Mercury Direct lists the must-see sights of Cyprus

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Although Cyprus is well known as a sun holiday destination (rightly so, given its amazing collection of beaches), there are many other fascinating sights and attractions to be found here too. In this article, Mercury Direct Holidays lists some of its favourite must-see spots in Cyprus. The first of these is Paphos Harbour and Castle. Thousands of visitors come here each year, to enjoy a scenic stroll by the quay, and indulge in a delicious meal at one of the many seafood restaurants here. The views are beautiful – particularly at sunset. The castle dates back to the late 14th century, and can be reached by walking over a little bridge, across a moat.

For those interested in archaeology and ancient history, a visit to the ruins of Curium, as well as Kolossi Castle – both located in the same area of Limassol – will make for an interesting day out. The Curium ruins and the castle overlook the sea and are considered by many to be two of Cyprus’s most spectacular archaeological sites. According to the travel experts from Mercury Direct, Kolossi castle served as a home to the Order of the ‘Hospitallers’. Not far from here, you’ll also find the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, and a museum in Episkopi village.

Ancient Amathous is also very popular with visitors to Cyprus. About eleven kilometres outside of Lemsos, this was once one of the country’s four kingdoms, having been founded by Kinyras in 1000BC. Exceptionally well preserved, given how incredibly old it is, Mercury Direct says that this site is certainly worth a trip.

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If your interests lie more in nature than in history, then Mercury Direct recommends a visit to Larnaca Salt Lake. If you are flying into Larnaca airport, this stunning natural attraction will be right under your nose; to the left of the airport is a road, on either side of which are two salt flats or lakes (depending on the time of  year). This is the famous Larnaca Salt Lake. People from the local area have extracted salt from the waters here for many centuries, and this tradition still continues today. If your holiday to Cyprus happens to be in late winter, or the beginning of spring, you may also get to see the beautiful flocks of pink flamingos that migrate to the lake, so make sure to bring your camera.

Exploring the natural beauty of inland Gran Canaria | Mercury Direct

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Many customers of the travel company Mercury Direct are especially fond of Gran Canaria. Particularly during the dark and chillier months of the year in the UK, it’s hard to deny the appeal of the Maspalomas iconic sand dunes, the lively restaurants and bars of Playa del Ingles and the sunshine-soaked canals and bridges of Puerto Mogan. But whilst these attractions are certainly not to be sniffed at, Gran Canaria has more to offer than sunbathing, dining out and shopping – head to the north and inland, and you’ll discover the more peaceful side of this destination.

For instance, as you amble towards the rural part of Cruz de Tejeda, you may find yourself wondering if you’re even in the Gran Canaria at all, so different is the landscape here. With a view of the majestic Mount Teide on the neighbouring island of Tenerife, along with seemingly endless mountain ranges, spectacular walking trails and pine forests, Mercury Direct customers find that it’s perfect for those seeking a calm little haven from the world. However, it’s not completely isolated from modern life – there’s a lovely spa here, as well as a souvenir shop and a hugely popular restaurant.

One of the most scenic walking routes, according to clients of Mercury Direct Holidays, lies just beyond this restaurant; a shaded path winds up towards the hill and over the course of an hour and a half, you’ll wander through emerald fields and dappled forest, to a charming town called Tejeda which has a tiny, but very famous bakery, a number of craft shops, a museum and several restaurants. Once you’ve had your fill of historical sites and delicious cakes, you can make your way towards the picturesque village of Santa Brigida, and onto the Caldera de Bandama – it is here that you will see the site where the last volcanic eruption on the island took place.

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Cars can be parked just outside the crater’s entrance, after which there’s about a thirty minute walk down along a steep pathway, through scented flowers and palm groves, which brings you to the centre of this incredible natural phenomenon. The crater is just over 570metres above sea level, and is 1000m wide. You can still see the ruins of an old estate, and a large expanse of vineyards. Overhead of the cliff walls are a group of caves which were inhabited by many Gran Canaria residents over five hundred years ago. On a clear day at this attraction, you’ll get to enjoy some amazing panoramic views of the northern aspects of the island.

Travel tips from Mercury Direct Holidays for trips to Hurghada

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Over the course of the last twenty years, Hurghada has undergone a transformation, from a sleepy little fishing village, where only a few hundred people resided, to a bustling, energetic town with more than 150,000 people. Mercury Direct explains that this dramatic growth is due almost entirely to tourism, which makes up more than ninety percent of Hurghada’s economy. This is the perfect town for younger travellers, who want to spend their days diving in the local waters and their evenings dancing and dining in the clubs and restaurants.

Hurghada can be quite expensive in certain respects, particularly for tourists who wish to enjoy private beaches and boat trips; because of this, Mercury Direct advises those travelling to the town to budget for these additional expenses. Whilst private beaches may seem like a luxury to some, the waters on these sections of the coastline are made for deep sea fishing, windsurfing and diving, and as such are perfect for travellers who love water-sports.

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In terms of attractions, one of the most popular in Hurghada is the Red Sea Aquarium, the ideal place for getting a glimpse of the beauty of the Red Sea without getting wet. It’s easy to access, sitting to the north of the well known local hospital in Ad-Dahar. This is an exceptionally well maintained attraction, and includes an abundance of aquatic life, including angelfish, triggerfish and wrasses, to name just a few.

Adventurous travellers visiting the town may want to try their hand at desert quad biking; there are several companies in the area which offer this activity, which is an excellent way for the brave at heart to experience the beauty of the desert landscape. Beginners will have the chance to practice on their bike for an hour before the trip, and once they have familiarised themselves with the vehicle, can make their way along the sand dunes, speeding over open plans with the Sinai mountains and the sunset as a backdrop for their drive.