Cyprus Attractions: Top 35 - Travel Explorer

Perhaps every traveler wants to visit a small island with a paradisiacal climate in the Mediterranean. We are talking about Cyprus, an island full of historical and natural attractions, located in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Magnificent nature, beaches beckoning with snow—white sands and the purest azure of the sea waters, the most exquisite entertainment, numerous attractions of Cyprus, concealing a centuries-old history – all this and much more is united by a mysterious island. Due to the fusion of Turkish and Greek cultures, languages and religions were mixed on the island, which literally divided the state into different worlds and made the island even more attractive to its many guests. Below is a list of the main attractions of Cyprus, so that when traveling to these picturesque places you do not have any questions about what to see in Cyprus. You just have to choose the most interesting ones for a personal visit. And experienced guides in Cyprus, in turn, will help you plan a personal route full of beautiful places and extraordinary discoveries.

What to see in Cyprus first of all

When choosing excursions in Cyprus, take into account the fact that the island is divided into zones of influence of two states, so initially you need to decide on which part the attractions that interest you are located. In the descriptions you will find accurate information not only about the history, but also about the location of a particular tourist attraction.

1. Aphrodite’s Bath (48 km from Paphos, Chrysochou Bay)

Aphrodite’s bathhouse, fanned by myths and legends

According to ancient legends, Cyprus is the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, which is why many memorable places of the island are associated with her name. Aphrodite’s bathhouse is a small grotto in the rock, where, according to legend, Aphrodite and her lover, the god of fertility Adonis, held their romantic meetings. The bathhouse looks extremely picturesque:

The secluded pond is surrounded on all sides by vegetation and is, as it were, sheltered by a limestone rock. The water here is cold even on the hottest days, because there are underground springs that do not allow the water to warm up. The depth of the grotto is only half a meter, and about 5 meters in diameter.

It is believed that a swimmer in this bathhouse will provide himself with health and beauty for many years to come. And even if you do not want to plunge into the waters of the bath, then you should just observe the natural beauty and feel the romanticism of these places.

Official website: https://www.visitcyprus.com

Cyprus | Hotels at competitive prices

Booking.com

2. Tombs of the kings in Paphos (Paphos)

Royal tombs in Paphos

True connoisseurs of antiquity will definitely find something to see in Cyprus — undoubtedly, the Tombs of the kings in the city of Paphos in southwestern Cyprus. The majestic necropolis, whose history goes back to ancient times, became the last shelter for high—ranking officials and representatives of the aristocracy of distant times – one has only to imagine that the first tombs were carved out of stone back in the 4th century BC.

What are these grandiose creations?

The underground rooms are hollowed out right inside the rocks and, connecting with each other by stairs and passages, form one huge complex. The burials exactly repeat the dwelling of the buried people — amazing copies of the luxurious houses and palaces in which these noble personalities lived. All the tombs in the necropolis are numbered for the convenience of visitors searching for the right one. Next to each burial, you can find an earthenware jug that was filled with wine, milk or honey so that the deceased could “get enough”. These gifts were placed in special ceremonial chambers located next to the tombs.

Official website: https://www.mcw.gov.cy

3. Petra tou Romiou (25th km of the Paphos-Limassol road)

Aphrodite Beach

On the 25th kilometer of the road leading from Paphos to Limassol, there is a place whose history is shrouded in myths and legends — Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite Beach. One of the most romantic attractions in Cyprus is a small stretch of rocky beach with beautiful boulders and clear water, which is especially popular among couples in love. It is believed that after swimming in these waters, the lovers will stay together forever. Having a swim on Aphrodite Beach at midnight, you can find eternal beauty and youth, a successful marriage and healthy children. Also, according to beliefs, one of the large rocky stones — the Aphrodite stone — has a special power, and after spending a certain ritual near it, you can later meet true love.

On Petra tu Romiu beach, you can not only enjoy the beauty of nature, see famous and memorable places with your own eyes, but also visit a cafe located in a parking lot near the beach, on the opposite side of the road. Here you can also take a shower, buy local souvenirs or visit a restaurant with stunning sea views, driving along the road a little further towards Limassol.

