Cyprus Attractions

The long beaches and luxurious hotels of Cyprus offer an ideal opportunity to relax under the sun. The island is an autonomous republic and Nicosia is the capital city. In everyday life the island is separated into a Greek and a Turkish part and some areas are under international control. Aside from past political rivalry Cyprus is at peace. It is true that some cities have declined because of the conflicts but the rest are flourishing. It is very easy to get to Cyprus with a major international airport in Larnaca and Mediterranean cruises often stop in the ports of the island. The climate is dominantly Mediterranean. The summers are hot without any rain therefore tourists often praise the island for its great weather. Tourist offices are abundant on the island so you will have plenty of opportunities for tours and trips. Car rental is also available.

What to do in Cyprus

For most visitors on the island relaxing on the beach and sunbathing is the best part of the trip. Cyprus offers great opportunities for swimming in the sea and aquatic sports are popular on the beaches. Other than nice beaches the island has wonderful cities. First, let’s see Nicosia, the capital.

The city was well-known for its division into two parts, like a small Berlin. The relations between the Greek and Turkish side have developed a lot but it will take some more time before things get settled. The Ledra Street was the first crossing between the parts and now it is tourist attraction. Not far from here the Faneromi Square is home to the main sights of the city. This square was the heart of the city before the conflict in 1974. The Faneromi Chruch has a beautiful façade just like the school building in front. There is a he marble mausoleum in the middle of the square. The Episcopal Palace is also a magnificent building with the gothic cathedral of St. John nearby. The frescoes and interiors of the cathedral are brilliant works of art. The Eleftheria Square is the center of Nicosia today where the city hall stands. If you want to spend some time with shopping visit the Onasagourou Street. The shops here offer a huge variety of local products and international brands as well. Stop for a moment in one of the city’s parks to relax after the long walk.

Cyprus is a great choice for lovers of gastronomy. The island produces a lot of orange and lemon and these are the ingredients for great local food. The halloumi cheese is delicious consumed raw or grilled. The souvlaki is a specialty for meat eaters. As a Mediterranean country Cyprus offers dozens of fresh salads served with olive oil. There are no bad choices on the menu.

On the southern coasts of Cyprus lies Limassol, the largest city of the island. Wide avenues follow the coastline with many hotels overlooking the sea. Kourion was the ancient city once flourished on the island. The ruins of the city and the theatre on the coast can be visited. The landscape is truly magnificent in this region. The Kolossi Palace has a strong medieval atmosphere with its lofty towers. Paphos and Larnaca are similar towns where ancient ruins surround modern tourist resorts. The Archaeological Museum in Limassol has a large collection of recent finds on the island. The Museum of Folk Art presents the unique culture of Cypriots. The beach shows the lively atmosphere of Cyprus. There are many restaurants and bars along the beach. The Columbia Plaza represents the modern city with its restaurants and shops. Old and new live together on the island of Cyprus.