This month, in desperate need of a last-minute sunshine boost, I grabbed my passport and on a friend’s recommendation, hopped on a BA flight to Paphos in Cyprus.
September is a fantastic month to visit Cyprus as it happens, as the island can be overwhelmingly hot in the blisteringly months of July and August, and has cooled off a little by this point.
After touching down, I travelled north an hour of the airport, to arrive in the scenic Akamas district of Western Cyprus – a sprawling landscape, flanked by the Troodos Mountains on one side and Akamas hills on the other – with the sweeping Chrysochou bay, gently horseshoed in between.
The terrain is a blessing for those travellers wanting to venture away from the tourist haven Paphos. It on the whole boasts standalone luxury villas and small tasteful villa developments, rather than large chain hotels. The coastline is also awash with coves, beaches and bays to explore – so hiring a car is a must.
Over my few days I enjoyed deserted seaside spots, descending cliffs at times to reach crystal clear waters. In September, having been warmed by the whole summer, the sea is usually hotter than the pool – perhaps why I didn’t mind at all being dunked in it from the sky…
The aforementioned dunking was courtesy of Kieran at Latchi Watersports the go-to team of aquatic experts, with a main office in Latchi and outpost at the upmarket Anassa hotel along the coast. Having booked the parasailing experience, my friend and I enjoyed being hoisted up in the air at great height, gazing across the azure ocean and rocky Cypriot terrain.
While we were pleased with our spot of a school of flying fish, Kieran and our Captain confirmed last month’s parasailers had caught sight of turtles and dolphins along the bay. Best done in the morning due to low winds, parasailing also is not for those who suffer with vertigo. If you are simply nervous, I recommend finding the courage though – the exhilaration of take-off, gorgeous coastal views and breath-taking ocean dunk before landing will have you glad you tried.
I was lucky enough to be staying with friends in the Akamas region; however reputable rental firm Akamas Villas has just reduced the weekly rental price of the luxurious Twin Palms Villa, for dates in September through to the end of the year, from £1,850 to only £1,250. The four-bedroom property is situated in the harbour of Latchi, in West Cyprus and currently there is good availability, including the October and November.
Find the best deals on flights to Paphos, Cyprus from the UK using travel site momondo. We flew from Gatwick – travel from Victoria station on the Gatwick Express, which is offering a 10% currently on bookings online. And for the most luxurious airport experience book into to the ESCAPE lounge at Stansted Airport.