Cyprus sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

Travellers will find many interesting things to do in Cyprus. Beautiful nature parks, ancient shrines, magnificent amphitheatres and numerous monuments will only add to overall delight from visiting this popular resort. Akamas Nature Park, which is located not far away from Paphos, is one of the most famous landmarks of the island. The park is internationally famous because of Baths of Aphrodite – a big complex of pools with crystal clean water. According to a legend, the water in these pools has a mysterious healing power, so those who swim in it become healthy and beautiful for many years. However, swimming is prohibited in Baths of Aphrodite, but witty tourists take small bottles with them and then fill these bottles with the magic elixir of life.

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The ancient city of Kourion is an internationally famous destination. The city is located on a high cliff. Kourion was founded more than three thousand years ago. According to one theory, the city was founded by Greek warriors who participated in the Trojan War. That happened in 12th century B.C.; the city was developing during almost 16 centuries, until it was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in the 4th century.

The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, which dates back to the 7th century B.C., is one more archaeological landmark. The sanctuary is located not far away from Kourion ruins. The construction was severely damaged and only the gates and steps that once led to the altar have survived. There are many beautiful legends connected with the sanctuary. For example, it was considered that only the bravest and most honest people can climb all the steps and reach the altar. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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There are also buildings of the medieval period on the island, such as Kolossi Castle that was built in the 15th century. The height of one of its towers is 25 metres. The observation deck installed on that tower features amazing views of the coast and the nearby city of Limassol. There is an old cypress tree in the yard near the castle. The centuries old tree fascinates visitors with its size and huge branches. Kikkos Monastery is considered the most beautiful landmark of its type on the island. The monastery was built in the 12th century. The history of the monastery is interesting and unusual same time; it was assaulted many times until the monastery was completely plundered by Turkish conquerors in 1851.

Another famous religious building, Stavrovouni Monastery, was built in the 4th century by order of mother of Emperor Constantine. The crucifixion, which was a gift of the empress, is the main artefact of the monastery. Kouklia is also a famous historic and archaeological centre in Cyprus. The village is known as the location of Aphrodite Sanctuary. There are also several ancient temples there and a big open air museum.

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History and Entertainment

The entire territory of Cyprus is considered as an outstanding archeological region. The remains of ancient people's settlements formed over 9 000 years ago were found here. Many unique districts welcome tourists now. The important stage in the history of Cyprus was the 12th century BC when the islands started to be populated by Greeks. Then, the Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians have struggled for the right to possess the island for hundreds of years. In 333 AD, the island was conquered by Alexander the Great.

The culture of Cyprus was heavily influenced by the Roman and Byzantium Empires. Another important event in the history of the country happened in 1191 when Cyprus was conquered by troops of Richard the Lionheart. The island had been under the Order of Templars for several years and then was sold to the King of Franks. In the second half of the 16th century, the island was under the Ottoman Empire. In 1878, Cyprus came to Great Britain in accordance with the peace agreements.

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The first half of the 20th century was marked by a series of social and political conflicts between the Greek and Turkish people in Cyprus. The situation was stabilized when the peacekeeping UN forces were set up on the island in 1864.

Cyprus is known to many as a place where popular beach resorts are located. There are also upscale health resorts on the island. In Limassol and at other large resorts, a lot of thalassotherapy centers have been recently opened. The main attributes of modern resorts are upscale spa centers. Adherents of the health tourism have an opportunity to enjoy different types of massage and try unique cosmetic procedures with healing muds and algae.

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Cyprus is a real treasure for shopping enthusiasts. They come here to buy silver jewelry, fur coats, other items of natural fur and clothes and accessories of genuine leather. In all towns, there are artisanal workshops where you can buy hand-made laces, wooden items, works of art and gifts. When walking along colorful Cyprus markets, you can admire and buy a lot of popular treats. The most demanding sweet souvenirs are locum and sudzucos.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Cyprus

Famous and uniques places in Cyprus from our review series

Choirokoitia

From the series “Remains of the First Ancient Cities”

You can see the ruins of the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia in the vicinity of the city of Larnaca in Cyprus. It was formed in the 7th Millennium BC. The settlement lasted for more than 3,000 years. The unique archaeological area was discovered about a hundred years ago. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1998. It was found out in the course of numerous studies that a stone wall of impressive size surrounded the territory of the settlement. Its height was 3 meters, and its thickness was about 2.5 meters.

The main objects of the ancient settlement were small round buildings. Their internal diameter varied from 1.4 to 4.8 meters. Some of these buildings had a residential purpose. The area for the hearth was allocated in them. They also had windows. There were also many … Read all

Famagusta

From the series “Abandoned Places of the Earth with Distinct Marks of Civilization”

One of the world's most famous ghost town of Famagusta is located in Cyprus. Today, it’s difficult to imagine that a few years ago this place has been a popular holiday destination for thousands of tourists. The popular resort town once completely emptied because of the war between Greece and Turkey. By some quirk of fate, the city was on the border between the two rival states. Today, it is fenced with a barbed wire. For many years, the two countries can not come to an agreement about one that has to own a former resort town.

