Zorba rocks out in Cyprus

Jul 12 2009 Sunday Sun

FRANK CORLESS travels to Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite, and a haven for lovers.

The picturesque village of Pissouri, towering above a valley overflowing with vineyards and orchards, is only four kilometres away.

Here you can wander narrow streets or enjoy drinks and meals in the village square tavernas.

The ultimate experience, however, is just yards from the hotel at the next door ‘sister’ establishment, the ultra-luxurious, five-star Columbia Beach Resort. Designed to resemble a Greek village, it really is the last word in excellence.

Stunning amenities, such as an internationally renowned spa, leave you drooling.

The hotel and Beach Resort are also superbly eco-friendly. Cleverly positioned solar panels provide 60 per cent of the required energy, recycled water is used on flowers and shrubs, and little electric cars ferry guests around.

Every year as many as 5,000 UK couples fly to Cyprus to get married.

Some are lucky enough to tie the knot at either the hotel or the Beach Resort where weddings can be signed and sealed in its own tiny church. Champagne celebrations are then held against a backdrop of lush green lawns, exotic gardens and the vivid blue Mediterranean.

It’s a 10-minute drive to Aphrodite’s Rock, where – according to legend at least – the Greek goddess of love rose from the waves.

Sitting here at sunset would be the crowning glory for any bride and groom.

Cyprus is steeped in 5000 years of history and culture. It is a vibrant island once walked by the apostles Paul and Barnabas, and the King of England, Richard the Lionheart. Prince Harry was a more recent visitor, dining out with Army pals at the Columbia Beach Hotel.

Thanks to hard work and expertise, the island’s spectacular archaeological sites are incredibly well preserved. My favourite was Kourion where the second century Greco-Roman amphitheatre and mosaics bring history to life. The views across the sea are pretty spectacular, too.

The Troodos mountains, with awesome peaks and forests, sprinkled with monasteries, churches and picture postcard villages such as Omodos, a centre of the wine industry, will leave a lasting impression.

There’s no escaping the fact Cyprus, like most holiday destinations, is feeling the pinch of recession. But in sheer value- for-money terms it is still a winner.

We enjoyed a meal at Captain’s Bay restaurant, less than 150 yards from the hotel, where waves lapped the shore as musicians got revellers to their feet.

One tune prompted the most enthusiastic response. You’ve guessed it: Zorba’s Dance. Isn’t this where we came in?

Five things to do
1: TAKE a bus ride along the Limassol coast road.
2: VISIT the ancient amphitheatre at Kourion, near Limassol, at sunset. Take centre stage and sing your heart out . . . the acoustics are amazing.
3: TAKE the family to Fasouri Watermania waterpark which is on the outskirts of Limassol.
4: GO on a jeep safari to the Troodos mountains, or make a more sedate journey to the mountain range’s picturesque villages.
5: VISIT the ruins of the ancient City Kingdom of Kition, in Larnaca, and the Municipal Museum of Natural History.

Fact file
:: A SEVEN-night break with Libra Holidays on a bed-and-breafast basis at the four-star Columbia Beach Hotel, in Pissouri, costs from £865 per person, based on two people sharing.

:: FOR more information, call 0871-226 7825, or visit the website at www.libraholidays.co.uk