Areas of Cyprus

There are four main cities that make up the island. Each contain all sorts of activities for all ages. Visit each city or just one, either way you will find fabulous restaurants, seaside attractions and adorable craft shops with an old world feel. In each city you are given the best of both worlds: exciting attractions with a touch of old architecture and historic monuments.

Lefkosia (Nicosia)

If you are looking to adventure through old and new streets then Lefkosia will be your favorite attraction. Lefkosia is now a cosmopolitan city but it’s old world streets and surroundings still exist. Home of the Archbishops Palace, Lefkosia is also the island’s capital. While in Lefkosia you will be able to purchase souvenirs at the local craft shops, have a lunch at one of the café’s or buy a drink at one of the taverns. Located in the center of the city is an old quarter surrounded by a Venetian Fortress wall. During the day, tour the St. John’s Cathedral that contains some of the island’s most beautiful architecture. That night you should check out one of the local concerts located in the moat. Past the Fortress wall is where the actual city life begins. This is where you will find modernized buildings and shops. Many people who work in Lefkosia live in the suburban homes located right outside of the city.

Lemesos

For an exciting night, check out Lemesos, which is the second largest city on the island. Lemesos is also a highlight during the day because it houses the castle that Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre were married in. The castle is now the Cyprus Medieval Museum. Lemesos is where most of the hotels are located. The coastline is around 15 kilometers of nothing but hotels and apartments. In front of the housing is a pavement walkway that is always bustling with joggers and tourists. With all of the highlights during the day it is no wonder Lemesos comes alive at night. There are clubs, discos, beach bars, and taverns located all over the city. If you want to tour the city in cooler months, the Wine Festival is in September followed by a Carnival in February.

Larnaka

If you want to pay respect to some of the popular shrines then Larnaka should be your first stop. Larnaka is overflowing with landmarks dedicated to Christianity and the like. In the center of town is the monumental 10th century Church of St. Lazarus which is built over his tomb. After St. Lazarus’ resurrection he made Larnaka his second home and he became the first Bishop. If you are wanting to get away from the night life then Larnaka is the place to be. It’s peaceful surroundings and ocean front walkway make this city a favorite for lazy afternoon strolls. If you prefer the sea then you can rent a yacht at the local marina that is also an attraction for other local yacht owners.

Pafos

To visit antique relics and ancient ruins while still having access to luxurious hotels, spas and restaurants then Pafos may be the answer. Pafos has been the most popular visited city because of it’s ancient ruins for over 600 years. Because of that, Pafos was put on the World Cultural Heritage List. Located underground is the Tomb of the Kings which has been carved out of rock and decorated with pillars. St. Paul’s pillar is said to be the place where the Roman governor, Sergius Paulus, was converted to Christianity by the Apostle. This fact would mean that Cyprus is the only country to ever have a Christian governor. The religious monuments are not the only attractions that make Pafos such a popular city. Many businessman have had meetings in the conference centers while enjoying a night time stroll down the seaside, getting some sun on their off days, and dining in one of Pafos’ elite restaurants.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa, which also stands for “Saint Napa”, is another city with a big nightlife. As a matter of fact Aiya Napa has more clubs than the other cities do, making it the clubbing capital. In earlier days, Ayia Napa was a very family oriented city with parents and their kids frolicking in the sea by day and dining at night. However, after all of the clubs opened up that changed. It is also a big scene for London music followers, which might be the reason for all of the recent club openings. In order to get to Ayia Napa you will need to arrive at the Larnaka airport. A taxi will also be needed and for the 45 minute drive the total cost of the ride should be around 35 Cyprus pounds. One of the only attractions that is not club related is the Monastery. Dating back to the 1500’s, the Monastery located in the center of town, which is also ironically next to all of the clubs.

Troodos Mountains

Cyprus truly has the best of both kinds. If you get tired of the sea after a few days and you wish to view the countryside then the Troodos Mountains is very close by. At 2,000 meters above sea level you have a viewable access to all corners of the island while still being cool under the canopy of the pine trees. The mountains are not as remote as they seem. With quaint villages nestled on the slopes of the mountain you can visit old world shops and stroll down ancient roads that are not accessible to cars. To view a painted church and listen to the bubble of the streams then take a hike through the cobblestone lanes and up into the forest areas. In the winter months the mountains become a paradise of snow for avid skiers. During the warmer months there are tons of trails if you prefer hiking, jogging, or mountain bike riding. The mountains have been studied regularly by scientists. Due to the fact that the actual island was formed over 80 million years ago and the mountains rose from the sea level 20 million years ago it gives scientists a good idea about the formation of the earth’s crust. There are several types of animals that roam the mountains. The most widely seen is the Cyprus mouflon, which to us would look much like a wild sheep. Birdwatchers may also receive an exciting sight due to the fact that eagles are usually spotted in the mountains. After being in the nice cool refreshing mountains for a couple of hours while still being able to see the beautiful ocean, you might not want to leave the heavenly canopy.