The Nexus Gulf

Cyprus is an island with strong greek traditions, but what it is best known for is its spectacular climate, which has made it a very popular destination with tourists, with over 2.4 million visiting the island each year. The island receives over 330 days of sunshine a year, which has given it the name The Island of the Sun. There is no shortage of travel companies tailoring Cyprus holidays and low cost airlines including Monarch offering routes to Paphos and Larnaca, it has never been easier to get there.

Cyprus attracts tourists from all over the world, but the majority come from Europe. In recent years Russians and Poles have become poolside regulars alongside the French, Germans and, of course, us Brits.. One of the main reasons why there is such a heavy presence of Brits in Cyprus is because of the positioning of the British Armed forces in the southern Greek part of the island. The UK retains a military base in order to have a gateway for forces to the Middle East. The impact of this on the surrounding area is that Cypriots have grown used to, and this has in turned resulted in areas that are less traditional and more contemporary in culture. From English being spoken everywhere you go, to driving on the left side of the road. A major attraction for many Brit tourists is that the island offers all of the comforts and familiarities of home, but in a more favourable climate.

For many reading this, the prospect of taking a holiday away from England only to be greeted at the airport by a hire car representative hailing from Croydon and being served an authentic Mediterranean dish of steak and chips will not appeal. However, this side of Cyprus, that continues to attract millions of tourists year after year, is only one aspect of the island and is concentrated around the tourist hotspots of Paphos, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Fortunately as you venture off the beaten track, your are soon reminded of the character that has made this island a popular destination for millennia.

Its worth tearing yourself away from the beach and visiting the Troodod Mountains if you can. In the heart of the mountains you will find the Kykkos monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1998. Housing art and exhibits on ancient Greece, the monastery has the twin function of being a museum for visitors and a practising monastery lived in by worshiping monks. Kykkos even has its own winery where the monks bottle and sell their wine. A daytrip to the Troodos Mountains can be a welcome change from the beach and with overnight accommodation available in many of the authentic villages dotted about; you might want to spend a few days here sampling another side of Cyprus.

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When we were planning our big trip to Barcelona I was being a real penny pincher. Barcelona cheap hotels were a priority for me and I was determined to save money. It amazed me how much the cost of the trip kept adding up with the flights and tours we planned. I needed to cut costs somewhere and the hotel room was the place we would spend the least amount of time awake. Between the travel agent and the internet I was able to find cheap rates at a hotel with good reviews. Barcelona was the best trip we have ever taken!

Find in an inexpensive hotel in a country that you have never been to can be an interesting challenge. Finding a Barcelona cheap hotel was my challenge and I knew I had my work cut out for me. It is hard to know what you are getting for your money so you will need to rely heavily on travel agents, reviews, and word of mouth from others who have gone before. Ask to have brochures sent to you in advance and check out any online pictures that may be available for you to look at. From there, get the best rate you can.

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