn't a very welcoming place for the sailors of the
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Spanish Armada, who came ashore here in 1588.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40How did all the Spanish sailors end up here?
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Well, they were on their way back to Spain,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46and about two thirds of the fleet actually had made it down
0:15:46 > 0:15:48as far off the coast of Kerry,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52and the ones that got left behind ended up being wrecked here...
0:15:52 > 0:15:53- Oh, right, OK.- ..after a horrendous storm.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58You've told us these beaches around Sligo have some of the best surf in
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Ireland, so I'm visiting nearby Strandhill.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09The Surf N Stay Lodge has hostel accommodation attached to the surf school.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10Cue surf music.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Well, today, the surf isn't up, but no problem.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31Surfing instructor Melanie White is giving me a lesson on stand-up paddleboarding with a twist.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40This is Lough Gill, another location that featured in so many of Yeats'
0:16:40 > 0:16:44poems, and I am definitely feeling the mystical vibes out here.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46Whoa!
0:16:46 > 0:16:49And if WB Yeats did paddleboarding,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52you know this is probably how he would have done it.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53Namaste!
0:16:57 > 0:17:01So, refreshed and invigorated, I'm ending my trip to Sligo
0:17:01 > 0:17:03in the company of Damien Brennan -
0:17:03 > 0:17:08a Yeats aficionado who hosts dinners at his home of Broc House,
0:17:08 > 0:17:09overlooking Lough Gill.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Damien, first of all, what a beautiful home you have.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15Yeah, we're very fortunate
0:17:15 > 0:17:18we sit on top of a hill overlooking Lough Gill,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- and we built it with a view to the view.- Yeah.
0:17:21 > 0:17:27And so we have a 40-foot window looking out on four of Yeats' main poems and
0:17:27 > 0:17:28it's a beautiful place to live.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30I mean, it's quite a unique experience to come to Broc House,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33but what do people get when they come here?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36What they get is an introduction to William Butler Yeats,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39an exploration of his life, and that's punctuated -
0:17:39 > 0:17:41I don't know which comes first -
0:17:41 > 0:17:45that's punctuated with fine, fine food and, on average, we have three
0:17:45 > 0:17:48to four groups a week from May through to November.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- Wow.- Groups of ten or more for lunch or for dinner.
0:17:51 > 0:17:5590%, 95% of them, have never heard of Yeats.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- Really?- Really. And they come through the door, thinking, this is another one of
0:17:58 > 0:18:02those things, they'd been sheep shearing the day before and tomorrow
0:18:02 > 0:18:05they're going to make brown bread in some thatched cottage,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09but they come in and, when I leave them out the door again, they say,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12"What books should we buy of Yeats' poetry?"
0:18:12 > 0:18:13- Isn't that incredible?- Yeah.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Passing that knowledge and that love on. It's amazing.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- It is, it's really great.- Yeah. - Yeah.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Well, Damien, thank you very much for having us in your home.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- It's been a pleasure.- Thank you, Joe, it was a pleasure having you here, too.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31We're on a getaway to Cyprus.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34So far, we've been checking out some stunning beaches.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36I've been exploring the coastline.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40And I've been getting wet and wild on the water.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Another coastal tourist attraction famous in Cyprus is this little group
0:18:54 > 0:18:57of rocks, which has a history of mythical proportions.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04The rock is called Petra Tou Romiou or Rock Of The Greek,
0:19:04 > 0:19:06but most people know it as the Rock Of Aphrodite.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11According to Greek legend, this is where Aphrodite emerged from the sea.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Now, supposedly, if you swim around those three rocks
0:19:15 > 0:19:17three times at midnight on a full moon,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19you'll be granted everlasting youth.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22So I'm basically going to stay here until the next full moon.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23See ya!
