Things to do Cyprus

Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia, has been the capital city of Cyprus since the Xth century. Located on the River Pedieos, in the heart of the island, it is the country's largest city.

Seat of the kings of Cyprus from 1192, the city fell under Venetian rule in 1489 and was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1571. Although it doesn't have a beach, it remains a great destination thanks to its numerous trendy boutiques, excellent restaurants, Deluxe hotels and its Old Town, which is full of fascinating and interesting attractions. The city boasts amazing examples of Gothic and Ottoman architecture in addition to medieval buildings, churches and museums which illustrate and explain the history of this little island. All the old architecture is extremely fascinating and evocative of a bygone era.

In addition, considered by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network as an important node point in the global economic system, Nicosia is the main business centre of the country.

Cyprus Archaeological Museum

The Cyprus Archaeological Museum, founded in 1882, is the most important archaeological museum in the country. Established to assemble, study and display archaeological artefacts from all over the island, it traces the long history of the civilizations that once occupied the Cyprus. This small museum is located within the medieval walls of the city of Nicosia. Its 14 display halls contain an amazing collection, chronologically and  thematically ordered, beginning with the Neolithic age and ending with the Roman period.

Limassol is Cyprus' second largest city and one of its important seaside resorts. It is located on Akrotiri Bay, on the southern coast of the island. The city has the largest trading port in the Mediterranean Sea, and became famous for its rich cultural traditions.
In addition, it offers a wide range of activities and possesses a number of museums and archaeological sites. Limassol is an ideal destination for any type of tourism, especially during the summer thanks to its unique hotels, its pleasant climate and its long white sandy beaches.
One of its most important attractions is the archaeological city of Kourion. Founded in the XVIth century B.C, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian and Roman civilizations all left their mark here.

Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates

The Sanctuary of Apollo Ilatis is one of Limassol's main attractions. This important place of worship is located just 2.5 km from the ancient Kourion on the outskirts of the city.
Built in the VIIIth Century B.C, it was greatly influenced by the Roman architectural style during its 12,000 years of use. The edifice is a small four-column portico temple with a cella and vestibule. Restored, this monument has recovered much of its splendor. The excavations have brought to light numerous other treasures, including a wrestling arena and a network of ancient baths.

Kourion

Founded in the XVIth century B.C, the ancient city of Kourion is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus. Located 19 kilometres west of Limassol on the road to Paphos, the city passed through different phases before an earthquake destroyed it in the IVth century.
Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians and Romans all left their mark on this great archaeological site. Among the most significant elements is the Complex of Eustolius, a private palace later augmented with a Roman spa adorned with beautiful floor mosaics. Visitors will also enjoy an old theatre built out of limestone blocks in the IInd century B.C. This vestige offers a beautiful view of the sea. In the IIIrd century A.D., it was rebuilt to form an arena for gladiatorial fights. The next interesting features are the ruins of a Christian basilica from the Vth century, an old gladiator's quarters, and the remains of floor heating in an old spa. Approximately 2 kilometers east of the main archaeological site visitors can find ruins of a stadium built in the IInd century.
Several other tourist attractions are located in the town’s surroundings, including Choirokoitia, the Painted Churches in the Troodos, Kolossi Castle and Kykko monastery.

Larnaca, equipped with an international airport, is a pleasant seaside resort. With a palm-lined promenade along the beach where tourists flock, a modern marina for seamen, an old Turkish quarter on the waterfront with animated and friendly taverns, it's a city made for pedestrians. Visitors will enjoy the old mosque of Al Adha, and admire the Byzantine church of Saint-Lazare. They can take in a visit to the old fort and its medieval museum, then pass to the Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, only to get lost again in Larnaca's shady streets, blending in among the crowds and the street vendors. The Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement, this famous attraction of Larnaca, is one of the best-known of its kind, dating from 7 000 B.C. Located on the main Larnaka-Lemesos road, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1998 by UNESCO. This site is known to be one of the best-preserved pre-historic sites of the eastern Mediterranean.

Paphos is one of the most important tourist destinations of the island of Cyprus, and has a unique character. Known as the capital of the west, it was in fact the island's capital in Hellenistic and Roman Times. Paphos boasts several archaeological sites, a number of which are classified as World Heritage sites by the UNESCO. Scattered in and around the town, the most important attractions include the site of Kato Pafos situated next to the old port. It has provided numerous archaeological remains of Ancient Greece, including magnificent mosaics portraying Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Artemis, the goddess of hunting, and Dionysus, the god of wine. The natural site of Petra tou Romiou, believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, is located fifteen miles east of the town of Paphos, near the chalk cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean.
Paphos is a growing, modern coastal town that seduces visitors with its splendid landscapes, lovely coastlines, historical treasures, medieval monasteries and delightful villages where tradition is still a way of life. It possesses important hotel facilities and an international airport.

Agia Napa, situated on the southeast coast of Cyprus, is a perfect example of a Leisure City. This important tourist spot gradually expanded from of a village before going on to swallow it almost entirely. Ayia Napa was a very poor village; the only income came from its fishing port. After the Turkish invasion in 1974, Famagusta lost its tourist industry's revenues and a new Ayia Napa was born. Over the years this "Festival City" has developed into a popular holiday resort thanks to its beautiful crystal clear blue beaches with golden sands and numerous tourist attractions. The city has become popular and is visited by many people from all over the world.
Located 40 km from Larnaca and its international airport, the centre of Ayia Napa is famous for its clubs and bars while the outskirts offers more tranquillity. This seaside resort has much to offer, and it offers many cultural attractions which maintain Cypriot traditions, such as the Tornaritis - Pierides Museum of Marine Life. Founded in 1992, it is located on the lower level of the Town Hall. The Museum exhibits both past and present marine life. Its main purpose is to exhibit the marine fauna, scientifically classified, of the island and the Mediterranean Sea.