Favorite places to visit in Cyprus - A week in Cyprus

 

The island country of Cyprus, located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, is one of the largest islands in the region. Enjoying a location off the south coast of Turkey, Cyprus is one of those destinations in Europe with relatively warmer weather in the winters and a fantastic never-ending summer season. It can be safely said that the island basks in sun all year round. Therefore, a trip to Cyprus should be on your list of destinations if you are looking to enjoy the sun, warmth, pristine nature, incredible beaches and ancient history.

Cyprus has a complicated history, having been under the administration of the UK in the past and several of the island's territory vastly divided. However, since the 1960s and 70s various events led to the partition of the island nation into two regions: Cyprus and North Cyprus (occupied by Turkey). This blog is a recollection of a trip made exclusively to the Republic of Cyprus.  

1. Nicosia and its neighborhood

Start your trip with a bout of sightseeing in and around the capital city of Nicosia. As usual with capital cities, Nicosia too is busy and is the business center for the whole country. A day or or two should suffice to explore the city and its tourist institutions of monuments, museums and galleries. 

A striking feature in Nicosia are the Venetian walls that were built for defense purposes in the 16th century. They are quite well-preserved and you cannot miss them while strolling around town.

Venetian walls in Nicosia depicting Renaissance fortifications

Medieval city walls and architecture will greet you all along your stroll around Nicosia. As you walk along the city barracks, you will be greeted by the Old Town Hall, Famagusta Gate - once the chief gate to the city, and the Liberty Monument on the Podocatoro Bastion. 

Liberty monument in the middle of town

Take a walk to the Ledra Street checkpoint which is a crossing point in the border between Cyprus and North Cyprus that can be done on foot. If willing, you can also cross over to the other side as many tourists do to travel and explore the north. According to several accounts, crossing is easy and quick if you have the right documentation with you.

Monument at the Ledra Street checkpoint crossing in Nicosia

Once famished with all the walking, perch yourself outside one of the numerous little street-side cafes, for a quick cuppa along with a Bourekia or Tahinopitta (both typical Cypriot pastries).

2. Limassol and the Marina

Take a bus ride from Nicosia to the southern town of Limassol. This town is the second largest in the island after Nicosia, and is your gateway to the Cyprus' pristine beaches and archaeological wonders. Limassol is worth a stop in your itinerary for souvenir shopping, nightlife and to walk along its scenic promenade. I based myself in Limassol for the rest of the trips in this holiday, as it is an ideal point to visit the nearby sights of Kourion and Paphos.

The entire town of Limassol, including its promenade, is filled with accommodations of all types and budgets. The hotels are scattered all across the area and are packed in summer. After leaving your bags in the hotel, explore around town and discover sites like the grand mosque, which was a surprise find!

Limassol grand mosque

Walk along the Molos promenade - a seaside walkway, strewn with cafes, restaurants and parks. Limassol is also a foodie's paradise with numerous top-class restaurants which dishes out mouthwatering local food at quite competitive prices! Try out a meze at one of the many taverns in town. My personal favorite is the Meze Taverna Restaurant close to the Molos walkway (they will customize and serve their 2-person mezes to 1 if you ask nicely!)

Partial picture of a Cypriot meze platter

3. Ancient Kourion 

Hop on to one of the west-bound buses from Limassol for a day trip to the ancient city of Kourion. The bus will drop you at a bend of the edge of the Kourion plateau, from where it's a 10-minute slightly uphill walk to the ancient city of Kourion.

Plateau of Kourion atop which the Greek tombs are located

The ancient Greek city of Kourion was an important site for early Greek settlers. Kourion had been extensively damaged by heavy earthquakes in the 4th and 17th century. Nevertheless, its well-preserved circular Acropolis - also called the Hellenistic theatre, along with several detailed mosaic art, speaks volumes of a long foregone era. 

The reconstructed amphitheater of Kourion

The mosaics of Kourion depict Greek scenes and stories such as the fight between two gladiators -  Margarites and Hellenikos in the 'House of the Gladiators'. Other notable mosaics include the House of Achilles, with different rooms within each house depicting different mosaics.

Mosaic in the 'House of Gladiators' depicting two fighting gladiators

Other notable attractions in this place are the remains of the extensive aqueduct network, the Kourion episcopal Basilica, the "earthquake house" - named so due to evidence of earthquakes that destroyed many other houses in the area. 

Remains of aqueducts overlooking the Mediterranean

Once you have explored the ruins and tombs to your heart's content, head south to one of the two beaches right downhill from the archaeological site. The Kourion beach is pebbly, in contrast to the Agios Ermogenis beach which is more sandy. Cool off your feet in the turquoise waters or plop down on a sun-bed while relishing on some food or drinks from one of the handful of restaurants near the beach.

4. Paphos

The grandeur of Paphos is something that only the eye can behold and comprehend. Hands down Paphos is the highlight of any trip to Cyprus and a good 2 to 3 days can be spent exploring the details of this famous and vast archaeological marvel. Paphos is situated at the absolute west coast of the island and is a big town consisting hotels, B&B's and home-stays. Paphos is served by an airport and buses that connect it from all major towns in Cyprus. Continue from Limassol with a bus ride to the promenade of Paphos, and kick-start for a full day of exploration.

Promenade of Paphos

If Kourion was to your liking, wait until you see the sites in Kato Paphos. Set right at the edge on a cliff off the sparkling Mediterranean waters, the ancient archaeological ruins of tombs, villas, fortresses, theatres, Roman mosaics, all in the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite is a feast for the eyes of every visitor. Numerous hotels lining the promenade and also inland offer several lodging options for those planning a stay in town.

