Tourist Attractions and Destinations
An emerald isle floating in the turquoise Mediterranean invites tourists to bask under its warm sun, to explore its historical sites, its mountain villages, ancient cities and modern beach resorts.
Cyprus is one the world’s top tourist destinations and we hope our site will help you plan your own vacation. There are so many wonderful places to see in Cyprus – we have chosen ten of our favourites to share with you.
1. Paphos Harbour & Castle
2. Courion/Kolossi Castle
3. Larnaca Salt Lake & Hala Sultan Tekke
4. Ayia Napa and Protaras
5. Nicosia ‘within the walls’ and the House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios
6. Cedar Valley
7. Panayia tou Araka
8. Choirokitia
9. Lefkara
10. The Paphos mosaics
1. Paphos Harbor & Castle
Paphos harbor is a very pleasant place, still in use by local fishermen. The harbor way is lined with restaurants, shops and bars. From the quay tourists can take a glass bottom boat tour of the bay or go on a fishing trip. Initially there were two forts guarding the harbour entrance. The oldest one, out on the old breakwater, has become a ruin with just two lumps of rock remaining. The other, built by the Lusignans to defend the town against pirate raiders still remains and is open to the public. One can see excellent views of the harbor from its battlements. The most typical ruin is of the Roman Odeion theatre which has been partially restored. In front of the Odeion are the agora or marketplace but only its foundations and a few columns remain. This high vantage point provides excellent views across the archaeological site and the town.
2. Courion/Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Castle is a stronghold a few kilometers outside the city of limassol. A very fine example of military architecture originally constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in its present form in the middle of the 15th century. The castle and grounds remind a peaceful feeling, even though the building itself is pretty ascetic. The stonework is in fine condition considering the structures age, children in particular seem to love exploring the staircases and battlements as well as the grounds, in which if tourists concentrate they can be whisked back hundreds of years and imagine life in and around this splendid building.
3. Larnaca Salt Lake & Hala Sultan Tekke
Larnaca is the oldest city in Cyprus and there are two parts to the city with one being historical and the other is filled with modern restaurants and hotels near the beautiful beaches. Larnaca’s airport, the Larnaca International Airport, is also the largest in Cyprus. Tourists won’t be stuck for attractions to see and places to go in Larnaca as it is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the entire island. As well as its plethora of Blue-Flag beaches, 25-km / 16-miles of coastline and relating tourist attractions, Larnaca is also home to some highly recommended guided walking tours and a very colorful nightlife.
Wherever you are in Larnaca, you simply cannot help but be drawn to its beautiful Mediterranean coastline, where the scuba diving opportunities and underwater attractions really don’t come much better. For those of you arriving at Larnaca airport, one of Cyprus’ most remarkable places to visit is right under your noses. On either side of the road you will either see two lakes, or two salt flats, depending on the time of year – this is the Larnaca Salt Lake and site of the mosque or Tekke of Hala Sultan. Salt has been extracted from the lake since ancient times and this continues, on a small scale, to this day. Tourists, who are visiting Cyprus in late winter or early spring, check out for the visiting flamingos and other migratory birds.
4. Ayia Napa
Agia Napa (Ayia Napa) is quite excellent for beach lovers and night lifers. There is one significant and beautiful historical site in the center of town, but what makes Agia Napa stand out are its lovely beaches.
The water is clear, shallow and clean. The temperatures are warm enough for watersports May through October. There are a wide variety of hotels and apartments with scenic views and beach activities. International cuisine can be found within a short walk from any beach. The Grecian Sands (one of the five-star GrecoHotel chain) , The Nissi Beach Hotel (top right) , The Nissi Mirage, Adam’s Beach and The Dome Hotel are located nearby, also on great beaches. The Aenas Hotel (next page) sports one of the world’s largest hotel swimming pools, innovative architecture and luxurious furnishings.
5. Nicosia ‘within the walls’ and The House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios
Nicosia has beginnings date back 5000 years to the Bronze Age and it has a rich and interesting history. The city is characterized by two distinct areas; the old, original part of the city, surrounded by imposing Venetian walls over 400 years old; and a modern, busy modern metropolis which acts as the diplomatic and administrative centre. There are many places of great historic interest contained within the large area encircled by the town walls, whose moat has been converted into a pleasant park.
The Famagusta Gate is one of the most well-known landmarks and is now used as a cultural centre. The central Eleftheria Square links the old part of Nicosia with the Modern city. The House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios is said to be originally the house of the family of Podoctars. It is probably the most important 18th century building in Nicosia and was once the house of the Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios. The house has been restored and is open to the public as an Ethnological Museum. Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios’ house won the Europa Nostra award in 1988.
Attractions to see in Cyprus- Bring back pleasant memories
- The Akamas Pensinsula is a very lovely area close to Paphos and excellent for swimming, cycling and walking. This is a real treat for nature lovers with full of hills, valleys and rocky shores, which are ideal for walking with rich and varied flora and diverse wildlife habitats. The area is well known for the ancient Greek myths such as that of the Goddess of beauty and love Aphrodite who bathed in a cool pool before her marriage to Adonis at the Baths of Aphrodite.
- The Troodos mountain stretch across the centre of Cyprus and are edged with 12th and 15th century Byzantine frescoed churches and monasteries, forests of pine and wine making villages. The area can be reached by car or bus and the nearby resort of Platres is where many take a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Nicosia, the capital as it has a wealth of history, preserved Venetian walls surrounding the city, some wonderful bars and restaurants within the old walls of the city. Hamam Omerye in Nicosia, Cyprus is a 14th Century building restored to operate once again as a hammam for all to enjoy, relax and rejuvenate – it is indeed a place to rest. The site’s history dates back to the 14th century, when it stood as an Augustinian church of St. Mary. Stone-built, with small domes, it is chronologically placed at around the time of Frankish and Venetian rule, approximately the same time that the city acquired its Venetian Walls. The hamam is still in use today and after its recent restoration project, it has become a favourite place for relaxation in Lefkosia. In 2006 it received the Europa Nostra prize for the Conservation of Architectural Heritage.
