Sports and Entertainment in Cyprus

Cyprus offers huge numbers of entertainment and sports, If you are an active person, there are a variety of sports that you may participate in while visiting Cyprus that is both enjoyable and beneficial to your health. Because Cypriots like spending a lot of time outside, Nicosia and Cyprus in general have a variety of sports for their comparatively small population to indulge in. Expats who enjoy being active will find much to do in the city and along the ocean.

A rallying race conducted yearly in Limassol from 1970 to the present, is one of the major sports events staged in the country, many major sports events are organized under the supervision of the Cyprus Rally.

Football in Cyprus

In the 20th century, the British brought football to Cyprus, which later on led to the promotion of football and the establishment of the Cyprus Football Association. Football is the most popular and now national sport of Cyprus, with a large following among Cypriots. Although Cypriot premier league clubs and the national team have not performed well in the World Cup or Euro Cup, the Cyprus Football Federation continues to host various FIFA and UEFA tournaments.

Hiking

Hiking is not the most demanding and challenging activity in Cyprus, but it can be a great experience with loads of fun. The breathtaking Troodos Mountains provide a lifetime's worth of trekking in the island's southern half. Hike across difficult terrain, relishing circular routes for all abilities while surrounded by a wide variety of flora and trees. Mount Olympus is located in the Troodos range, and treks around Cyprus' highest mountain are wonderful, whether you're going for the top or simply strolling around the base.

Trek among old trees and sight out across the islands to the gleaming sea. Trek across the Akamas Peninsula Forest Park in the extreme west, with its magnificent forest-covered mountains and views you can’t tear your eyes away from. The Akamas Peninsula and the Troodos Mountains provide the greatest hiking options.

Rugby

Rugby is a short but quickly expanding sport in Cyprus, with the Cyprus Rugby National Team beating several opponents and leapfrogging them in the league in recent years. However, it is not a popular enough sport to host many competitions on home territory. The Paphos Tigers and the Limassol Crusaders are the two most important Cypriot teams.

Basketball in Cyprus

Basketball courts may be found all across Cyprus, with the majority of them being part of elementary and high school grounds. Even though non-students are not permitted to use the courts in schools, individuals appear to utilize them nonetheless.

The Cyprus Basketball Organization oversees the international players of Cyprus as well as competitions such as the Cypriot Basketball Cup and the Cypriot European Cup. The major stadium are GSP Stadium Makarios Stadium, Costas Papaellinas Arena, and Eleftheria Stadium

Basketball is the region's second most popular sport, after only football, thus it has a fair proportion of supporters and is growing in popularity. There are two traditional male leagues, division 1 and division 2, as well as a women's league.

Soccer

Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport in Cyprus, Soccer, as in much of Europe, has been the most major sport in Nicosia. However, due to the scarcity of full-size football grounds throughout the country, many locals participate in a variant of the sport known as "futsal." You can reserve one of the many futsal grounds located around the country, which are virtually identical to soccer fields excluding their smaller size. and the majority of Cypriot males enjoy playing it. Because full-size football fields are limited in Cyprus, the futsal sector has grown in the previous 10 years. Every town, and occasionally even tiny villages, has a mini-football field.

Golf

Golf is a relatively new sport in Cyprus, with the very first golf course club opening in the late 1990s. In the year 2000, the Cyprus Golf Federation (CGF) was formed to develop and control amateur golf on the territory. The International Golf Federation (IGF) and the European Golf Association (EGA) are both members of the Federation (EGA). The four courses available for golf in Cyprus are all members of the CFG.  

 The following golf courses are notable:

• Aphrodite Hills - Aphrodite Hills is situated midway between Limassol and Paphos.

• Elea Estate - built by Sir Nick Faldo, this estate enjoys a stunning location beside the Mediterranean and the town of Paphos.

• Minthis Hills, formerly known as Tsada Golf Club, is about a 20-minute drive from Paphos.

Water Sports

Summer months are ideal for those who enjoy water sports, especially in resort towns where they can practice their favorite activity - water-skiing, wind-surfing, paragliding, jet skiing, surfboarding, etc.

Deep-Sea Fishing

Larnaca, Ayia Napa, and Protaras are good destinations for deep sea fishing purposes, depending on the duration of the year, you may do fishing for, Spanish mackerel fish, tuna, swordfish, hunter red snapper, kingfish, white snapper, grey mullet, mouse fish, white mullet, flatfish, and other species via trawling, drifting, long line or hook and line, the joy of deep-sea fishing in Cyprus is unforgettable.

Scuba Diving

The water in Cyprus is phenomenally clear and has great visibility, however, the fish life is limited. Cyprus has many five-star PADI diving schools, including one in the capital, Nicosia. Diving lessons are provided for people of various skill levels, from novices to certified divers such as The Zenobia wreck dive is commonly recognized as one of the top ten dives in the world for experienced divers.

Surfing in Cyprus

Cyprus weather is excellent for surfing approximately all year, however, if you want to be assured that the winds are flowing in the proper direction, plan your vacation for autumn or springtime, specifically March and November. It's time when Cyprus's west and north shores have the best exposure to all Mediterranean swells.

The best surf in Cyprus can be experienced on the area's west coast. Venus Beach, Helios Shoreline, Cripplers Beach, Akrotiri, Toxeftra Beach Lady's Mile Beach, Lara Bay, Paphos, Potimam Sandy Beach, Governor Seaside, Kourion Beach and are the greatest surf places

References: 

https://cyprus.com/sports-and-recreational-activities/

https://www.easyexpat.com/en/guides/cyprus/nicosia/entertainment/sport-activities.html