Set on the sun-drenched island of Cyprus, Peyia is a lively resort town surrounded by lush banana plantations. It has sweeping views over Coral Bay and the Akamas Peninsula, along with a coral-strewn shipwreck and an ancient church.

Things to do

With a 600-metre crescent of sugar-white sand, Coral Bay lives up to its reputation as one of Greece's top Blue Flag beaches. A pair of limestone headlands borders each side of the bay, which keep the water calm and crystalline, perfect for swimming or snorkelling.

If you can drag yourself off the beach, Peyia is a great base for exploring the island's sun-baked interior. Local operators offer high-octane jeep safaris and quad bike tours that zoom along scenic mountain paths and coastal trails.

Cyprus boasts some of the Mediterranean's best dive sites, so why not venture under the surface? Coral Bay Divers offers guided trips and courses for every skill level, even first-timers. Don't miss the chance to dive MS Zenobia, a submerged ferry brimming with coral, kingfish, turtles and stingrays.

Set high on a hillside, Agios Georgios is an ancient church with sweeping views over the Akamas Peninsula. The picturesque church is known for its honey-hued stone walls, red-tiled roof and patterned facade. The slopes are dotted with rock tombs that were once used as graves by an ancient Greek-Roman settlement.

Getting around

Rental cars are the fastest and easiest way to get around Peyia. Paphos International is located around 40 minutes from the resort. You drive yourself or use Kiwitaxi, a local airport transfer service.