- This beautiful Mediterranean island offers a variety of holiday spa resorts where tourists can enjoy year-round warmth, sparkling blue sea and the sun-drenched beaches of Cyprus. In spring, the island is aglow with flowers, luscious olive and citrus groves and during the summer vineyards overflow with juicy grapes and the scent of jasmine is heavy in the night air
- There’s no contesting that the wine of Cyprus is some of the best in the world. Cyprus is the Island of Aphrodite, and how better to experience love than the Lemesos Wine Festival! A typical evening at the festival includes music, celebration,dancing, and lots and lots of wine.
- Another one of the great Cyprus tourist attractions would be Water World Waterpark in Ayia Napa. Experience the Kamikaze rides, Poseidon’s Wave Pool and the Trojan Adventure. An interactive play centre for kids.
- If you’re looking for a little peace and tranquility after the adventure of the Cyprus water park, go to Ancient Salamis. This is one of Cyprus’s prime archaeological sites. Check out the gymnasium, baths and amphitheatre where the earliest archeological finds go back to the eleventh century BCE (Late Bronze Age III).
Paphos
Though every town in Cyprus has its distinct features and attractions, Paphos has a character all its own. Known as the capital of the west, Paphos was in fact the island’s capital in Hellenistic and Roman Times. Paphos in its entirety is included in the official UNESCO list of natural treasures of world heritage.
The region’s glorious history surprises you at every turn, often mingling with remnants of the cult of Aphrodite which flourished in this beautiful part of the island. Paphos is a growing, modern coastal town that seduces visitors and residents with its majestic landscape, lovely coastline, historical treasures, medieval monasteries and delightful villages where tradition is still a way of life.
There are all kinds of tourist attractions within Paphos, all of which are aimed at the wealth of summer holidaymakers. Families will no doubt favor the attractions of the Pafos Bird Park and Pafos Aquarium, while for the grown-ups, the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea beckon, boasting some admirable scuba diving opportunities in the form of coral reefs and shipwrecks. The scuba diving opportunities around the coastline of Paphos are simply awesome. In total, there are in excess of 30 dive sites close by, with the best of these attractions including the Wreck of the Achilleas and the Valley of the Caves. The Aphrodite Water Park offers the ultimate fun way to cool down on a hot, sunny Cypriot day, with plenty of fun water slides and similar exciting attractions.
Kykkos Monastery is located 36 kilometers from the main town of Paphos and is located at a height of around 1320 feet on the north western side of the Troodos mountain range, the journey to the monastery is a delight for any visitor. Another interesting fact about this monastery is that it is also the burial site of the first president of Cyprus Archbishop Makarios III who started his career in this monastery in 1926, his burial site is just 3 kilometers away from the main monastery and is visited by millions of tourists every year. The icon of the Virgin Mary in this monastery is believed to have the healing powers.
The beaches of Paphos are something of a tourist magnet, although at the end of the day when the sun begins to set, the atmosphere begins to change as the nightlife scene commences. The Agiou Antoniou stretch is the place to be at night and is often nicknamed ‘Nightlife Street’, due to its high concentration of bars, clubs and similar attractions. The other most popular nightclubs around Agiou Antoniou include Flairs, the Rainbow Disco, the Robin Hood Pub, the Woodyz Cocktail Bar and the Boogies Karaoke Bar.
Larnaca
Larnaca is the oldest city in Cyprus and there are two parts to the city with one being historical and the other is filled with modern restaurants and hotels near the beautiful beaches. Larnaca’s airport, the Larnaca International Airport, is also the largest in Cyprus. Tourists won’t be stuck for attractions to see and places to go in Larnaca as it is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the entire island. As well as its plethora of Blue-Flag beaches, 25-km / 16-miles of coastline and relating tourist attractions, Larnaca is also home to some highly recommended guided walking tours and a very colorful nightlife.
Wherever you are in Larnaca, you simply cannot help but be drawn to its beautiful Mediterranean coastline, where the scuba diving opportunities and underwater attractions really don’t come much better. For those of you arriving at Larnaca airport, one of Cyprus’ most remarkable places to visit is right under your noses. On either side of the road you will either see two lakes, or two salt flats, depending on the time of year – this is the Larnaca Salt Lake and site of the mosque or Tekke of Hala Sultan. Salt has been extracted from the lake since ancient times and this continues, on a small scale, to this day. Tourists, who are visiting Cyprus in late winter or early spring, check out for the visiting flamingos and other migratory birds.
For children’s, The SADKO Tourist Submarine takes them to the floor of the Mediterranean and allows them to view the famous sunken wreck of the Zenobia ferry. The city’s marina can be a hive of activity and from here an array of pleasure cruises and boat trips are available to holidaymakers. From the perfect vantage point, the city’s marina features superb views of the shoreline and its endless attractions. Mediterranean cruises offer nonstop photo opportunities and often stop off along the way, to allow the passengers to dive in for a quick swim or snorkel, before returning to a barbecue lunch prepared onboard. Fishing expeditions from Yanathes Beach, and cruises to both Agia Trias and Ayia napa also attracts tourists.
Moreover, Larnaca is known for its seaside restaurants that offer marvelous seafood cuisines. Kantara, Ganga, and Rendez-Vous are the best. They also offer a large selection of fine wines. However, great food may also be found in less expensive restaurants like Militzis and Hobo’s. For some exciting nightlife, Larnaca has a line of lively bars. Club Deep is among the most well-known bars in the area.
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