The Island Cyprus is situated at the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin. It is the third largest of all Mediterranean Islands, ranking in size after Sicily and Sardinia. Its area is 9.251 square kilometres, stretching 240 km from west to east and 96 km from north to south. The islands population is approximately 850.000. Due to its geographic location at the crossroads of 3 continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. It is the meeting point of several great civilizations and the influence of these civilizations has shaped its people, its charm, its history and its hospitality.
AT A GLANCE
A TRIP INTO THE MOUNTAINS will provide a refreshing change from the heat of the beaches, with delightfully fresh air, cool nights scented with the aroma of pine trees and wild herbs. The fruit blossom in the fertile valleys has to be seen to be believed, cherry, apple, pear, plum, almond. The mountains are dotted with picturesque little villages where Cypriot hospitality abounds, where the donkey is a cherished beast of burden and where the nectarean village wine, untouched by chemical or mechanical methods, can be sampled.
Tennis, walking, horseriding, mountain biking and skiing in winter the activities to be enjoyed in the hill resorts. The larger hotels have swimming pools and some are open all the year round with full central heating and air conditioning.
The western and of the island is now coming more into its own for tourist activity with Pafos as the centre, a town with an old-world atmosphere which will be retained for a long time to come.
About half way between Lemesos and Pafos, 3km of the main road are two very attractive beaches, Evdhimou and Pissouri. The detour is well worthwhile for the swimming is excellent.
The hinterland rises gradually to the Troodos mountains through vast areas of vines and magnificent forest beyond. The scenery is superb and a drive through this area is an unforgettable experience. On the north coast lies the small town ofPolisand a few miles west, the little fishingharbourofLatchi. At the harbour restaurants you can sample some of the island’s excellent fish.
Beyond Latchi is a superb beach, completely unspoilt. Furthur west in the place where Aphrodite used to take her bath, Fontana Amorosa, a perennial bubbling spring.
The south east corner is another region which proves the almost unlimited versatility ofCyprus, the focal point being the little of Agia Napa with its historic monastery and fascinating little fishing harbour. Along the coast runs a very fertile strip with distinctive red soil which produces 70% ofCyprus’ potatoes and the season’s first tomatoes and cucumbers. Eastward, the bulk of Cavo Greco dominates the scene, but rounding it, there are numerous enchanting bays, beaches and cafes.
Apart from sightseeing, most visitors will want to enjoy the sea and the beaches; every facility for water sports of all kinds is available – skiing, skin diving, sailing, cruising, wind-surfing etc. But if it is just swimming and sunbathing, the island’s coast is indented with numerous secluded coves where you can a ‘beach to yourself’.
Race-goers will be delighted to learn that horse racing takes place weekly, except in the hottest period, at the Nicosia Race Club on the western outskirts of the city.
And in the evenings-what better than to start by sampling the delights of a Cypriot restaurant? There are so many exciting dishes to try: meze,Cyprus’ magnificent glorified hors d’oeurves, more than a meal in itself; koupepia, afelia, kebabs. Moussaka, and many more; and delicious wines to accompany them!
And there are also restaurants to suit every taste; sophisticated international cuisine, Chinese and Indian restaurants offering authentic prepared by their own chefs, down to the humble snack bar providing hamburgers and hot dogs. And now, Arabic dishes also.
After dining, there is plenty to do. The larger hotels have dancing most nights, both Cypriot and European; there are clubs galore and restaurant/night clubs with sophisticated floor shows. In summer, of course, all these entertainments take place under the stars; in winter there is comfortable heating. In the villages a very pleasant evening can be spent in the local tavernas and many an impromptu party lasting until the early hours, has started from small beginnings.
LEFKOSIA (Nicosia) :
Places of Interest: The Cyprus Museum, containing works of art found inCyprus from the Neolithic (5,800 BC) to the Roman period (300 AD); St. John’s Cathedral, the Seat of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus; the Archbishopric; Folk Art Museum; the Venetian Walls; the Famagusta Gate Cultural Centre; Laiki Geitonia, a small neighbourhood of shops and tavernas carefully renovated in the old style; the Cyprus Handicraft Centre; the Leventis Municipal Museum and the Municipal Arts Centre.