0:19:24 > 0:19:29Aphrodite or Venus, as she was known to the Romans, is associated with love
0:19:29 > 0:19:33and romance. So it has become customary for lovers to leave their mark on
0:19:33 > 0:19:35the beach for Aphrodite's blessing.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49It's easy to forget that Cyprus isn't just about beaches and tourism.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52And when you venture out into the countryside,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55it's clear that this is an island built on agriculture.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02And we're stopping off at Oleastro Olive Park and Museum -
0:20:02 > 0:20:03a good alternative to the beach.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07It's a working olive farm where you can learn the traditional ways olives are
0:20:07 > 0:20:09processed into olive oil...
0:20:11 > 0:20:15..and see some traditional farm animals and some non-traditional ones, too.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Andreas Ellinas is the owner of the park.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22This is such a beautiful place you have.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24I love it here. You've a lot here for children.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29Yeah, families, they come here to see the process,
0:20:29 > 0:20:33to learn many things about olives, about olive oil,
0:20:33 > 0:20:39to try the traditional food and to play with the animals.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43It's good for families to spend the day here.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Everyone, this is Olivia.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Olivia, this is everyone.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56She loves carob, dried carob.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Kids, you should carry this around with you at all times.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01You never know when you might bump into a camel.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Come on, Olivia. You want some more?
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Come on. Ah! Looks like she's got the hump.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18Now, I can truly say, for both adults and children, this place does provide
0:21:18 > 0:21:22information and entertainment - infotainment, if you will.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28'In Cyprus, water was used to power the grain mills.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29'In other countries, like Greece,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32'they were also used for crushing the olives in the production of
0:21:32 > 0:21:35'olive oil. The water mill would be used to turn...'
0:21:35 > 0:21:39Look, I know it's not exactly Pirates Of The Caribbean, is it?
0:21:39 > 0:21:40But I find this very charming.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42And remember, every day's a school day.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47'..scrape the crushed olives from the millstones and place them in the centre...'
0:21:47 > 0:21:51And while Joe is taking the educational tour, I'm ordering lunch.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54And as you'd expect, it's all fresh, local produce.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58I'm home, dear!
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- How are you? Look what I have. - Look at this spread!
0:22:01 > 0:22:02I know, and it's all local.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05This is the local olives, local olive oil.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08And then this cheese is from a halloumi farm just up the road.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- Oh, my word!- And of course, we have local wine!
0:22:12 > 0:22:13This is your local red.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- You've been reading my mind.- Cheers.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18The halloumi is so good.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20Yum!
0:22:20 > 0:22:22That tapenade is the best I've ever had.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- It's incredible.- That olive oil is so good.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28You could eat like this every day, couldn't you?
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Little bits of everything.- Yeah, and that's what I love about it.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32Yeah.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Cyprus is one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean...
0:22:39 > 0:22:41..spanning over 10,000 years.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Its impressive history is hard to miss as you're touring the island,
0:22:45 > 0:22:49but there is one ancient site you should put at the top of your Cypriot
0:22:49 > 0:22:51bucket list.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Joe Breen from Ballycastle recommended that we come here.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59This is Kourion.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02After the Trojan War, many ancient Greeks settled here,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05and they chose this site specifically for strategic reasons.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09It meant they could see any potential enemies coming from the sea.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site,
0:23:14 > 0:23:18the archaeological remains are rated as the number one thing to do when
0:23:18 > 0:23:20you're in Limassol.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28The Greco-Roman theatre at the centre of the site was built in the second century BC.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31In the curved auditorium,
0:23:31 > 0:23:35the spectator seating area held around 3,500 people.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38As the influence of the Greeks spread across the world,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41culture was a cornerstone of their civilisation.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42It still uses the theatre today.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45In fact, there is an annual Shakespeare festival.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48To be, or not to be?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50That is the question.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Oh, please yourselves, philistines!
