Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek) is the only divided capital in the world. The “green line” separates the Cypriot Republic, mostly Greek, from the northern part occupied by the Turks since 1974 and self-proclaimed Turkish State. The old city of Nicosia is surrounded by massive Venetian walls. Ledra street, in the old center and its famous “check point” allows everyone since 2008 to go to the occupied part of the capital during the day.
What to see:
-Saint John Cathedral
-Byzantine Art museum
-Liberty’s monument
-The old town and its popular and commercial district “Laiki Yitonia”
-The Cyprus Archaeological museum
Limassol (Lemesós in Greek), is the second most important city of Cyprus with around 230 000 in inhabitants. The city is located on the Akrotiri’s bay, on the coast of the island. Limassol is ideally situated, with equal distance between the airports of Larnaca and Paphos (70 kilometres). Limassol is a major tourist destination and is especially dynamic with a lot of new projects under development.
What to see:
-The old town of Limassol
-The promenade on the seafront
-The Marina
-The Archaeological Museum, the Medieval Castle of Limassol, the Castle of Kolossi and the Museum of Wine
-The wine route of Limassol
-The archaeological site of Amathounda & the archaeological site of Kourion
-The Akrotiri Salt lake & the Akrotiri Environmental Education & Information Centre
A charming little port town located on the Western coast of the island. During several centuries of the ancient period it has been the capital of Cyprus. Today, Paphos is on the official list of cultural and natural treasures of the UNESCO WOLD HERITAGE and the city has been awarded the accolade of one of the European Cities of Culture for 2017.
What to see:
-The Archaeological Park. The Mosaics (the mosaics, the Tombs of the Kings & the Odeion)
-Tombs of the Kings
-Yeroskipou village with the Byzantine painted church of St. Paraskevi
-Aphrodite’s rock ( legendary birthplace of Aphrodite)
-Kouklia ( ancient Sanctuary of Aphrodite)
-Saint-Neophyte monastery
-Pillar of Saint Paul
-Archaeological Museum
-Medieval Castle near the small port
-Baths of Aphrodite in the area of Polis
-Akamas National Park
Larnaca is situated on the site of one of the most important ancient kingdoms of Cyprus, Kition. It’s the city of the great philosopher Zenon, founder of stoicism and has also welcomed Saint Lazarus, who lived there 30 years after his resurrection. That is why the Saint Lazarus church is one of the most cherished monuments of the island. Larnaca is an enjoyable seaside resort which has a palm-lined promenade along the beach, a modern Marina, an ancient Turkish district. For divers the wreck of the Zenobia lies in the bottom of its Bay. The wreck is ranked in the top 10 of the world’s best wreck sites by The Times!
What to see:
-Saint Lazarus’ Church
-Neolithic site “Choirokoitia”
-Tekke Hala Sultan mosque
-Kiti’s Church “Angeloktisti”
-Larnaca’s fort
-Pierides Museum
-Larnaca Salt Lake
Located is the Eastern end of the island. Sparkling, crystal waters and powdery, golden sands are one of the most defining features of the region, which is comprised of the main holiday resorts of Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Protaras.
Both, Ayia Napa and Protaras are renowned seaside resorts of the island. The region attracts visitors from all over the world as well as Cypriots from the entire island who like to enjoy fine sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters during the summer. Ayia Napa (Virgin of the Holly forest) was a place of pilgrimage 450 years ago.
What to see:
-Ayia Napa’s port
-Nissi beach
-Fig Tree Bay
-Ayia Napa’s love bridge
-Dherinia village
-Natural Forest Park of Cape Greco
-The medieval church of Ayia Napa
-Thallassa Ayia Napa Municipal Museum
-Avgorou Ethnographic Museum
-Deryneia Folkloric Museum
Mount Olympus in the Troodos mountain range is the highest point of the island at almost 2000 meters high and offer an interesting alternative to the summer heat of the coast. You can take short walks or true hikes of all levels through the forest while enjoying the magnificent panorama of the island; you may be lucky and see some mouflons (emblematic animal of the island). Numerous waterfalls are patiently waiting for spring time, and in winter the Troodos Mountains are covered with snow and you can ski, surf or sledging in a very relaxed atmosphere at the small ski resort.
What to see:
-10 UNESCO World Heritage Site Byzantine churches
-Kykkos Monastery
-Traditional Villages
-Kalydonia Falls
-Natural Trails
-Local Wineries