It is difficult to say what is more on this island in the Mediterranean: romance or ancient history. Or maybe just in this combination is the special charm of a holiday in Cyprus!
General characteristics of the island
Cyprus is one of the three largest
islands of the Mediterranean Sea. Its area is 9250 square meters. km However, in a day it will not be difficult to cross it up and down and see the sights on the island of Cyprus. By car, from north to south it is necessary to drive 96 km in the widest place, and from east to west more - 224 km.
The relief of the island of Cyprus is diverse: sandy shores and rocky cliffs, valleys and hills, cedar forests and mountain ranges.
Summer all year round
The climate is very favorable, even. In summer, the air temperature ranges from +25 degrees Celsius to +35 degrees, in winter it is cooler - from +17 to +19 degrees. Winter in Cyprus is short and the beach season is open almost all year.
There are almost no rains in the summer on this island, they can be reached only during the period from December to February.
Of course, the climate is important for choosing a vacation spot. But not only he attracts tourists here. The sights on the island of Cyprus are also amazing. What to see, everyone decides for himself. Because the choice is very large.
Resort country
It is noteworthy in Cyprus that most of its attractions are located in or near the resort area. So, you can combine rest on the sea with an excursion program.
For example, the resort of Limassol is the second largest city of the island. Here, in antiquity, every stone breathes. There are many interesting things both in the city itself and in its environs. First of all, the Limassol fortress attracts, which survived a lot of things: enemy raids, sieges, earthquakes ... In 1191, the wedding of Richard the Lionheart, the English king, with Princess Berengaria of Navarre took place in the chapel of the fortress. Now there is a museum in the fortress where you can see knightly armor, various weapons, utensils of the Middle Ages and much more.
Limassol Neighborhood
There are a lot of interesting things in the vicinity of Limassol. So, 5 km from it, the ruins of one of the oldest cities in Cyprus - Amathus - have been preserved. It appeared before our era and flourished for a very long time, while the Arabs in the 7th century BC. e. did not destroy it. Archaeologists have managed to unearth some fragments of the ancient city. Today, tourists can stroll along its streets, explore the ruins of an early Christian basilica, climb to the remains of the sanctuary of Aphrodite, see the ruins of bathhouses and the remains of a water conduit system.
Other resorts (Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Paphos, Troodos, Protoros) also have something to see. Its antiquity and beauty fascinates the island of Cyprus. Sights, excursions to prominent places are very popular among tourists, make the holiday rich and memorable for a long time.
Cyprus and the Greek gods
Ancient Greek myths indicate that it was in Cyprus, on Mount Olympos, that the first inhabitants of the Earth appeared, they are gods - Uranus and Gaia. Here the goddess of love Aphrodite was born.
Many surviving artifacts do not let us forget about how ancient our Earth is. The ruins of the temple of Aphrodite near the town of Kouklia, the baths of this goddess in the Akamas reserve, the sanctuary of Apollo, the temple of Astarte, and finally, the remains of the palace of Zeus. Indeed, these are just crumbs that have come down to our time, but they nevertheless prove that gods or people who lived for many centuries were powerful. After all, they erected such structures, which are now not easy to build.
Therefore, probably, there are so many myths and legends about them. As, for example, this: it is worth plunging a girl into the water of the baths of Aphrodite, as she will gain long-term beauty.
So, Cyprus, attractions: what you need to see?
Most interesting rating: first place
It is very difficult to determine what to put in first place. Perhaps Paphos, in the aggregate of all its attractions. The city is included in the UNESCO list “Treasures of world civilization”. It is believed that it was founded back in the time of Alexander the Great. The ruins of the ancient city of Nea Paphos have been preserved here. Archaeologists attribute some of its elements to structures from the time of the Romans. The walls have preserved drawings made of colored stone and representing mythical plots. Mosaic floors are even more attractive, it is hard to believe that they are many centuries old.
