ABOUT CYPRUS

 Larnaca    Limassol    Paphos Protaras & Paramlimni

Cyprus has more to offer the visitor and the resident than any other island in the Mediterranean - a fascinating blend of landscape, climate, a rich history and culture. It has a seemingly endless coastline of sandy coves and beaches, washed gently by crystal clear blue waters.

The Island of Aphrodite, now a full member of the European Union, is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, situated in the east and in close proximity to the busy trade routes linking Europe with the Middle East, Russia, Central Asia and the Far East.

Its climate is Mediterranean, and provides the island with hot dry summers from June to September and variable, but mild winters from November to March. The autumn and spring seasons are therefore short and can change rapidly. Overall there are approximately 340 days of sunshine a year. It is one of only a few countries where you can go skiing and swim in the sea in the same day, giving the island the healthiest year-round climate in the Mediterranean.

17% of the island's surface is covered by vegetation, including forests of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and flowers. The flora comprises about 1800 indigenous species, subspecies and varieties.
 
Being an island, Cyprus can only be reached by sea or air. There are two airports, one at Larnaca and one at Paphos. There are two main harbours at Limassol and at Larnaca as well as a number of yachting marinas. Entry formalities are simple; EU citizens require a passport or a EU i/d only, however if you are a non-EU citizen then you will also require an ID card. Approximately 40 airlines operate into Cyprus, and most European capitals and large cities can be reached by direct flights. The flight time from London is approximately 4 hours.

The local language is Greek, but over 80% of the population speaks English, and all street signs, directions, and shop signs are written in English. They even drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus. Being a small island it is worth bearing in mind that driving times and distances between major centres and facilities are short comparative to other EU countries.

The crime and vandalism rate is very low, and statistics show that in Cyprus the crime rate is only one tenth of the average among other EU countries and one sixth of the UK. In residential areas, the honesty and friendliness of the local population means that people rarely lock their cars or their houses. When considering purchasing a property in Cyprus, one needn't worry about having to turn it into a fortress.

Sport & leisure:

The mild climate puts the island in a privileged position of being able to please those with the most active outdoor pursuits. From world class golf courses that are playable all year round, to winter skiing in the Troodos mountains, there are a whole host of activities with excellent facilities for all sporting enthusiasts. The list includes: football; mini-football; mini-golf; volleyball; basketball; karting; bowling; lawn bowls; tennis; rugby; horse-riding; cycling; jogging; hunting and fishing.

For the water enthusiast there is water skiing; paragliding and sailing, with a choice of marinas in which to dock. For the scuba diving enthusiast there is much to explore, including the Zenobia wreck, which is among the world's top ten wreck dives.

Of course there is also the endless coastline of rocky coves and sandy beaches to enjoy a swim in the crystal clear blue seas or simply a gentle stroll through the scenic countryside.

In recent years many EU citizens, particularly the British have formed various clubs and associations, thereby helping new citizens to settle in easily into their new environment.

History & Culture:

The island's position in the Eastern Mediterranean, at the crossroads between east and west has influenced its development through the centuries.

The cultural life of Cyprus finds expression through the creative arts: literature, poetry, concerts, opera, dance, painting and sculpture are some of its manifestations, with an abundance of museums and art galleries.

Situated on the southwest coast is the ancient Roman capital of Paphos, reputedly the birthplace of Aphrodite. Paphos has been classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site. It is blessed with an exquisite natural beauty, fertile landscape, rich history and culture, and a mild sunny climate.

The annual "Aphrodite festival" sees visitors flock from all over the island and abroad to delight in the wonders of opera virtuosos, under the star filled sky at Paphos harbour's medieval fort. the festival includes open air performances by international theatre companies in the nearby ancient Odeon.

The island is rich in history as evidenced by its numerous archaeological sites spanning the Neolithic age, the Hellenistic-Roman era, the Byzantine period and the Lusignan and Venetian era.

The people of the island are renowned for their hospitality the world over. They have a reputation for good food and wines, offering a superb selection of restaurants specialising in local and international cuisine.

About Larnaca  -

Larnaca is a pleasant, quiet town, and unlike some tourist areas of the island, which are very busy in the summer and very quiet in the winter, it retains its character all year round. The seafront promenade, is lined with cafes taverns and mature palms, giving Larnaca an almost continental feel, whilst retaining an air of sleepy charm, thus making it a popular spot with visitors and Cypriots alike. The town also boasts a marina, and at the western end of the promenade there is a 17th century fort. The main shopping area is lined with shops of every type to suit tastes ranging from modest to sophisticated.

As the home of the island's main international airport, Larnaca offers many visitors their first taste of Cyprus. One of the first sights is the beautiful salt lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds.

Larnaca's District Archeological museum and the Pierides Foundation museums exhibit particularly interesting antiquities. Also of interest is the ancient city-kingdom of Kition - a rich sea port established by Mycenaean Greeks in the 13th century B.C.; the church of the Ayia Faneromeni, built over a rock cave dating from the 8th century B.C.; the 18th century aqueduct on the outskirts of town, and the 10th century church of St. Lazarus in the town centre is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus.

The town also has an open-air amphitheatre and an indoor municipal theatre where throughout the year there are lots of exhibitions, concerts, drama and a Folk Festival. Famous singers, actors and artists from all over the world often perform here.

Larnaca may be a small town but it has a big heart, a town that gives its visitors a genuinely friendly welcome.

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About Limassol

Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus with a population of around 155.000, it is the most important tourist and commercial centre on the island. Since the crusades of the Middle Ages, Limassol has been known to traders for its wine and sugar cane and during the crusades the leader of the third crusade, Richard the Lion-heart, freed noblewoman Berengaria of Navarre and married in Limassol, crowning her Queen of England.

