Official Name Republic of Cyprus
Capital City Nicosia
Population 775,927
Language Greek, Turkish, English
Time Zone GMT +2 in winter and GMT +3 in summer
Independence 16 August 1960 (from UK); note - Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule
on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but these proclamations are only
recognized by Turkey
National Holiday Independence Day, 1 October (1960); note - Turkish Cypriots
celebrates 15 November (1983) as Independence Day
Currency Cyprus Pound(CYP)
Summer Temp: 32º C
Winter Temp: 12º C
Ethnic Groups Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, other 5%
Religions Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic, and
other 4%
Location Middle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south
of Turkey
Area
total: 9,250 sq km (note - 3,355 sq km are in the Turkish area)
land: 9,240 sq km
water: 10 sq km
Land boundaries 0 km
Coastline 648 km
Climate temperate, Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters
Terrain central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant
plains along southern coast
Elevation extremes
lowest: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest: Olympus 1,952 m
Natural resources copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay
earth pigment
Natural hazards moderate earthquake activity
History in Cyprus dates as far back as 7000 BC, the Neolithic Age, with settlements
along the north and south coasts of the island. After1400 BC, the first Greeks
came to the island, Mycenaen merchants, who started the Hellenisation of the
island.
By1050 BC Cyprus can be considered a Greek island, with the language, culture and religion of Greece well established. Cyprus has ten city-kingdoms and by 800 BC it is a flourishing and prosperous country.
From750 BC Cyprus is conquered several times by Assyria, Egypt and Persia. In 333 BC Alexander the Great claims Cyprus for part of his empire. Cyprus continues to be part of the Hellenist Empire until 58 BC when it becomes part of the Roman Empire. Saint Paul is converted to Christianity whilst in Cyprus and Cyprus becomes the first country governed by a Christian.
After the division of the Roman Empire Cyprus becomes part of
Byzantium, with Constantinople as its capital.
In1191 AD Cyprus is defeated by the crusader Richard the Lionheart. The island
is then sold to the Knights Templar, who resell it to Guy de Lusignan. From
1192 to 1489 Cyprus is ruled under a feudal system and Catholicism becomes the
official religion.
In1489 control of the island passes to the Venetians who takes steps to fortify
the island and build walls around the towns of Nicosia and Famagusta.
In1571 Ottoman troops invades the island and Cyprus becomes part of the Ottoman
Empire. Islam is introduced to the island and Catholicism is expelled. The Greek
Orthodox religion is restored.
In1878, under the Cyprus Convention, Britain assumes administration of the island although it remains part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1914 however, when the Ottomans entered the 1st World War on the side of the Germans, Britain annexed the island. In 1923 Turkey relinquishes all rights to Cyprus and in 1925 Cyprus is declared a Crown colony. An armed struggle breaks out in 1955 against colonial rule, which lasts until 1960 when the island is granted independence.
Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot
minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital
of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic inter-communal
violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the
island. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by
military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of
the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the 'Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus,' but it is recognized only by Turkey. The latest two-year
round of UN-brokered direct talks - between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot
and Turkish Cypriot communities to reach an agreement to reunite the divided
island - ended when the Greek Cypriots rejected the UN settlement plan in an
April 2004 referendum. Although only the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot-controlled
Republic of Cyprus joined the EU on 1 May 2004, every Cypriot carrying a Cyprus
passport will have the status of a European citizen. EU laws, however, will
not apply to north Cyprus. Nicosia continues to oppose EU efforts to establish
direct trade and economic links to north Cyprus as a way of encouraging the
Turkish Cypriot community to continue to support reunification.
Turkey continues to illegally occupy 37% of the island, violating the UN charter.
It has established the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, an illegal state,
recognized only by Turkey and continues to maintain the division of the island
through force.
Culture
Cyprus’ colourful history is reflected in the rich cultural life in Cyprus
today. Almost every week there is some sort of celebration, a festival, a wedding
or a saint’s day (which are celebrated instead of birthdays).
Religious festivals are particularly significant in Cyprus and none more so
than the Greek Orthodox Easter. This is the highlight of the religious year
and is considered more important than Christmas. On Easter Saturday most Cypriots
will be found in the church, attending midnight mass. There is a bonfire with
an effigy of Judas outside the church and also fireworks. On Easter Sunday families
sit down together to eat the traditional roast lamb lunch.
