Mediterranean Cyprus, the Island of Aphrodite
It offers both Ancient & Modern towns, Beaches, Mountains & Culture
May 26, 2009
Cyprus of often called an open-air Museum. On this Mediterranean island one can visit pre-historic settlements, classical Greek temples, Roman theatres and villas, Byzantine churches, monasteries, Crusader castles, Moslem mosques and Venetian fortifications. The list is endless, and the time needed to appreciate all this, infinite.
In many of the inland villages customs and traditions still exist undisturbed by modern culture. Festivals to celebrate the gods and that hark back to ancient times take place in towns all over the island at frequent intervals. At the ancient theatre of Kourion just outside Lemossos (Limassol) Greek verses reverberate on summer evenings, and at the Pafos Odeion, classical Greek plays are regularly staged during the summer months.
Start your visit to this delightful island by flying with Cyprus Airways, a comfortable scheduled flight that still pays attention to its customers, serving good food and excellent Cypriot wines on the journey.
Favourite Places to Visit in Cyprus
Lemessos (Limassol) – Second Largest City in Cyprus
Lying between two ancient kingdoms, Amathus and Kourion, Lemessos is the island’s main port and the centre of the wine industry. In the old town there still stands a Medieval castle, the 16th century Kebir Mosque, and a Hamman.
Lemossos is is a major tourist resort with a good selection of hotels for all budgets (the newest and best is the Amathus Beach & Spa Hotel with gardens and attractive beachfront just outside the centre of town). In the nearby regions are mountain villages producing wine which is celebrated in the annual Wine Festival.
Larnaka (Larnaca) – the Modern City Was Once an Ancient City Kingdom
In the winter months thousands of flamingos, wild swans and other migrating birds make Larnaka’s salt lake their stopping place, and bird lovers and photographers make the area their own during this period. In the 18th century Larnaka was the commercial centre of the island where the European consuls had their missions. Nowadays it is a charming city famed for its seafood restaurants, museums and delightful promenade.
Lefkosia (Nicosia) – the Divided City in the Centre of Cyprus
The capital of Cyprus since the later Byzantine period but its history dates back to the bronze age. Today, Lefkosia is the only divided capital in the world. The modern city is outside the city walls and offers contemporary comforts plus restaurants, and nightlife. Inside the 16th century walls, the old “Hora” ( the centre) contains museums, churches and medieval buildings. It is possible to visit the dividing line and look through an aperture towards “the other side”.
Pafos (Paphos) – a Listed UNESCO World Heritage Site
Once the capital of Cyprus, today it is invaded by tourists who come to enjoy its balmy climate, its antiquities, and the charm of its people. Numerous archaeological sites can be seen, in the modern town, around the harbour and right along the coast where an excellent walk is laid. The famous Roman mosaics which date from the 3rd to the 5th century are well preserved and a viewing gallery runs around the rooms in which they are housed. Photography is permitted.
Aphrodite is said to have arisen from these seas and worship of the goddess had its roots in Pafos.
Agia Napa - Protoras – Golden Sands and Holiday Resorts
Popular with lovers of sun, sea and nightlife, the area offers culture in the form of Byzantine and Frankish monuments and museums just inland from the excitement of modern Agia Napa. Renowned for its folk poets and traditional singers but possibly more so for its funky discos and the most popular DJ's.
Details of all these and more from the website of the Cyprus Tourist Organization which has offices in all major cities and provides comprehensive information, including maps, calendar of events, travel planner with suggested itineraries, and much more..
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