Cyprus: The Island of Aphrodite

  • It is an independent country/island, located at the northeast Mediterranean, at the triparty tile meeting point of the three continents, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
  • It’s the third biggest Mediterranean island following Sardinia and Sicily.
  • Across the northern coast of the island and in close distance there is Turkey, while to the east we find Syria and a little further Lebanon.
  • In May 2004 the island became an official member of the EU, connecting, this way, Europe with the Middle East and the rest of the world.
  • Cypriot people are well known for their warm and friendly hospitality towards foreigner visitors.
  • Focusing on tradition and local products, it is considered from many people to be a culinary destination.
  • It is the warmer island of the Mediterranean with dry weather.
  • It is always sunny, since it is enjoying a wonderful Mediterranean climate, except for the raining season between December and February.
  • The average temperature is between 8°C, at the colder month of December, and 35°C at the warmer month of August.
  • It maintains several attractions that any visitor can admire. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, Crusaders, Byzantines, Franks and Turk, they all have left their strong footprint on the island.
  • It is rich with rare and gorgeous gold sand beaches, virgin green forests and many more eye-catching natural beauties.
  • It is one of the most beloved and popular tourist destinations, famous for Agia Napa, Prwtaras a.o. with high tourist traffic all over the island.
  • It is considered to be one of the safest destinations worldwide since crime rates are almost non-existent.
  • It has become one of the top business and financial centres of the wider region.
  • It has competitive advantages in areas such as tourism, shipping, consultancy services, public and private education, telecommunications, banking and insurance services.
  • Many choices for nightlife.
  • Population: 1.000.000
  • Cities: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Pafos
  1. Nicosia: Capital

It is the commercial, business and administrative centre of the island, a city with a background history of 1.000 years in which the eastern – european element co-exist. Leaving behind the main streets with the coffee shops, bistros and commercial shops, the stone Venetian walls surround the old city. On the pedestrian narrow streets, between the pine trees, minarets and the small souvenir shops, one finds the city’s treasures, such as the Museum of Byzantine Icons, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Cypriot Archaeological Museum.

The reality of the divided Capital is of course more than visible, (guard posts, flags e.g.) and it is a major part of the visit.

  1. Limassol

The most famous destination of the summer, the biggest port of the island, a well-organized modern tourist centre which is constantly renewed and it’s slowly developing in a popular holiday centre for both tourists and locals. The beautiful coast extends up to 15km wide and includes pedestrian streets, cycling paths, organized beaches, restaurants, cafés, luxury resorts & spa hotels, but also more quiet areas for food and drinks.

  1. Larnaca

The Eastern scent, due to the Mosque of Hala Sultan and the imposing pine trees along the coast, are spread around the city. There is the modern airport of the island. The commercial centre of the city is the Athens Avenue. Foinikoudes beach is the most cosmopolitan area of the city, with its varieties of cafés, bars and restaurants. Makenzi beach is the preferred place for long walks by the sea since it is a pedestrian street and it is ideal for this kind of activities. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss visiting the Salt Lake, favourite shelter of the flamingos and the rest of the migratory birds during the winter season.

  1. Paphos

“Petra tou Rwmiou” is one of its most beautiful coast lines, where according to mythology, the beautiful Aphrodite emerged from the sea. Popular seaside resort with luxury hotels, historical attractions and a medieval castle – Global Heritage Monument protected by UNESCO. A walk in Kato Paphos reminds of a walk in a museum, with different seasons and cultures composing an atmospheric collage. Among the things one must do is the walk along the beach to the castle and from there to the archaeological park with the Roman villas and the unique mosaics. Its beaches, such as the Coral Bay, are among the best of the island. To the west, Paphos province has scenic mountain villages and areas of rare natural beauty such as the Akamas peninsula, the Aphrodite Baths and the Stone of Rome. All these make Paphos an ideal destination for lovers of history, and at the same time they have secured a place for the entire city in the Unesco World Heritage List.