Springtime is also festival time with all the major towns hosting carnival parades.
There are flower festivals with parades of flower-covered floats. The largest
carnival is in Limassol, with its many floats, parades and other entertainment.
Kataklysmos is another important festival - the festival of the flood- and there
are celebrations in every town, with open-air fetes, games and competitions.
Harvest time is time for the wine festivals, the largest being held in Limassol.
Every year thousands of visitors go to the festival to enjoy the large range
of food and wine on offer.
Food
Meze
A Cyprus Meze is certainly one of the most famous Cypriot delicacies. Or to
put it another way: Mezedes are a great number of different Cypriot delicacies.
Take your time and share a Meze with friends; don’t be surprised at how
long it takes and how much food is offered, ‘siga, siga!’ ‘Slowly,
slowly!’ as they say in Cyprus. Mezedes can include up to 20-30 dishes!
Fish
You should not miss the opportunity to eat Mediterranean fish in one of the
many fish restaurants that you can find near the coast. There are lots of delicious
fish dishes to discover, grilled or fried, salty or sour, spicy or plain. In
many cases there will be no menu, the waiter will tell you about the catch of
the day and how it will be prepared.
In the mountain areas delicious freshwater fish can be ordered.
Brandy Sour
One of the memories of a trip to Cyprus will no doubt include the famous cocktail
the ‘Brandy Sour’. As the name implies, a ‘Brandy Sour’
is the successful ‘union’ of two local specialties, Cyprus Brandy
and lemon squash (made from Cyprus lemons). Add some drops of angostura bitters,
top up with soda water and ice cubes...and enjoy a pleasant summer cocktail!
Yemista
Yemista are stuffed vegetables all kinds, favourites in every Cypriot family.
Especially in summertime you will appreciate the interesting taste of this Mediterranean
speciality. You can order the great number of stuffed vegetables as starters
or as main dishes. They can be hot or cold. The famous stuffed wine-leaves are
called "Koupepia". Also tasty are stuffed peppers, tomatoes, onions,
courgettes, aubergines or stuffed petals from courgettes.The filling is made
with rice and grated tomatoes.
On the grill:
Souvla
Barbecues are very popular in Cyprus. “Souvla" can be translated
as “skewer". Souvla are mainly pieces of Lam or Chicken, grilled
on charcoal grill The Cypriots love their Souvla and there can always be a reason
to make one.
Shieftalies
Another tasty dish from the charcoal grill are the small sausages of minced
meat, called “Shiftalies".
Kleftiko
Nowadays "Kleftiko" is a typical dish for every single celebration.
It is a piece of lamb or goat wrapped in foil and baked in special ovens, that
in any case must be closed airtight, until the Kleftiko will be baked.
The origin of this dish, as history tells us, goes back to the Cypriot freedom
fighters of the 19th.Century that lived in the mountain. They had to prepare
their stolen meat, the Kleftiko, neither that some could smell it, nor that
it could be seen. Though they baked it closed in special earthenware pottery,
that they had buried under the ground...
Mousakas
The famous "Mousakas" for sure will be found on every menu. It is
a typical summer meal and can be eaten warm or cold. Mousakas is prepared with
potatoes or/and courgettes and aubergines, and covered with a tasteful cream.
Some vegetarians might be lucky; there are some restaurants that also serve
"Mousakas vegetarian" though it is not made with the traditional sauce
of minced meat.
Alcoholic Beverages
Beer
The mild Mediterranean climate of Cyprus produces rich wheat and allows it to
brew light beer (of high quality). There are two breweries in the Republic of
Cyprus established: KEO, the Cypriot brewery and the world known Carlsberg brewery.
Brandy
However, a good wine makes also a good Brandy. The Cyprus Brandy is popular
because of its mild taste. Pure or in long drinks, not only experts will enjoy
it. It also makes the famous "Brandy Sour" to the specialty that it
is. Did you know that it is tradition to offer Brandy to the wedding guests?
Cypriot Wine
Cyprus wine has been produced for thousands of years and since the time of the
Crusades it has also been exported to Europe. ‘Commandaria’ has
enjoyed a reputation as a fine dessert wine since the 12th century. Today wine
is one of the most important exports of Cyprus.
