The mild climate in Cyprus means that sports enthusiasts can enjoy sporting activities all year round.

Golfers can choose from three golf courses near Paphos. The Tsada Golf Club, Secret Valley and Aphrodite Golf Club.

Hiking is a very popular pastime in Cyprus, due to the large areas of unspoiled countryside. Many specialist companies offer excursions and these are an excellent way for tourists to discover Cyprus. In addition, there are numerous signposted trails all over the island.

Sea sports are also very popular due to the calm and clear waters surrounding the island. All nature of water sports can be pursued including water skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing. Trained instructors are also on hand to offer assistance and tuition.

Water lovers will also like to try Water Park near Ayia Napa. "Waterworld" which has a large number of slides, an activity pool as well as a children's pool.

Although most people consider Cyprus a summer resort, winter sports can also be enjoyed in the brief Cyprus winter. The high Troodos mountain range sees some heavy snowfall enabling skiing from January often until March.

Golf

The magnificent Aphrodite Hills championship golf course is the centrepiece of as exclusive project encompassing a 5* hotel, villa development, tennis academy, health spa and village, and is an exciting addition to Cyprus for golf lovers!

Carved out of groves of carob and olive trees on two high plateaux divided by a ravine, the course overlooks the Mediterranean with all but a few holes enjoying superb sea views. Designed by world-renowned Cabell Robinson, the course harmonises beautifully with the natural landscape and environment of the surrounding area. Fairways are generously wide off the tee with large 'sculpted' bunkers and contoured or sloped greens.

The spectacular par three 7th hole is destined to be much talked about! It plays steeply downhill with a 30m drop across the canyon, requiring careful club selection, to a large undulating green nestling within a grove of olive trees. A long winding cart path takes one down to the green and then up out of the canyon for added thrills!

Also on offer is a three-hole academy, 350m double-ended driving range and short game practice facilities.

The clubhouse incorporates a bar and restaurant, with extensive terraces offering spectacular views, locker rooms with bag storage and valet service, and a well-stocked golf shop.

Shoe and club hire is available; golf buggies are essential.

Cyprus may be a newcomer in the golf holiday market but it is fast becoming a favourite with many travellers due to an improvement in facilities and, of course, it's superb all year round climate. The island now boasts three courses following the opening last year of Aphrodite Hills, without a doubt the jewel in the Cyprus golfing crown.

The course has been developed by the Lanitis family, one of the richest in Cyprus and, in its promotional material, it is claimed that "if the Gods played golf, then this would be their temple". Designed by Cabell Robinson, a Spanish born American, the course is situated on two high plateau divided by a ravine.

There are five sets of tees on each hole and the course offers an excellent test of golf from start to finish. Buggies are compulsory here and you don't have to wait long to discover why as you certainly wouldn't want to walk from the second green to the third tee. From the back tee at the third, you have to carry the ravine to reach the fairway but for the less adventurous there are tees on the other side.

The par-3 seventh is a real gem, as is the next hole, a par-4 where accuracy is essential off the tee and the second is hit to a green which has the sea sparkling like diamonds behind it. The back nine is even more memorable and, like all good courses, Aphrodite Hills has an excellent closing hole in the shape of a par-5 which is guarded up at the green by a sizeable water hazard. No expense has been spared either on or off the course at Aphrodite Hills and the clubhouse is certainly a match for the best anywhere else in the world.

A large Intercontinental Hotel is being built, along with a health spa and village centre, all of which will help Aphrodite Hills become a serious player in the golf holiday market in years to come. The two other courses in Cyprus are also in the Paphos area. Indeed, you can see one of them - Secret Valley - from the 16th hole at Aphrodite Hills. It opened in 1996 and lies, as the name suggests, in a valley - a scenic one at that with bright rock formations creating a truly spectacular setting.

In the foothills of the Troodos mountains, in the hills, 15Km north-east from the city of Paphos is the Tsada golf club, designed by Donald Steel, one of the world's leading architects. The course has been designed in two loops of nine revealing the subtle hand of a man who always allows a course to blend into its natural surroundings. In addition to its exceptional course layout, one can find also at the clubhouse, a fine restaurant, bars, a conference room, a swimming pool and a games room. The clubhouse terraces with panoramic view permit pleasant viewing of the course while enjoying lunch or coffee. If you are a golfer, you may want to consider a few rounds of golf on the picturesque landscapes of Paphos.
The Tsada golf club and course is situated some 500 meters above sea level on the hills overlooking Paphos town and the coastline. This 18 hole golf course is comprised of two loops, each of nine holes. Designed by the expert Donald Steel, it offers a challenge to all handicapped golfers. In addition, there is a magnificent clubhouse which apart from a bar, also includes a swimming pool, sauna, restaurant and a snooker room.

