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It bore Aphrodite but won't bore you! OutUK's Adrian Gillan meets Med men in
the island idyll of Cyprus!
For the last five millennia, Cyprus has been jealously sought for its strategic position at the junction between Europe, Africa and Asia - engendering an immensely rich blend of influences and cultures. Past rulers of this sun-drenched 250 by 90 miles isle, topped off by the central Troodos Mountains where you can ski in the Winter, have included the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and us Brits (1878-1960, leaving behind our left-hand-driving and sovereign military bases) - to name a few. |
| An independent republic since 1960, the Turks have nonetheless illegally occupied the north since 1974, nominally in response to political instability precipitated by the military Junta in Greece - their land claim unrecognised by any other nation. Mercifully, since 2003, it is now pretty easy to cross the once-divisive yet still-monitored "Green Line". |
 Birthplace of Aphrodite |
80% of the island's 800,000-strong population are Greek Cypriot, the remainder split
between Turkish Cypriots and others. An EU member since 2004, the Cyprus Pound (CYP£)
is worth just under GBP £1.50.
SIGHTSEEINGPaphos, to the west, contains a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting stunning Roman residences and mosaics in the old Kato Paphos district plus fine fort in the picturesque harbour; capital Nicosia to the north boasts an ancient old town with countless churches, mosques and museums; Larnaca to the east, offers marina, beach and many historical gems. | |
| Hotel-brimming Limassol, to the south, makes a perfect base for exploring the historic riches, not only of its near surrounds - including Kourion (theatre and palace), Kolossi (castle linked to the Knights of the Order of St. John) and Limassol Castle (possibly where our Richard I married, housing a medieval museum) - but of the whole island. |
 Remains of the Kourion Theatre and Palace |
Make sure to stop off at the Sanctuaries of Apollo and Aphrodite between Paphos and Limassol;
and make the pilgrimage to the nearby legendary coastal Birthplace of Aphrodite: Chronos cut
off his father Uranus' balls and chucked them in the sea, which duly foamed and gave birth
to the Goddess of Love and Beauty, who calmly stepped ashore on Cyprus.
NIGHTLIFEAge of Consent is 17 for all on Cyprus. Sex or nudity in public is strictly illegal; if you meet someone nice outdoors, head somewhere private. Overt public displays of homosexuality, including holding hands, can prompt unwelcome attention in this still-Greek-Orthodox-Church-swayed society, so be discreet; although attitudes are changing - as so often, spearheaded by the young.Cyprus is also home to clubbing capital Ayia Napa which is at the far eastern end of the south coast of the island. The oldest gay bar in Cyprus, Alaloum in Limassol nestles in a 15th Century building in a discreet little street just back from the Old Town seafront, aptly around the corner from the Cathedral. Open 10pm 'til late. To take airs, stroll the stretch of Molos Sculpture Park by the beach, level with - you guessed it - the Cathedral. Or check out the Dasoudi pine tree forest promenade area overlooking the sea, a little out east towards the Yermasoyia district. |
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Paphos is a coastal city and the home of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. The coast is lined with luxury hotels,
great beaches and good restaurants. It has some wonderful sights and ancient sites to explore, including several
UNESCO World Heritage sites. Just 6.5 km from the city centre, Paphos International Airport is the second largest in Cyprus,
making this resort easily accessible within a few hours.
When in Paphos, head straight for the Different Bar - a swish, modern, airy, trendy homo hub bang in the middle of the main nightlife district. For airs, check out the area around the old fort on the cute harbour, come dark. The port city of Larnaca has a lively bar and nightlife along Mackenzie Beach. Secret Freedom Club is the number 1 gay spot in the city. |
 Some of the Bar talent on the island. |
NIGHTLIFEThere is a gay sauna on Cyprus - the Thermos Spa. It's a private members club, but membership is free of charge. Just show proof that you are over 18 years. Facilities include a sauna, steam room, well-equipped dark room, private cabins, lounge and bar. It's located near Limassol, but you'll need a car or other form of transport'to get there. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.Also in Limassol is Sousami, a really cozy Gay friendly bar where the music is always amazing. Definitely recommend to people that prefer smaller spaces over huge, crowded clubs. There's a beautiful internal garden, so be sure to notice the passion fruit tree. The capital Nicosia has a number of gay bars and restaurants. An outdoor cruising area in the National Gardens is popular with Turkish Cypriots. Ithaki Nicosia is a popular gay bar in the city, and the only venue that offers an LBGT+ night in the area. You can be also be sure of a fun time in gay-friendly Scorpios Platinum Club. Every Wednesday they are known for playing the best RnB & Hip Hop in town. |
BED & BOARDeasyJet now operate the London Gatwick-Paphos route with one-way all-inclusive fares from around £75 though it's much more in peak season. | ||
| We stayed at the stunning Londa Hotel in Limassol. Following a multi-million euro refurbishment, and designed by an Italian team, the Londa is a modern, elegant and stylish hotel, merging influences from the island and the Mediterranean. You can book this and other Cyprus hotels at special rates through our hotel partners Booking.com. |
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For more info, there's the Cyprus Tourism Organisation visitcyprus.com.
Revised September 2024. |