Ruins and columns of Paphos dating back to the 4th century BC and middle ages 

Arrive early at the archaeological park and snake your way through the numerous mosaics, amphitheaters and baths spread across 2000 square meters. The remains of the intricate and vast mosaic floors of the villas - Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Orpheus and Alon - leave you with awe and wonder of the impressive art depicting various scenes from Greek mythology. 

Part of the reception hall in the 'House of Dionysus' depicting the figural scenes inspired by the Dionysus mythological circle

Stories told in mosaics are a striking feature, such as the one of 'Phaedra and Hippolytos' depicting a hunting scene where Hippolytos, accompanied by his dog, looks embarassed while he reads Phaedra's love letter. Phaedra, stepmother to Hippolytos, is on the right is seated in a throne anxiously waiting the young man's reaction. A burning torch held by Cupid is directed towards her heart, and is a testimony to her passion.

Mosaic depicting the scene of Phaedra & Hippolytos

The intricate floor mosaics in several villas exemplify the trend of using an assortment of light and dark colored pebbles in that era. The durability of these pebbles is the reason that so many Greek and Roman mosaic floors still exist today.  

One of the numerous floor mosaics inside an ancient villa

Once you have explored the mosaics, tombs and amphitheater, head towards the Lighthouse for an amazing view into the sea. You will find the most photogenic location of Paphos at the lighthouse. From here, continue on your exploration and visit the Hellenistic-Roman theatre and the famous Catacombs.

Overlooking the photogenic Paphos lighthouse from the Roman Odeon

The Catacombs are a sprawling area consisting of caves connected to each other through a partial underground network and courtyard. The origin of the caves are not really known and are one of the main holy pre-Christian sites on the island. 

Part of the extensive network of the catacombs of Paphos

Once you have explored a fair bit of this historical and archaeological wonder, head out of the park towards the Coastal Broadwalk, a paved path along the ruins of Paphos, for a hike along the western edge of the town. Alternatively, take a walk to the close by Lighthouse beach and soak in some sea and crisp air while you are at it. Later in the evening, head towards the old town of Paphos for a well-deserved meal of local mezes and other delicacies. 

4. Troodos mountains

As the largest mountain range in Cyprus, the Troodos mountains is a top destination for many tourists in Cyprus. Popular for skiing during the winter months and nature gazing during the summer, these mountains are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The highest peak in the area is Mount Olympus, standing at a decent 1952 meters. Public transport to the mountains are few and far between, thus renting a car or private transfer is advisable if planning to visit there. 

5. Larnaca

A trip to Cyprus is incomplete without spending a day in Larnaca. Also if leaving from the airport in the city, Larnaca makes for an ideal last stop on your itinerary. This Cypriot port city located on the southeast coast of the island, is speckled with gorgeous beaches, eateries, shopping streets and breathtaking monuments. Arrive after breakfast and wander along the main harbor promenade towards the marina. Continue next to the Finikoudes beach and plop down to soak in some sun or continue strolling onward to the Larnaca castle.

Walkway along the Larnaca coastline

Built mainly for defense purposes, the Larnaca castle has been used as a prison, artillery station and more recently, as a museum displaying antiquities such as ancient pottery, weapons and utensils. The castle courtyard also doubles as an open-air amphitheater. Walk along the barracks and terraces for a breathtaking view of the Larnaca coastline. 

Inside the courtyard of Larnaca castle

The nearby Larnaca salt lake hosts hundreds of flamingos every year during the rainy and winter season. Even if not for the flamingos, a trip to the lake right at the outskirts of the city is worthwhile when in Larnaca. Walk along the promenade, head inland for about 1 km and immediately you will arrive by the banks of the lake. Enjoy a lazy stroll around the lake, taking pictures along the way.

Nature around lake Larnaca

6. Agia Napa (Ayia Napa) & Cape Greco

The resort town of Agia Napa in the far-southeast part of Cyprus is another gem in this island. Connected by a bus service from both Nicosia and Larnaca, it makes for a perfect day trip to this town known for its beaches and the beautiful Cape Greco. Designated as a national forest park/reserve, the Cape Greco peninsula is famous for its natural cave formations and the turquoise waters. It's also an ideal spot for a wide range of water activities. A trip from Agia Napa to Cape Greco can be done with bus line 101 which is a short 10-12 minute ride. Instead, you can also take a hike along the network of nature trails in the area to explore and admire the beautiful surroundings.

7. Pottery in Cyprus

Pottery in Cyprus has been around since ancient times and a thriving pottery culture has been kept alive by the locals to this day. The first documented records of pottery in Cyprus dates back to the 9th & 8th century BC, where pots, plates, jugs, etc. had found widespread use in daily life. Quite remarkably, Cypriots have largely stuck to the traditional production methods of making pottery which is unique to this place. Several pottery workshops can be found all around Cyprus, some of which also organize pottery classes for tourists. Learning to make pottery or not, be sure to take back some of the locally produced pottery items as a souvenir.

Local handmade and hand-painted pottery from Cyprus

Arriving in Cyprus: The island of Cyprus is served by two international airports: Paphos and Larnaca. Several European airlines and Indigo (Indian airlines) have regular flights to the islands. Both airports have bus connections to all major cities, including Nicosia and Limassol. Cyprus has a very good bus network that efficiently gets you to most points on the island. This trip was done mainly by public transport.