Cyprus sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

Travellers will find many interesting things to do in Cyprus. Beautiful nature parks, ancient shrines, magnificent amphitheatres and numerous monuments will only add to overall delight from visiting this popular resort. Akamas Nature Park, which is located not far away from Paphos, is one of the most famous landmarks of the island. The park is internationally famous because of Baths of Aphrodite – a big complex of pools with crystal clean water. According to a legend, the water in these pools has a mysterious healing power, so those who swim in it become healthy and beautiful for many years. However, swimming is prohibited in Baths of Aphrodite, but witty tourists take small bottles with them and then fill these bottles with the magic elixir of life.

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The luxury hotels in Cyprus, deserving attention of the most discerning traveler.
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The ancient city of Kourion is an internationally famous destination. The city is located on a high cliff. Kourion was founded more than three thousand years ago. According to one theory, the city was founded by Greek warriors who participated in the Trojan War. That happened in 12th century B.C.; the city was developing during almost 16 centuries, until it was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in the 4th century.

The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, which dates back to the 7th century B.C., is one more archaeological landmark. The sanctuary is located not far away from Kourion ruins. The construction was severely damaged and only the gates and steps that once led to the altar have survived. There are many beautiful legends connected with the sanctuary. For example, it was considered that only the bravest and most honest people can climb all the steps and reach the altar. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

When and where to 'hang out' in Cyprus - festivals and celebrations

Many public holidays in Cyprus are religious, connected with the two dominant religions of the Republic: with Orthodox Christianity among Cypriot …
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There are also buildings of the medieval period on the island, such as Kolossi Castle that was built in the 15th century. The height of one of its towers is 25 metres. The observation deck installed on that tower features amazing views of the coast and the nearby city of Limassol. There is an old cypress tree in the yard near the castle. The centuries old tree fascinates visitors with its size and huge branches. Kikkos Monastery is considered the most beautiful landmark of its type on the island. The monastery was built in the 12th century. The history of the monastery is interesting and unusual same time; it was assaulted many times until the monastery was completely plundered by Turkish conquerors in 1851.

Another famous religious building, Stavrovouni Monastery, was built in the 4th century by order of mother of Emperor Constantine. The crucifixion, which was a gift of the empress, is the main artefact of the monastery. Kouklia is also a famous historic and archaeological centre in Cyprus. The village is known as the location of Aphrodite Sanctuary. There are also several ancient temples there and a big open air museum.

For active traveler - national parks, landscapes and nature of Cyprus

The beauty of nature of the small island of Cyprus makes the hearts of travelers beat faster. Here they can find waterfalls in the mountains and sandy …
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History and Entertainment

The entire territory of Cyprus is considered as an outstanding archeological region. The remains of ancient people's settlements formed over 9 000 years ago were found here. Many unique districts welcome tourists now. The important stage in the history of Cyprus was the 12th century BC when the islands started to be populated by Greeks. Then, the Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians have struggled for the right to possess the island for hundreds of years. In 333 AD, the island was conquered by Alexander the Great.

The culture of Cyprus was heavily influenced by the Roman and Byzantium Empires. Another important event in the history of the country happened in 1191 when Cyprus was conquered by troops of Richard the Lionheart. The island had been under the Order of Templars for several years and then was sold to the King of Franks. In the second half of the 16th century, the island was under the Ottoman Empire. In 1878, Cyprus came to Great Britain in accordance with the peace agreements.

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The first half of the 20th century was marked by a series of social and political conflicts between the Greek and Turkish people in Cyprus. The situation was stabilized when the peacekeeping UN forces were set up on the island in 1864.

Cyprus is known to many as a place where popular beach resorts are located. There are also upscale health resorts on the island. In Limassol and at other large resorts, a lot of thalassotherapy centers have been recently opened. The main attributes of modern resorts are upscale spa centers. Adherents of the health tourism have an opportunity to enjoy different types of massage and try unique cosmetic procedures with healing muds and algae.

National cuisine of Cyprus - specialties, recipes and restaurants

The Republic of Cyprus, attracting tourists with its clean beach sand and warm climate is famous for its cuisine, which has mixed and improved the …
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Cyprus is a real treasure for shopping enthusiasts. They come here to buy silver jewelry, fur coats, other items of natural fur and clothes and accessories of genuine leather. In all towns, there are artisanal workshops where you can buy hand-made laces, wooden items, works of art and gifts. When walking along colorful Cyprus markets, you can admire and buy a lot of popular treats. The most demanding sweet souvenirs are locum and sudzucos.

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Famous and uniques places in Cyprus from our review series

Choirokoitia

From the series “Remains of the First Ancient Cities”

You can see the ruins of the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia in the vicinity of the city of Larnaca in Cyprus. It was formed in the 7th Millennium BC. The settlement lasted for more than 3,000 years. The unique archaeological area was discovered about a hundred years ago. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1998. It was found out in the course of numerous studies that a stone wall of impressive size surrounded the territory of the settlement. Its height was 3 meters, and its thickness was about 2.5 meters.

The main objects of the ancient settlement were small round buildings. Their internal diameter varied from 1.4 to 4.8 meters. Some of these buildings had a residential purpose. The area for the hearth was allocated in them. They also had windows. There were also many … Read all

Famagusta

From the series “Abandoned Places of the Earth with Distinct Marks of Civilization”

One of the world's most famous ghost town of Famagusta is located in Cyprus. Today, it’s difficult to imagine that a few years ago this place has been a popular holiday destination for thousands of tourists. The popular resort town once completely emptied because of the war between Greece and Turkey. By some quirk of fate, the city was on the border between the two rival states. Today, it is fenced with a barbed wire. For many years, the two countries can not come to an agreement about one that has to own a former resort town.

Over the years, the city was completely looted. Almost all the buildings on its territory can not be reversed. An access to the city is strictly prohibited and may be life-threatening, because military forces are constantly watching the disputed territory. Modern … Read all

Κourion Ancient Amphitheater

From the series “Ancient Amphitheaters and Arenas, That Are Still Operational”

One of the most beautiful and interesting for visiting amphitheatres is located in Kourion. It will amaze travellers with its majestic appearance, the beauty of the preserved antique mosaics and the magnificent panoramic view that opens from spectators’ seats. The antique landmark is very popular with travellers. For them, part of the amphitheater has been covered with galleries that prevent penetration of the rays of the hot sun.

The Amphitheater in Kourion was built by the ancient Greeks in the 2nd century BC and was later rebuilt several times by the ancient Romans. This is one of the oldest arenas in the world, preserved until our days. As the old town of Kourion was abandoned in the Middle Ages, researchers discovered the amphitheater relatively recently, only in mid-20th century. … Read all

All unique sightseeing Cyprus

Cyprus sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

History and Entertainment

Choirokoitia

Famagusta

Κourion Ancient Amphitheater

Sightseeing in popular cities of Cyprus