As Cyprus has such a rich historical background, there are an exceptional legacy of historic sites and monuments to be found, too numerous to detail each one.

This section therefore is aimed at providing the visitor with only a brief taste of what Cyprus has to offer.

The two main resorts for sun, sea, sand and entertainment are Ayia Napa and Paphos.

Ayia Napa/Protaras

On the Southeast coast, Ayia Napa generally caters for the younger crowd. Beaches, bars and nightlife combine to make this an ideal destination for the excitement seeker.

Beach-fronted and town hotels from the 5 Star to self-catering apartments are plentiful.

In the middle of the town, the 16th century Ayia Napa monastery with its monumental marble fountain and cloistered courtyard, stands as a quiet oasis amidst the frenetic chaos around it.

A few miles away Protaras is quieter and better suited to family holidays. A major watersports centre with an array of beaches, it is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area.

Nearby lies Paralimni a small whitewashed town with a reputation for outstanding cuisine.

To the south lies Capo Greco, a wildlife sanctuary with a myriad of coves and inlets and noted for its glorious sunsets.

Paphos

On the West Coast of the island, Paphos the capital in Roman times and despite modern-day development into a leading resort draws tourists to savour its rich past.

One of the focal points is its quaint fishing harbour, developed in the time of Alexander the Great and protected by a fort.

The streets around the harbour are lined with open-air cafes and tavernas, where a wide variety of fish dishes are temptingly arrayed for the hungry tourist.

Magnificent second and third century mosaics lie testimony to its rich cultural past in the House of Dionysos, the House of Orpheus and others. The Odeon, a reconstructed second century Roman theatre and the remains of a Byzantine castle also lie nearby.

However, its most famous landmark lies south on the road to Limassol, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite - the Greek goddess of love, responsible for attracting millions of visitors long before the birth of tourism.

Limassol

Limassol in the southwest is a bustling port city and the largest Cyprus resort, spreading along eight miles of coastline from the Old Harbour past the ancient ruins of Amathous.

The area steeped in history is an ideal base for exploring Kourion, a magnificent Roman amphitheatre still in use today.

Very popular with British tourists, it is lively with a thriving nightlife, seafrontrestaurants and a score of snack bars.

 

 

 

 

Larnaca

For many Larnaca will be the first taste of Cyprus since the main international airport lies just 3 miles from the centre of town.

The seafront reminiscent of continental promenades has a fine sheltered harbour that also attracts international yachtsmen.

The indoor market offers the avid shopper a good variety of copper and silverware.

The Pierides Foundation Museum houses much of Larnaca's fascinating past. Close to the town lies an important Neolithic settlement at Choirokoitia.

A trip to Lefkara, the village renowned for lace-making where Leonardo Da Vinci is reputed to have bought an altar cloth, is well worth the effort.

Nicosia

This 1,000 year old capital is a must for the visitor to Cyprus. The old part of the city encircled by strong fortress walls and built by the Phoenicians in the 16th Century is best explored on foot.

Walking the narrow streets is a wonderful step back in time, where craftsmen in tiny workshops still work practising trades unchanged through the centuries.

Much of the history of Cyprus is well preserved in highly-regarded museums. Sadly, however much of the city is inaccessible due to the occupation by Turkey.

Troodos Mountains

Troodos with its cool mountain air, pretty villages and Byzantine churches is considered by many to be the jewel in the Cyprus crown.

The months of January, February and March offer the avid skier an added option to the already more established destinations.

With many gentle slopes of 200m, it is ideal for beginner and families alike. Tougher cross-country trails offer a challenge to the more intrepid skier. Three ski lifts operate throughout the season.

Mountain-biking and walking the many nature trails are also popular options.

The famous Kykkos Monastery nearby, houses a golden icon of the Virgin Mary reputedly painted by St. Luke. Agro-tourism, involving the renovation of traditional Cypriot homes in typical villages into tourist accommodation, has brought increased visitors to this region.