The Secret Valley Golf Club, located 18 km east of Paphos and 49 km from Limassol, near "Petra tou Romiou" the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.

It lies in a scenic valley with grand trees adding to the new course's maturity and the beautiful sculptured natural rock formations offer panoramic views to the golfer. It plays to a par 72 and measures 6120 metres.

Secret Valley promises players both the glories of nature and the glories of golf. The front nine offer four nice holes for warming up, two birdie opportunities and an easy dogleg (if you know how!). The back nine plays longer than the first nine and the challenge starts immediately, no warm-up holes on this side. Practice facilities include putting greens, chipping areas, fairway bunkers and a large driving range. Tuition can be tailored to suit individual requirements and teaching can be on an individual or group basis.

The clubhouse at Secret Valley in Tsada has a wooden interior and facilities including a fully stocked Pro-shop, locker rooms, bar and restaurant with verandas overlooking the artificial lakes and the golf course.

Mountain Biking

Cyprus is a fantastic place to go mountain biking as its varied terrain offers some exciting sport and the weather is always good. In fact, you can bike almost all year round.

Top tip: Fortunately, the Cypriots drive on the same side as in the UK - on the left - but it is best to avoid cycling on major roads during the summer when tourist traffic is at its heaviest.

Some cycling routes to try:

In the Akamas region there are three major cycling trails:

The first starts at the Baths of Aphrodite, near Polis, and heads towards Fontana Amorosa - about 7km away. According to legend, Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of a natural grotto. Today there is still a grotto at the Baths of Aphrodite with small rivulets running into it. On the trail to Fontana Amorosa there are fabulous views of the landscape as you ride to the spring at the end.

The second trail leads you from Neo Chorio (west of Polis) to Pyrgos and back - a route which is about 16km long. The third route starts at Ayios Georgios to Lara and Ayios Konon. Along the way, there are plenty of smaller routes and tracks, especially around Lara. Ayios Georgios is about 18.5km from Paphos.

In Paphos itself, there is a trail which takes you from the CTO public beach at Yeroskipou to Timi Beach, through Timi eucalyptus forest and on to the picnic area near Paphos airport. The route is about 5km to 6km long.

For more information, contact the Cyprus Cycling Federation, PO Box 24572, CY 1301 Nicosia, tel (22) 663344. The Cyprus Cycling Federation organises a contest in spring and autumn while the Cyprus Mountain Bike Association, tel (22) 356174 organises local and international races. The code for Cyprus from the UK is 00 357.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation, 17 Hanover Street, London W1R OAA, tel 020 7569 8800, fax 020 7499 4935, has a leaflet called Cyprus For Cycling which outlines 10 major cycling trails on the island.

Hiking

The Troodos mountain range has some of the most beautiful forests in Europe, and it is best explored on foot. You will be amazed how, a short distance into the forest, you will soon find yourself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the cool shade of the trees and the sounds of nature.

Many of the old paths through the forests which have been used for centuries have now been refurbished for hikers. They now have signs and wooden markers which point out plants, animals, birds and other natural features of interest. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation publication Nature Trails of the Troodos is the best place to find detailed information on the walks available.

Walking

Cyprus is a great place to go walking.

The island's good weather means that only the depths of winter prevents you from going for a hike. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has teamed up with the Forestry Department and has created over 48 paths or trails all over the island, totalling a distance of some 200km. The paths cover areas which are rich in vegetation and of cultural interest. Most trails are circular routes and have been devised so that all age groups can enjoy them.

Nature Trails

The famous Baths of Aphrodite is the start and end point for both trails. The two trails also have a common part (Baths of Aphrodite to Pyrgos tis Rigaenas)which is approximately 2.5 km long. The total length of each trail is approximately 7.5 Km and the walk time varies from 2 to 4 hours. The two trails are self-guided. The numbered wooden signs you notice along the trails refer to points of interest which are explained below.

Aphrodite/Adonis Trail 

Some other trails:

The Smigies Trail
Length short route 2.5km, time one hour
Length long route 5km, time two hours
This trail starts at Smigies (near Neo Chorio) picnic site and continues to Neo Chorio about 2.5km away. The route takes in views east of Polis Chrysochous Bay, Latchi, Pachyammos and Paphos Forest as well as the beaches of the Akamas to the west.

