Cyprus Travel Guide
If you're considering a trip to Cyprus and would like to know more about the island then please read the article below submitted by the Cyprus Toursim Organisation.
As the easternmost island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers year-round sunshine and a warm welcome to visitors arriving to enjoy the stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering meze, golf courses and spas. English is spoken throughout the island. Cyprus, an independent Republic since 1960, became a member of the European Union in May, 2004.
The island is the birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love and boasts historical heritage dating back 10,000 years. Paphos houses so many cultural and natural treasures that the entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kato Paphos, located near the harbour, is home to the remains of an ancient city containing some of the world's finest examples of Roman mosaics dating from the 3rd to the 5th century AD. See the amazing mosaic floors depicting scenes from Greek Mythology in the House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and recently excavated House of Aeon. Equally impressive are the Tombs of the Kings, underground burial sites dating back to the 4th century BC and carved out of solid rock decorated with Doric pillars.
Visitors can follow the 'Byzantine Route', which takes in the ten Byzantine churches on the UNESCO World Heritage List situated throughout the Troodos. The stunning painted churches, dating from the 12th to 15th century, feature exquisite Byzantine art depicted through icons, frescos and architecture. The largest and most famous is Kykkos monastery, which has an excellent Byzantine museum and a golden icon of the Virgin Mary, allegedly painted by Saint Luke.
Culture enthusiasts can enjoy many annual events with the opportunity to see outstanding performances. Music lovers can be enchanted at the Paphos Aphrodite Festival that takes place around the medieval castle in Paphos Harbour. The programme features operatic masterpieces performed by an acclaimed international cast.
Explore the great outdoors hiking or biking. There are approximately 200 kilometres of well-marked trails of varying difficulty levels, offering a great way to see the countryside and discover areas of cultural and wildlife interest. Stavros Tis Psokas at the foot of the Troodos Mountains, is thickly forested with cypress and pine trees and is home to the Cyprus moufflon, the rare mountain sheep native to Cyprus.
Adventurous hikers should head for the Troodos or the unspoilt Akamas Peninsular, a nature reserve of gorges, cliffs, beaches and forests. On the Aphrodite Trail, hikers have spectacular views of rock formations, cliffs and boulders sculpted into strange shapes suspended over the sea.
with an exotic twist. Various empires have swept through leaving behind their recipes and ingredients to be incorporated into Cypriot cuisine, which emphasises fresh ingredients, local herbs and spices and the light use of olive oil.
Be sure to sample the culinary adventure of meze, an abbreviation of "mezedes" or "little delicacies" with up to 30 dishes at a single meal, from savoury dips and vegetables to a wide range of fish and meat dishes.
Holidaymakers can drink the world's oldest wine, Commandaria and explore the wine regions. The Limassol Wine Festival takes place in early September. This annual celebration in honour of Dionysus, the god of wine, kicks off with the ceremonial barefoot pressing of the grapes, after which visitors can sample free wine and traditional delicacies.
Step back in time and discover the 'Old City' with narrow streets and old houses that characterise Cyprus' capital, Nicosia. It lies roughly in the centre of the island, within easy reach of all major resorts and is the only remaining divided capital city in the world. The city is surrounded by a 16th century fortress and contains a wealth of attractions, including the Cyprus Museum with treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period, and Famagusta Gate, which is one of the original entrances to the old city which was restored and is now used for events and exhibitions.
This cosmopolitan city has a variety of modern shops, cafes and tavernas.
Home to the island's largest international airport, Larnaca offers most visitors their first taste of Cyprus and is an excellent base for exploring. The palm-fringed seafront promenade provides an elegant 'cafe culture' ambience ideal for relaxing and watching the world go by.
As one of the world's longest continually inhabited cities, Larnaca offers a wealth of history and culture. Its Patron Saint is Lazarus who was its first Bishop. He settled there after being resurrected and visitors can visit his tomb in the crypt of the Church of St Lazarus in the city centre.
Step back in time to see the ancient city-kingdom of Kition with architectural remains from the 13th century BC as well as Larnaca Fort, dating from the 17th century and now home to the Medieval Museum. Other attractions within striking distance include the quaint village of Lefkara, famed for its silverware and lace, and the Neolithic settlements at Choirokoitia .
Limassol, Cyprus's second largest city, spreads out between the ancient city-kingdoms of Amathous and Kourion, now spectacular archaeological sites. The modern city is a cosmopolitan resort known for its spas and home to the island's main port. "Must sees" include the Medieval Castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengeria of Navarre and now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
On the east coast, Agia Napa and Protaras are famed for their crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches, ideal for all kinds of sea sports. Discover the charming mediaeval Agia Napa Monastery and the 'Thalassa' Museum of the Sea, whose centrepiece is the life size replica of the ancient ship 'Kyrenia II'. Eat out in traditional tavernas in the surrounding villages.
With so much variety in such a compact area, Cyprus certainly offers something to suit all tastes. For more information, log on: www.visitcyprus.org.cy
