Tag: Cyprus
Flying to Cyprus
by admin on Jan.25, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
The island of Cyprus has been a popular destination for visitors from the UK for many years and flights to the island are now using either Paphos or Larnanca airport as their destination. British Airways has had a significant presence at Larnanca for many years, with it serving as a maintenance base and also because British Airways was a major shareholder of Cyprus Airways when it was originally founded. When the range of aircraft was more limited the base at Larnaca acted as a hub for flight travelling between Europe and the Middle East. Now however the newly modified and enlarged airport at Paphos is receiving a larger volume of flights especially as it provides easier access to holiday resorts in the south of the island. Even though the two airports are only 65 miles apart the terrain on the island makes travel quite difficult with only one major road that has to route around mountains and through tunnels making the journey seem much longer.
Larnaca airport is also undergoing major construction and improvement work as part of the same project that started with Paphos airport. The reason for the decision to invest in the improvement work was due to a significant jump in passenger levels between 2006 and 2007 when passenger numbers doubled to 5 million annually. It is thought that much of this increase was due to younger people travelling to the resort of Ayia Napa which became popular as destination for fans of nightclubs. Ayia Napa is also a resort favoured by traditional holidaymakers and, due to its location 30 miles north of Larnanca, anyone wanting to go there would select to fly to Larnaca rather than Paphos. The work at Larnaca is due to complete in 2009 and will see new terminal buildings and an improved and extended runway as well as a new control tower, fire station and improvements to the road infrastructure serving the airport. There is an expectation that passenger numbers through Larnaca will continue to grow with a predicted 9 million using the airport by 2013, so building work will continue in phases up to that point to support the expected usage. This extra work includes an additional runway extension to allow larger aircraft to use the airport and an additional terminal building and boarding ramps. Flights in and out of Larnanca currently amount to almost 50,000 per year.
The capital of the island Nicosia is also located quite close to Larnanca, 25 miles to the North West and so a fair amount of commercial business uses the airport in addition to the holiday trade that makes up the majority of traffic. Nicosia did in fact have its own airport which was used as a base by the Royal Air Force until 1966. It is still owned by the UK Ministry of Defence but is now only used as a helicopter base for United Nations peace keeping patrols. The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 made continued operations at Nicosia airport untenable and so new airports were quickly commissioned at Ercan in the north and Paphos and Larnaca in the south. Currently the only flights operating out of Ercan are to Turkey itself, due to the fact that the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”, where the airport lies, is not recognised internationally.
As a resort Larnaca is also quite attractive. The airport is located 2 miles to the south of the main town which has both a commercial harbour area and a more attractive marina complex. To the north are various beaches, several blue flag, and areas populated by holiday villas. Passengers flying into Larnanca airport will almost certainly notice the amazing salt lake, one side of which lies close to the airport perimeter. The lake provides a natural habitat for thousands of Flamingos and many other species of birds which use the lake during their migrations.
So Larnanca is not just about the airport there, although it does make up a significant part of the economy in this area. Larnanca acts as a resort in its own right but also as a gateway to holiday destinations with short transfer times to places such as Ayia Napa and Pernera to the north and Alaminos and Pervolia to the south.
Cyprus Paphos Property Buying in the Top Location
by admin on Jan.20, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
Cyprus property is a great investment and buying in a top location such as Paphos makes it an even better proposition still. The old adage “location, location, location applies to property wherever you buy and Paphos is a prime location for Cyprus property of all kinds. The town itself is steeped in a rich cultural history and there are archeological sites in the area dating back to before the roman empire. Everything from tombs and ancient mosaic floors to a genuine medieval fort right on the harbor front. The pretty harbor is lined with intimate cafe’ bars and superb restaurants where you can dine whilst looking out over the clear blue Mediterranean Ocean.