No Cypriot village is complete without a traditional coffee shop, the ‘kafenio’ Its the most important place in the village, the central point of communication, a place to meet friends, to play ‘Tavli’, the Greek version of Backgammon or just pass time by drinking a Greek coffee, tea, fresh juice or a home-made fruit squash. Greek coffee is ordered ‘sketo’, ‘metrio’ or ‘glyko’.
Getting There
The Republic has airports at Larnaka and Pafos, with flights from most of Europe
and the Middle East. North Cyprus has an international airport at Ercan, but
only Turkish airlines fly there. By sea, you can get to Greece (Athens mainly,
but sometimes Rhodes, Patmos or Crete) and Israel from the Republic's port in
Lemesos. If you want to go to the Greek islands, you'll probably have to change
at Athens. There are ferries from North Cyprus to Turkey, but you cannot exit
Cyprus this way unless you entered from Turkey.
Kykkos Monastery, in the western Troödos, is the best known but most touristy monastery. Built in the 12th century, it's been completely renovated and contains a museum of religious icons. Asinou is probably the most beautiful of the area's monasteries, but it's a bit of a trek to get to it.
Kolossi Castle
Less of a castle and more a fortified tower house, Kolossi Castle perches incongruously
between the vineyards and houses of the village of the same name. It is an interesting
reminder of the rule of the Knights of St John in the 13th century, who started
producing wine and processing sugar cane at a commandery that stood on this
land.
The famous Cypriot wine, Commandaria, took its name from here.
The Mameluke raids of 1425-26 compromised the knights' prosperity and no doubt
damaged the infrastructure. The current structure dates from 1454 and was probably
built over the older fortified building.
The castle is accessible by a short drawbridge that was originally defended
by a parapet high above, through which defenders would pour molten lead or boiling
oil on the heads of unwanted visitors. Upon entering, you come across two large
chambers, one with an unusually large fireplace and a spiral staircase that
leads to another two chambers on the second level. The chambers are empty, so
it is hard to imagine what they would have been like in their heyday. The only
tangible remains of occupation is a mural of the crucifixion in the first-level
main chamber. The spiral staircase leads to the roof, where the battlements,
restored in 1933, lend a final touch.
Salamis
This was Cyprus' most important pre-Christian city, and it's still the country's
best archaeological site. You could easily spend a day here, checking out the
fully restored Roman amphitheatre, the gymnasium with marble baths, and the
mosaics.
Most of the ruins are Byzantine or Roman, and they're scattered over 8km (5mi).
A very pleasant beach fringes the site, so bring your swimmers.
St Hilarion Castle
The outline of the almost magical, fairytale remains of St Hilarion Castle will
not become apparent until you are directly beneath it, so blended is the structure
with the cliffside. The castle (kalesi in Turkish) has just enough hidden rooms,
tunnels, overgrown gardens and steep staircases and paths to leave parents gasping
for breath and the children asking for more.
Local legend tells that the castle once had 101 rooms, the last of which was
a secret garden belonging to a fairy 'queen'. The castle's real history is a
bit more prosaic. This lofty fort is named after a monk called Hilarion, who
fled persecution in the Holy Land. He lived and died in a cave on the mountain
that overlooks the plain of Kyrenia.
The view from the top is stunning, and on a clear day you can see the Taurus
Mountains in Turkey, more than 100km away.
Paphos
This south-west corner of Cyprus has an ambience all of its own: soft breezes,
old stone, elusive enchantment and an air of antiquity. This is the kingdom
of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and her presence seems to linger. Paphos
itself is really two towns, each with its own character; Ktima on the cliff
and Kato Paphos by the sea, two kilometres down the road. The one is unchanged
over centuries and thoroughly Cypriot while the other has expanded over the
last decade from a sleepy fishing village and harbour into a bustling, busy,
sprawling cosmopolitan resort which is still growing.
Roman Paphos was the island's capital, and the 3rd century mosaics here are
the finest in the Mediterranean. The atmosphere is fun-loving and friendly,
with plenty of bars, pubs, discos, a few nightclubs and innumerable eating places
providing anything from choice Italian cuisine to sizzling souvlaki off the
spit.
Swimming in the bay's deep, clear waters is good. The coastline to the north
is peppered with small sandy coves but the area's best beach is a 15 minute
drive away at Coral Bay. Paphos is an ideal centre from which to explore this
region of wild coastline, unspoilt hillside villages and natural beauty; yet
it takes less than an hour by car to reach Limassol.
