Miranda Pell, a travel writer for the Manchester Evening News, visited Cyprus for the first time in late June 2026. She performed a local ritual at Aphrodite's Rock, writing her name on a pebble and placing it with others, which according to legend grants eternal youth, beauty, and true love from the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
First Impressions and Airport Experience
Flying from Manchester to Paphos Airport, Pell was initially concerned about the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires non-EU tourists to provide biometric data. However, she cleared security and collected luggage within 20 minutes at both ends, attributing the smooth process to traveling before the summer school holidays.
Upon arrival, she noticed driving on the left side of the road, a legacy of British rule until 1960. This, along with Greek and Turkish influences, gives Cyprus a unique cultural blend.
Accommodation: Mare Ayia Napa and Aphrodite Hills Resort
Pell stayed at two hotels: Mare Ayia Napa on the east coast and Aphrodite Hills Resort near Paphos. At Mare Ayia Napa, a five-star beachfront resort, she enjoyed a village-style layout with bungalows, multiple pools, and over 10 dining venues. Her apartment had a private pool shared with a few neighbors, which she used at 6 am (4 am UK time) for a solitary swim.
Aphrodite Hills Resort, located in the hills, offered panoramic Mediterranean views, an 18-hole golf course, tennis academy, and multiple pools. Staff greeted her with a cold flannel and welcome drink upon arrival.
Culinary Delights for Vegans
As a vegan, Pell was impressed by the food options. At Mare Ayia Napa, the buffet included various salads, pickled goods, barley salad, bean dishes, and plant-based chia pudding. Aphrodite Hills served soy-chunk curry and vegan pancakes. She noted that Cyprus is a vegan-friendly destination, contrary to her previous experiences in other countries.
Activities and Attractions
Pell participated in an underwater walk with an air-filled helmet, feeding fish on the sea floor (from £52 per person). She visited the ancient site of Kourion, including a Roman amphitheater, and explored the remains of a king's home with mosaic floors depicting Greek myths.
A highlight was Aphrodite's Rock (Petra tou Romiou), the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. According to local legend, swimming around it three times grants eternal youth, beauty, and true love. Due to hazardous conditions, visitors now write their names on rocks and leave them on the beach.
In the village of Kouklia, she enjoyed a traditional Cypriot dinner with mezze, local wines, and folkloric music and dancing. The meal included vegan options like bean stew, vine leaves, salads, and rice dishes.
Practical Information
Pell's trip was hosted by TUI. A 7-night holiday at Mare Ayia Napa starts from £1,519 per person (based on two adults sharing, all-inclusive, including flights from London Gatwick, transfers, and 20kg luggage). At Aphrodite Hills Resort, a similar package starts from £1,493 per person.
Activities can be booked through TUI: Underwater Walk & Sea Scooter Experience from £52, Aphrodite's Rock visit and Cypriot folk dinner from £50, and Ancient Kourion & Paphos half-day tour from £33.
Pell concluded that Cyprus is a versatile destination suitable for relaxation, parties, history, or adventure, and she added it to her list of dream destinations alongside Japan, Norway, and Italy.