LEMESOS & DISTRICT :
LEMESOS – The second largest town inCyprus, industrial centre and exporting town. Centre of the wine trade.
Places of Interest: Lemesos Castle, traditional wedding place of Richard of England and Berengaria of Navarre; Municipal Gardens and District Museum. Westwards, 15th century of Kolossi built by the knights of St. John of Jerusalem; the ancient Roman theatre of Kourion; Temple of Apollo; the Phassouri Citrus Groves and vineyards. Eastwards, Ancient Amathus.
LARNAKA & DISTRICT :
LARNAKA – Once the principalport ofLefkosia and headquarters of foreign consuls, shipping agents and merchants until overshadowed byFamagustaHarbour. Now regaining importance with its protected harbour, Yacht Marina andInternationalAirport.
Places of Interest: Church of St. Lazarus; the Pierides Foundation Museum, with archaeological, medieval, post Byzantine and folk art collections; the Salt Lake, winter abode of migrant flamingoes; the Tekke, burial place of Umm Haram, sail to be an aunt of the prophet Mohammed; the Church of Panagia Angeloktisti at Kiti, containing the most famous Byzantine mosaic in Cyprus; Lefkara village, home of Cyprus lace. Kornos, a village thriving on its pottery industry. Stavrovouni Monastery founded in AD 327 bySt. Helena who donated past of the Cross of Christ. Xylophaghou/Liopetri river on the road to Agia Napa; a beautiful little inlet where fishermen moor their boats in the safety of its sheltered waters. Towards Lemesos, the ruins of Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement.
PAFOS & DISTRICT :
PAFOS – Capital ofCyprus in Roman times-port for pilgrims visiting the Shrine of Aphrodite. Rapidly gaining importance as a tourist centre since the opening ofPafosInternationalAirport.
Places of Interest: The Harbour, first built in the time of Alexander the Great; the Castle, rebuilt in 1592 AD;St Paul’s Pillar to whichSt. Paul was tied and scourged; the Tombs of the Kings; the mosaics of the third century AD, the finest in theMediterranean. Nearby,Petra tou Romiou, where Aphrodite emerged from the waves; Kouklia (old Pafos) andTemple ofAphrodite. The forest, home of the moufflon, emblem of Cyprus Airways; neighbouring banana plantations and vineyards.
FAMAGUSTA DISTRICT, THE SOUTH EAST CORNER :
This area includes some of the loveliest, silvery, sandy beaches on the island.
Places of Interest: The village of Agia Napa with its 16th century Venetian Monastery overlooks the fishing harbour and its numerous tavernas. Around Cavo Greco, the coast is indented with rocky coves and small beaches, the most popular beingFigTreeBay,FlamingoBay, Protaras and Pernera. Numerous excellent hotels and hotel apartments of all categories have been developed in the area which includes the town ofParalimni with its restaurants, clubs and cafes.
THE HILL RESORTS :
TROODOS - Hotels with mountain sports and leisure facilities.
PLATRES – The principal mountain resort in the Troodos mountains, height 3,700 feet.
Places of Interest: Nearby, Monastery of Mesapotamos; Kykko Monastery, with its icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary painted by St. Luke; the forest and scenic panoramas. Throni tis Panagias, the tomb of thelakeArchbishop Makarios.
PRODROMOS, at 4,600 ft., the highest village inCyprus; nearly many fruit orchards.
PEDOULAS, 3,600 ft., the principal village of the Marathasa vallery; many cherry growing area, the massed blossom appearing in April. Ancientchurch ofArchangel Michael.
MOUTOULAS, 2,500 ft., the water from the village spring is sail to be the best inCyprus and available in bottled form and even exported. The best pears come from this district; impressive chapel of the Virgin Mary built in 1279.
KALOPANAGIOTIS, 2,500 ft., best known for its sulphur springs and their beneficial effects on digestive disorders , skin and rheumatic conditions.
KAKOPETRIA, 2,200 ft., a picturesque village on the north east slopes of the Troodos mountains at the head of the fertile Solea valley where much fruit is produced.
AGROS, at 1,010 metres centre of the Pitsilia region. Famous for its rosewater, quality fruit and an excellent sports training facility.