4. Akamas National Park (Western Akamas Peninsula)

The pristine beauty of the nature of Akamas Park

About 50 kilometers from Paphos, you will see beautiful panoramas of nature — unique landscapes with an abundance of vegetation and pristine beaches. This is another attraction of Cyprus — Akamas National Park, a nature reserve in which nature has been preserved in its pristine beauty. This is an area of coniferous forests, intoxicating with their fragrance, pebble beaches and sandy coves with crystal clear water.

A wide variety of wild plants grow here, many of which remain only in this limited area.:

wild plum; strawberry tree; myrtle tree; oriental sycamore; mountain lavender; cyclamen; orchids; pink-purple peonies listed in the Red Book.

The local fauna is also amazing in its richness:

168 species of birds; 20 species of reptiles; 12 species of mammals; 16 species of butterflies.

A remarkable place on the peninsula is the Avakas Gorge, located among limestone cliffs up to 30 meters high and stretching about 3 km in length. A mountain river flows along the bottom of the gorge. This place is also worth visiting, because even the way to it is interesting — in order to get into the gorge itself, you should walk about 2 kilometers through the protected park, which smoothly, changing landscapes one after another, turns into a deep and narrow gorge, striking the eye with its monumentality.

5. Catacombs of St. Solomonia (Paphos)

Catacombs of St. Solomonia – a Christian shrine in Cyprus

Travelers who are wondering what to visit in Cyprus are given the opportunity to see one of the most unique Christian shrines — the Catacombs of St. Solomonia. This is an ancient structure, created partly by nature, partly by man. According to one of the beliefs, in ancient times there lived in Paphos a certain righteous Solomonia, who refused to perform Roman rites and was forced to hide with her sons in the catacombs from her pursuers. According to one version, the pagans walled up all the passages in the catacombs, condemning the woman to a slow death, but 200 years later, when the passages in the catacombs were freed, the holy martyr came out unharmed. According to another version, the woman’s sons were found after escaping and executed, but Solomonia herself was left alive, and the unfortunate woman spent days and nights in tears over the graves of her sons, eventually dying of grief.

The first thing that opens up to visitors of the catacombs is a pistachio tree, completely hung with colorful scraps of fabric. The fact is that when visiting the catacombs, you can ask Saint Solomonia for healing from various ailments, and in order for prayers to be heard, you should tie a commemorative piece on the branches of a tree.

If desired, you can walk through the catacombs, as well as visit a small well in the depths of the catacombs, the water in which has healing power — cures eye diseases.

Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Cyprus!

6. Keo Aliki Winery (Limassol)

Keo Aliki Winery Cellar

The city of Limassol, a major economic and cultural center of the country, is also considered the center of winemaking in Cyprus, and being here, you will not have to think about what to visit in Cyprus. After all, it is here that you will have a unique opportunity to visit one of the largest factories in Limassol — the Keo winery. The tour is held in the premises of the plant as part of an advertising campaign, so visitors are provided with a number of opportunities:

observe the production of the best wines in the area; taste any product for free; hear some interesting stories about the factory and its products; buy good wine much cheaper than in stores all over Cyprus.

One of the most famous alcoholic beverages produced at the Keo factory is the premium wine “Commandoria” – the history of its first release dates back to the 8th century, and now it is considered one of the best wines of Cyprus. For the production of this drink, a special grape variety is used — Xinisteri, and the process of making wine also has its own subtleties. The grapes are dried in the sun so that their juice acquires sweetness, after which the juice is drained into special vessels and aged in them for several years.

7. Dancing fountain Show (Protaras)

The magic of fire, water and the music of dancing fountains

One of the most spectacular sights of Cyprus, striking the imagination with its grandeur, is located in the small resort town of Protaras. Every evening, magical jets come to life here to rhythmic music, synchronously soaring up and performing extraordinary pirouettes. All this is accompanied by a light laser show and all kinds of effects in the form of smoke and fire.

The Dancing Fountain show is based on a modern and one of the most sophisticated fountain management systems in the world. As many as 18 thousand nozzles and many LED lamps immersed in water create a fascinating performance: water streams illuminated by colorful lights continuously change their movements, obeying musical rhythms and creating an amazing atmosphere.

The show attracts the attention of both adults and children, and you can watch this beauty from May 1 to September 30. Guests are invited to book a table in a cozy cafe directly next to the fountains or on special spectator benches.

