Skiing in Cyprus
Many people would not associate the island of Cyprus or Ayia Napa with snow skiing. However, this is a widely known extreme sport around the area. If you are traveling to the island during the winter months, you can relax in the 70°F coastal sun, and then go snow skiing in the Troodos Mountains.
Snow falls on the Troodos Mountains from December through the month of March. The snow accumulates at an altitude of 4500 feet, especially on the north slopes. Mount Olympus, with an altitude of 6402 feet, always has a cap of snow for three or four months of the year. This is also where the Troodos Skiing Resort is based.
You can enjoy cross country trails and alpine skiing at the resort. There are four separate slopes: two on the north side of Mount Olympus, and two in Sun Valley. Each slope has a lift system and you can rent snow skiing equipment on site. The best time to book a snow skiing trip is in February and March. This is when the powdery snow has the most depth.
There are currently no ski shops that sell equipment at the Troodos Resort. There are three ski shops around the island: two in Nicosia and one in Limassol.
Mavros Sports Ltd. - Located at 138-140 Ledras Str., Nicosia, Telephone: 22-680898
Force 8 Sports - The Surf and Ski Shop: Located at 59 Fr. Roosevelt Ave., Limassol, Telephone: 25-579919
ThreeSixty - Located at 43A Stassinou Str., 2003 Strovolos, Nicosia, Telephone: 22-465100
Tennis
Tennis is a very popular sport in Ayia Napa. It is reported that there are over 10,000 tennis players on the island of Cyprus. 5650 of them are registered into the Cyprus Tennis Federation. Marcos Baghdatis is one of the most talented junior tennis players in the entire world and he is from Cyprus. There are over fifty-three outdoor tennis courts in Cyprus to choose from.
There is at least one tennis court in every town, so you will not have to go very far to play a game of tennis. The National Tennis Centre is located in Nicosia, where there is an indoor tennis court complex. Founded in 2001, the Tennis Centre is a luxurious sporting complex that has four clay tennis courts, a multipurpose hall, a state of the art gymnasium and special offices. The tennis courts can hold up to 2000 guests, and since the opening, they have hosted numerous tennis events.
Many hotels will also have tennis courts in Ayia Napa, especially the 3, 4 and 5 star resorts. Guests or residents of the hotels are granted access to the courts for free, while non-paying guests will have to pay a fee in order to play. You can also rent equipment through the hotel.
The places below have tennis courts available:
The Cyprus Tennis Federation - Olympic House, A203, 21, Amphipoleos Str.. 2025 Nicosia
Napa Plaza Hotel - 12, Makariou, Ayia Napa
Grecian Bay Hotel ( 3 tennis courts) - Kryou Nerou Street, Ayia Napa