In Paphos you will find some of Cyprus's most stunning archaeological gems such
as its Roman mosaics and Tombs of the Kings situated among beach-front resort
hotels and golden beaches. Cultivated bananas grow in profusion along the south-western
litoral, yet the Akamas Peninsula is one of the island's last unspoilt wildernesses
and is home to flora and fauna species found only on Cyprus. Small beach resorts
that have not yet succumbed entirely to commercialisation await discerning travellers
and there are abundant land and sea-based activities to suit every taste. While
Lemesos is brash is brash and Larnaka is demure, Paphos is quite quer-friendly
and is one of Cyprus' most livable cities. Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos) is the
port annex of Ano Paphos (Upper Paphos) and is home to the greatest number of
archaeological sites in the area. It provides a lively and friendly ambience
in its renovated port area where visitors unlike elsewhere in Cyprus' ports,
can actually swim. With its palm tree lined boulevards, tasteful public and
private buildings, Paphos is downright pleasant place to spend a holiday. There
are ample restaurants and watering holes and if you tire of the beach annex
you can always retire to Ano Paphos for an afternoon's stroll or evening meal.
Coral Bay
11 kilometres (15 minutes drive) to the north of Paphos and 3 kilometres below
the friendly, hillside village of Peyia is Coral Bay, the best natural beach
in the area. This is an established resort with many villas set apart from one
another above a wide curve of dark golden sand. The summer heat is often tempered
by a gentle breeze, the sea has a shallow margin where children may play safely
and, in the busier months, water sports are on offer. Close by the Bay are hotels,
banks, mini-markets for provisions and souvenirs, bars, restaurants and other
shops and, for casual alfresco meals, tavernas/snack bars overlooking the sea.
More tavernas and local shops are a short drive away. A perfect location for
a casual seaside holiday, this is also an excellent base for touring the Paphos
area, with all it has to offer.
Peyia
A very large, almost overwhelmingly friendly village, now designated a town
with its own municipality, and tucked away in the hills about 3.5kms from Coral
Bay and 15kms from Paphos. There are several coffee shops, grocers and heartily
welcoming tavernas which provide simple but excellent food. A picturesque drive
north along winding roads through the Peyia forest and pretty villages brings
you to the Akamas peninsula and Latchi's beaches.
Polis
Polis is on the wide Hrysohou Bay that runs along the north-west sweep of Cyprus.
The small town is ideally situated for holidays that actually leave you time
to relax. Polis is ideal base for trekking in the Akamas, swimming at a number
of nearby beaches, touring the wine-making villages of the Akamas Heights or
exploring the often wild and under-visited north-west of Cyprus. The jewel of
the island, the Akamas National Park is in the northwest. Ideal for walks and
offering stunning views to both sides of the island it has to be the main magnet
for visiting this quieter and less developed region. Development in the northwest
is only about 8 years old and the area still retains its agricultural feel.
Polis is much smaller and far more intimate than Paphos and the razzamatazz
of mass tourism has not quite reached here yet. The northwest also gives easy
access to the Paphos mountains and some very large and interesting villages
such as Droushia, Neohorio, Pomos and Pyrgos. It is an area to be explored with
a great many beaches, many of them completely empty.
Latchi
Latchi with its coastal paved walk is the picturesque harbour of Polis, known
throughout Cyprus for its fresh fish. In the past it served as a small port
for shipping carobs. The old stone carob warehouses have been converted into
restaurants, fish taverns and places of recreation. From Latchi, travellers
to Polis can go on short cruises to the Akamas, a must for all visitors.
Neo Chorio
Neo Chorio is both a traditional village with coffee shops and tavernas as s
well as a tourist one. In the hills just outside the village is the entrance
to an intricate cave system with beautiful subterranean caverns filled with
stalagmites and stalactites.
