Guide to Cyprus

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Guide to Cyprus

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With its countless sandy beaches and warm weather year-round, sun-soaked Cyprus is becoming an increasingly popular European tourist destination. And since it's acceptance into the European Union in 2004, visiting Cyprus is easier and more attractive than ever.

Still, it's important to note that Cyprus is a country with some tension, having been divided in two after the Turkish invasion in 1974. While this doesn't pose any sort of danger to visitors (crime rates is Cyprus are amazingly low), it can pose small complications when going from the north (Turkish) side of the island to the south, particularly for non-EU citizens. However, there's so much to see and do in Cyprus, both in the north and in the south, that it's worth making the effort to visit both sides of the island.

Famagusta

Famagusta is one of two popular tourist regions in Northern Cyprus. An ancient city, Famagusta was founded by an Egyptian king in 285 B.C.-- and much of its long, rich history is visible today. One of the most popular historical buildings in Famagusta is Othello's Tower; the very one made famous by Shakespeare himself. Also worth a visit is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Today, it's been converted into a mosque.

In the Famagusta region north of the city lie the ruins of Salamis. According to historians, Salamis was founded in 11th Century B.C. and abandoned around 650 A.D. after being plagued by earthquakes and pirates. Incredibly well-preserved, the ruins of Salamis include an amphitheatre, Roman baths, royal tombs, and beautiful mosaics.

After a visit to Salamis in the hot Cypriot sun, there are several beaches close to the ruins, including Silver Beach, located at the south end of Salamis. Silver Beach is a great stop for families, with gentle seas safe for children and the opportunity to snorkel and explore the now-underwater harbor of the ancient city.

Kyrenia

The town of Kyrenia is another popular destination in Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus. A small city, Kyrenia seems to have two personalities-- the one tourists and locals see during the day, and the one they live in the evenings.

During the hot daylight hours, there are plenty of things to see in Kyrenia. Kyrenia is famous for its castles, and the most famous of them all is Kyrenia Castle, which overlooks the city's famous harbor. A magnificent ancient building, Kyrenia Castle is also home to the Shipwreck Museum, which contains the ruins of an ancient Greek ship from fourth century A.D.. Outside of Kyrenia are several more castles, such as Kantara Castle, the Castle of Buffavento, and the Castle of St. Hilarion.

During the evenings, the day-busy harbor turns into Kyrenia's center for entertainment and relaxation. Full of restaurants, cafes, and bars, it's the perfect place to relax with a drink and the wonderful local food after a hot day of sightseeing.

Larnaca

Larnaca is considered the oldest city on the island of Cyprus; evidence has been found of the city being occupied 6000 years ago. With so much history to fill it, Larnaca has been divided into two: the old and the new. The old city center, full of history and architectural finds, is surrounded by a mass of hotels, restaurants, and other establishments catering to beach-going tourists.

Larnaca is also home to Cyprus's largest airport, Larnaca Airport, which is located about 15 minutes from the city center by car. Getting around the city itself is simple; Larnaca is so small that almost all of it is easily reachable on foot or by bicycle.

For those interested in history, Larnaca is full of it. One of the key sites to visit is the church of St. Lazarus, which was built in the 9th century, supposedly surrounding the tomb of Lazarus, biblical figure and the brother of Mary. Near the Larnaca Salt Lake is the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, which is supposed to contain the tomb of Umm Haram, who was the foster mother of Mohammed. The Salt Lake itself is to the west of town, and is a great place to see the big pink flamingos that live there from November to March.

Limassol

After the capital of Nicosia, Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus. The main draw for tourists visiting Limassol are its wonderful and very numerous beaches, which are covered in rich, soft sand. Limassol is also known as the party city of Cyprus-- when all of the other cities have emptied of tourists, Limassol's Yermasovia strip (the tourist strip) is still full of crowded bars, beaches, and pubs.

For those interested in history, Limassol has plenty to offer. The town center dates from the medieval period, while the Temple of Kouron is full of ancient Greek and Roman ruins. The temple's amphitheater is still used today, and is a wonderful place for an evening classical music concert or Shakespearean play. For more ruins, take a drive down to Kourion (about 15 km), home to the House of Achilles and the Altar of Apollo.

A visit to the Troodos Mountains is a great way to get out of the heat of the city. The mountains are full of ancient monasteries and great walking trails, as well as vineyards. Each September Limassol holds the Troodos Mountains Wine Festival, with fabulous local wine, food, and music. The wine festival is also a great way to get a peek into local customs, with nightly showings of traditional dances, songs, and plays.

Paphos

Historically known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, Paphos is one of Cyprus's most popular tourist destinations. A little town located at the southwestern tip of Cyprus, it's also one of its smallest.

Like many of Cyprus's cities, Paphos is divided into the modern commercial center and the old city center. In the old center can be found the remains of the home of Dionysus and of Theseus, as well as old monasteries, churches, tombs, and the famous Byzantine castle of Saranda Kolones. The city center is also where some of the best hotels and taverns are located.

The beaches of Paphos also attract their fair share of visitors, and are popular spots for swimming and scuba diving. There are several diving centers within Paphos, where a dive should cost about 30€.

For a bit of peace and quiet, just north of Paphos is Polis, a small town overlooking the Chrysochou Bay. Nearby are the Baths of Aphrodite, and in the bay itself is Latsi, a tiny but charming fishing village, where tourists can stop for a supper of fresh fish.


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