There are so many amazing places to see in Cyprus that the list seems endless. The following are just a few of the many wonderful places we think are worth visiting while on holiday on the beautiful island of Cyprus.
Paphos Harbor
Visitors flock to Paphos Harbor for the excellent sea views and the brightly painted fishing boats that frequent the harbour. Enjoy relaxing and watching the world go by in one of the fish restaurants, taverns or cafes that line the harbor side. To explore the coastal areas and beaches, you can take a boat tour from the port.
paphos castle
Demolished by the Venetians, the castle is all that remains of a castle dating back to 1391. The Ottomans used it as a dungeon and the British used it as a salt warehouse. The castle, which is accessed by a small bridge over a moat, is worth a visit for the magnificent views it offers from the top.
The Paphos Mosaics
While visiting Paphos Harbor and Castle, don’t forget to see the colorful Roman mosaics that were discovered by accident in the 1960s. After the first mosaics were discovered, further excavations were carried out, revealing a number of Roman houses that they contained amazing mosaics depicting scenes from ancient mythology. These mosaics give an idea of the wealth and extravagant life of some of the Roman Paphiots. The main mosaics are found in the House of Dionysus, the House of Aion and the House of Teso, all located near the lighthouse and the fortress of Saranda Kolones, near the port.
Curium
Located in Limassol, the ruins of Curium date back to the 2nd century AD. Here are two sites, the old city of Kolossi and the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, which are very close to each other. With stunning scenery overlooking the sea and a museum in the nearby town of Episkopi, these ruins are not to be missed.
Kolossi Castle
While visiting the Curium ruins, you should also visit the nearby Kolossi Castle. The castle was once the headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers (the name later given to the Commanderia dessert wine) and, although the castle changed owners several times, it is mostly associated with the Hospitallers and wine making.
nicosia
A visit to the walled city of Nicosia should not be missed when visiting Cyprus. Built by the Venetians in the 1500s, the walls and eleven bastions surround most of the city’s most historic monuments. Visit the restaurants and shops along the winding streets of Laiki Yitoniak, which is located within the old city walls. To see the old and new city, you can get a great view from the Ledra Museum and the Shakolas Tower Observatory.
The House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios (House of the Dragoman)
Also in the old part of Nicosia is the beautiful House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios which is located near the Omeriye Mosque. Built in the 15th century, it is a fine example of combined Venetian and Ottoman architecture. The dragoman was a powerful man who served as a translator for the Turkish governor and served as a liaison between the Ottoman authorities and the Orthodox Christians, but unfortunately he was beheaded in 1808!
cedar valley
If you love nature, you must visit the secluded Cedar Valley in Tilliryan Troodos. Filled with indigenous Cyprus cedar (cedrus brevifolia), the valley is ideal if you are looking for peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings. Cedar Valley is also home to the mouflon (wild sheep that is native to Cyprus). These timid creatures can be seen, if you are lucky, wandering the valley or in the enclosure of Stavros tis Psokas.
Panayia tou Araka
Throughout Troodos there are many painted churches set in stunning scenery. A good example is the Church of Our Lady of the Pea (Panayia tou Araka), which is one of the ten painted churches on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Found near the village of Lagoudera, this small church sits amongst the trees and wild peas from which it takes its name and offers lovely views across the valley. Dating back to the 12th century, the freshly cleaned frescoes inside the church are a wonder to see.
chorokitia
The remains of stone age settlements in Chirokitia, dating back to the 6th/7th century, are some of the best preserved Neolithic sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Discovered in 1936 and excavated in the 1970s, this is one of the earliest settlements on the island of Cyprus and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The inhabitants of the settlements lived in one-story beehive-shaped houses; more than 50 of these houses can be seen on the site, along with the original streets and a grand mansion.
lefkara
Lefkara is actually made up of two villages, Pano (upper) and Kato (lower) Lefkara. As you stroll through the streets of the village, you will come across many shops selling beautiful local lace. This exquisite lace is one of the most famous exports from the islands, it is said that Leonardo da Vinci bought some of this lace and took it with him to Italy. For more information before you buy, you will need to visit the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Goldsmithing which is located in the Patsalos house in Pano Lefkara.