Ayia Marina & Argaka
These two rural villages, mainly agricultural, are approximately 5 minutes drive
apart on the way to Pomos Point. Each with a population of 1000 or so, they
have coffee shops and a couple of tavernas serving locally grown food. Along
the coastal road, a few minutes away, there are more establishments catering
for the hungry visitor and local alike. Argaka has two churches, Ayia Varvara
being the oldest, whilst Ayia Marina has three including a very old Byzantine
church in the forest about 1 mile away. In the area there are several dams where
fishing (under licence) may be possible. This part of the island is very fertile
and has an abundance of fruit trees including figs, grapes, prickly pears, apples,
oranges and lemons. Almost every weekend there is a wedding in the area and
visitors are always welcome to join the festivities. Being rural, early morning
walks are particularly enjoyable. There are some extensive, good beaches in
the area.
Pomos
A large, attractive seaside village built on a slope between the sea and the
wooded foothills of the Paphos mountains. There is a variety of restaurants
in the area, two grocery stores in the village, a few sandy coves for swimming
and a small, recently constructed fishing harbour with well known sea food restaurant.
This is a beautiful area of deserted beaches and wild coastline with the Paphos
forest and foothills as a backdrop.
Pyrgos
Heading east from Polis towards Pyrgos one enters the final frontier. This backwater
too promises to remain untouched by the ever-encroaching spectre of high-rise
blocks and tourist complexes for some time to come. At the moment it is a long
arduous drive to Pyrgos along a road which goes up into the Troodos mountains
and meanders for miles through almost deserted woodland, before descending to
a coast again. This detour is necessary in order to bypass the Turkish military
enclave at Kokkina. Driving through these villages along the coast one can get
an inkling of what Cyprus was like before the advent of modern tourism - a country
of tiny rural villages and empty beaches. Pyrgos itself, however, is the last
stop before the harsh reality of Turkey's military occupation shows itself.
At the end of the road leading from the village are the tragically familiar
barbed wire and fortifications which constitute the artificial 'border' between
the free and occupied areas of Cyprus.
Droushia
Droushia is rich in physical and cultural landforms and monuments. A few huge
rocks of past geological eras are scattered in its landscape. The traditional
architecture is very rich with a few old peasants still wearing traditional
"vraka" (baggy breeches), while among the village craftsmen is a coppersmith.
Akaourdalia
A very small and attractive village in two parts, ‘Pano' and ‘Kato',
on the edge of the spectacular Pitharolakkos gorge and close to the 16th century
chapel of Ayia Paraskevi. Each spring the village is submerged in almond blossom.
There is a folk museum in Kato Akourdalia. The Laona Project is very active
here and a number of stone houses have been carefully restored. There are no
shops in the village, but a part-time coffee shop in Kato Akourdalia serves
snacks. The village of Miliou is a short drive away, the beaches of Latchi 20
minutes and Paphos 25 minutes.
Kathikas
To the north of the town of Paphos, approximately 22km away, is the historical
village of Kathikas with roots dating back to the antiquity, built at the top
of a hill. As for its name, rumour has it that the village was a stop-over for
merchants and travellers since it is mid-way between Paphos and Polis Chrysochous.
Here, they would rest along with their animals at the old inn which existed
at the time. Today Kathikas is still one of the most attractive villages of
the area, well known for its great many vineyards, grapes being its main product
and their cultivation the main occupation of the villagers. Notable is the church
of Panayia Evangelistria (AD 1870). The village forms part of the Laona project,
whose concern is the general improvement and boosting of the greater area on
the basis of its traditional character and nature.
Miliou
Nestling amongst the trees on a Laona plateau north west of Paphos, is the pretty
little village of Miliou. It is one of the smallest villages in the area with
a population of about 60 and its limestone houses are perfect examples of traditional
rural architecture. Like all rural communities in Cyprus the social life in
Miliou centers on the little coffee shop where the village men sit in the leafy
shade discussing politics and local issues. The relatively unspoiled state of
the countryside and the village make it a real delight for the walker and naturalist.
In the space of 20 minutes you can find yourself on the beaches of Polis and
Latchi or amongst the natural splendour of Akamas.
Kritou Terra
Kritou Terra is one of the largest and most attractive traditional villages
of the region, famous for its plentiful water supply and fruit and nut trees.
It is an oasis of green even in the hottest summer months. Traditional springs
at the village's entrance and the taverna next to them have been skilfully restored.
Pissouri
Pissouri is one of the most attractive and friendly villages in south-west Cyprus.
