Cyprus

Welcome to Cyprus

This tiny island has a grand history. Coveted by empires across the centuries, Cyprus’ enviable position has made it a prize possession for all who rose to power in the Eastern Mediterranean. Today, people still flock here, but it’s now to seek out the island’s beaches rather than to gain power and glory. For travelers interested in more than sand and sun, you’re in for a treat, as Cyprus has archaeological sites, fine Byzantine churches, and monasteries and museums galore. It’s also a wonderful place to go hiking, with an incredible wealth of unique flora and fauna. Best of all, it’s so small that you can easily base yourself in one town and head out on day trips from there.

Top Cyprus Attractions

Visit The Ancient Kurion There’s no shortage of ancient sites in Cyprus  but Kourion is the pick of the bunch. Romantically situated across a coastal cliff with tumbling views of the countryside and Mediterranean below, it’s a magical place. The entire site is vast, but the most famous section is the theater and the House of Eustolios, which holds a clutch of fine, well-preserved mosaics. For those with more time up their sleeves, the large Byzantine basilica area is wonderfully picturesque with its tumbled columns and scraps of mosaic floor.

Easygoing Larnaca, on the island’s southeast side, may be a seaside resort, but it’s kept its local soul. This is by far the most laid-back base for holidaymakers here. All the facilities for sun- and sand-based fun can be found, but the old crumbling Turkish Quarter (called Skala) and ornate Agios Lazaros (Church of St. Lazarus) give the town an interesting historical edge, while the center itself has retained the atmosphere of a proper workaday town rather than just a summer resort. Even better, the salt lake, just to Larnaca’s west, is packed full of flocks of pink flamingos during spring, and plenty of hill villages and cultural tourist attractions lie in the surrounding hinterland.

The Kolossi Castle If castles had cuteness competitions, Kolossi would surely come up trumps. This tiny but perfectly formed castle just outside of Limassol is an old Crusader stronghold and a reminder of Cyprus’ importance for the Europeans during the Holy Land Crusades. First held by the Knights of St. John, the castle was used as a commandery for the area, with an excellent location looking out over the coast line. Today, the castle’s appeal is mostly down to its dollhouse proportions and its tranquil position amid snoozy Kolossi village.

Visit The Cyprus Museum With so many archaeological sites, Cyprus is packed full of museums, but the Cyprus Museum in the capital Nicosia is where you go to pull together all of the island’s history. Extremely well-curated, the museum takes visitors on a journey from the Neolithic age right up to the Ottoman era using beautiful artifacts to show the sophisticated artistry of each period.

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