Attractions

Nicosia Old Town

The old town of Nicosia (Lefkosia) is the city's historical centre and is inside the Venetian walls. This ancient walled city is the world's last divided capital, since after the Turkish invasion (1974), the capital is sliced in two by the 'Green Line'. In April 2008, the Ledra street roadblock crossing through the UN buffer zone was reopened after 44 years.

Venetian walls: In 1567 the ruling Venetians built a circular fortified wall around the original city, in order to protect the city from the Ottoman. Entrance to the city was through three gates : the Famagusta, Pafos and Kyrenia Gates. At the same time, the Pedieos River was diverted outside the city in order to flood the moat, which encircled the new walls. The moat is now used as a public garden and car parking space.

Ledra Observatory (Siakolas Tower): The observatory can be found on the 11th floor of Shacolas Tower ('Hermes' shopping center). It offers panoramic views of the city which is a good way to trace the Green Line.

Ledras street: Ledras street is a kilometer long street, starting from Eleftheria square. Most of it lies within in the non occupied part while the northern end lies between the UN buffer zone and the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia. Until the division of Nicosia, the street was the capital's main commercial thoroughfare. The street was pedestrianised in 1998 and is now a thriving shopping street.

Faneromeni church: The church was rebuilt at the end of 19th century on ancient remains dating back to 1300 AD. In 1938 a new bell tower was added, and its bells were brought from England in 1940. It was named after the nunnery of the same name that once stood on this spot. The church is famous for its interior. The wood-carved iconostasis dates from 1659 and is adorned with richly illustrated old icons.

The Hamam Omerye baths: Visit the 14th century baths at Tillirias Square and treat yourself to a hamam experience. Hamam Baths Website

Protaras/Ayia Napa Area

Konnos Bay: This bay is one of our favourite spots on the island. This blue flag bay is on the Protaras road close to the coastline of Cavo Greco. The isolated bay is reached by travelling through a maze of pine trees down a steep decline to the beach itself. The beach is covered with fine golden sand and has shallow crystal clear waters which are ideal for snorkeling. It is also one of the best locations in Cyprus for Watersports (Mike's Watersports).

Cavo Greco(Cape Greco): The cape is a headland between Protaras and Ayia Napa which was recently designated as a national park. We recommend two spots to visit. The first one is 'Ayioi Anargiroi' where you will see a beautiful small church on the cliff and a path that leads to the sea. You can either jump off the cliff (for the daring ones) or follow the path and swim in the beautiful clear waters. The second one is the 'Sea Caves', which are spectacular caves just before the land's end. These caves are the result of millions of years of the sea pounding on the cliffs and making inroads into the walls of the cliff. There is a platform above the caves which gives an amazing view. People either jump off the cliffs or climb down at the east end of the cliff.

Fig Tree Bay: One of the most well known beaches in Cyprus. According to a legend, the bay was named after a fig tree which arrived with Eastern invaders in the 17th century. The tree can be found on the beach! The bay is covered by white sand and has clear blue waters. A few hundred metres out to sea is a small rocky island which swimmers can visit.

Sunrise Bay: Located centrally in Protaras with easy access to all the bars/cafes of the coastline hotels. This bay is the favourite spot of the locals so it can be very busy during the summer months. It is very similar to the Fig Tree bay with golden sand and blue waters.

Thalassa museum: Located in Ayia Napa, this new museum is focused on the sea and the marine life around the island. There you can find a replica of the ancient ship of Kerynia, marine specimens such as turtles, marine plants and fossilized fish. For more information visit Ayia Napa's website. Thalassa museum website

Limassol/Paphos Area

Petra tou Romiou: Also called the Aphrodite's rock is a sea stack in Paphos area. Based on Greek Mythology, this is the birth place of Aphrodite. Best way to see it is through the view point next to the road.

Kourion: Near Episkopi town is the ruins of the ancient city of Kourion. The extensive ruins and the well preserved mosaics are worth seeing. The most preserved site is the ancient city's theatre which is on the top of the cliff and has an amazing view of the Mediterranean. The theatre which was built in the 2nd century B.C has been restored and it is used for theatrical performances.

Coral Bay: A blue flag beach with soft white sand with a background of steep limestone cliffs. It is located in Peyia and it's very popular amongst the locals. Ideal for snorkeling since there are many sea caves.

Tombs of the Kings: An UNESCO site near Paphos town. It is a large necropolis with underground tombs which date back to the 4th Century BC.

Blue Lagoon: The famous Blue lagoon is at the Chamili Bay of Akamas peninsula. It is easily accessed by a boat but access from the cliffs is also feasible with a four wheel drive car. The waters have amazing azure colour and are so crystal clear that you can see the sandy sea bed hundred of metres below. It is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving around the areas' reef.

Fontana Amoroza: Also called the fountain of love, this quiet bay is next to Blue Lagoon. It has crystal clear deep waters.

Lara Bay: A beautiful sandy strip on the Akamas peninsula. The bay is protected since it is located in the Akamas National park but also since it's the home of loggerhead and green turtles. Monk seals can also be seen in the caves of the area. In order to access this beach you will need either a four-wheel drive car or a boat. That is why this beach is so quiet and deserted. Be aware that umbrellas and loungers are not permitted for the protection of the turtles nests.

Avakas Gorge: The full extent of the gorge is 3 Km and is on the road between Coral Bay and Lara beach. You can either access it via the coastal road (river bed) or from Arodes village where the River Avakas springs. It's a stunning trail with lots of cool spots where goats and lizards rest. The highlight of the gorge is a huge stone stuck between the walls of the gorge.