Beaches and Shopping: Why Cyprus is ideal for Luxury Holidays

Although there's a lot to be said for adventurous holidays backpacking into the unknown and cost-saving all-inclusive holidays in Europe, nothing quite beats a luxury holiday in the Mediterranean. One of the best places to relax and take in everything a luxury holiday has to offer is Cyprus.

The third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers the perfect location for a relaxing holiday in the hot, dry summer climate the country offers. For those visiting Cyprus - particularly those from milder northern Europe countries - one of the first ports of call should be the beach.

With summer temperatures touching the early 30s, the beaches in Cyprus are ideal for spending a day - or several - sunbathing, swimming and most importantly enjoying a stress free holiday. Naturally, as an island, Cyprus has plenty of beaches to offer visitors although some of the most popular are around the Lanarca and Ayia Napa regions.

The problem - as many visitors to Cyprus will find - is that these beaches tend to be overcrowded, particularly during the summer months. The trick - for those looking for a quiet, scenic paradise is to go west to areas such as Lara Bay on the Akamas Peninsula.

Here, visitors will not only get a cleaner, quieter beach experience but also a chance to see the green turtle in its natural habitat. The Akamas Peninsula is an area of immense natural beauty so much so that it has been proposed as a natural park.

Another popular way to enjoy a luxury vacation in Cyprus is shopping in the quaint, beautiful villages and towns throughout the island. One of the best ways to get a taste of shopping in Cyprus - and if you're lucky pick up a bargain or two - is to visit the weekly Sunday market which is held in Lanarca.

Here you will have a chance to meet with local traders and purchase items such as clothing, souvenirs, local crafts, electronic equipment and fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables. The popular market is held weekly in the car park of Ermou Street and usually runs from 10am to 1pm.

Another shopping district worth visiting is the covered market located at Makarios Avenue. Here the covered market provides an ideal location not only for shopping, but also for sampling local food at the many food stalls and local restaurants.

Although when the heat reaches its peak most visitors head back to their luxury hotel in Cyprus, this shopping market is also cool and refreshing thanks to its covering which protects it from the strong Mediterranean sun. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of locally-made goods such as jewellery, leather goods, travelling bags and gold luxury items.

Whether its unspoilt beaches or relaxing afternoons spent strolling through market stalls, Cyprus is sure to leave you refreshed and recharged after a luxury holiday here.