Celebrity spotting in Cyprus

Lights, camera, action: The legendary island of Aphrodite lures the stars with its year-round sun and short fly time from all UK’s major airports.

So, if you’re after a bit of star spotting from your sun lounger, here’s our handy guide:-

Where are the hotspots?

Naturally at home in front of the camera, they want their holidays to be paparazzi free (well, nearly) so they don’t hang out at the local beach. They head to the island’s five-star spas to pamper, pose and party on the private beaches.

Hotspot one: Paphos

The Elysium Hotel – a luxury resort and spa is where Denise Van Outen took a week out of her one-woman West End show to relax.

Our footballing hero, Rio Ferdinand also headed to the same hotel with Swansea City player Ashley Wiliams, where they spent their time sipping beer around the pool being adored by bikini clad fans. They later partied in Paphos with a group of close friends.

Sex in the City siren Kim Cattrall is a fan Columbus Beach Resort in Pissouri Bay, and Harry hunters take note - HRH Prince Harry dined here while on military dive training, no doubt gaining stamina for his brother’s big day.

Music legends Rod Stewart and George Benson have both stayed at the Amathus Beach Hotel. The Paphos area is also a favourite with Topshop tycoon Phillip Green (celebrating his 50th birthday at the Anassa Hotel), Danielle Lloyd and former Eastenders star Natalie Cassidy.

Olympic legends Lord Coe and Dame Kelly Holmes are among stars who’ve lapped up the luxury of the Aphrodite Hills resort in Cyprus. They follow in the hallowed footsteps of the British Olympic team who trained for the 2004 Olympic Games in Pafos.

This prestigious sports and leisure base overlooks the rock near where the Greek goddess of love is said to have emerged from the Mediterranean. Other celebs spotted soaking up the sun here include singers James Blunt, Bryan Adams and Mick Hucknall. Meanwhile, Nick Faldo was in town to promote the Elea Golf Club.

Hotspot two: Limassol

Famous goalkeeper David Seaman and East Enders actress Barbara Windsor wind down at Limassol's five star Le Meridien Spa and Resort – as does millionaire WAG Colleen Rooney and a host of others. The hip Londa Hotel meanwhile attracts the fashion crowd like Julien McDonald and a list of low key names.

Set on a ten mile stretch of golden beach lined with restaurants and cafes, Limassol is a buzzing metropolis with a hopping cultural scene set around a working port, the Old Town – not to mention its designer shopping parades.

Hotspot three: Ayia Napa

Prime time TV beautyChristine Bleakley recently treated herself to a laid back girlie getaway in Cyprus – without her new fiancé and soccer star Frank Lampard. She and her pals spent much of their time relaxing by the pool and sipping on champagne during the holiday.

Meanwhile, Coronation Street’s teenage lover – Sacha Parkinson - aka Sophie Webster - relaxed with female pals in Cyprus party resort Ayia Napa just last month.

With Cypriot heritage, reality star Peter Andre is a regular visitor to the island with his children to visit extended family, while staying in his own holiday villa, outside Larnaca where he and ex wife Katie Price (aka Jordan) finished building before their split.

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Cyprus, with temperatures in the high 80s.

For more information, visitcyprus.com.