Larnaca | Limassol | Pafos | Troodos | Hill Villages | Nicosia | Northern Cyprus | Golf
Larnaca Area
Panayia Angeloktistos church in Kiti (10km out-side of Larnaca town). Here you can see one of the best mosaic in Cyprus showing the Virgin Mary holding the baby Christ flanked by the archangels Michael and Gabriel.
Salt lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and
other migratory birds. Beside the lake, in a tranquil setting crowned by
lush palms, is the Hala Sultan Tekke built to the memory of Prophet
Mohammed's aunt.
Agios Lazaros Church . Larnaca's first bishop was St Lazaros, who chose to live his second life in this town after Jesus had raised him from the dead. This church was then built in his name and his remains are said to be held in a tomb below the church.
Pierides Foundation Museum. The town's marble bust of Zeno, after the philosopher who founded the famous Stoic School, bears testimony to another famous son.
Larnaca Sea-front (Finigoudes) is vaguely reminiscent of the Continental promenade, with its line of mature palms and its languid air of sleepy charm. Cafes and tavernas line the area near the sea, making this popular spot with visitors and Cypriots alike during the long Summer.
Nearby is the Marina, frequented by yachtsmen from all over the world. At the western end of the promenade is the town's 17th century fort, which now houses the Larnaca Mediavel Museum.
Shopping area - Ermou Street (located behind the sea-front strip)
Troodos Moutains
Minibus mountain safari trips have to be a 'must do' for all visitors to
Cyprus. There are many routes to choose from taking in some fantastic
sights before reaching the summit. You can pass through the pine
forests or take a route past one of the largest dams in Cyprus.
Kykkos Monastery is one of the wealthiest and best known in Cyprus. Lying at at an altitude of 1318 meters, this spectacular landmark was founded around the end of the 11th century by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos. There are no remains of the original monastery as it was burned down many times.
After passing through the summer mountain resort of Platres, orchards of fruit trees and Platania Forest station your reach the highest peak in Cyprus - Mount Olympus Olympus (1,952 metres (6,400 ft)
Hill Villages
Here are just a few of the many traditional Cyprus villages you can take a
look at on your way through the Troodos Mountains.
- Omodos - tucked away in a picturesque landscape of vineyards. Here you'll have the opportunity to try some of the best produced wines of Cyprus.
- Lania - the artists village. Many artist from around the world come here to paint the scenic streets of this village
- Kakopetria - medieval village which still retains its charm and beauty. marvel at the folk architecture of the old dwellings and the old restored water powered flour mill.
- Vouni - with its lovely donkey sanctuary
- Lefkara - to see the Cyprus lace and silverware being made
Cyprus boasts around 14 different grape varieties and has one of the oldest wine regions in the world. At the village of Agios Ambrosios you can indulge in some samples from the unique ecological winery.
Limassol
Beyond Limassol town you can see the
splendid sights of ancient Kourion the mosaics and the amphitheatre. An
important ancient city-kingdom and one of the most spectacular
archaeological sites on the island.
On the way back to town is the beautiful Kolossi Castle ,which originally dated back to 13th Century.
Limassol town centre has many shops to while away the hours and an amazingly long sea-front strip. Have lunch at one of the pleasant bistros around the old fort or visit the castle followed by the sponge factory.
Amathous where, according to mythology, Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne after his battle with the Minotaur.
Between Limassol and Larnaca you have the village of Tochni and the archeological wonder of Chirokitia. Stavrovouni monastery and Mazatos Camel Park are also en route back to Larnaca.
Pafos
Driving through the Pissouri plantations and British Military Base Episkopi,
you can stop of at Petrou de Romeo (otherwise known as Afrodite's rock).
Yeroskipou - visit the old church of St. Paraskevi famous for its 5 domes. Try some of the Loukoumi which are local sweets made in the village.
Then onto the famous Tombs of the Kings - impressive tombs carved in the rock of the 2nd Century B.C. Another UNESCO site worth seeing are the Roman Mosaics
Pafos Town for shopping or you can take a stroll down to the pretty fishing harbour and the fort.
Nicosia
The only divided capital in the world. You can stop at the Cyprus
handicraft centre where you can browse and see the many locally produced
products and souvenirs. Visit the green line, the line that divides the
island and the capital in two parts.
Sites to see would be the Venetian Walls of the 16th century by the Famagusta Gate, the Monument of Liberty and the Archbishopric with the Statue of Makarios. You can see the Cathedral of St. John, a painted Church of the 17th century and the Byzantine Icon Museum with some of the most beautiful icons (8th-19th century)
If you like culture, Nicosia has a relatively large cultural museum which is well worth a visit.
Shopping is plentiful in the capital and you could also opt to walk through to the other side of the border (make sure you have passports!).
Northern Cyprus
Many visitors to the island like to take the trip across the border to the occupied North. The main areas of interest are Kyrenia and Famagusta.
Please bear in mind that a Turkish Speaking tour guide is currently required on all minibus trips from the South to the North so this will have to be added to the cost of the trip.
Kyrenia has a lovely harbour and the route from Nicosia will take you past the wonderful St Shill;arion Castle.
Famagusta has an old and new town. The old part is a pleasant place to wander around shops and historical sites nestled within the city walls.
Golfing
A Polpular trip is to Vikla, a beautifully located golf course in
the Limassol hill district. Whether you are a golfing enthusiast or whether you
just fancy a fun day out at the golf course it is an opportunity to play
the course whilst enjoying the scenic views of the Cypriot countryside.
The course has 13 greens with multiple tees to provide an 18 hole course. Equipment is available for hire and is included in the club membership fee.
For non-golfers in the party there is a idyllically situated swimming pool by the club house at your disposal and lessons can be provided (with advance notice of course) for beginners.