Pissouromouttis Trail
Length 3km, time one and a half hours
The trail, which starts again at Smigies picnic site takes in view of Polis Bay and the beaches of the Akamas.

Kathikas Trail
Length 2km, time one hour
This route starts 1km from Kathikas towards Pegeia (Peyia), near the Kyparissos restaurant. The route passes by a stone-built fountain and the chapel at Agia Marina.

Water and Sea Sports

A comprehensive range of sea-sports facilities can be found at various beaches around the island, including Coral Bay, Polis, Lemesos, Larnaka, Pafos, Agia Napa and Paralimni (Protaras) coasts.

These include jet skiing, water skiing, banana rides, speedboats, and parachuting flights.

Note: On every beach, red buoys indicate the swimmers' area, where speed-boats etc, are not allowed to enter.

Diving - Sub-Aqua Activities

There are no dangerous underwater currents in any of the recommended diving areas.
Spear-fishing is prohibited within the bathers' areas, which are demarcated with red buoys.
IT IS FORBIDDEN TO REMOVE ANTIQUITIES AND SPONGES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA.
There is a therapeutic Decompression Chamber for hyperbaric oxygen treatment at the Larnaka Makarion General Hospital (new Hospital), Tel: (04) 630300,
Organised Sub-Aqua clubs and Diving-centres can be found in all towns and resorts, as well as at a number of hotels.
Besides these clubs and centres, many firms sell or hire sub-aqua equipment to holders of diving certificates
For more information please contact:
Cyprus Federation of Underwater Activities (C.F.U.A.) P.O.Box: 1503, 1510 Lefkosia, Tel: (22) 454647

Swimming

The clear blue waters of the sea around Cyprus and the long stretches of sandy beaches offer excellent opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation Public Beaches, with cafeterias, bars and restaurants, offer full facilities to swimmers, including changing-rooms, and beach furniture for hire (Parasols, chairs and reclining chairs).

On every beach, red-buoys indicate the swimmers' area, where speed-boats etc. are not allowed to enter.

Sailing

The climatic conditions, the unpolluted sea and the interesting coastline make Cyprus an interesting and up-coming destination for yachting.

Two marinas, several ports and numerous bays provide shelter from the prevailing moderate westerlies. Even during temperatures around 17C - competing with early summer back home.

For chartering motor or sailing yachts one may apply to:
Bare-Boat or skippered-yacht charter facilities:

SAIL FASCINATION SHIPPING LTD.,
Nikiforou Foka 27, P.O,Box 257, CY 3602 Lemesos,
Tel: (25) 364200, (99) 555799 Fax: (25) 352657

THE OLD SALT YACHTING CO. LTD.
P.O.Box 7048, CY 3311 Lemesos
Tel: (25) 337624, Fax: (25) 337768

NAVIMED LTD,
Lefkosia
Tel: (22) 338950, Fax: (22) 338951

INTERYACHTING LTD.
P.O.Box 4292, CY 3722 Lemesos
Tel: (25) 725533, (29) 652686, (99) 642734 Fax: (25) 720021

Amateur Fishing

Spear-fishing (without aqualung) angling, fishing with vertical lines or trolling are the permitted methods for which no licence is required.

Special (sport) fishing licences are required by law for those fishermen who use:
1. Boats and fishing-nets, longlines and traps,
2. Spearguns with an aqualung
3. Spearguns with lights at night-without aqualung
4. Nets without a boat.

The licences have several conditions attached to them that regulate the gear used, the days, the licensees are allowed to fish and in certain cases (spearguns with Aqualung and fishing at night with light), the allowable catch for each fishing trip.

Species of fish which can be caught: sea-breams, groupers, amberjacks, sea-perch etc.

Further information from the Cyprus Association of Free Spearfishing

Tel: 357 22 59 12 02,
Fax: 357 22 59 12 03.

Fishing boats can be found at the following fishing shelters and stations:

PAFOS DISTRICT
Pafos Harbour: Pafos town
Agios Georgios Pegeias: 20 km, north-west of Pafos town
Polis (Lakki/Latsi): 40 km, north of Pafos town
Pomos: 16 km, north of Polis

LEFKOSIA DISTRICT
Kato Pyrgos: 40 km, north of Polis

LEMESOS DISTRICT
Lemesos Old Port: Lemesos centre
Pissouri anchorage: Lemesos-Pafos Road
Melounta anchorage: Lemesos-Pafos Road

