From the Editor

Welcome to the Guide2Cyprus July newletter! We are already half way through the year, where have the months gone?  With the summer now in full swing the beach is the place to be. A great way to keep cool is to take a boat trip but be careful to wear plenty of sun screen and take plenty of drinking water. There are half day and day trips from most resort areas. If you fancy a bit of exercise try water skiing, snorkelling or, for the more adventurous, scuba diving.

Time to hit those beaches

Last month, Cyprus came top in an EU report for the cleanest beaches across Europe. To celebrate this recognition, we are naming five of our favourite beaches in Cyprus. Feel free to contribute to the Blog on this topic if you have a favourite beach here in Cyprus. Our featured beaches this month are Konnos Bay for its fantastic views and nature trails, Nissi Beach for being rich in entertainment, Pissouri Beach for its facilities and  being sheltered from the elements , Lara Bay which is tranquil and not crowded and Macronissos Beach for its crystal clear waters and white sand.

Fun in the sun

Cyprus isn't just about its gorgeous beaches and crystal blue seas. There is more going on than relaxing by the pool with a cold drink. On the hot summer days, cool down with a trip to the Aphrodite Water Park in Paphos - a great fun day out for all the family, young and old with thrills and relaxation all at the one place! If you need to stay away from the sun for a few hours then why not try your hand at bowling in the Rock 'N' Roll Bowling Centre in Larnaca. Or see the crocodiles basking in the sun and the penguins chilling out in the Penguin House at the Ocean Aquarium in Protaras.

Last minute recession busters

This year there are some great deals around for last minute flights. You can find a return flight to Cyprus for under £200 which is cheaper than prices 10 years ago! There are regional deals such as Leeds/Bradford with Jet2, Bristol with Thomson, Birmingham with Cyprus Airways, Newcastle with Euro Cypria, Manchester with Monarch. Check out last minute flights to Larnaca and Paphos, or if you live here and fancy a trip to UK.

Relax in comfort

If you are still looking to book a last minute holiday, whether living here in Cyprus or the UK, why not rent a luxury villa with a swimming pool and all mod cons. There are still a few villas with vacancies for the holiday period. If it is practicality you are looking for try this villa in Paralimni with communcal pool, or if you want to be near the beach then Villa Lindos in Pernera has limited availability. For a golfing holiday, Villa Artemis in Secret Valley near Paphos is perfect. For a quiet family holiday with private pool, relax at  Villa Hestia in Souni, Limassol.

If you have a villa in Cyprus to rent or need property maintenance, gardening, pool cleaning, key holding, then get in touch with TLC Property Maintenance & Property Rentals in Protaras.

The month ahead in brief

July looks to be an action packed month and kicks off with the old west end favourite performance of Cats in Larnaca. For rock addicts, the Alice Cooper one night only rock concert in Limassol is certaintly one for the diary! If you are enjoying Wimbledon then you might want to see Cyprus take on Ireland in the Davis Cup tennis tournament in Nicosia. Keeping with sport, the CEV Challenger 2009 beach volley championships in Paphos attracts competitors worldwide. The Moscow City Ballet perform Swan Lake in both Larnaca and Limassol this month. For an enjoyable Cape Verde style evening, music diva Cesaria Evora will be performing a concert in Larnaca.