Sports and Leisure

A combination of ideal weather and terrain makes Cyprus a great place for diverse athletics activities all year round. At the seashore there are watersports such as swimming, sailing, parasailing, body surfing and scuba diving. Swimming is particularly comfortable from May to November. Fishing is another popular activity. For salt-water fishing, no license is required. Inland, thirteen reservoirs are stocked with trout, perch, bream, catfish and other fresh-water fish. Cyprus boasts more than 200 kilometres of nature trails. With their golden oak, plane and pine tree-covered peaks crisscrossed by well-marked paths, hiking in the Troodos Mountains is a popular leisure activity. Horseback riding is possible year-round at the Lapatsa Sporting Centre southwest of Nicosia and the Elias Beach Hotel and Country Club, near Limassol. From January to March there is skiing on Mount Olympus. Golfers can tee up at one of three challenging 18-hole golf courses. There are tennis clubs throughout Cyprus. In addition, bicycles can be rented in many resort areas and towns.