Official website: https://www.magicdancingwaters.com

8. Eucalyptus grove (Limassol)

Eucalyptus grove

Another attraction of Cyprus is the eucalyptus grove, which stretches along the coast for about one and a half kilometers in length. It is difficult to pass by the intoxicating aromas of the numerous eucalyptus trees growing right along the coastline and not enjoy this beauty. During the summer heat, it is especially good to hide from the rays of the scorching sun, and fragrant ethereal vapors bring peace and tranquility. In rainy weather, the grove will also be a great place for walking, when the aromas of the trees are mixed with fresh air saturated with ozone — such a kind of “inhalation” will help strengthen health and boost immunity.

The park also has sports fields, a children’s playground. After enjoying a walk, you can visit a cafe or restaurant with a picturesque view of the sea — there are many such establishments along the eucalyptus grove. Guests also have the opportunity to check into one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity.

9. Kavo Greco National Forest Park (Cape Greco)

Beautiful view of the azure sea

In the eastern part of Cape Greco, also called Ayia Napa, there is a magnificent protected park Kavo Greco, whose area is huge – more than 385 hectares. Initially, the purpose of creating the park was to preserve the unique flora, fauna and landscape of this part of the island. Later, another important mission was added to this goal — to attract more tourists to Cyprus.

Along with the pristine nature, you can find well-maintained picnic areas, bike paths and hiking trails with benches for relaxation, offering excellent views of the coast, with its purest sea water. By the way, the coast here is ideal for diving and fishing — in the coastal waters you can find moray eels, octopuses, sea bass and igloo fish.

Today, the national park is inhabited by

about 4 hundred species of plants, 14 of which are considered extremely rare — juniper, acacia, mastic tree, fennel, wild garlic, etc. There are many representatives of fauna — hedgehogs, foxes, hares, snakes, lizards and various birds.

10. Finikoudes Beach (Larnaca)

Beautiful Finikoudes beach in Larnaca

And what to see in Cyprus for lovers of sunbathing? The first thing worth visiting, of course, is Finikoudes Beach, located right next to the central promenade of Larnaca. It is one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus, so whole regular buses periodically come here, bring numerous tourists and just those who want to have a good rest.

The very name “finikoudes” means “small palm trees” – indeed, the beach is separated from the city by a palm alley, which was planted here back in 1922. Once small palm trees have now turned into large trees, the beauty and grandeur of which delights many visitors.

The length of the beach is about 0.5 kilometers, and the width in different places ranges from 30 to 100 meters. The sand on the beach is of volcanic origin, so its color has a grayish tinge. The Blue Flag certificate, which corresponds to Finikoudes, confirms its purity and safety, and the service here meets the highest demands:

lifeguards are on duty throughout the territory; equipment rental works; there is a sanitary area; a shower room with fresh water; perfect cleanliness is maintained throughout the beach.

Cyprus Attractions: what else to visit while in Cyprus

Guides in Cyprus, offering certain routes, are guided by the most popular tourist requests. However, at your request, the program may be revised, so carefully study the descriptions of the attractions below so as not to miss the opportunity to adjust the route and remain completely satisfied with the tour.

11. Blue lagoon of Ayia Napa (Ayia Napa resort, Cape Greco)

Crystal clear water of the Blue Lagoon of Aina Napa

The island of Cyprus is famous all over the world for its nature, amazing landscapes, pristine forests and beautiful coast — there is something to see in Cyprus for guests with any interests and preferences. One of the extraordinary natural attractions of Cyprus has become the Blue Lagoon, located in close proximity to the popular resort of Ayia Napa. This is an area of amazing beauty, which is a combination of monumental rocks, lush vegetation and azure coastal waters. By the way, the water here is so clean and transparent that even without going into it, you can watch colorful fish and whole shoals of bright fish scurrying along the shore.

Not far from the lagoon there are unusual mysterious caves, partly filled with seawater, and it is absolutely not necessary to have the skills of a diver to visit them. Any vacationer can sunbathe, dive into the water with a mask, and explore the underwater world. Boat trips from Protaras or Ayia Napa are organized to the shores of the lagoon, and from the cliffs located near the lagoon you can enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding area.

