Cyprus

Welcome to Cyprus !

Cyprus tucked away in the top right hand corner of the Mediterranean is so close to Europe, Asia and Africa that it rightly claims to be a stepping stone to three continents .

The ancient beauty of the island it's to be found everywhere Cyprus location in Europe (Mediterranean sea) Priestess statue 3rd century B.C.

An island whose rich dramatic history can be traced back over nine thousand years; an island so coveted over the centuries that it has been invaded and claimed by a fascinating mixture of civilizations from near and far all of which have left their culture and shaped its character.

Bronze statue of Septimios Seviros Roman Emperor 2nd century B.C. Statue from the Ptolemeus era 3rd century B.C.

An island whose archaeology stems from the Neolithic Age, the Ancient Greeks and the Roman period; where churches and monasteries still stand from Byzantine times; castles and palaces from the days of Crusaders and Frankish Lusignans and splendid city walls from Venetian days in its capital Nicosia.

The Stavrovouni monastery was build by St. Helena mother of the Emperor Constantin the Great The Kolossi castle was build by the Knight Templars The Nicosia's Venetian city walls

An island chosen by the mythical gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece who indulged themselves here in sport pleasure and tragedy; where Aphrodite goddess of love and beauty, emerged from the Pafos foam to become a famous cult figure - center of attraction for the first visitors who flocked to the island to worship her.

Aprodities birthplace (Venus Rock) at Paphos Marble statue of Aphrodite 1st century B.C.

With such a historic and legendary background it is hardly surprising that Cyprus has developed a character which is quite unique. It is blessed with beauty, natural beauty that ranges from golden beaches and rugged coastlines to rolling hills and forest clad mountains, dotted with picturesque villages.

kalopanayiotis vilage on the troodos mountain The Coral Bay beach in Paphos Natural beauty under a bridge

Picture yourself waking up to the sound of rippling waves, outside your hotel room aviates the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. With 340 days of sunshine the climate on the island is ideal all year round. Cyprus is famous for it's friendliness, taverns and numerous sandy beaches.

Water sports are to be found on all hotels beaches The famous Protaras beach with its laxurius hotels A small tavern in Nicosia within the walls (Laiki Yitonia)

As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has something to offer everyone.

Cyprus with its Towns and the division line that separated the island after the Turkish invation in 1974

The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia; still the only remaining divided capital in the world after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, which divided the island.

The capital of Cyprus Nicosia at night Nicosia out of the walls The monument of liberty in Nicosia

The Famagusta wall gate in Nicosia is now a exhibition and lecture center

On the west coast lies the town Paphos as a jewel, surrounded by its banana plantations. Paphos is rich in history and this is where Aphrodite is believed to have risen from the sea.

The Paphos castle The odeon and a lighthouse in Kato Paphos The tombs of the Kings in Kato Paphos

The Paphos fishing shelter

About one and half-hours drive through wine orchards lies the coastal town of Limassol, famous for it's wineries and hectic nightlife, Limassol is also the main port town.

The temple of Appolo Hylates in Limassol Ancient remains at Kurium in Limassol The Limassol's castle

The ancient Kurium theatre is still operating

If you travel for another hour north of Limassol you will reach the Troodos mountains where you will find the tranquillity of the village life, in the winter the mountains are clad with a blanket of snow.

Snow at Troodos mountain

the Kamares aqueduct in Larnaca The 'finikoudes' road by the Larnaca's coast The restored old city of Larnaca

Passing Larnaka, the third biggest town we reach the holiday resort of Agia Napa on the east coast. Once upon a time a sleepy little fishing village, now Agia Napa is a bustling holiday resort. Famous for it's sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. About 10 minutes drive from Agia Napa passing the Cape Greko lies Protaras / Fig tree Bay where the beach lover and water sport addict will find it's heaven.

Pelecans by Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa A quiet spot at Agia Napa's coast The Macronissos beach at Ayia Napa

As almost everyone in Cyprus speaks English it is very easy to communicate.