Explore a dozen locations in Cyprus
Cyprus is an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, north of the Sinai Peninsula, south of the Anatolian Peninsula, and west of the Levant. It is geographically a part of West Asia, but its cultural ties and geopolitics are overwhelmingly Southeast European.
Explore a dozen locations in Cyprus (click on the links to explore & book directly @ the best price):
1. AYIA NAPA
The Mediterranean resort town Ayia Napa on the southeast coast of Cyprus is famous for its beaches. The town's main landmark is the storied, Venetian-era Ayia Napa Monastery, which stands in the central square of Plateia Seferi, surrounded by bars and clubs. Freshly caught seafood is served at Ayia Napa Harbour’s busy tavernas, while adjoining Pantachou Beach offers a stretch of golden sand.
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2. BELLAPAIS ABBEY
Bellapais Abbey is the ruin of a monastery built by Canons Regular in the 13th century on the northern side of the small village of Bellapais, about five kilometres from the town of Kyrenia. The ruin is at an altitude of 220 m above sea level, and commands a long view down to Kyrenia and the Mediterranean sea.
3. HOLY MONASTERY OF ST NEOPHYTOS
Saint Neophytos Monastery lies in the territory of the community of Tala, 1 km north of the village, and 15 km west of Paphos, is one of the best-known monasteries in Cyprus. It was founded by monk Neophytos in the 12th century. The property is currently a museum consisting of the Engleistra and the Monastery.
4. KOURION
Kourion was an important ancient Greek city-state on the southwestern coast of Cyprus. In the twelfth century BCE, after the collapse of the Mycenaean palaces, Greek settlers from Argos arrived on this site. In the seventeenth century, Kourion suffered from five heavy earthquakes, but the city was mostly rebuilt.
5. LARNACA
The port city Larnaca is situated on the south coast of Cyprus. It's known for Finikoudes Beach, a sandy strip in the city center backed by a palm-lined seaside promenade. Buzzing bars line the waterfront at Mackenzie Beach. Just offshore, the MS Zenobia wreck is a popular dive site. The 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus contains the tomb of the saint said to have risen from the dead.
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6. LIMASSOL
Limassol is a city on the southern coast of the island. It’s known for the centuries-old Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and its collection of pottery and tombstones. On the seafront is the Prokymea (Molos) Sculpture Park, with sculptures by Cypriot, Greek and international artists. To the northeast is the Limassol Archaeological Museum, exhibiting artifacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods.
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7. NICOSIA
Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia, is the divided capital city of Cyprus. South of the border, on the Greek side, the Cyprus Museum has archaeological finds from the Neolithic to Byzantine periods, including the Aphrodite of Soloi statue. Nearby, the old city’s 16th-century Venetian walls include the Famagusta, Kyrenia and Paphos gates. Inside the walls, a marble mausoleum sits next to 19th-century Faneromeni Church.
8. OMODOS
Omodos is located about 42 kilometres north-west of the city of Limassol, in the geographical region of the wine-making villages. It is built near the west bank of the Cha-potami river at an average altitude of 810 meters. The village is surrounded by tall mountaintops, the tallest of which are "Afames" (1153 m.) and "Kremmos of Laona" (Laona's Cliff, 1092 m.).
9. PAPHOS
The city Paphos is located on the southwest coast of the island of Cyprus. Inhabited since Neolithic times, it has several sites relating to the cult of goddess Aphrodite, whose mythical birthplace was at Old Paphos (Kouklia). New Paphos is the modern city that incorporates the harbour, and the ancient ruins of tombs, fortresses, theatres and villas at Paphos Archaeological Park.
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10. PISSOURI
Pissouri is the third largest village district in the Limassol district of Cyprus, and is located in the Southwest of Cyprus midway between Limassol and Paphos (34 kilometers from both). The main Pissouri village is located about 3 kilometers from the sea on the Cape Aspro ridge, and about 500 feet above sea level. The whole stretch is an absolutely gorgeous spot where the waves that softly lap up against a pebbled and sandy shoreline, partly cradled by the rocky cliffs that drop down to the sea, making the whole setting picture perfect.
11. PROTARAS
The resort town Protaras in eastern Cyprus is famous for its beaches and for Fig Tree Bay with its old, lone fig tree. Above the bay are excavated Hellenistic tombs. To the northwest, atop a rock, the limestone Church of Profitis Ilias marks one end of a nature trail that leads to Konnos Beach. To the south, Cape Greco National Forest Park has clear waters and protected pine forest trails.
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12. TROODOS MOUNTAINS
Troodos is the largest mountain range in Cyprus, located in roughly the center of the island. Its highest peak is Mount Olympus, also known as Chionistra, at 1,952 metres (6,404 ft), which hosts the Sun Valley and North Face ski areas with their five ski lifts. The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. There are many mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries, and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and mountains are villages clinging to terraced hills.
EAT SHEFTALIA
EAT SEAFOOD
DRINK WINE
WHEN TO GO: The best time to visit Cyprus is either side of the peak summer heat, in the months of May, June, September and October. During these months, the temperatures are warm enough for swimming, but not uncomfortably hot
HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest way to reach Cyprus is by air.
HOW TO GET AROUND: There is no public transport, other than taxis.
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