12. The ancient city of Soli (Morphou, northern Cyprus)

The ancient amphitheater in the city of Soli

The sights of Cyprus are very diverse, and in addition to the wonderful creations of nature, you can also see ancient man-made monuments created by man himself. One of these monuments was the ancient city of Soli, located near the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. Today, only ruins remain of its buildings, which, nevertheless, allow us to roughly form an overall picture of the ancient city. All the ruins that remain of temples, palaces and other buildings are protected by special canopies, and notable places are marked with signs displaying the name and approximate date of construction of the structure.

There are several interesting facts about the ancient city:

The city of Soli acquired its name in honor of the famous Greek philosopher Solon, who once gave the local king Philocritus a number of valuable tips.

13. Limassol Old Town (Limassol)

Limassol Old Town Quarter

Lovers of historical attractions will definitely find something to visit in Cyprus — the old town in Limassol just falls under this category of attractions in Cyprus. In fact, the old town is the historical center of modern Limassol, and these places are imbued with the spirit of provincial Greece. The small houses and narrow streets here have witnessed many historical events taking place here.

The old town does not have specific borders – we can only say that it is located along the embankment near the old port of Limassol. To explore the local attractions, it is better to walk the entire route and start it from the Limassol Fortress. Moving deeper into the old quarter, you will see:

the cathedral; a number of Muslim mosques; a lot of souvenir shops; many cafes and bakeries.

Empty houses and villas will come across, which were abandoned by residents mainly for political reasons back in the 70s of the last century.

14. Archbishop’s Palace (Nicosia)

The official residence of the Archbishop of Cyprus

In the very center of Nicosia there is the most important landmark of Cyprus – the Archbishop’s Palace, built directly next to the old palace building. Despite the fact that this building gives the impression of an ancient structure, it was erected not so long ago — in 1961. Its architecture is an imitation of the ancient Venetian style, which creates a similar impression.

In 1974, during the war with Turkey, the island was attacked by an enemy, and the palace building played the role of a place for military operations. The palace suffered significant damage, but in the 80s the building was completely restored and restored.

In 1987, a huge statue of Archbishop Makarios was erected directly on the square in front of the palace, who played a significant role in the history of Cyprus — he advocated the integrity of the island and the independence of his people. Therefore, the archbishop’s bedroom is kept completely intact in the palace building to this day, and his heart is placed and stored in a special vessel.

15. Salt Lake and flamingos (Larnaca)

The salt Lake of Larnaca is a favorite resort of flamingos

Most of the tourists who have visited Cyprus have at least once driven along the white shores of the Salt Lake, which is located between Larnaca and the village of Dromolaskias. In general, this lake represents several adjacent lakes, the total area of which is about 2 square kilometers. The salt lake plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of the island, therefore it is protected by the Ramsar Convention. Representatives of the fauna find their refuge here. But, undoubtedly, the most important attraction of this region are the beautiful pink flamingos that come here for the winter. Therefore, from autumn to spring, guests have a unique opportunity to admire the beauty and grace of these large birds. It is not possible to get close to flamingos — they are quite careful, so they keep their distance from people and quite far from the shore, and to see them in all their glory, some visitors even arm themselves with appropriate optics.

16. Water park “Aphrodite” (Paphos)

Water attractions at the Aphrodite Water Park in Paphos

If you are interested in the entertainment attractions of Cyprus, Paphos will delight you and your children with the large Aphrodite water amusement park, dedicated, like many other objects in Paphos, to the goddess of love Aphrodite. On a relatively small area of the water park of 35 thousand square meters, high-speed and themed slides, magnificent pools and rivers, entertainment for the youngest with animators and other fascinating attractions are compactly located. And this variety is surrounded by rich vegetation, flowers, real rocks, picturesque waterfalls and mysterious caves — all this gives the park a certain exoticism. The layout of the place is so successful that despite the variety of entertainment, there is a free approach to each of the attractions, and there are no queues.