The town is actually two distinct towns or areas. Paphos town and Kato Paphos or upper and lower paphos as they are known. The old town being the upper whilst the newer resort area is known as Kato Paphos. There are lots of shops, plenty of supermarkets and the capital city of Nicosia with all the major stores is only a short drive away. A few kilometers along the coast is the beautiful resort of Coral Bay with it’s long sandy beach and lively strip. There is major development going on all over the area and property prices are already amongst the highest in Cyprus. The good news for the would be Cyprus property investor is that prices look set to increase for some time to come.
The resort of Paphos has over the last few years gained an “all year” status and most of the business now remaim open throughout the winter whilst the rest of Cyprus hibernates from around October to March. This is great news again for Paphos property owners who are now able to tap into a year round property rental market. Paphos is also the top location for many other good reasons not least it’s proximity to the Islands major airport and coastal motorway network. The rest of this beautiful Island is easily accessible and airport transfer times are negligible.
If you are still not convinced that Paphos is the best location for Cyprus property wait up because there is an ace in the pack. Cyprus golf property! Wherever you have golf you have a demand for holiday property and Paphos is the golfing center of Cyprus with the best facilities on the Island just outside the town. With the potent mixture of golf, sun and sea it is little wonder that property prices in the area continue to rise faster than anywhere else in Cyprus.
So there will never be a better time to invest in property in Cyprus especially in the Paphos area. If you are seriously considering buying an apartment or villa in Cyprus you would do well to make the move sooner rather than later. You probably need no reminder of what has happened in Spain where many would be property owners hesitated and lost out. Remember they do say that “he who hesitates is lost” and the current Cyprus property boom could make you a winner or a loser in the real estate race so now is the time to act.
Holidays with Teenagers in Tow – Paphos, Cyprus
by admin on Jan.18, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
You may be considering a villa holiday in Paphos, Cyprus, in the company of teenagers. School’s out for summer and let’s be honest; did we want to traipse round historical ruins or visit monasteries and old churches on our holidays? Let me ask you – Would you feel happy if your partner suggested you spend two weeks learning the intricate details of their precious hobby, like golf, cooking or candle-making? This isn’t a school field trip! This is their holiday too, so opt for a balance. A family holiday can be one to remember with a little planning before hand. Let the teenagers in the family have a choice and this will fuel their excitement for the family trip once they realize there will be some brilliant extra curricular activities to look forward to.
I found some group activities that would appeal to all the family without breaking the budget but as we are aware teens are notorious for spending their own money and then some more, so explaining about the exchange rate may be your first step. Planning activities that everyone can look forward to and agreeing on budgets beforehand can save an awful lot of arguing and misery at the very point when the whole family should be having some fun.
QUAD BIKES SAFARI
Now this is definitely for the teenagers and Mum and Dad. Experience the adrenalin rush and thrill of driving across some of the wildest countryside in Paphos on your own quad bike. Start at 10am, drive to Adonis Baths for a welcome swim, have some lunch along the way. This is a trip for the adventurous only. All off road and all ages welcome.
HORSE RIDING AT GEORGE RANCH
Choose from a wide range of horses and ponies, catering for all levels of experience. Absolute beginners are welcome as well as experienced riders. Rides take you from St George, through the forest of Pegeia or along the coast to the beach. This activity provides a fabulous way to see the scenery and enjoy some family fun. Riders are fully insured and riding hats are available.
SCUBA DIVING
Always exciting for the teenagers and maybe Mum & Dad are also eager to give it a go. Why not try a Discover Scuba Diving course to find out what it is all about. This mini course takes about 4 hours and consists of some theory, basic skill requirements in the pool and your first experience of diving in the sea. Take warning with this activity that excitement levels are high and if enjoyed, everyone will be clambering to take the next step – purse strings may be severely stretched.
ITHAKI MINI GOLF COURSE
Great family fun for everyone here on the American designed 18 hole mini golf course. Something to challenge everyone and girls, if the boys are still arguing over who had the best shot and who cheated, send them off to play on the bumper cars next door to blow off steam while you sit in the garden and enjoy a cool drink.
