Places to see and things to do in Cyprus

There are so many wonderful places to see in Cyprus, we’ve included ten of our favourites:

Akamas Peninsula
The Akamas Peninsula is a beautiful region of hills, valleys and rocky shores, ideal for rambling, with rich and varied flora and diverse wildlife. The Akamas Peninsula is in the far west of Cyprus at its most westerly point. Named after the son of Theseus, hero of the Trojan Wars and founder of the city-kingdom of Soli.

The Akamas Peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty - deep gorges, a wild landscape, and wide sandy bays. It is also an area of great biodiversity and ecological significance. It’s home to 530 plant species, a third of the total for Cyprus, 126 of which are endemic to Cyprus. It’s an un-spoilt wild place thanks to its inaccessibility. The variety of fauna is equally impressive - 168 birds, 12 mammals, 20 reptiles and 16 butterfly species. Almost all the geological strata found on Cyprus are represented in Akamas. This coupled with the varied topography has led to a wide variety of microclimates which in turn has led to the large biodiversity and sheer natural beauty of the area.

Ayia Napa and Protaras
If you like entertainment of the non-stop variety, then Ayia Napa should be top of your list. It was once a small fishing village, but not any more. It boasts some of the best beaches on the island, lots of opportunities for watersports and is a popular destination for package tours. Arrive on a summer's morning and you will find a quiet, almost eerie place - but only because most of the visitors sleeping off the excesses of the night before!

This is Cyprus, however, and in the midst of all the fun and noise in the very heart of the town, you can find peace and tranquility in the monastery with its fountain, flowers and quiet cloisters. Opening hours 8.15am to 2.30pm and 3pm to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday, closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons - tel: 23721796

The nearby resort of Protaras is said to be more family orientated and like Ayia Napa, has good beaches and lots of watersports. South of Protaras is Cape Greko, the easternmost point of this end of the island.

Ayia Napa Harbour
Another focal point is the crescent harbour, crowded with bright fishing boats. The day's catch is tonight's dinner at the popular restaurants nearby. Life in this southeastern corner of Cyprus revolves around the sea, with water sports of all kinds readily available - from scuba diving to water-skiing to paragliding.

Explore the rugged coast toward Cape Greko, with its string of calm sandy coves, and stay for the indescribably beautiful sunset. Or head north, toward the basket-making community of Liopetri, stopping at Sotira to take in the pretty village churches that date to the 15th and 16th centuries. East to Protaras, more glorious beaches spread out under the sun, while just inland the white-washed town of Paralimni boasts open-air tavernas known for their succulent grilled fish.

Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke
For those of you arriving at Larnaca airport, one of Cyprus' most impressive places to visit is right under your noses! As you turn left out of the airport you will find the road running along a causeway. On either side you will either see two lakes, or two salt flats, depending on the time of year - this is the Larnaca Salt Lake and site of the mosque or Tekke of Hala Sultan. Salt has been extracted from the lake since ancient times and this continues, on a small scale, to this day. If you are visiting Cyprus in late winter or early spring, look out for the visiting flamingos and other migratory birds. Another salt lake can be found further along the coast of Akrotiri. Peer across the lake and you will see the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque surrounded by palm trees. This is a wonderful place to visit. Opening hours Hala Sultan Tekke winter 9am - 5pm - summer 7.30am to 7.30pm.

Kourion
Archaelogical evidence and historical sources strongly suggest that Kourion is one of the most important and glorious ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. It is believed that a total of twelve kingdoms (Paphos, Salamis, Kition, Kourion, Amathous, Marion, Soloi, Tamassos, Idalion, Ledres, Chytroi and Lapithos) existed in ancient Cyprus, each having the role of an urban and administrative center. The ruins of Kourion, near the modern town of Episkopi, is located on one of the most fertile spots in the island, with extensive ruins and including well-preserved mosaics.

Also of interest are the public baths, the Nymphaeum, the necropolis, the Fountain House, House of Gladiators and House of Achilles. The most spectacular site at Kourion is the Greco-Roman amphitheatre, or forum (pictured), that has been completely restored (with the Mediterranean as a backdrop) and is used today for open air musical and theatrical performances. It is one of the venues for the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama.

Kolossi Castle, a Crusader fortress of the Knights of St. John that was constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th, towers over a landscape of vineyards. It's accessible by a short drawbridge that was originally defended by a parapet high above, through which defenders would pour molten lead or boiling oil on the heads of unwanted visitors. A spiral staircase leads up to the roof and the restored battlements. The Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis (5th century BC), behind Kourion, is one of the largest, most significant historic religious sites in Cyprus. Apollo was a god of beauty, music, woodlands, prophecy and archery, and protector of trees, flocks and herds - and of Kourion itself.