A lot of places are connected with the goddess Aphrodite in the vicinity of Paphos: a bay, a bathhouse, rocks, a temple. Especially admires the natural beauty of the rocks of Aphrodite, the places where this goddess of love was born. They are located 25 km from Paphos.
Tombs of the kings are located in the rocks. There are buried dignitaries of the Roman Empire, as well as the time of the Ptolemies, and the king Ptolemy himself. They represent entire underground palaces.
In Paphos, you can also visit the medieval castle fortress, the Archaeological Museum, the monastery of St. Neophytos in the rock and much more.
Calculate in order
Calculating in order is not so simple. Because the attractions are truly unique on the island of Cyprus. What to see, it is best to choose based on their proximity to the resort, where you have to relax.
However, we will try to continue the rating list and put Kourion in second place. This is another ancient city of Cyprus. It is believed that he died due to a strong earthquake in the 4th century. Archaeologists have managed to unearth many fragments of this powerful policy in those days. The main one, perhaps, is the Greco-Roman amphitheater. Where there used to be houses of nobility, public baths and some other structures, mosaics depicting birds and fish have been preserved.
Having visited Kourion, it is worth looking into the nearby Sanctuary of Apollo. This temple dates back to the 7th century BC. Of course, there was not much left of him: two gates and steps that lead to the altar.
The Knight's Castle of Kolossi (13th century) strikes with a high tower and thick walls. It was a defensive structure built by the Knights Hospitallers near Limassol.
In Larnaca, an Orthodox church of the 9th century - the Church of St. Lazarus - has been preserved. Legends say that it was built exactly in the place where the saint is buried.
In the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, you should definitely see the gate of Famagusta (one of the three entrances to the historical part of the city through the Venetian walls); Archbishop's Palace (center of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Cyprus); Omeriye Mosque (according to some sources, the Turkish Caliph Omar is buried there).
Monasteries of Cyprus
There are many of them on the island. The three most important include the Imperial Stavropegial Holy Kikk Monastery (founded during the Byzantine era), Stavrovuni Monastery (4th century, relic - part of the Holy Cross) and Maheras Monastery (the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is kept). By the way, Stavrovuni is located on the top of the mountain, which offers a wonderful view of the mountains and the coast.
The main monasteries of Cyprus are located in the mountainous region of Troodos. Twelve of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Most of them were built in the 11-12th centuries. Many of them were destroyed, but their churches remained, differing not only in architecture, but also in magnificent frescoes.
Closer to the present
If you are tired of antiquity, you can plunge into Cyprus and modern paradise.
Cavo Greco Natural Park, Water World water park, Lefkara village (famous for lace and silver products), aquarium, Caledonia waterfall ...
The entertainment program at all resorts is also rich and interesting. Popular festivals: "Cataclylimos", "Anfesteria" and others. Diving, jeep racing, surfing, golf, water skiing ... Everything is here!
Of course, it is difficult to enjoy a vacation in 8-9 days and to see all the attractions on the island of Cyprus. Responses of vacationers suggest that most of them still manage to get “rest for the body and soul”, “only positive emotions” and “a sea of impressions!” Even in such a short time. Well, those who did not seem enough plan to definitely turn up to continue acquaintance with the wonderful island.
In addition to time, of course, a certain amount of funds is required in order to see the sights available on the island of Cyprus. Prices there are still of European level.
The cost of a tour to Cyprus is on average from 16,000 rubles per person. The price depends on the duration of the stay, and on the comfort of the hotel, and on the services provided (food), and other factors. You just need to study the offers of tour operators and choose what suits you.
There is also the possibility of ordering a hotel or apartment in Cyprus via the Internet, as well as self-purchase of airline tickets and visa.
It doesn’t matter which way of organizing a trip to this Mediterranean resort people choose, the main thing is that, besides a good rest, they will also be provided with vivid impressions from the sights that have remained from ancient times on the island of Cyprus. What to see, where to visit, what to admire, you now know. There are few places where there would still be so many objects for contemplation and cognition than in Cyprus!