ON THE WATER
There are many boat trips available in Paphos offering a choice of activities. Take a coastline sail where the boats will anchor in Coral Bay for you to enjoy a swim and have lunch. Hire a speedboat at the harbour and have some family fun out in the bay. For something really new, take an exhilarating ride on a Tiger Boat – hold tight and expect to come back wet.
Luxury Cyprus Apartments
by admin on Jan.16, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
With over 320 days of Mediterranean sunshine every single year Cyprus has just got to be the be the perfect place to spend your summer holidays. A luxury Cyprus apartment would make the perfect accommodation for couples and families alike who are seeking a carefree holiday without the hassles of staying in an hotel or apartment complex. When you rent a luxury Cyprus apartment your time is yours to enjoy and the only timetable to keep will be your own.
Get up in the morning when you want, eat when you like and come in at whatever time suits you. No more set meal times or queuing up for dinner when someone else dictates. A luxury Cyprus apartment gives you the total freedom to come and go just as you like leaving you free to get on with your holiday. Many Cyprus apartments will also have their own exclusive pool area too so you can enjoy a dip whenever you like and you won’t have to get up early to reserve a sun lounger either.
With so many new Cyprus luxury apartments springing up all over the Island you won’t have any problems finding one that’s perfect for you. Whether you want to enjoy the buslting resort life or experience the more laid back living style of a traditional Cypriot village community a luxury Cyprus apartment is a great way to do either. You can even rent a luxury Cyprus apartment long term at prices well below those in the U.K. which makes Cyprus a great winter destination too.
Luxury apartments in Cyprus are finished to very high standards so expect to find all the home comforts you need and a few more besides such as air conditioning and lots of outside space. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate in Cyprus most people spend more time outside than in. This is why many Cyprus apartments have lots of balcony space outside and facilities for alfresco dinning like built in barbecue areas. This is great for socializing or just chilling out on those long summer evenings with a long cold drink whilst you soak up the Cyprus lifestyle.
Many people who have rented a luxury apartment in Cyprus have been well and truly bitten by the bug prompting them in turn to purchase an apartment in the sun all of their own. With so much on offer in Cyprus it is no wonder that so many holiday makers end up buying their own luxury Cyprus apartments which they in turn share with family and friends for countless years to come. With property prices in Cyprus continuing to rise some may argue that there has never been a better time to buy some Cyprus real estate for yourself.
Property has always been a sound investment and holiday property in particular continues to make fabulous returns on the money invested. Cyprus banks are willing to lend against luxury Cyprus apartments and villas purchased by none residents so raising the necessary capital as never been easier. At the time of writing this article most banks in Cyprus are willing to finance up to 80% of the funds required to purchase a Cyprus house or apartment. This has prompted many U.K. home owners to remortgage their first homes in order to raise the deposit and then rent their properties out to other holiday makers which in turn could service their Cyprus loan repayments.
If you have never visited the Island paradise of Cyprus you have been missing out on a great holiday destination. The people are friendly to a fault and the weather is perfect for outdoor life like bathing or water sports. There is a rich culture and history that dates back thousands of years so you will never be short of places of interest to visit whilst there. So be our guest and take a look at all that Cyprus has to offer both as a holiday Island and a brilliant property investment opportunity. Enjoy Cyprus and your luxury Cyprus apartment.
Cyprus Holidays the Ones you Won’t Forget
by admin on Jan.15, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
With so many exotic locations around the world to take your holidays why choose Cyprus? For the thousands of couples and families that return there year on year the answer is simple. Cyprus really does feel like home from home because it offers everything anyone could ever want from a holiday including a glorious Mediterannean climate whilst also being so British. The Cypriots speak excellent English and it’s even taught as a second language in the schools as early as primary level. The signs including road signs are in English as well as Greek and they drive on the left too. Until you have visited this beautiful Island paradise you will have to take my word for it that the Cypriots are probably the friendliest people you will ever meet.