Official website: https://aphroditewaterpark.com

17. The Fortress of Paphos (Paphos)

View of the medieval fort on the western edge of the harbor from the city of Paphos

At the most extreme point in the west of the city of Paphos, there is a protective fort, which has become one of the symbols of this place. The uniqueness of the medieval building is given by thick walls, behind which you can visit the ruins of the former fortress. The fort was built in the 13th century by the King of Cyprus, one of the representatives of the Lusignan dynasty. Initially, the castle consisted of two towers united by a wall, but over the centuries the structure was repeatedly destroyed by invaders, suffered due to natural disasters, and then restored by new owners. There was a Paphos castle and a prison, and a mosque, and even a salt warehouse. But the look that the fortress has nowadays, it acquired in 1592, when it was restored in the Ottoman style. Today, this monument has the status of a museum — for 20 years in a row, opera concerts and festivals have been held here, among which the most famous is the Aphrodite Festival.

18. Kolossi Castle (10 km from Limassol)

A three-storey square donjon tower in the 12th century Kolossi Castle in the Limassol area

Those who are interested in the sights of Limassol should visit Kolossi Castle, a medieval military fortress about ten kilometers from Limassol. The structure, erected at the beginning of the 13th century, was once the center of the Knights Hospitaller. Today, the Colossi Castle is most often referred to as a massive crenellated tower, but it is only part of the architectural complex. The thickness of its walls, which is 1.25 meters, is striking — it is this factor that allowed the tower to withstand earthquakes and survive to this day. Presumably, there was a storeroom on the ground floor of the tower — you can still see water tanks there. On the second level there are two rooms, one of which has a fireplace — most likely, there was a dining room here. In another room there is a large fresco depicting the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the faces of the Virgin and St. John. The third floor once served as the knight’s hall and the Commander’s private quarters.

19. Buffavento Castle (Northern Cyprus)

Ruins of the fortress walls of Buffavento Castle in the Cyrenian Mountains in northern Cyprus

Along the northern coast of the island of Cyprus stretches a mountain range — the Cyrenian Mountains. It was there, on the very peaks, at an altitude of about a kilometer, that three glorious medieval castles — St. Hilarion, Cantara and Buffavento – took refuge. As for Buffavento, this fortress was built by the Byzantines back in the 7th century with the main purpose of protecting against Arab raids. The place for the construction was chosen perfectly — from this height the entire island was perfectly visible. The fortress consists of two levels: the first began with a bastion, followed by a guardhouse — there is still a fireplace in it. The ruins of the chapel are located one level above, and from here you can enjoy fascinating views of the chain of the Cyrenian mountains. The castle cannot be attributed to a specific period of history — judging by the method of masonry, different levels of the castle were built starting from the 7th century and completed up to the 14th century.

20. Cyrenian Castle (Northern Cyprus)

Kyrenia Castle is a 16th century castle in the eastern part of the old harbor of Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus

Another significant bastion on the lands of Cyprus is the Kyrenian Castle, towering over the old harbor of the ancient city of Kyrenia, in the very north of Cyprus. Like Buffavento, the Cyrenian Castle was built in the 7th century to resist the invasions of the Arabs. The citadel has a rectangular shape with bastions located at the tops. Such an architectural solution was so successful that the castle has never been stormed throughout history. The courtyard is so vast that once even jousting tournaments were held here. A visit to the interior of the castle will impress with the history, the spirit of which is still preserved within these walls: prisoners were held in the dungeons and, according to legend, it was here that the Knights Templar were executed. Now there is a museum of torture in these places, impressive for its exhibits. There is also a Shipwreck Museum and a small Byzantine church of St. George on the territory of the castle.

21. St. Lazarus Church (Larnaca)

St. Lazarus Church is an Orthodox church of the IX century in the city of Larnaca

Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world flock to one of the most important shrines in Cyprus — the Church of St. Lazarus, because everyone wants to touch the relics of the saint, who, according to the Gospel, was resurrected by Christ three days after his death. The miraculous resurrection did not please the clergy at that time, and Lazarus was forced to flee — Larnaca became his refuge. After his death, the relics of the saint were buried at the base of the church, after which the temple was repeatedly rebuilt, and it was believed that the remains were irretrievably lost. Only in the 70s of the last century, during the restoration, during the opening of the stone tombs under the altar, the relics were found — today they are the most valuable artifact and are exhibited for public worship. Other valuables of the temple include a burnt—out wooden iconostasis with the miraculously surviving face of St. Lazarus, icons of St. George the Martyr and Our Lady of Hodegetria.

