The island of Cyprus is nestled in the warm Mediterranean Sea, off the coasts of Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon. The roughly 640 km (400 miles) coastline boasts a number of white sandy beaches, perfect for leisurely strolls or basking in the sunshine.

Ancient ruins and temples, delicious foods from around the world, scenic vistas, and sea views – this stunning and often overshadowed melting pot of cultures really has it all. With average temperatures that never drop below a perfectly pleasant 17ºC (in January and February), Cyprus offers the unique gift of all-season travel to would-be explorers. With so much to offer visitors from all walks of life, Cyprus is the ideal setting for a slow travel holiday.

For those looking to soak in every shred of Cypriot culture, a slow travel approach to your vacation may be right for you. This leisurely, environmentally conscious, and immersive form of holiday allows you to reset and recharge, while engaging with the environment and local culture on a deeper level than your standard package deal. Let’s discover three ways to maximise your time abroad.

Photo by Tom Coe on Unsplash

Move

Part of slow travel is taking the time to experience the places you are visiting and being present in every moment. Walking, biking, and hiking are great ways to explore a new place and, luckily for you, Cyprus is a destination that can be easily navigated on foot.

Not only is walking a great way to take in the sights, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and provides benefits to your overall health. Basking in the glory of an ancient temple is exciting enough in and of itself, so it’s just an added bonus that you burned off some calories (and saved on CO2 emissions and bus fare) travelling there.

Photo by Irina Shishkina on Unsplash

Stay

Another way to fully immerse yourself in a new country’s culture is to choose accommodation off the beaten path. Book small family-owned hotels, B&Bs, or rentals. With more than 4,000 B&Bs to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect one for you. What’s more, you’ll be contributing to the local economy and reducing commercial waste at the same time.

There is also no better tour guide than a native, so politely ask your host for restaurant recommendations and any hidden sites that you should take the time to uncover during your visit. Their insider knowledge could prove invaluable.

Photo by Milan Seitler on Unsplash

Engage

One of the most important things you can do when committing to slow travel is to make sure you aren’t taking more than you are giving back. Ensure you clean up after yourself on every excursion into nature and leave ruins untouched by modern rubbish.

When choosing which places to give your money to, think local and not private, big businesses, or chains. When visiting historical sites, donate to their preservation. Help clean up by removing trash that other visitors may have discarded.

Whether you’re setting out to hike the Troodos Mountains and get back to nature, or prefer to meander through the streets of the capital city of Nicosia at a pace you find comfortable, you can be sure Cyprus has all you need to enjoy a slow travel holiday.

Sun, sand, sea, and slow serene days. What better way to take the hard-earned break that you thoroughly deserve?