Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite (Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation), is an island in the Mediterranean whose capital is Nicosia. This dry and sunny place with dazzling beaches, shimmering blue seas and endless summers is home to some of the oldest water wells in the world and has a rugged interior with many wine-growing regions. People of Cyprus take pride in and celebrate their festivals with the traditional food (such as souvla and halloumi) and traditional dances (such as tsifteteli). Here are some of the places you must not miss when you visit Cyprus where euros and dollars are widely accepted (in case you forget to get some Turkish Lire).
Pafos:
Pafos is one of the most attractive regions on the island. Pafos has the longest coastline of any district, which swings from Aphrodite’s birthplace (in the south) to Aphrodite’s Baths (in the north and beyond). To add to the must visit places are the Akamas Peninsula and the forests of Tilliria, which are two of the island’s great wilderness areas. If you are seeking a place for relaxation then Polis on the north coast, with its beach, little fishing port, hinterland villages and un-spoilt stretch of coast will be the ideal place to go to.
Larnaka:
In Larnaka you must visit the impressive cathedral, medieval fort, the wonderful Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, island’s largest airport, flourishing marina, Agia Napa, Protaras, Paralimni, the two important Neolithic sites at Tenta and Choirokoitia, the world-famous lace-making village of Pano Lefkara, and the impressively sited monastery at Stavrovouni.
The Troodos mountains:
They contain over eight hundred species of plant, twelve of which are endemic and among its birds and animals are the rare Bonelli’s Eagle and the iconic Cypriot mouflon (a species of wild sheep). The national park in the Troodos mountains comprises of five distinct areas, namely the village/resort of Troodos that surrounds Mount Olympos, the island’s highest peak called the Marathasa (home to the village of Pedoulas and Cyprus’s greatest monastery Kykkos), Solea, Pitsilia (largely treeless) notable for the Machairas Monastery and the charming village of Fikardou. Its foothills are draped in vineyards and the higher mountains dotted with hiking and skiing trails.
Nicosoa:
North Cyprus: North Cyprus has two of the island’s best-looking town, Girne and Gazimağusa). You must visit three of its mightiest crusader castles namely St Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara. An archeological site at Salamis is arguably the island’s most significant whereas the Kyrenia Mountains is a hiker’s paradise. Both sides of the island offer a unique experience of two very different cultures: the orthodox Greek Cypriot and Muslim Turkish Cypriot.
Lefkosia (South Nicosia): It is the largest settlement on Cyprus offering the excellent Cyprus Museum, the Leventis City Museum, as well as the Shacolas Tower which gives an unparalleled view to the north. You’ll also find some of Cyprus’s best restaurants and its most sophisticated shopping. The Police and Coinage museums and the Cyprus Handicrafts Centre in the suburbs are some of the interesting places to visit in Nicosia and so is the ancient city of Tamassos.
Lemesos:
Lemesos has one of the most outstanding archeological sites of Amathus and Kourion, two of the greatest Crusader castles in Lemesos and Kolossi and on the contrary has enough amusement parks (including the island’s largest water park) to keep everyone entertained. Also, Lemesos is one of the most convenient places to stay on the island as it has motorway links with Pafos, Nicosia, Larnaka and Ayia Napa, and road links with the Troodos Mountains.
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