22. Kykkos Monastery (Troodos Mountains)

The buildings of the Kykkos Orthodox Monastery in the picturesque Troodos mountains in Cyprus

By renting a car in Cyprus, you immediately get the opportunity for a rich vacation, not tied to the rules of general excursions. With a car, you can visit the mountains and picturesque coves, walk along the ancient streets of mountain villages, see ancient monasteries. By the way, in the Troodos mountains you can find something to see in Cyprus by car — this is the Stavropol monastery of the Kykkos Mother of God. The monastery has always had a special role in the history of Cyprus — its brethren have always sought to inspire the people in the most difficult times. And also in the walls of the monastery church there is a Miraculous icon of the Kikk Mother of God — according to popular belief, this is one of three icons painted by the apostle and Evangelist Luke. This shrine is covered with many legends related to its miracles — the Mother of God has repeatedly protected, saved from troubles, and from ancient times to this day, the icon is carried to Mount Troni during the most severe trials.

23. Ayia Napa Monastery (Ayia Napa)

The courtyard of the Ayia Napa Monastery in the center of the Ayia Napa youth resort

Monastery of the Virgin of Napa of the XV century in the style of the Italian Renaissance in Ayia Napa

Those who are looking for the beautiful sights of Cyprus, Ayia Napa will meet with picturesque beaches with snow-white sand, bizarre limestone cliffs and azure sea. But not only is a large seaside village known for its developed beach infrastructure — the Ayia Napa Monastery is located very close to the coast, and once upon a time the history of a modest fishing village at that time began with it. The monastery is located very close to the coast, in the very center of a popular resort. The history of the monastery began in the 14th century — they say, at that time an impenetrable forest grew in these places, where residents of nearby settlements hunted. One day, one of the hunters in the thicket discovered a cave in which an ancient icon of the Mother of God was kept. It was on this place that the church eventually grew, and two centuries later, the monastery. The most valuable shrine of the monastery is the veil given to the Savior by St. Veronica during the procession to Golgotha.

24. Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia (Northern Cyprus)

View of the Selimiye Mosque (former St. Peter’s Cathedral Sofia) from the Shakolas Tower (Ledra Observatory Museum) A.Savin

Already at the entrances to Nicosia, you can see the spires of the Selimiye Mosque towering over the city, built in the 13th century, but still impressive for its size and monumentality. The history of the great monument is extremely rich — the mosque was built for a century and a half, and this process was accompanied by numerous disasters, the construction was repeatedly interrupted due to earthquakes and raids by the Egyptian Mamluks. Initially, the shrine was created as a Roman Catholic church, but in the 16th century, after the capture of Cyprus by the Ottomans, the cathedral was converted by the Turks into a grand mosque – the former decoration was destroyed and painted over, and two minarets were attached to the building. But even today, marble tombstones of the Cypriot kings, covered with carpets, have been preserved. The majestic mosque impresses with its carved entrance arch, fancy windows, huge columns, Gothic vaults, mosaics and bas-reliefs.

25. The ghost town of Varosha (Northern Cyprus)

Varosha quarter in Famagusta is a former tourist center in Cyprus, Zairon

Abandoned hotels in the ghost town of Varosha in Northern Cyprus Zairon

To be precise, Varosha is not a city, but a district of the city of Famagusta, which today belongs to the territory of the unrecognized state of Northern Cyprus. It was once a thriving resort town with a 4-kilometer stretch of beach, brand-new hotels, shops, markets, nightclubs and private villas. But in 1974, its prosperity was abruptly interrupted by a coup d’etat, when the Greek part of the local people rebelled, demanding the annexation of Cyprus to Greece. And Turkey, in order to protect the interests of the Turkish part, introduced troops from the north, and the Varosha area became the extreme point of this offensive. So Cyprus was divided into two parts, the north remained occupied by Turkish troops, and the city of Varosha on the border began to act as a buffer zone guarded by UN troops. This place was abandoned by the residents, and to this day hundreds of UN representatives guard the empty city.