Over the years, the city was completely looted. Almost all the buildings on its territory can not be reversed. An access to the city is strictly prohibited and may be life-threatening, because military forces are constantly watching the disputed territory. Modern … Read all

Κourion Ancient Amphitheater

From the series “Ancient Amphitheaters and Arenas, That Are Still Operational”

One of the most beautiful and interesting for visiting amphitheatres is located in Kourion. It will amaze travellers with its majestic appearance, the beauty of the preserved antique mosaics and the magnificent panoramic view that opens from spectators’ seats. The antique landmark is very popular with travellers. For them, part of the amphitheater has been covered with galleries that prevent penetration of the rays of the hot sun.

The Amphitheater in Kourion was built by the ancient Greeks in the 2nd century BC and was later rebuilt several times by the ancient Romans. This is one of the oldest arenas in the world, preserved until our days. As the old town of Kourion was abandoned in the Middle Ages, researchers discovered the amphitheater relatively recently, only in mid-20th century. … Read all

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Travel News

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Sightseeing in popular cities of Cyprus

Paphos

An unusual attraction is St. Solomon's Catacombs, another unique archaeological monument. They were created in the 4th century BC. According to the scientists' assumptions, originally these catacombs were used as tombs. It is known that Saint Solomoni who was forced to flee Palestine hid from persecution in the dungeons at the end of the 2nd century. According to one of the legends, relics of the saint are buried in one of the dungeon's secret corners. Fans of religious tours are invited … Read more

Ayia Napa

Among the historical attractions of Ayia Napa, the Venetian monastery stands out. The history of the monastery building is fascinating; a few hundred years ago, a dense forest was located in its place. It was later cut down, leaving just one sycamore tree alive. It continues to grow in the territory of the monastery and now the old tree impresses with its size. According to the tradition, the monastery was founded directly over the cave where the locals once found an icon of the Blessed … Read more

Limassol

The best way to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of locals is to visit the village of Omodos. This settlement is one of the oldest in the world. It has existed since the Byzantine Empire. For more than a thousand years, this village has been famous for producing a delightful wine that locals make according to secret recipes. Guests of this village can stroll through the picturesque old streets and admire the beautiful houses, buy wine in local shops, and visit the museum, which … Read more

Larnaca

One of the most unusual and interesting in the city is the Kyriazis Medical Museum that was opened quite recently, in 2011. Among its exhibits are medical equipment and documents that clearly illustrate the development of medicine. Here you can see devices with the help of which medicines were prepared as far back as ancient times. The museum occupies a historic villa with a small garden where medicinal plants have been grown for many years. Fans of unusual activities should never pass by … Read more

Kyrenia

First inhabitants on the site of the modern resort appeared almost six thousand years BC. It is believed that Cepheus from Arcadia was the founder of Kyrenia. The first mentions of the town in official documents date back to the period of Ramesses III. At that time, Kyrenia was the main center of sea trade between Asia Minor and Greece. During the Roman Empire period, which Kyrenia was a part of, the town kept its position of an important trading stop. In 395, the Cyprian town came under the … Read more

Nicosia

Not far from Nicosia is an important archaeological site where the ruins of the ancient city of Tamassos were discovered. Historians know very little about this city: according to some sources, the first settlements appeared here in the prehistoric era. The city was founded near the large copper deposits. The extraction of this metal allowed the city to successfully develop and prosper for hundreds of years. By the 10th century, the mines were almost completely depleted, the city came to … Read more

Protaras

There is a Historical Museum in the city. It will tell visitors about the most interesting events that the city had to endure. The museum has a rich collection of archaeological finds, discovered by researchers on the island. A collection of vehicles is especially worth highlighting among the exhibits of later periods. You can also see ancient carts, used by local residents hundreds of years ago, and the most luxurious carriages formerly owned by the aristocracy. Among the religious attractions … Read more

Famagusta

At the top of one of the rocky hills are the ruins of the Byzantine Kanthar castle. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1191. Among numerous mountain castles in Cyprus, this one is perfectly kept. Visitors will have an opportunity to walk around its surviving halls and enjoy the panorama that opens from the top of the mountain. The monastery of St. Barnabas is located in the immediate vicinity of Famagusta. It managed to perfectly survive a hundred years from now. Yet, visitors can … Read more

Cyprus sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

History and Entertainment

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Cyprus

Famous and uniques places in Cyprus from our review series

Choirokoitia

Famagusta

Κourion Ancient Amphitheater

Sightseeing in popular cities of Cyprus

Map of travel guides to Cyprus cities