Ever since Anthony gave Cyprus to Cleopatra as the ultimate love token, Cyprus has been stirring passions. It is an island steeped in myth and legend, history and hospitality, sunshine and romance. There’s something about Cyprus that draws its visitors back year after year.    Main holiday areas include Ayia Napia, Protaras, Limassol, Paphos , Kapparis, Paralimni Proteras, Polis, Latchi, Coral Bay, Peyia and Aphrodite Hills.

Byron found its rich history “almost too profuse” and Richard the Lionheart lost his heart here, when he married Queen Berengaria.

Cyprus is renowned for its numerous Blue Flag beaches. Today, thanks to 300 sunny days a year and a classically spectacular Mediterranean landscape, it more than fulfils the holiday cliché of something for everyone.

Cyprus has it all. Sun, beauty, history, marvellous beaches, clear blue seas. Mark Anthony was into grand gestures and gave Cyprus to Cleopatra as a token of his love. He couldn’t have picked a more fitting gift.

This sun-drenched island is like a glittering treasure trove spilling over with gems. You want sun-soaked beaches? Done! Cyprus is framed by dreamy sand and for scenery the island has everything from the majestic peaks of the Troodos mountains to pine-cloaked slopes cut with cascading, ice-cold streams.

Tempting tavernas and boutiques huddle together. With everything from silvery sands to magnificent mountains and culture Cyprus is the stuff holiday dreams are made of.

Holidays on Cyprus’s west coast bring together sun and fun, culture and history. There are some great beaches. Take Coral Bay. It’s made for dream summer holidays, with a sweeping curve of golden sand, lapped by calm, azure blue waters. This friendly resort is into relaxation and what better place to start than on the gorgeous golden beach. With shallow turquoise seas, there are plenty of beach bars on hand to keep you refreshed and a good selection of water sports here, too. Coral Bay, just 10km outside Paphos, boasts a lovely sandy and pebbly crescent-shaped beach, south, and is one of the finest beaches in the area.

Cyprus’ west coast has a great deal going for it. Probably the most popular resort is Paphos, which combines all the trappings of a modern beach hotspot with its fair share of ancient history. With its trademark pelicans, Kato Paphos is one Cyprus’ iconic settings, a pretty little harbour lined with charming pavement cafes and bars.

Or there’s lively Limassol, which has the award winning Armonia, Governor’s, Ladies Mile and Curium beaches. Limassol is the island’s largest resort and home to a majestic Medieval castle, which now houses a fascinating museum.  It is famous for being the place where Richard the Lion Heart was shipwrecked. Take a trip to the castle where he married his sweetheart or wander round the ruins of Amathous.

In Latchi you are cocooned  in peace and quiet. Latchi has loads of character and you’ll fall for the quaint charms of this traditional seaside village. Wander along the harbour, crammed full of brightly-painted fishing boats and tuck into Cypriot specialties at a waterfront taverna. Walk down to the peaceful pebble beach and drench yourself in warm sunshine or take the plunge at the local dive centre and explore the crystal-clear seas. Latchi holidays are all about shaking off life’s every day stresses.

The bays around Ayia Napa and Protaras are legendary. Limassol has long sweeps of dark, sandy beaches, while the best of Paphos beaches are on the outskirts of the resort. You can explore archaeological treasures dating back to the Bronze Age, bathe in the same spot as Aphrodite, visit a nesting site for rare turtles at Lara Beach or walk among cooling pines and cedars in the Troödos Mountains.

Home of mythical goddess Aphrodite, the land of love has more faces than Proteus the shape-shifting sea god. Mountain villages have their weather-worn locals with their backgammon boards playing in the street. Yet Cyprus is at the top of the most discerning clubber’s guide lists too.

Nicosia is a sight worth seeing, encircled by strong fortress walls from the 16th century. Limassol sights include Kolossi Medieval Castle, the ancient cities of Amathus and Curium. There are also the Tomb of the Kings in Paphos, the birthplace of Aphrodite and of course the Troodos Mountains. Lace from the village of Lefkara, arty and exquisite jewellery, basket work, pottery, leather goods and silverware are all good buys among local crafts – available in most resorts. Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia all have city-style shopping too for great value prices on porcelain, perfume, crystal, cameras, spectacles and clothing.