This quintessential Englishness is the result of the British occupation of Cyprus up until the early 60’s after which time the island gained it’s own sovereignty whilst retaining the British legal system along with a modern infrastructure and many other strong western European influences. When you take your holidays in Cyprus though you will also be struck by the countries own unique culture which has flourished despite all those years of British rule. On the whole Cyprus has most of her roots in a strong Greek culture and the majority of Cypriots are in fact Greek by decent. This mix of cultural influences is undoubtably the key to the uniqueness of Cyprus and the Cypriot people has a whole.
With some of the most glorious weather in the whole of the Mediterranean Cyprus holidays are sure to satisfy the most ardent of sun worshipers. They will find more than enough sandy beaches and secluded bays at which to indulge their tanning rituals to their hearts content. The Mediterannean Ocean is warm from May to October making it perfect for bathing or water sports of all kinds and there is no shortage of facilities on all the resorts. Paracending, wind surfing and powerboat hire are just a few of the great pastimes you could try during your Cyprus holidays. Then again maybe you prefer to get out and about to see what this beautiful Island has to offer in terms of culture and history.
Culture vultures will love Cyprus holidays not least for her rich cultural history that stretches back thousands of years. Not all the visitors to this beautiful Island paradise have come in search of the best sun bathing spots or to take a dip in her clear blue waters. Over the centuries many invaders have claimed Cyprus for themselves and tried to force their customs and cultures onto her people. If you love history and places of historical interest why not use part of your Cyprus holidays to see more of the Island by booking on some of the many organized tours. In fact if you want to reach some of the more remote areas that are inaccessible by coach there are several jeep safaris that operate from most of the major holiday resorts too.
However you choose to spend your Cyprus holidays there is a good chance that once you have visited this beautiful Island she will lure you back to her sunny shores time and again. In fact many people have so fallen in love with her (us included) that they have purchased apartments or villas in Cyprus to share with their families and friends. Perhaps once you have discovered the joys of Cyprus for yourself you will begin to understand why they want to own a home on the Island. A Cyprus holiday home will give them and their families years of carefree holidays in the sun and makes great investment for the future too. Maybe we will see you on the Island some time soon enjoying your own Cyprus holidays.
Love Cyprus? Tips For Buying A Cyprus Villa
by admin on Jan.08, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
Many people who visit Cyprus on vacation go back home and decide to return and buy themselves a vacation villa in this corner of paradise. If you have decided to buy a vacation home in Cyprus, check out the current market trends. At the time this article was written, prices were on a steady climb, so buying sooner was better than buying later. Always research the market so you make a good decision.
How can you pay for your villa? The holiday rental market is booming and many Cyprus vacation villa-owners are cashing in on this lucrative market. Vacation villas are much in demand by the elderly residents of colder European countries who stay in Cyprus long-term during the winter months. They are also popular among large families who prefer the privacy and familiarity of independent villas during their vacation as opposed to staying in a hotel. You can rent out your villa to help pay the mortgage on it.
If you’ve decided you’d like to own a vacation villa in Cyprus, don’t let the rising prices or the language be a deterrent. Most financial lending institutions will loan up to 75% of the value of the property to non-residents who wish to by a Cyprus holiday villa. Besides making it easier for you to buy that dream villa on the beach, it also makes great financial sense. Renting out your villa lets you successfully bridge the gap between the loan repayment and the deposit.
There are lawyers you can hire in Cyprus who will help and assist you in every way during your purchase transaction. For a fee of about L1000 to L1250 these lawyers, who are bilingual, will check all the documents involved in the process of buying a holiday villa and generally help non-residents overcome the language barrier. Your lawyer will check that the holiday villa you intend buying is free from any loans, charges or encumbrances. He will also be responsible for making sure that all outstanding dues by way of community charges and local taxes are paid before okaying the villa for you to buy.
Buying a Cyprus vacation villa is like having your cake and eating it too. It allows you to have a great holiday home that is at your disposal whenever you wish to take a break and at other times, you can sit back and watch the money come rolling in by way of holiday rentals as well as the rising property market.
