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Locations of Cyprus
Agia
Napa
What was once a small fishing harbor surrounded by a few
houses has fast become a popular resort, particularly with
families and young people. Agia Napa`s shimmering clear
blue waters and white sandy beaches provide an exceptional
setting for beach lovers, offering plenty of exciting activities
for families.
The town centre is a late-night draw for young clubbers,
and can get very lively. However, most Agia Napa properties
are situated well away from all the revelry, and offers
a relaxing holiday environment for those who desire it.
Just beyond Agia Napa is Cape Greco, an area of extreme
beauty with secluded coves, ideal for those who enjoy exploring.
Diving and snorkeling are highly popular activities in this
area, due in part to the number of ships being foundered
just off Cape Greco over the past centuries.
Protaras
Located to the north of Cape Greco and close to the principal
town of the area, Paralimni, Protaras is just a 15-minute
drive from Ayia Napa.
A relaxedarea ideal for families, couples and singles of
all ages.
Protaras, with its superb crystal clear waters and fine
silver beaches, provides an idyllic holiday setting. Its
beaches are probably the finest in Cyprus, and include the
famous Fig Tree Bay, whilst nearby Cape Greco offers superb
snorkeling and scuba diving.
Overlooking the resort is the elegant Ayios Elias church,
beautifully lit up at night, while the surrounding countryside
is scattered with windmills which are used to keep the land
fertile for potato growing.
Larnaka
Situated on the southeastern coast, home of the main international
airport, Larnaka is one of the oldest continually inhabited
cities in the world. Its trademark, the famous mile-long
promenade lined with palm trees, is now a pedestrian’s
zone, which makes this area’s open-air cafes, tavernas
and restaurants even more attractive. At one end of the
promenade is a yacht marina and a port, and about 400 meters
inland lies the town’s main commercial and shopping
centre, with many department stores and supermarkets.
To the west of Larnaka is the beautiful salt lake, home
to migratory flamingos and the Mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke,
which is one of the most important shrines to Muslims—the
Prophet Mohammed’s close relative is said to have
died here. Close to Larnaca is the village of Lefkara, famous
for its lace and silverware, and the village of Konnos,
famous for pottery.
Troodos
Mountains
With the trend towards activity holidays away from beach-based
breaks, holidays in the Troodos Mountains in the heart of
the island are becoming more popular. The majestic range
of mountains stretches across the centre of Cyprus, reaching
up to 1,952 meters at the Chionistra, the highest point
of Mount Olympus.
Vineyards and olive groves cover some of the lower slopes
and particularly at higher elevations there is a considerable
amount of natural woodland. The pleasant summer temperatures
offer a welcome change from the searing heat on the coast.
The climate also suits a considerable variety of wildlife
and many species of plants, birds and mammals. The village
of Platres, 65 kilometers from Limassol, is the most popular
resort in summer. While still unspoilt, it does have shops,
tavernas and a discotheque and provides a good base for
exploring the beautiful mountain area.
Relatively short drives away from the coasts and plains,
the pine forested slopes provide a breathtaking change of
scenery, with panoramic views, sweeping valleys and peaceful
rustic villages.
Lemesos
Lemesos, Cyprus’s second-largest town, is a vibrant
and highly popular seaside resort, famous for its Autumn
Wine Festival and Spring Carnival. An excellent choice of
hotels and apartment blocks, many with their own beach,
stretches right along the predominantly sandy coastline.
The main tourist area offers shops, restaurants, bars and
a buzzing nightlife, whilst a quieter atmosphere can be
found at the Old Town and the harbour, which shelters small
fishing boats.
Limassol offers many sites of historical interest, and is
where King Richard the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria
of Navarre in 1191, crowning her Queen of England.
Lemesos' latest attraction is the exciting simulator-based
'Time Elevator' - an educational and entertaining glimpse
into Cyprus' historical past, situated just behind Lemesos
Castle.
Its central position on the Cyprus coastline makes Limassol
a good base for those wishing to explore the mountains,
or other coastal regions.
Pissouri
Pissouri is truly the most picturesque village in Cyprus.
Set on a hill, Pissouri overlooks the beautiful greenery
of vineyards and fields. Centred exactly between Paphos
and Limassol, it can be used as the ideal base to visit
both towns. Pissouri Bay is blessed with two kilometres
of sand & shingle beaches surrounded by a generous helping
of white cliffs and sweeping vineyards. Pissouri is the
ideal location for total peace and relaxation.
The new Columbia Pissouri Resort and the long-established
favourite Columbia Beach Hotel now combines to form an exciting
complex where guests may use the facilities of both properties.
Pafos
Situated on the southwest coast of Cyprus, Paphos holds
great appeal to visitors of all ages. Steeped in history,
with a wealth of ancient sites dating back to the 4th Century
BC, Paphos is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Island’s capital in Roman times, and the legendary
birthplace of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty, Paphos
retains its charm despite its popularity as a tourist resort.
The main tourist area, and many archaeological sites, is
to be found in Kato, or lower Paphos, whilst the old town
known as Ktima sits further inland, high up on a rocky plateau.
The surrounding area is countryside, rich in vegetation
with banana plantations, citrus groves and vineyards which
lead on inland to the gentle foothills of the western Troodos
Mountains.
Polis
/ Latchi
Less than an hour’s drive away from Paphos, on the
northern coast of the Island, lies the unspoilt rural area
of Polistis Chrysochous with its relaxed, agricultural town
of Polis and small fishing village of Latchi.
Over the years, these areas have yielded numerous ancient
relics. Bordering the Akamus Peninsula Nature Reserve, with
its sandy bays, wildlife, and geology, the place is ideal
for ramblers, water-sport enthusiasts, or those wishing
to relax in a totally tranquil environment.
The pretty fishing harbour at Latchi offers some excellent
fish tavernas, and has some good beaches nearby.
The Baths of Aphrodite, a legendary beauty spot, are just
along the coast from Latchi. According to myth, Aphrodite
would take her beauty baths in the pool of this natural
grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree, and has a continuous
run of water from the overhead rocks.
Lefkosia
Lefkosia is one of the oldest capitals in the world, fortified
with imposing stone walls and massive gates built by the
Venetians.
Though not a true holiday resort, it is ideal as a base
for visiting the many places of interest: the Cyprus Museum,
the Leventis Municipal Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the
Famagusta Gate, and the Agios Ioannis Cathedral. Laiki Geitonia
is the picturesque old quarter, fully restored to create
an atmosphere of 1920`s Lefkosia, with narrow streets and
a variety of restaurants and shops. Lefkosia remains the
only divided city in the world. The `green line` runs through
part of the old city and is one of the points of interest
on many guided tours. For horse racing enthusiasts, races
take place weekly at the Lefkosia Race Club.
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