Cyprus Cyprus, Aphrodite’s isle strategically located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, has long attracted invaders. Today, whilst the predominant culture is of Greek origin, other occupiers - Phoenicians, Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and British have all left their mark. Happily, Cypriots seem to have absorbed the best attributes of each and first-time visitors are constantly amazed at the genuine hospitality, warmth and friendliness with which they are greeted. For such a small island, Cyprus offers an amazing range of things to see and do. Apart from being one of Europe’s prime beach holiday destinations (the island averages around 300 days of sunshine a year), there are forested mountains, deep gorges and flat fertile plains full of citrus groves and vineyards; intriguing archaeological sites and techno discos; quiet villages with old men playing ‘tavli’ (backgammon) in the square and lively resorts where the evening entertainment lasts until dawn. The island is dominated by the 2,000-metre high Troodos Mountains, whose pine and oak covered slopes are often swathed in snow during winter. To the north the mountains sweep steeply down to the sea; in contrast, southwards they descend gently towards Lemesos and the coast. In the far west the main town is Pafos, centred around its pretty harbour lined with restaurants and bars. From here it is easy to explore the spectacular rocky coastline and an enormous range of archaeological sites. Lemesos, on the south coast, is the island’s second city, with a huge choice of resorts stretching along the coast. Larnaka, in the south-east, originally an agricultural centre, has fine museums and a lively market, whilst nearby Agia Napa offers beaches, water sports, restaurants and hotels in abundance. And in the pine-scented air of the mountains are ancient monasteries, peaceful villages and landscapes of outstanding beauty that provide for excellent exploration on foot. 3,000 years ago, Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love is believed to have emerged from the waters of Cyprus making this island a popular romantic destination. With its welcoming, fun loving people, delightful Cyprus Island of the Gods Limassol Festival Akamas Peninsula 420
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BP 374-375 rET NEW L5ksa.qxd:054-55 Thailand DPG 1&2 L1 3 ... · Famous for its palm-lined seafront, Larnaka is an excellent base to explore the central and eastern region of Cyprus.
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Cyprus
Cyprus, Aphrodite’s isle
strategically located
at the eastern end of the
Mediterranean, has long
attracted invaders.
Today, whilst the
predominant culture is
of Greek origin, other
occupiers - Phoenicians,
Egyptians, Romans,
Byzantines, Ottomans
and British have all left
their mark. Happily,
Cypriots seem to have absorbed the best attributes of each and first-time
visitors are constantly amazed at the genuine hospitality, warmth and
friendliness with which they are greeted.
For such a small island, Cyprus offers an amazing range of things to
see and do. Apart from being one of Europe’s prime beach holiday
destinations (the island averages around 300 days of sunshine a year),
there are forested mountains, deep gorges and flat fertile plains full of citrus
groves and vineyards; intriguing archaeological sites and techno discos;
quiet villages with old men playing ‘tavli’ (backgammon) in the square and
lively resorts where the evening entertainment lasts until dawn.
The island is dominated by the 2,000-metre high Troodos Mountains,
whose pine and oak covered slopes are often swathed in snow during
winter. To the north the mountains sweep steeply down to the sea; in
contrast, southwards they descend gently towards Lemesos and the
coast.
In the far west the main town is Pafos, centred around its pretty harbour
lined with restaurants and bars. From here it is easy to explore the
spectacular rocky coastline and an enormous range of archaeological
sites. Lemesos, on the south coast, is the island’s second city, with
a huge choice of resorts stretching along the coast. Larnaka, in the
south-east, originally an agricultural centre, has fine museums and
a lively market, whilst nearby Agia Napa offers beaches, water sports,
restaurants and hotels in abundance. And in the pine-scented air of the
mountains are ancient monasteries, peaceful villages and landscapes
of outstanding beauty that provide for excellent exploration
on foot.
3,000 years ago,
Aphrodite the Greek
goddess of love is
believed to have
emerged from the
waters of Cyprus
making this island a
popular romantic
destination. With its
welcoming, fun loving
people, delightful
CyprusIsland of the Gods
Limassol Festival
Akamas Peninsula
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Cyprus
climate, fine food and wines, great entertainment and frequent festivals
it’s easy to see why today’s Cyprus attracts visitors from around the
world.
Sightseeing
Villages, monasteries and beautiful landscapes in the mountains; the rock
of Aphrodite; Pafos, with its UNESCO World Heritage Roman mosaics,
tombs and castle; best beaches – Agia Napa and Protaras; Polis, looking
across Chrysochou Bay to the Akamas Peninsula, steeped in mythology;
nature conservation areas complete with hiking trails; coastal and
mountain villages; unique flora and fauna.
Accommodation
Luxury beach resorts, budget hotels and conveniently located city hotels
in Lefkosia.
Family activities
Water parks; forest, mountain and beach picnics; flamingos on Lemesos’
salt flats; Cypriot hospitality, culture and cuisine.
Shopping
What you can buy – Leather goods, silver and gold jewellery, designer and
casual clothing, local handicrafts, pottery and ceramics.
Where you can buy – Shopping centres of Lemesos, Pafos, Lefkosia and
Cyprus Handicraft Services shops.
Entertainment
Lemesos and Pafos offer a variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafés, bars
and discothèques. Agia Napa has exciting nightlife, especially popular
with the young.
Sports and leisure
Water sports – sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing; golf
at Tsada, Secret Valley and Aphrodite Hills; spa and beauty treatments in
deluxe hotels; mountain and forest trekking.
Events
Spring Cup in Nicosia (April); FIA World Rally Championship (May);
Kataklysmos, The Festival of the Flood (June); Limassol Wine Festival
(August/September); Paradise Jazz Festival (September).
Exploring by road
Self-drive and Self-drive tour programme. Driving is on the left hand side
of the road. Roads are well signposted, but are often narrow in the
mountains.
Aphrodite Hills
Agia NapaPolis
Pissouri
LARNAKA BAY
Average climate in Cyprus
J F M A M J J A S O N D
MAX 0C 15 16 19 24 29 34 37 37 33 28 22 17
MIN 0C 5 5 7 10 14 18 21 21 18 14 10 7
HRS 6 7 8 9 11 13 13 12 11 9 7 6
MM 76 45 36 16 20 8 1 2 10 26 32 56
Daily maximum and minimum averages are guides only and may vary.
Polis
Lofou village, Troodos Mountain
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Limassol promenade
Lemesos (Limassol), with its
15 kilometres of beaches, is
a lively seaside resort as well
as the island’s main port and
second largest city.
Famous for its palm-lined
seafront, Larnaka is an
excellent base to explore
the central and eastern
region of Cyprus.
Agia Napa has grown over
the years into a popular
holiday resort and is known
for its beautiful beaches and
myriad tourist attractions.
Whether you are interested
in spending your time on
the beach, experiencing the
culture or enjoying the lively
nightlife you can find it all in
Agia Napa.
Places of interest: Lemesos: Kourian with its mosaics; Lemesos Castle,
which houses the mediaeval museum and Municipal Gardens. Larnaka:
Kition with its Mycenean Temples. Agia Napa: Macronissos Tombs, the