The site spreads out over 15,000 square meters. The cliff-top Kourion amphitheatre has panoramic views of the coastline and al fresco Shakespeare performances in the summer. At the southeast edge of a commanding plateau lie the remains of the House of Eustolios. Built on the ruins of an earlier palatial private residence, which was completely destroyed by the earthquakes of the late 4th century A.D., the present form of this impressive House dates from the end of the 4th to the middle of the 7th century A.D. The entire building complex was constructed of limestone blocks and consisted of more than thirty rooms and a bathing area. The main entrance was on the west and opened onto a rectangular forecourt.

Nicosia 'within the walls' and the House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios
Look at any map of Nicosia and you will see the distinctive shape of the walls of the old city. The walls and their eleven bastions were built by the Venetians in the 1570's - most of the historic monuments of Nicosia can be found in the winding streets within the walls. It is also the site of the famous tourist quarter, Laiki Yitoniak, which is full of gift shops and restaurants. The best way to see what is on offer is on foot - for a bird's eye view of the city old and new go to the Ledra Museum and Observatory on the eleventh floor of the Shakolas Tower (next door to Woolworths on the corner of Ledra Street and Arsinois Street). Opening hours winter daily 10am to 7pm - summer 10am to 8pm - tel: 22679369. One of the most beautiful buildings in the old city is the house of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios - also known as the House of the Dragoman - built in the fifteenth century. It is a wonderful example of a combination of Venetian and Ottoman building styles. The position of dragoman was a powerful one - he served as translator to the Turkish governor and liaised between the Ottoman authorities and the Orthodox Christians. He was an immensely powerful man and, as was common for such people in those days, was beheaded in 1808. The house can be found at 20 Patriarchou Grigoriou near the Omeriye mosque.

Macronissos Tombs
Macronissos Tombs are found west of Ayia Napa village in the locality of Makronissos. They are an ancient burial site, located at a stepped road, which leads down to a rectangular entrance. The entrances were originally closed with one large or two smaller calcarenke slabs. Most of the chambers are almost identical. They are all provided with a rectangular trench in the middle slightly lower than the floor of the road and three benches at the sides of the chamber. Some of the tombs have additionally one loculus carved on the longitudinal axis of the tomb opposite the entrance, while another is provided with four beaches at the sides and one opposite the entrance, thus providing room for five interments.

The sanctuary is a simple rectangular enclosure constructed with large irregular blocks. The few offerings found during the 1974 archaeological survey as well as those found during the latest excavations date the sanctuary to the Cypriot-Classical and Hellenistic period

Tombs Of The Kings
The site contains a set of well-preserved underground tombs and chambers used by residents of Nea Pathos from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The seven excavated tombs are scattered over a wide area and all are accessible to the public.

The tombs are unique in Cyprus due to the peristyle court structure, which was influenced by Egyptian architecture. The ancient Egyptians believed that tombs for the dead should resemble houses for the living, and this tradition is reflected in the Pathos tombs. You should allow two hours for visiting the site.

Pathos Mosaics
The mesmerizing collection of intricate and colorful mosaics in the southern sector of the archaeological site, immediately south of the Arora, is a pleasure to discover. Found by accident during leveling operations in 1962, these exquisite mosaics decorated the extensive floor area of a large, wealthy residence from the Roman period. The mosaics are regarded as one of the best places to see in Cyprus.

Palaia Paphos (old Paphos)/Kouklia
A large area which contains the Sanctury of Aphrodite. At the entrance is a restored Lusignan (La Covocle) with substantial and impressive Turkish additions. In its main hall is a museum with exhibits focusing on the history of the excavation of the area and the fragments of mosaic that have been found. Its prize procession is a large black stone that stood as a manifestation of Aphrodite and was worshipped by the pilgrims. The hall itself is worth a close look as it is one of the best examples of 13th-centry Gothic architecture on the island. There is a museum on Roman remains, the ruins of Roman houses and a wing with original walls still standing, to see here as well.

Water Parks

Paphos Aphrodite Water Park, Cyprus
With the largest number of facilities and attractions in Cyprus, the biggest family rafting ride in Europe and virtually guaranteed sunshine for every one of its opening days, it's no wonder that Paphos Aphrodite Water Park attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. Young or old, swimmer or not, there's something here for everyone.

Whether you're looking for pulse-pounding excitement, slippery challenges, relaxing activities and sunbathing, or a combination of all three, there's something for everyone at Aphrodite Water Park.

Waterworld Waterpark
3km west of Ayia Napa is Waterworld Waterpark which has received over 20 prestigious awards. It offers wet, sand-free thrills for all ages, with various pools, water slides and roller coaster rides. There’s a shallow pool for toddlers too, two restaurants, a bar and a gift shop. For more information see http://www.waterworldwaterpark.com/