Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to Cyprus
The Island of Love, Cyprus has been a sailing destination since Odysseus set out on his epic journey. One of the largest of the Mediterranean Islands, Cyprus was said to be the birthplace of the beautiful Aphrodite and with its white foaming waves, golden rocks, and no less than three hundred days a year of sunshine. Yacht charter guests wanting to drop anchor in the midst of a scene from ancient mythology, those who crave white sandy stretches, and those who long for laid-back vibes and cosy seafront taverns, will find Cyprus a cruising heaven.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Cyprus
Clean Waters
Cyprus is sheer Blue Flag bliss with its powder white sand, gin clear water, and navy parasols. The island boats forty award-winning beaches ranging from secret sweet water coves to wide watersports friendly spaces. The waters around Cyprus have been found to be the cleanest in the whole of Europe, giving even more reason to plunge right in.
Homer’s Heartlands
Ancient mosaics, former cities yet to crumble to dust, scenes straight out of the pages of Homer, Neolithic dwellings, and byzantine churches glowing beneath the weight of golden frescoes – Cyprus fills your cup with history. So many ages have left their mark on this island, there are remnants from the Bronze Age, the Venetian era, the Ottomans, and the Romans. Everywhere you turn there is something of great antiquity to greet you.
Mediterranean Magic
Mezze platters beside the sea, sleepy fishing villages, homely taverns, and the fragrance of fresh pine and wildflowers permeating the air – the Mediterranean knows how to serve up sheer magic. The romance of this soft culture is found in every corner of Cyprus, whether chowing down on griddled halloumi, sipping something special at the Grape Festival, or topping up on tales on Greek mythology.
Where to Visit in Cyprus
Paphos
The Kato Pafos Archaeological Park is a must for any history lover. Endless ruins and glorious mosaics are beautifully preserved in fields full of wildflowers and provide the perfect kicking off point for soaking up the sublime history of Cyprus. Back in the more modern side of the harbour city and you can duck into buzzy little bars, chic taverns, and souvenir shops. If you haven’t quite had your fill of history, head into the backstreets to see the mediaeval baths and catacombs.
Akamas Peninsula
Swim in the Baths of Aphrodite, dine in beautiful candlelit restaurants overlooking the sea, and kickback on sandy coves where nesting turtles keep their eggs warm beneath the midnight sky. Dropping anchor for a couple of days on the Akamas Peninsula invites endless swimming alongside dolphins in clear waters and hikes through woody hills with only the bells of mountain sheep to interrupt the silence.
Limassol
For those charter guests seeking a glitzy night on the town without the overwhelming party scene of nearby Ayia Napa may find the lush shores of Limassol a ritzy middle ground. Rich in Turkish and Greek influences and with a vibrant nightlife scene and a maze of tightly wound backstreets branching out from the historic centre. You can dine, dance, drink and truly soak up a more local scene in Limassol. During the daylight hours, the castle, museums, boutiques, mosque, and folk galleries are sure to keep that need for culture satiated.
When to Charter a Yacht to Cyprus
The Mediterranean yacht season is a great time to visit Cyprus if you want to make the most of those warm water swims, balmy bright nights, and eclectic towns buzzing with visitors. The yachts start to arrive between May and get ready to turn back round for the Caribbean in late September. A little earlier between the months of March and April allows you to see the blaze of wildflowers.