Is it Time to Invest in Cyprus Property?
by admin on Jan.07, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
Most people looking to invest in Cyprus are agreed that property makes great sense both in capital growth and in terms of rental returns. Property in holiday destinations such as Cyprus probably makes even more sense due to the high value holiday rental market. This market has taken off in the last few years due in the main to peoples evolving holiday habits and the growth of the internet. Now folks can instantly compare prices of like for like flights, accommodation and car rentals. This has led to a large proportion of holiday makers shunning the traditional package tour in favor of building their own holiday package. Part of this package now tends to include a luxury apartment or even a private villa with it’s own pool. Great news for those who have been shrewd enough to invest in Cyprus property either for full or part season holiday lets.
When it comes to making a decision about Cyprus property investment many would be buyers are put off by the idea of borrowing against either their primary residence, the Cyprus property or even both. However if they were fully aware of just how viable Cyprus holiday rentals can be they would realize that many investment projects can even be self financing. With the continuing upward trend in property prices on the Island an apartment or luxury villa still makes sound investment sense. In fact many buyers of Cyprus property including houses and villas on holiday resorts are finding that there is also a thriving long term rental market too. An increasing number of British families and retired couples are opting for the flexibility of renting a Cyprus house rather than purchasing one on a mortgage. Then once they are settled on the Island the rental contract gives them the flexibility to invest in a Cyprus property themselves that is ideal for their needs.
The tried and tested way to invest in Cyprus property is of course to purchase a house or luxury villa off plan. Then once the development is nearing completion the Cyprus property speculator will sell the unit on at the current market value. This type of investment of course always works better in a rising market and people with money to invest in Cyprus property have made some huge profits over the last few years or so. The other neat trick is to utilize the lucrative Cyprus holiday rental market whilst awaiting a buyer and make an even stronger return on the original investment too. With so much development going on in Cyprus those looking to invest in property won’t have to look to far. The other good news is that Cyprus developers need to sell houses so they are likely to be open to negotiation and investors should never be too shy to make an offer.
Even those looking to invest in their own Cyprus apartment or villa stand to see an attractive growth in their initial outlay. With years of holidays in the sun for themselves and their families all they need to do is sit back whilst Cyprus property values continue to increase. The investor then always has the option to rent the property out should they no longer wish to use it themselves for holiday purposes. With Cyprus’s entry into the European Union the Island’s economy continues to flourish and prices of villas or apartments look set to keep on rising. If that isn’t all the encouragement buyers need then it is unlikely they will ever pluck up the courage to invest in Cyprus property.
The Benefits of Cyprus Villa Holidays
by admin on Jan.06, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
Most folks work hard all year round to make ends meet and treat themselves to a couple of weeks holiday in the sun. Cyprus villa holidays could turn those two weeks into the holiday you will want to take over and over again year after year. If you want the luxury of your own place without the huge cost of property ownership then Cyprus villa holidays could be just what you are been looking for. When you consider the cost of booking a package tour for a family and all the associated hassles that go with it, villa holidays begin to make great sense. The cost of a luxury Cyprus villa holiday may surprise you too if you think that they are out of your budget. So just maybe you should take another look before you book and check out Cyprus villa holidays for yourself.
There is little doubt that peoples holiday booking habits have evolved over the last few years due in part to the internet. Now anyone can instantly compare like for like holiday prices with the click of a mouse. Many families and couples are shunning the traditional package tour where everything is taken care of for them. They are instead booking separate flights,accomadation and car hire over the internet to assure themselves of the best deal. This is where Cyprus villa holidays come into their own and begin to make perfect sense for those demanding more for their cash. After all if you only get one shot at it every year you want to get it right and you deserve the best for your money.
There are some real advantages to Cyprus villa holidays particularly if you value freedom and privacy. If you loath queuing up for your meals and having to be back at the hotel in time for dinner a villa holiday could be for you.If you want the freedom to please yourself when you come and go then again a Cyprus villa holiday could be for you also. Imagine being able to swim in your own pool whenever you like and not having to fight for the sunbeds either. You could relax on your balcony enjoying the warm Cyprus sunshine with a long cool drink or just lounge around your pool all day. Eat when you want, go out when you want and come home whenever it pleases you. That’s part of the beauty of Cyprus villa holidays and there is so much more to this relaxed style of holiday making too.