One of the most major festivals on the island is the annual Wine Festival held in Limassol during September, where many wineries offer samples of their wines for ten days.

Famed for the hospitality of its people, archaeological sites, mediaeval castles, fun-loving reputation, first class hotels, designer shops and best nightlife on the island, Limassol is the perfect destination for holidaying.

One of the most magnificent archaeological sites on the island is the ancient kingdom of Kourion. The spectacular Graeco-Roman Theatre, overlooking the blue Mediterranean sea was built in the 2nd century BC and enlarged in the 2nd century AD, now fully restored, it is used for musical and theatrical performances. The House of Eustolios consists of many rooms with fascinating 5th century AD mosaic floors and a complex of baths. The Early Christian basilica, dated to the 5th century, is thought to have been the Cathedral of Kourion, also to be seen is the Roman era stadium dated to the 2nd century AD.

Amathus is one of the biggest ancient kingdoms on the island. According to legend, Ariadne, the beautiful daughter of Minos, fled Crete with Theseus and went to Amathus where he abandoned her, while she was pregnant, to fight the Minotaur. There is historical evidence here from at least 3000 years ago. One of the excavator’s most significant finds was a temple built high on the cliff, where they worshiped Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty and Love. It’s a beautiful place to visit, built on the coastal cliffs with an amazing view of the sea, visitors get to explore the area and see the beautiful archaeological treasures.

The Castle of Kolossi was initially built in 1210 and rebuilt in its present form in the middle of the 15th century. The castle first belonged to King Hugh I who gave it to the Knights of St. John . The knights controlled sixty villages on the island and being such good farmers and having a great business sense, all villages were strengthened. Kolossi became one of the Knights' most valuable overseas possessions when they produced the famous Commandaria wine, which was sought after all over Europe and brought the knights fame and fortune. According to tradition, the Kolossi Castle is where Richard the Lion-heart and Queen Berengaria spent their honeymoon.

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About Paphos

Paphos town is strongly connected to Greek mythology and its history. Paphos was the capital of Cyprus under the Ptolemy’s, successors of Alexander the Great, when its harbour was a thriving port, and remained Cyprus’s first city for more than seven centuries under Roman rule. It’s said that Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves and crashed on its shores.
Also to be found in the Paphos region are the Tombs of the Kings, tombs of Ptolemy period nobles, and for those tracing civilizations in Cyprus, there are constant archaeological discoveries in this region.

Returning to the modern day, Paphos is the ideal place to enjoy a cool refreshing drink, a steaming Cypriot coffee or a mouth-watering meal in one of the taverns, restaurants or bars that dot the scenic harbour side, and the luxury hotels along the coastline suit every taste and budget.
It is the most scenic town in Cyprus combining mountain, plain and sea, where one can enjoy the endless coastline of rocky coves and sandy beaches, swim in the clear blue seas or walk through fertile countryside.

UNESCO has included Paphos in its World Cultural Heritage list and the Cyprus government has imposed planning and building restrictions, which guarantee its architectural character.

Nearby, Coral Bay is famed for having one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the island, and with its sparkling clear waters, safe swimming and sport facilities, it’s not surprising that it’s a favourite with tourists and locals alike. Close by you can find shops, supermarkets, and also restaurants and taverns which serve fresh fish and Cyprus delicacies.

On the south coast of the island, on one of the most beautiful beaches, lies Aphrodite’s Rock or “Petra tou Romiou” as it’s known in Cyprus, the location where Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, was said to have emerged from the sea. This massive chunk of stone that marks her birthplace was a place of pilgrimage for the entire Hellenic world.

Paphos Castle was originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect its famous picturesque harbour, in the 13th century it was rebuilt by the Lusignans and then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who were unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who then restored and strengthened it after capturing the island. Since 1935 it has been declared an ancient monument and is now considered as one of the hallmarks of the Paphos region.
Just in front of the Castle, on the square, many cultural events take place, and during September each year the Paphos Aphrodite Festival takes place, which presents a different opera each year by famous artists who use the building as scenery.

The Tombs of the Kings is spread over a vast area containing impressive underground tombs that date back to the 4th century BC. The Tombs are carved out of solid rock, some being decorated with Doric pillars. Although being tombs of high officials rather than Kings, it was named Tombs of the Kings for the magnificence of the tombs.

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Protaras & Paralimni

Protaras
Being a small tourist area with so much variety, it makes for the ideal holiday for couples and families. Protaras is known as the land of windmills, going back to the days when this was a farming area. Now it offers an amazing tourist area in a horseshoe shape, with over 300 establishments ranging from pubs, bars, cafes, jewelry shops and restaurants to taverns and much more.
However, it is most famous for its beaches, which stretch over 10miles. Along the way you may be tempted to try the wide range of water sports on offer. It’s the perfect location for Scuba diving; whether you want something beautiful like sunfish reef or something a bit more historic like the WW1 shipwreck, there are many secluded lagoons to explore.
The views from Profit Elias Church, situated on a hill top overlooking Protaras, will never fail to take your breath away and in July the two day festival takes over with small stalls and cafes set up, giving a perfect opportunity to try traditional foods. In close proximity is also the old Cypriot village of Paralimni, where traditional cafes, shops and churches mingle with today’s modern society.

These are some attractions and great places to visit whilst you are in Protaras

 

Protaras Gallery	Ayia Triada Harbour	Konnos Beach
Fig Tree Bay	St Elias Church	St Georges Church
Protaras street	Pernera harbor	Ayia Trias

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