26. The ancient city of Kourion (Episcopi Bay)

The ruins of the ancient city of Kourion on the shores of the Bay of Episkopi near Limassol Anna & Michal

Just a few kilometers from the historical center of Limassol, the ancient city of Kourion stretches along the bay. Once it was a large city-state — it was a thousand years before our era. During its existence, the city passed into the possession of the Byzantines, Greeks, and Romans, but after many centuries it began to decline — apparently, the starting point of this process was the devastating earthquake of the 4th century AD. And finally the city was abandoned in the 7th century as a result of Arab invasions. Nowadays, the Kourion is a large archaeological museum with ruins from several eras — Hellenism, the Roman period and the early Christian era. A walk through the ruins will turn into an informative journey into the past — among the ruins you can see such objects as the house of Achilles and Eustolios, the Roman baths, the house of gladiators, the ancient theater, the ruins of the basilica, the ruins of the nympheum, mosaic fragments.

27. The ancient city of Amathus (southern Cyprus)

Excavations of the ancient city of Amathus near Limassol Carole Raddato

Going to explore the sights of southern Cyprus, you should definitely visit one of the ten preserved ancient cities in Cyprus. This is the ancient city of Amathus, with which mythology was closely intertwined — for example, there was an ancient sanctuary here, which was one of the most important places of worship for the goddess Aphrodite, and today you can see the remains of this structure. The city was built in a convenient location on a coastal cliff, on the coast of a natural harbor — this fact predetermined the rapid development of the city in the ancient period, through the local port there was trade with Greece and the Levant. For centuries, the city was conquered by the Persians, Romans, Ptolemies, Byzantines, and at the end of its glorious history the city was destroyed as a result of Arab invasions. Today, on the territory of the ancient city, you can see the ruins of the acropolis, the remains of the temple of Aphrodite, a market with rows of marble columns and ancient tombs.

28. Kamares Aqueduct (Larnaca)

Kamares stone Aqueduct or Bekir Pasha aqueduct of the XVIII century on the outskirts of Larnaca in Cyprus

On the island of Cyprus, the sights of Larnaca occupy a special place — these are kilometers of magnificent beaches, ancient temples and fortresses, a walk through the surroundings of which takes you many centuries into the past. There are other valuable historical sites, such as the Camares Aqueduct. This is the prototype of a modern water supply system, created in the 18th century, the purpose of which was to deliver water to Larnaca from the source located above. For two centuries, the aqueduct successfully fulfilled its important role, until in the 30s of the last century it was replaced by a modern water supply system. Kamares was once located outside the city, but over the years the city grew and was built up, and now the structure is in the very center of it. By the way, the city government appreciates this monument and even created a special committee to protect it.

29. Castle of Forty Columns (Paphos)

Preserved gates of the 7th century Byzantine fortress in the Archaeological Park of Paphos Wolfgang Sauber

Not far from the city of Paphos there is another of the many fortifications of Cyprus, created to protect against the invasions of the Arabs. This is the castle of Forty Columns, which is part of the archaeological complex. By the way, the existence of the castle was not known until the second half of the last century, when a fragment of a mosaic panel was discovered during the processing of a land plot located above the port. Upon further excavation, it turned out that this was only part of the archaeological treasure that lurks underground. It is believed that the castle was built in the 7th century by the Byzantines, and in the 13th century it underwent a radical reconstruction. However, the strongest earthquake undermined all these works at the root, destroying the fortress almost to the ground. The fortress got its name due to the granite columns that once supported its vault – they have survived to this day, along with the remains of towers, gloomy dungeons and basements.

30. Buyuk Khan Caravanserai (Northern Cyprus)

Fountain in the center of the open courtyard of the Buyuk Khan caravanserai in Cyprus

There are interesting places in Cyprus that preserve the history of those years when Cyprus was part of the Ottoman Empire. One of them is the Buyuk Khan Caravanserai, the largest Ottoman settlement in Cyprus, located in the north of Nicosia. The caravanserai was built by the Turks in the 16th century immediately after the victory they won over the Venetians who ruled here before. Previously, the Lusignan Palace was located here — it was on its ruins that the inn was built. Once upon a time, life was in full swing here — an inexhaustible stream of guests came here every now and then, ensuring prosperity for its owners. Since 1878, this territory was assigned to the British, who organized a prison here, and after the Second World War, Buyuk Khan was equipped as a shelter for the homeless. Today it is an art center, where there are galleries, workshops, souvenir shops, and Shadow Theater shows are also held here.

