Cyprus at a Glance!

It's not always easy choosing a place to go on holiday, but Cyprus can tick all the boxes, no matter what time of year you end up going.

Rated one of the best places to go for winter holidays by the BBC, Cyprus is a great place to sit back and relax while enjoying warm temperatures throughout the day all year round. The evenings can be a bit chilly, but for anyone enjoying the outdoors winter in Cyprus is lush and green, perhaps at its most picturesque. If you're not a fan of crowds, post-Christmastime could be an even better reason to skip town and hit a quiet beach.

You can spend your summer 2012 trying out the bevy of watersports on hand throughout the island as the hottest temperatures are from June to September, and the Mediterranean is the ideal way to cool off. Go to Aphrodite's Island for a day trip to see some landscape and soak up some culture as well as history. It's also the perfect way to wear the kids out.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the spring is also a great time to go, as it's not too hot to do a little walking. There's plenty of trails to trek in these pleasant temperatures, traditional villages to explore and castles to have a wander around in while you're on the island without the heat holding you back.

The autumn is a bit quieter, with temperatures still warm during the day but a welcome relief in the evenings not granted in the summer.

Water sports continue in the warm Mediterranean until about early November. As the months leading up to Christmas time are not as busy as the summer months, you'll also be able to make the most of bargain prices and a quieter stay.

Luxurious and Private Retreat for Romantic Getaway

Casares, Spain Health Spas & Retreats

Casares is a beautiful, tiny town in the Costa del Sol with a long and rich history. Its roots go right back to Roman times, and it also has a strong Moorish heritage, which can be seen through a variety of interesting monuments and the striking architecture on display throughout the town.

Nestled on a hill, the delightful white houses spread right up to the very top where the crown of the settlement, the castle, is situated. This castle can be reached following a steep walk up the quaint streets, and although it is not much more than a ruin it is well worth a look. Nearby the castle at the top of the hill is the dilapidated but charming Iglesia de Encarnacion, a church dating back to the 16th century, and from here views across the valley below can be enjoyed.

There are a number of interesting things to do within the town itself. The Ethnographic Museum is one such activity, which includes interesting displays harking back to Roman times. The Roman heritage is enhanced through the common knowledge in the region that it was near this town that Julius Caesar was said to have been cured of a liver problem in the sulphur baths.

The centre point of the town is Plaza de Espana, a delightful square which includes a few quaint little restaurants and a fountain that provides pure drinking water. We would also recommend a trip to the village church of San Sebastian, which is situated right next to the Plaza de Espana, and is a small but charming building which boasts some stunning stained-glass windows.

There are a number of picturesque bars throughout the town, but it is primarily a peaceful settlement which does not attract a busy nightlife. However, the town is well catered for in terms of restaurants, and you will be able to enjoy plenty of different cuisines in a number of delightful establishments.

Casares is popular due to its beauty. The pure white houses and the calm and peaceful air of tranquillity mean that, although it attracts a number of tourists who visit to enjoy its calming properties, it still manages to hold onto its unique heritage and is a beautiful place to live. And although beautiful in the day, when it is lit up at night it is nothing short of spectacular.

Fairs are also important in Casares, and the major annual celebration takes place on the first weekend in August. Another important celebration takes place in the first week of September, and marks the day of the patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario.

Shopping is fairly basic, with no supermarkets in the town, but all of the essentials are catered for. However, for some more serious shopping we would recommend that you take a trip to the nearby settlement of Laguna Village.

As it is situated in the mountains, Casares itself does not have any beaches of its own. However, it is not difficult to find beaches within a short distance from the town, and Playa Ancha is perhaps the nearest and most beautiful of the beaches on offer.

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