Cyprus Cyprus

Five Top Things to See and Do in Cyprus

Nicosia
The capital of Cyprus since the 11^th Century, Nicosia is a maze of winding streets and alleyways, Nicosia, or Lefkosa in Turkish, is the world’s only remaining divided capital city. There is one place where people can cross freely between Turkish Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. With plenty of tourist attractions we recommend the Cyprus Museum, the Dervish Pasa Mansion, the Selimiye Mosque, and the Venetian city gate called the Famagusta.

For more information visit www.visitcyprus.com

Troodos Mountains
The impressive Troodos mountain range stretches across most of western Cyprus, offering a cool sanctuary from the Cyprus beaches. Rising almost 2,000 metres above sea level, it’s the perfect setting for long walks and summer and winter sports. There are resorts to choose from, Byzantine monasteries and churches, as well as picturesque mountain towns. Ten of the mountain churches are listed UNESCO World Heritage sites and they can be visited any time of year.

For more information visit www.visitcyprus.com

Tombs of the Kings
The city ofPaphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its highlights are the so-called Houses of Dionysus, Aeon and Achilles, all named after their surviving mosaics. The Tombs of the Kings, on the other hand, can be dated back to the 4^th century BC, and were actually the tombs of high Egyptian officials. They’re open all year round but check the website for varying hours of operation.

For more information visit www.visitcyprus.com

Agrotourism
Government backed agrotourism initiatives are being set up all over Cyprus aiming to give tourists a taste of traditional Cypriote living.  There are over 50 traditional rural properties based in picturesque villages throughout the island and the idea is that visitors sample as much village life as possible.  This encourages people to see other lesser explored areas of the island. 

One scheme, The Laona Project, established by Friends of the Earth (Cyprus) and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation has seen the conversion of derelict stone houses into small craft centres, tavernas or guest houses.  Often the conversions will also provide Cyprian home-cooking and warm hospitality.

For more info visit  www.visitcyprus.com

Aphrodite’s Rock
Petra tou Romiou—Cyprus
Located between Paphos and Limassol, Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock, is a great place to visit for Greek mythology fans and lovers alike. Said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, the rock is the place where Zeus’ genitals, the immortal flesh, combined with the sea foam to make Aphrodite. Today, it is said that in certain weather conditions, the waves will rise and break on the rock, making a column of water that dissolves into a pillar of foam. With some imagination the water from the pillar of foam is said to be an evanescent human shape resembling Aphrodite. Aphrodite’s rock can be reached by car; it is completely free to view and is never closed.

For more info visit www.visitcyprus.com