Cyprus is an ideal Eid holiday destination for the whole family, with attractions as diverse as cultural relics or historical locations and idyllic beaches, said a senior tourism official.

“Cyprus can be summed up as a ideal short-haul destination from most parts of the Arab world, which offers fantastic beaches, stunning nature, culture and history and is very safe,” said Vassilis Theocharides, director of Cyprus Tourism Organisation Middle East and Arabian Gulf Office.

“Cyprus has been a traditional destination for the Middle East for many years. Being relatively close for the countries of the region allows travellers to choose Cyprus for short escapes, the average stay from our latest statistics is four days,” he added.

Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers starting in mid-May and lasting until mid-September and rainy, quite mild winters from November to mid-March. Spring and autumn are effectively short intervals in between, characterised by smooth weather, he said.

There is a significant seasonal difference between mid-summer and mid-winter temperatures that ranges from 18C inland to about 14C on the coast. The difference in daily maximum and night minimum temperatures is also quite significant.

In winter they range from 8C to 10C in the lowlands and 5C to 6C in the mountains. In summer it can range from 16C on the central plain and 9C to 12C elsewhere.

Cyprus also offers opportunities for water sports, mountain biking and hiking on the Akamas Peninsula and in the Troodos mountains, Theocharides said.

Plus, what Mediterranean resort these days would not be without a golf course or two - there are several courses that have been completed or under construction, with the most popular in the Paphos district.

There are a number of businesses based in and around the Paphos Harbour area, that offer water sports and other water based activities, such as glass bottom boat trips, he added. – TradeArabia News Service