31. Hirokitiya settlement (Maroni River Valley)

Reconstructed circular dwellings of Hirokitia between 7000 and 5800 BC Ophelia2

During the Neolithic period, the lands of Cyprus were also inhabited, and this fact is confirmed by the oldest settlements discovered on the island. How could a person get to the island’s lands before the age of navigation? It is assumed that Cyprus was once part of the mainland, and only the strongest earthquake turned these territories into an island. The Neolithic settlements of Cyprus include Hirokitia, where people settled as early as 7 millennia BC. A small group of people amounted to only 300-600 people. They were engaged in cattle breeding, agriculture, hunting, fishing and built round houses made of stone or clay. At the site of the ancient settlement, even today you can see the remains of round-shaped dwellings, with burials located under the floor, and defensive structures. Some of them have been restored, and visiting the settlement, today you can look inside one of them to find out how people lived many millennia ago.

32. Avagas Gorge (Laona Plateau)

A river among the picturesque rocks in the Avagas gorge on the Laona plateau in Cyprus

A trip to Cyprus will not do without beautiful nature — the island is rich in natural beauty, excellent landscapes and climate. Therefore, it is definitely worth visiting the natural attractions of Cyprus. The presentation of natural objects will be incomplete without the Avakas Gorge, located 20 kilometers from Paphos. This natural creation was formed more than a thousand years ago by a river flowing here, which eventually dried up — now only a small stream remains at the bottom of the canyon. Avagas is a real paradise for hiking enthusiasts, here they will find spectacular views, an incredible abundance of flora, including endemic plants and endangered species. As you pass through the gorge, the distance between its stone walls gradually narrows, eventually forming a narrow corridor where stone hulks hover right above your head — a frightening but fascinating sight.

33. Fig-Three Bay (Protaras)

The attractive landscape of Fig Tree Bay in the resort town of Protaras in Cyprus dronepicr

The coastline of the city of Protaras is completely dotted with small coves, but one of them stands out from the rest — this is Fig Tree Bay, or Fig Tree Bay. Today it is a popular holiday destination where a lot of figs grow — they say it is the only place in Cyprus with such a cluster of fig trees. Once the decoration of the bay was a giant fig tree — this is where the name of the area came from. Diving enthusiasts will be especially interested in exploring the coastal underwater world — this is facilitated by the purest clear water and a rich underwater world with mysterious sea caves. The beach offers a lot of entertainment — boating, water skiing, sailing, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and numerous restaurants with traditional local dishes. The bay is surrounded by a string of hotels with different levels of service.

34. Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa)

The famous Nissi Beach inside a cozy bay in the resort of Ayia Napa in Cyprus

The Cypriot resort of Ayia Napa is famous for its beaches, among which the most popular is Nissi Beach, comfortably located in a beautiful Mediterranean bay. An incredible number of vacationers come here every year, preferring noisy parties and fun holidays with friends. Every day this place is filled with the noise of discos, pleases young people with a huge selection of entertainment. For example, in the daytime — banana riding, skydiving, scuba diving, in the evenings — incendiary dancing, foam parties and beach competitions. Nissi Beach is also perfectly equipped for a comfortable stay — there are comfortable sun beds, umbrellas, cabins and showers, and the azure water and soft sand are ideal for swimming. You can have a snack in any of the numerous cafes and restaurants.

35. Cape Greco (southeastern part of Cyprus)

Sea caves at Cape Greco in the southeastern part of the Ayia Napa resort Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

In search of what to see in Cyprus in May, the route should definitely include Cape Greco, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Cyprus. This is a true oasis of serenity, located in the southeast of the island. Its territory is untouched lands that change their delightful appearance every season — it is no coincidence that in 1993 they were awarded the status of a national park. Thus, the flora of the local park includes more than four hundred species of plants, including endemic and simply rare vegetation. Flowers are especially beautiful — in April and May, the whole area blooms with the most unimaginable colors, impresses with brightness and beauty. In addition, hunting is completely prohibited on Cape Greco, due to the need to protect local fauna species — along with numerous foxes, hedgehogs and hares, there are more than 80 species of birds, including migratory ones, as well as a huge variety of fantastic butterflies.

A trip to Cyprus can be compared to a real trip around the world — it is amazing how many monuments of nature, history and culture are concentrated on one small island. A vacation in Cyprus will allow you not only to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but also to plunge into another world, touching the cultures of different eras.

Источник