LARNAKA DISTRICT
Zygi - Vasilikos anchorage: Off the Lemesos-Lefkosia highway-exit 16
Larnaka fishing shelter: east of Larnaka International Airport
Ormideia - "Romantzo": 16 km, east of Larnaka

AMMOCHOSTOS DISTRICT
Potamos Liopetriou: 16 km, west of Agia Napa (Xylofagou)
Agia Napa Harbour: Agia Napa Village
Fishing: Shelter of Paralimni (Protaras)
Agia Trias: Fishing shelter (Paralimni)

Shooting

Cyprus Olympic Range
(Lefkosia Shooting Club)
P.O.Box 2198, CY 1518 Lefkosia
Tel: (22) 482660, Telefax: (22) 623008
The Range is located in the Lakkia (Latsia) area, 8km (5 miles) south-west from the City centre, near the Lefkosia-Lemesos Highway.
Open every day except Mondays.
Winter timetable: 10:00-13:00 & 14:30 till dusk.
Summer timetable: 10:00-13:00 & 16:00 till dusk.
Closed from the 2nd to the 4th week of August, for summer holidays.

Lemesos Shooting Club
P.O.Box 3264, CY 3301, Lemesos
Tel: (25) 355572, Telefax: (25) 362375
The Club is located near Polemidia, 8 km (5 miles) north-west from the city centre on the way to Troodos.
Open every day except Mondays.
Winter timetable: 10:00-1 3:00 & 14:30 till dusk.
Summer timetable: 10:00-13:00 & 16:00 till dusk.
Closed from the 2nd to the 4th week of August for summer holidays.

Larnaka Shooting Club
P.O.Box 217, CY 6302 Larnaka
Tel: (24) 636309, 625050, Telefax: (24) 636503
The club is located on the south-west side of the salt lake, behind the old roman aqueduct (Kamares) off the Lemesos - Larnaka Highway.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.
Winter timetable: 14:00 till dusk.
Summer timetable: 16:00 till dusk.
Closed from the 2nd to the 4th week of August for Summer holidays.

Ammochostos District Shooting Club
P.O.Box 177, CY 5311 Paralimni
Tel: (23) 827000, Telefax: (23) 821357
The Club is located on the outskirts of Paralimni off the road to Sotira village.
Open every day. Winter timetable: 14:30 till dusk.
Summer timetable: 16:30 till dusk
Closed on the 2nd week of August for summer vacations.

Pafos Shooting Club
P.O.Box89, CY8100Pafos Tel: (26) 232109,
Telefax: (26) 236057
The club is locatedintheAnatolikoarea,12km(8miles) east of Pafos town on the way to Lemesos.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays only Winter timetable: 14:30 till dusk.
Summer timetable:16:00till dusk.
Closed from the 2nd to the 4th week of August for summer holidays.

Tennis

Tennis courts are found in all towns as well as in most hotels and hotel apartment complexes.
Most of these tennis courts are all weather and flood-lighted.
Cyprus Tennis Federation
P.O.Box 3931, CY 1687, Lefkosia
Tel: (22) 366822 (in the mornings), Fax: (22) 458016

LEFKOSIA

a) Field Club:
Leoforos Aigyptou, in the centre of the town.
Tel: (22) 452041

b) Eleon Tennis Club:
Ploutarchou 3, Egkomi, south-west from the city centre.
Tel: (22) 449923.

c) Lapatsa Sporting Centre:
Deftera 11 km (7 miles) south-west of Lefkosia.,
Tel: (22) 621 201

d) Laiki Sporting Club:
Lakkia, 5 km (3 miles) south-east of Lefkosia.
Tel: (22) 484815.

e) Strovolos Municipality Tennis Courts: Tel: (02) 318358

LIMASSOL

a) Lemesos Sporting Club:

I. Zachariadou 4, Tsiflikoudia. P.O.Box 619, CY 3608 Lemesos.
Tel: (25) 359818, 344697.
The club is west of Lemesos town centre, a 15 minutes drive from the hotels area.
b) Famagusta Tennis Club:
Mesaorias 3, (in the centre of the town). Tel: (25) 335952

LARNAKA

Larnaka Tennis Club:
Kilkis 10, (in the centre of the town), Tel: (24) 656999.

PAFOS

Geroskipou Tourist Beach:
3 km (1,5 miles) east of Pafos Harbour, Tel: (26) 234525

PARALIMNI

Paralimni Tennis Club, next to the Paralimni Municipal Athletic Centre, Stadiou, P.O.Box 236, Paralimni,Tel: (23) 820600.
Most of the above tennis courts are flood-lighted, with an additional charge for the use of lighting facilities.