Cyprus has many archaeological and antiquities sites scattered around the island, dating from the New Stone Age through to the Roman Empire. The beautiful coastline of the island still quite unspoilt in many places, is well worth exploring.

Main Cities

The Famagusta Gate, part of the fortified medieval town wall of Lefkosia

Lefkosia, the capital, has a wealth of history, preserved Venetian walls surrounding the city, some wonderful bars and restaurants within the old walls of the city and of course the 'green line' - the dividing line with the Turkish part of Cyprus, a result of Turkey’s invasion to the island in 1974, which cuts through the centre of Lefkosia, now the only divided capital of Europe. Located on the River Pedieos and situated almost in the centre of the island, it is the seat of government as well as the main business centre.

Worth visiting – Ledra Street, Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, Cyprus Museum, Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation, Ayios Ioannis.

Ruins of Curium overlooking Mediterranean, Lemesos

Lemesos is the second-largest city in Cyprus and the biggest port in the Mediterranean transit trade. It has also become one of the most important tourism, trade and service-providing centers in the area. Lemesos is renowned for its long cultural tradition, and a number of museums and archaeological sites are available to the interested visitor. It was built between two ancient cities, Amathus and Kourion and its history is largely known by the events associated with the Third Crusade and Richard’s the Lionheart marriage with Berengaria who had received the crown as queen of England in Cyprus.

Worth visiting – Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Limassol Castle, Cyprus Wine Museum, Amathus ruins.

Salt lake with flamingo, Larnaka

Larnaka is the third largest city on the southern coast of Cyprus after Nicosia and Limassol and is the island's second largest commercial port and an important tourist resort. The island's largest airport, Larnaka International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city. The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque seafront which includes rows of palm trees (or finikoudes, in the Cypriot dialect).

Larnaka was founded by Greeks (Mycenaean-Achaeans) in the 14th century B.C. and was known as Kition, The biblical name Kittim, was in fact used quite generally for Cyprus as a whole, and occasionally by the Jews for the Greeks and Romans. Larnaka is colloquially known as "Skala" (Greek: Σκάλα) meaning "ladder" or "landing stage", referring to the town's status in history as an important port.

Worth Visiting – Finikoudes Beach, Ayios Lazarus, Wreck of the Zenobia, Choirokoitia, Larnaka Museum/Fort, Kition.

Aphrodite's Rock, Pafos

Pafos a coastal city in the southwest of Cyprus, lies on the Mediterranean coast, about 50 km west of Limassol. Paphos International Airport is the country's second largest airport.

Near Palaepaphos (Old Paphos) at the seaside of Petra tou Romiou is the mythical birthplace   of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty and the founding myth is interwoven with the goddess at every level, so that Old Paphos became the most famous and important place for worshipping Aphrodite in the ancient world. In Greco-Roman times Paphos was the island's capital, and it is famous for the remains of the Roman governor's palace, where extensive, fine mosaics are a major tourist attraction. The apostle Paul of Tarsus visited the town during the 1st century AD. The town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world's heritage.

Archaeologists report that the site of Paphos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It was a centre of the cult of Aphrodite and of pre-Hellenic fertility deities. Aphrodite's mythical birthplace was on this island, where her temple was erected by the Myceneans in the 12th century BC. The remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs of the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods mean that the site is of exceptional architectural and historic value. The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world.

Worth Visiting – Tombs of the Kings, Aphrodite’s Rock, St. Solomon’s Catacombs, Byzantine Museum, Adonis Baths Water Falls, Pafos Amphitheatre, Ayios Neophytos Monastery.

Finally we have to mention The Troodos mountains, rising as high as 1952 meters, offering some beautiful trail walks, cycling routes and also quaint little villages such as Kakopetria, Platres and Phini where in winter the visitor has also the chance to ski there.

Things to buy

• Cypriot wine - the iconic local variety known as Commandaria is strong, sweet and somewhat akin to Porto wine  
• Lacework of an intricate nature - from the village of Lefkara  
• Zivania - is a strong spirit based alcoholic drink
• Leather goods such as shoes and handbags
• Jewellery

Food to try

• Cypriot meze (appetizers akin to Spanish tapas) are an art form, and some restaurant serve nothing but. Meze are available in a meat variety or fish variety but quite often come as a mixed batch, which is rather pleasing.  
• Halloumi (Χαλλουμι) is a uniquely Cypriot cheese, made from a mix of cow's and sheep's milk. Hard and salty when raw, it mellows and softens when cooked and is hence often served grilled.  
• Taramosalata is traditionally made out of taramas, the salted roe of the cod or carp. The roe is either mixed with bread crumbs or mashed potatoes. Parsley, onion, lemon juice, olive oil and vinegar are added and it is seasoned with salt and pepper.