Cyprus is an island rich in myth and legends, coloured by the great civilizations that have come and gone over 10,000 years of history. Situated in the eastern Mediterranean, it benefits from year-round sunshine; the landscape varies between rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forest-covered mountains, vineyards studded with olive trees, citrus groves, old stone villages and ancient ruins. Tavernas in towns and villages offer delicious meals of meze (a selection of specialities of the eastern Mediterranean), fresh fish and local wines.

The villas we have to rent in Cyprus are situated in the southern, Greek-speaking part of this divided island.

The capital is the inland city of Nicosia (Lefkosia), with a historic centre filled with old-world charm; ancient streets throng with craft shops selling jewellery, pottery, rugs, baskets, and handmade lace. Two of Cyprus’s leading museums are in Old Nicosia: the Cyprus Museum, and the Byzantine Museum, with its splendid collection of Orthodox icons and mosaics.

The Troodos Mountains rise in the centre of the island to almost 2000m at Mount Olympus, high enough to provide good skiing during the winter. The valleys are the setting for precious medieval churches with richly painted interiors – ten of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Larnaka, on the south coast, has the island’s main international airport, but its history goes back 6,000 years. Its archaeological sites include Kition, a Phoenician settlement dating from the 13th century BC, while the 17th-century Turkish fort bears witness to the island’s eternal strategic importance in the eastern Mediterranean. Some 40km to the east of Larnaka is Agia Napa, famed as one of the clubbing centres of the Mediterranean, but close by are also some of the best beaches on the island.

To the west of Larnaka lies Limassol (Lemesos), Cyprus's main port. It is also the centre of the wine industry, and in September it hosts a joyous wine festival. Kolossi Castle, 14km further west, is the original source of Commandaria, Cyprus's delicious dessert wine. Close by is Kourion, one of the most famous historical sites of Cyprus: a complex of ancient Greek and Roman ruins that includes temples, bathhouses with mosaic floors, a stadium, and an impressive open-air theatre still used today

Paphos, in the south-western corner, is the location of the island’s second international airport. The town is split into two parts: the upper part is mainly a residential area, while Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos) clusters around the colourful little fishing boats in its pretty harbour, where you will find many cafes, bars and restaurants to while away the hours. Kato Paphos also has some of the best and most accessible archaeological sites in Cyprus, famed above all for its elaborate Roman mosaics that decorate the floors of three villas

One of Cyprus’s most beautiful stretches of coast lies between Paphos and Petra Tou Roumiou (The Rock of Aphrodite), to its east. This is the place where Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love (Venus to the Romans) – is said to have been ‘born’, emerging from the sea on a shell. Close by is the magnificent Aphrodite Hills resort, combining villa rentals with an international hotel, a golf course and a full range of leisure and sports facilities.

Another famous part of the Paphos shoreline is Coral Bay Beach, 11km north, offering tavernas and restaurants, and watersports. Further north, the Akamas Peninsula is an untouched wilderness with hiking trails and secluded coves. Offshore, the clear waters offer some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island. The sleepy town of Polis is perfect for those looking for a little rest and relaxation. Surrounded by countryside of citrus groves and vineyards, its white-washed cubic houses, rounded church domes and shady courtyards are a reminder of the timeless, traditional Cyprus that still persists across the island.