It is situated in the principal vine growing area with sultana grapes covering
the surrounding countryside. This south-facing village, set high up on the hillside
about 1,000ft above the sea, commands the most magnificent view of some 20 miles
of Mediterranean coastline. To the south and east there are panoramic views
of the coast, across vineyards, olive and carob trees and to the north one can
see the majestic Troodos Mountains. Pissouri is situated just off the main Paphos
to Limassol road. Pissouri Village has a lovely flower-filled central square
(right) for pedestrians only. There is a Greek Orthodox church, a good bakery,
postal agency, banks and small supermarkets. Several family-run tavernas and
restaurants serve excellent fresh food at competitive prices. In the summer
months the village holds a Cyprus Night in the square every Wednesday evening.
There's food and traditional Cypriot dancing; everyone is welcome! In Pissouri
village, where almost everyone speaks English, one can enjoy the friendly atmosphere
and savour the relaxed and stress-free life of the village.
Peristerona
One of the churches Ayii Varnavas and Hilarion – stunning five domes and
three aisles (only one in Cyprus like it) good woodcarvings can be admired and
beautiful relics only two of the original wall paintings have been saved –
that of King David and Virgin and Child.
Troodos
The mountains of the Troodos rise grandly above the scorching plains and coastal
strips of Cyprus' south, culminating in Mt Olympus, the country's highest peak
at 1952m. In the past the mountains have provided refuge to religious communities,
colonial civil servants and the wealthy of the Levant seeking respite from the
heat. More recently it attracts skiers in winter and, in summer, hikers and
weekend picnickers throng the spiralling mountain roads. Visitors to the Trodos
should allow themselves at least a week to see most of what the region has to
offer.
Limassol
Limassolians have a reputation for being fun loving and always ready to party.
The wine festival in September and the Carnival in March are major events on
the island. Limassol is a large, cosmopolitan port and resort with some of the
best hotels in Cyprus and an enormous selection of restaurants, night clubs,
discos and shops. Pissouri and Governor's beaches are within easy reach as is
the enormous beach at Curium. The villages in the mountains around Limassol
are set in the midst of vineyards. The crusader castle of Kolossi, the headquarters
of the Knights Templar and St John of Jerusalem, is within easy reach as are
the ancient kingdoms of Curium to the west and Amathus to the east. It was in
Limassol castle that Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre.
Nicosia
The capital and the main commercial centre, Nicosia, the last divided capital
in the world, is often ignored when visiting Cyprus because it is not on the
beach. A very dynamic mayor has, over the last 10 to 15 years, forced the renovation
of the old town which is now quite charming with many cafes, open-air restaurants
and shops within the narrow streets and gracious old buildings. Nicosia is only
a half hour drive from Larnaca and it is very easy to reach the Troodos mountains
from here too. The archaeological museum is world famous and must be visited.
The restaurants in Nicosia, because they cater for the home market, are the
best on the island. The historic, divided inland capital and centre of the island's
activities. Not a resort but a place of interest and a useful base for excursions.
The old quarters are coming alive with courtyard restaurants, craft shops and
houses as traditional buildings are renovated to stand side by side with excellent
modern shops. A visit to the Archaeological Museum is a must, the restored 18th
century House of Hadjigeorgakis is worth a visit and guided tours within the
walls of the old city are run regularly.
Lefkara
One of Cyprus' most famous exports is its exquisite lace and most of it comes
from the pretty mountain villages Pano Lfkara and Kato Lefkara. The village
is pretty enough even if you are not keen on frilly patterns or intricately
designed tablecloths. A wander around its picturesque streets is almost certain
to guarantee an invitation to 'see my lace' from the many women who sit at doorways,
seemingly whiling away their hours in a relaxing hobby. The lace is undoubtedly
of high quality and exquisite, but not necessarily cheap.
Larnaca
Larnaca was once the main port of Cyprus and the wealth still shows in some
very beautiful and gracious buildings in the old town. Larnaca has a very interesting
salt lake which in spring is pink with flamingos. Like Paphos and Limassol,
Larnaca has developed into a busy resort with many hotels and apartments built
on the beaches that stretch away from the town. The town is a very central spot
on the island and an ideal base from which to visit Nicosia, Limassol, Protaras,
Ayia Napa and even Paphos, which is a two hour drive away along the excellent
new motorway. Larnaca has a very traditional, palm fringed harbour promenade
and a very large marina. There is a wealth of historical interest around the
town including the church of St Lazarus, the Teke muslim shrine, Kiti church
and the monastery of Stavrovouni.
