Introduction to
Cyprus
Cyprus is an island of almost infinite variety; an island
with 10 000 years of legend and history with places of great
archaeological importance.
You will discover a world of alluring beaches and fragrant
mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient
ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone
villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations
at the local café.
LARNACA
The modern city of Larnaca is situated in the south East
of the island. A pleasant town with a harbour, both for
freight and passenger traffic. Also known for its Marina
where one can find yachts and sailing vessels from around
the world. The main International Airport is also located
in Larnaca just 4km to the south. Larnaca is known for the
most delightful and picturesque promenade on the seafront,
called Finikoudes in Greek. Also visitors and residents
alike can enjoy an iced drink at the sea front cafes with
breathtaking views or swim the Mediterranean blue sea.
The salt lake (near the airport) will interest bird watchers
in winter as it is visited by flamingoes and other migrating
birds.
Larnaca has much to offer both of historical interest and
natural beauty.
LIMASSOL
Second largest town in Cyprus, industrial center and chief
exporting town. Center of the wine trade. Best know for
its nightlife, though hundreds of hotels and restaurants
cater for all tastes and budgets. In Limassol town center
is the Medieval Fort where Richard the Lion heart is thought
to have married Berengaria of Navarre. Just outside Limassol
are two of the islands’s most important archaeological
sites, Amathus to the east and Kourion to the west. Both
sites were ancient city-kingdoms. The Graeco-Roman theatre
at Kourion is in a spectacular setting with breathtaking
views of the sea. Also at the Kourion are a number of rooms
with beautiful 5th century C.E. mosaic floors. At Amathus
you can see, among others, revealed parts of Acropolis and
Agora areas. On the mountain slopes of Limassol are the
picturesque villages known around the world for their excellent
wines, including the famous Commandaria. Also everybody
is invited to the islands best known festival ‘The
Wine Festival” which is held annually in Limassol
in September with various wineries offering free samples
of their products for ten days.
PAPHOS
Paphos is situated on the Southeast coast of the island,
sheltered from the north by the Troodos mountain, Paphos
enjoys the healthiest all year-round climate on the Mediterranean.
Today Paphos is a very popular coastal sea resort.
Also Cyprus Government has invested in irrigation dams,
water contribution works, road infrastructure and the building
of Paphos International Airport. Also the introduction of
a new Marina situated in Coral Bay area (under construction)
will be the biggest in Cyprus , and one of the biggest in
the Middle East, serving more than one thousand yachts.
The town of Paphos is included today in the official UNESCO
list of cultural and natural treasures of World Heritage,
such as Petra tou Romiou, legendary site of Aphrodite’s
birth, Paphos harbor with its ancient castle, Dionysos wine
mosaics and wonderful antiquities.
Paphos is truly a great town of Historical significance.
FAMAGUSTA
Famagusta is situated on the eastern coast where the Cypriot
weather is always at its best. Where one can find peace
among the golden sandy beaches and rugged cliffs of the
surrounding coastline. The attractive scenery includes the
small fishing harbour of Ayia Napa, also the famous Medieval
Monastery with its 16th century church which is situated
in the heart of Ayia Napa, and of course the windmills and
small churches in the surrounding villages. The town of
Paralimni with its sea resort of Protaras has long golden
beaches and the coast of Cape Greco with its unusual rock
formations nearby will particularly impress.
At present are two new Marinas under construction, which
will bring a great increase in high quality visitors in
the areas of Protaras and Ayia Napa. One Marina will serve
350 yachts and the other for 650 yachts with a platform
for incoming and out going yachts to all the Mediterranean
marinas.
Protaras - Ayia Napa have become the most popular summer
resorts in the Mediterranean and an ideal retirement spot
for anybody who wants to experience culture, natural beauty
and genuine hospitality of local people.