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Kourion attracts a lot of visitors, and it's open all year round.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03You recommended that we visit early in the morning
0:24:03 > 0:24:05or later in the afternoon,
0:24:05 > 0:24:06if you want to avoid the crowds.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11It can get very hot in the middle of the day,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14so have a bottle of water handy if you're visiting in the summer months.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Cyprus is one of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30so it's worth hiring a car to take in some of the sights.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Shane McCaffrey from County Antrim told us that we should come up here
0:24:34 > 0:24:37to take in the beautiful scenery and gorgeous mountain air.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38You were right, Shane, it's lovely.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45They drive on the left-hand side of the road, which is really handy if you decide to rent a car.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54I'm heading up the Troodos Mountains - the largest mountain range in Cyprus.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56And while I'm only an hour from the beach in Limassol,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00I feel like I'm in a completely different place.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04The highest point is Mount Olympus, reaching nearly 2,000 metres.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06And although it's hard to believe,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09you can actually ski here in the winter.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12With a car, I'm able to explore some of the more remote villages.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17This is Arsos - in a region known for its vineyards.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27It's a quiet, slow-paced lifestyle,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29and it's perfect if you just want to chill out.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Cyprus is encouraging tourism in these rural villages,
0:25:37 > 0:25:42and this type of self-catering guesthouse, like Arsorama, is becoming popular.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45It combines comfort and luxury in a traditional setting.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55My next stop is one of the larger villages in the Troodos Mountains - Omodos,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57which sits beneath Mount Olympus.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02And it's around a 30-minute drive from Limassol.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04I'm in luck. Today is a holy festival,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08so thousands of people have travelled from all over Cyprus to come here,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10and the atmosphere is just amazing.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16The central point of Omodos is the Monastery of the Holy Cross,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19which dates back to the third century AD.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21And during the Festival of the Holy Cross,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24pilgrims come from all over Cyprus to pay their respects here.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Local food is at the centre of the festival
0:26:38 > 0:26:40and, if you explore the narrow streets,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42you can discover some interesting produce.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Dom Kozak from Belfast told us that the best way to save money on
0:26:48 > 0:26:51holidays is if you eat local. And the locals told me that this is the best bakery
0:26:51 > 0:26:53in town. And they were right.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55This bread is delicious.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07Wine is another important tradition here, and I'm visiting Ktima Gerolemo Winery,
0:27:07 > 0:27:11where you can see the old wine press as well as sample some local produce
0:27:11 > 0:27:12and, of course, the wine.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18So, Felicia, tell me a little bit about the wine that you guys make in this winery.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22So, we have a long tradition in making wine - 700 years old.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23It's an old wine press.
0:27:23 > 0:27:29- Wow.- We do a large variety of wine from local variety of grapes.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Yeah. And this winery itself has been in the same family for 700 years?
0:27:33 > 0:27:34Yes, yes.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36And you can see on the pictures on the wall.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38- Yeah.- The father, the grandma.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Wow. Well, I'm a red drinker,
0:27:41 > 0:27:42so I'm going to try the red because I'm driving,
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- so I can only have a tiny bit.- OK.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47So these are all from Cyprus?
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Yes. Actually, from this place, Omodos.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Yum! Thank you, it is very nice.
0:27:57 > 0:27:58You're welcome.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04So, Joe, what was your favourite part about Cyprus?
0:28:04 > 0:28:07You know something? Cyprus is very well-known for its beautiful seaside
0:28:07 > 0:28:08resorts, and rightly so.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12But if you can get out and explore this island, you really should, cos it's absolutely beautiful.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15And say, in terms of hospitality, you'll be hard-pressed to find nicer people.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17I think Cypriot people are absolutely lovely!
0:28:17 > 0:28:19I totally agree with you.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21Even though I love the beaches and it was hard to get me away from them,
0:28:21 > 0:28:25I really liked being up in the mountains and the gorgeous little villages.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28There was so much to do up there. But I also loved the food.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- Oh, you loved the grub!- I loved the food so much!
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- And I love this coffee. Geia mas! - Geia mas!