Ayia Napa
From its humble beginning as a small, insignificant fishing village, Ayia Nappa
now shoulders the mantle of Cyprus' prime sun-and-fun tourist resort. Ayia Napa
is not everyone's cup of tea and 90% of people visiting here are overseas tourists
on packages intent on specific and limited pleasures - drinking, eating and
sunning themselves. The beach, while crowded, is good and the nightlife never
stops.
Protaras
Protaras is a slightly watered-down version of Ayia Napa. It is another beach
resort area, but is more spread out, has a better range of beaches and tends
to give visitors more breathing space.
Paralimni
Paralimni has reluctantly taken over from Famagusta as the capital of the eastern
section of Cyprus. It is a pleasant little town seemingly a universe away from
the hustle and bustle of the tourist scene only a few kilometres away on the
coast. There is a pleasantly paved central square with two versions of the church
of Agios Georgios, a sprinkling of restaurants and shops and perhaps a gaggle
of curious tourists.
Agios Georgios
No more than a tiny fishing harbour and a bay overlooked by a large, sea-facing
taverna and church. A simple and wonderful spot to relax and unwind or watch
the night's catch being unloaded in the early mornings. A bird sanctuary is
within a short drive. There are several tavernas nearby and Coral Bay is close.
About 8 km north-west of Pegia, the traveller will encounter a tiny settlement
with cafes, restaurants, a few isolated households, a guest house and a modern
whitewashed church of St George.
Kathikas
Kathikas is situated in the southern part of the Laona plateau, and can be visited
from Paphos town through Pegia and Stroumpi. It surrounded by vineyards, which
constitute the principal income of the village.
Kissonerga
Kissonerga is rich in physical and cultural features. Close to the church of
Transfiguration lie the ruins of a tiny chapel. The area has many banana plantations
which run from the out-skirts of Paphos twn, along the coast, as far as Agios
Georgios.
Chlorakas
Chlorakas is located just past the outskirts of Ppahos town and before Kissonerga
and Coral Bay. the centre of Chlorakas has a supermarket and a traditional Cypriot
Coffee shop. On the coast, there are several good hotels and apartments, shops
and restaurants.
Empa
Approximately three kilometres from Paphos was a mediaeval estate known for
its vast production of sugar, now mainly agricultural area, although Emba hosts
a lovely village market and has a very interesting church built on the foundations
of an ancient Christian Basilica probably 12th Century.
Tala
Tala is lies south-west of the monastery of Agios Neofytos. Large abandoned
areas are being converted into tourist villas and country houses for locals
and foreigners alike. Kamares Village, include about 500 villas, built in traditional
architecture, with all services and facilities including swimming pools, gardens,
squares, arches made of hewn limestone blocks, verandas.
Steni
Steni is a small pretty village in the hills, by Peristerona.
Geroskipou
Geroskipou is located on the outskirts of Paphos in the direction towards Paphos
airport. It has many shops, post office and is famous for its shops selling
Loucomi.
Episkopi
A large village of 4,000 people with a good variety of tavernas, coffee shops
and several supermarkets. Episkopi is only a 15 minute drive from Limassol,
40 minutes from Paphos and a short drive from the archaeological site of Curium
and the Crusader Colossi castle. Curium beach is a five minute drive away. The
village is ideally located for visiting Limassol, without being in the centre
of this bustling, large resort and also affords easy access to the Troodos mountains.
The Secret Valley and Aphrodite Hills Golf Courses are a 20 minute drive away.
Stroumpi
Stroumbi is a small village located just off the main Paphos - Polis road, about
5 minutes on leaving Paphos.
Konia
Konia is close to the built-up area of Paphos with many urban services lying
with in its administrative boundaries. On a cliff facing the sea lies the chapel
of Five Saints.
Anarita
Anarita is located about 15 minutes drive upon leaving Paphos heading towards
Limassol. It is a flat area which in recent years is seeing more development.
Ineia
Small traditional village situated in the Akamas region.
Phiti & Lasa
Set deep in the Paphos hills, away from the souvenir shops, ice cream and hamburgers,
the region is stumbled upon by only a handful of travellers, passing to or from
Khrysorroyiatissa Monastery. The warmth and rich hospitality you'll find here
are as sincere and old as Cyprus itself.