Cyprus villa holidays make a great base from which to explore the rest of the Island especially if you are prepared to hire a car. Some villa owners can even offer the use of a car with the accommodation at a vastly differing price to the Cyprus car hire companies. That way you can explore Cyprus at your convenience without having to rush back in the evenings or follow the tour guide route either. You will have the total freedom of choice to please yourself and your family so everyone should be happy. You can choose to eat in or dine out and if you want to eat at home there is usually a barbecue area for that typical Cypriot alfresco cooking experience.
These luxury Cyprus villas are fitted out to the highest standards with all the comforts of home included and some more besides. Air conditioning will be standard at least in all the bedrooms and the kitchens will be fully fitted too. No one want’s to be cooking or washing when on Cyprus villa holidays but if you have the kids along it can sometimes be a necessity. Even if it is, at least you get the convenience of having everything you need right there in your own villa. In fact there won’t be anyone disturbing you to service the room so you don’t have to worry about getting up in the morning either until you are good and ready. All in all when it comes down to quality and freedom you just can’t beat Cyprus villa holidays.
Buying Homes in Cyprus Will Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
by admin on Jan.05, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
Cyprus benefits from a wealth of resources due to its beneficial location with excellent climate, it is also now a member of the European Union, providing highly beneficial advantages in communications, transportations and trade and growth throughout the economy. In fact, the EU is the source of over 50% of trade for Cyprus and over 70% of 2006’s 2.4 million tourists were from the EU. Cyprus is also strongly tied to both the middle east and Africa, all of which helps to understand the increasing interest to buy cyprus property.
The property price index has been on the rise for the last few years and if we are going to take notice of the present indicators this will not change for many years to come. At the same time and a very exciting factor is that new property development is still rising too as supply is still lagging behind demand. If you don’t want to lose out on potential profits then you should really get moving fast as what we are witnessing here in Cyprus is the same as what happened in Spain 20 years ago and we know how much money was made there.
Fortunately, for interested Cyprus property investors, there are a large number of houses and villas all over the island from which to choose. In fact, the choice can sometimes be overwhelming, and, since there are literally hundreds of real estate agents as well as developers in Cyprus, it’s important that you get a handle on the real estate situation there before you begin your search.
Another fortunate aspect of buying Cyprus properties is that many Cypriots speak English as a second language (it’s taught in all the schools). Moreover, since all of the solicitors and property agencies have English-speaking staff, there’s very little likelihood that you’ll experience any communication problems during business transactions. Yet another favorable aspect is that, as a result of Britain’s occupation of Cyprus up until the 1960s, Cyprus’ legal system closely resembles the UK’s legal system.
Relax In A Cyprus Rental Villa This Summer
by admin on Jan.03, 2010, under Holiday Villas in Cyprus
If you are looking for a great holiday with guaranteed sunshine then you need to choose Cyprus as your next holiday destination. The luxury villas available come with 2 to 10 bedrooms and offer the very best in modern comfort.
When it comes to price you just can’t beat Cyprus and all the villas are reasonably priced to suit everyone’s pocket. This has come about due to cost reductions and an effective service which coupled together with the low cost of living in Cyprus gives us a great affordable holiday and even more so then certain other popular tourist resorts.
Thanks to the introduction of internet into most homes means that booking your next holiday in Cyprus can be performed through just a couple of clicks. This type of holiday could only previously be taken advantage of by the well off, but now thanks to low budget airlines and villa competition , we can now organize our own luxury villa holiday in Cyprus without any agents fees.
The privacy offered by Cyprus rental villas really highlights the enjoyment you will experience and you won’t have to worry about queuing up for meals. Your relaxing stay will open your heart to the joys and wonders of Cyprus.
The best part about staying in a Cyprus villa is the fun you will have in your own private pool, making your holiday even more memorable. The villa itself comes with all mod cons that you would expect to find in a luxury villa, so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy your dream holiday.