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    Tourist Attractions in Cyprus

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Cyprus. Photos and a brief description.

    About Cyprus

    Cyprus is one of the most sought–after and popular beach destinations. On this wonderful island, the sun shines more than 300 days a year, the bathing season lasts almost six months from May to October. The tourist industry of Cyprus is fully and comprehensively developed – guests are invited to stay in luxury 5* hotels on the first coastline, in more democratic 4* and 3* or in economical apartments.

    Cyprus resorts are suitable for all types of travelers. Digging young people prefer stylish and energetic Ayia Napa, where after a day of sunbathing you can “light up” in nightclubs. For families with children, Larnaca or Limassol are more preferable – in the hotels of these cities there is excellent animation and entertainment for the youngest. For people who regret a secluded and relaxing holiday, a quiet and romantic one will be an excellent choice Protaras.

    Tourists from all over the world mostly visit the southern part of the island — the state of Cyprus itself. The northern part of the island is considered occupied by Turkish troops, but you can also get there and enjoy the picturesque mountain views or swim in the purest Mediterranean Sea.

    Top Cities to Visit in Cyprus

    Top Tourist Attractions in Cyprus

    Royal Tombs in Paphos

    A small necropolis near Paphos. Despite the name, there are no graves of kings here, only burials of local nobility. Long before the discovery by archaeologists, these places were looted by "treasure seekers", only the outer walls of the buildings have survived to this day. The graves date back to the IV-III century BC

    Royal Tombs in Paphos
    Archbishop's Palace

    Archbishop's Palace

    . The XX century building in the pseudo-Venetian style in the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. Nearby there is an old building of the XVIII century palace, which was badly damaged after the invasion of the Turks in 1974. This place serves as the residence for the head of the local church – the Archbishop of Cyprus. The palace has a museum, a library, an art gallery and a cathedral.

    Aphrodite's Bath

    A small secluded grotto surrounded by lush vegetation and flowers. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite took baths here and met her beloved Adonis. It is believed that the water from the bath rejuvenates the body, gives strength and vigor. But visitors are not allowed to swim in the grotto, so it is impossible to check this version.

    Aphrodite's Bath
    KEO Winery

    KEO Winery

    It is located in one of the centers of local winemaking — the city Limassol. Cyprus has been making wine for thousands of years, vineyards KEO has been yielding crops for more than 150 years. During a free tour of the factory, tourists are told about the history and production process of different varieties of wine. Tasting is also free, after which you are invited to buy your favorite drinks.

    Limassol Castle

    The fort of the Ottoman Empire period, built in the IV century. In the XVI century, it was used by the Turks to guard the Limassol harbor. In the early periods, there was a Christian basilica and a Byzantine fortress on the site of the fort, where, according to legend, the wedding of King Richard the Lionheart with the princess took place Berengaria.

    Limassol Castle
    The Fortress of Paphos

    The Fortress of Paphos

    Laconic and strict construction of the time of Alexander the Great. The fortress was part of the defensive system, the lower floors were used as a prison. Only parts of the ancient fort have survived to this day, as the structure has been repeatedly destroyed over the centuries.

    Kolossi Castle

    The construction of the period of powerful medieval knightly orders. The castle tower is an example of military architecture of the XII century. Not only the thick walls of the castle have been perfectly preserved, but also some elements of the interior decoration – drawings and frescoes depicting divine scenes. The structure was used by knightly orders as a military-strategic object.

    Kolossi Castle

    Cyrenian Castle (Northern Cyprus)

    It was built by the Byzantines for the purpose of protection from Arab raids. The castle was renovated during the reign of the Venetians. In the XVI century, it fell under the blows of the Ottoman army and was used by the Turks as a military base until the XIX century. In 1974, after the occupation of Northern Cyprus by Turkish troops, a museum was placed in the castle.

    Buffavento Castle (Northern Cyprus)

    It is located in the Cyrenean Mountains at an altitude of almost one kilometer. The structure has an Italian name, translated it means "protection from the wind". The castle was built in the XI century and was used as a prison for dangerous criminals. During the reign of the Venetians, it was not used, so the buildings fell into disrepair.

    Buffavento Castle (Northern Cyprus)
    The ghost town of Varosha (Northern Cyprus)

    The ghost town of Varosha (Northern Cyprus)

    Once a city Varosha was the best resort in Cyprus, where they visited Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor. After the Turkish invasion of 1974, residents were evacuated. The areas under construction were surrounded by a fence and armed guards were put up. Empty concrete boxes of hotels look creepy against the background of sunny beaches and the sea, where people continue to relax.

    The ancient city of Kourion

    In the XII century BC it was one of the largest Cypriot cities. In the IV century BC, it was destroyed by an earthquake, but many structures have survived to this day. Not only the facades of buildings have been preserved, but also Roman mosaics depicting animals. The city Amphitheater of Kourion is a wonderful example of ancient antique architecture.

    The ancient city of Kourion
    Ancient city of Amathus

    Ancient city of Amathus

    One of the ten Cypriot city-states that existed tens of centuries ago. It is located near Limassol. Only the ruins of squares, public baths, and administrative buildings have survived to this day. According to mythology, Amathus was founded by the father of Adonis. In ancient times, the cult of Aphrodite dominated here.

    Kikkos Monastery

    An important center of Orthodoxy in Cyprus. It is the richest monastery on the island, located in the picturesque mountains Troodos. There is an icon of the Virgin, which has miraculous power (according to Christian beliefs). Moreover, the sanctity of the image so dazzles the beholder that in 1975 the icon was dressed in a silver salary.

    Kikkos Monastery

    St. Lazarus Church

    An ancient Christian church built by Emperor Leo IV the Wise on the burial site of Lazarus, a friend and associate of Christ. The church was the cultural, social and religious center of Larnaca. During the Venetian occupation of Cyprus, the temple belonged to the Roman Church, it housed a Benedictine monastery.

    Ayia Napa Monastery

    The Monastery of the Virgin Napa, with the foundation of which two legends are connected. According to the first, an icon of the Virgin was found at the site of the construction in the cave, the second tells about a noble Venetian woman who, contrary to her parents, became a nun and took refuge in a cave on the site of the monastery.

    Ayia Napa Monastery
    Stavrovuni Monastery

    Stavrovuni Monastery

    It is located on the top of a mountain 40 kilometers from Larnaca. It is considered the oldest monastery in Cyprus. Since its foundation, the monastery has experienced several periods of poverty and armed invasions, but now its former power and greatness have been fully restored, the monastery is flourishing. An important Christian relic is kept in Stavrovuni – part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

    Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia (Northern Cyprus)

    The main mosque of Northern Cyprus, a wonderful example of Cypriot architecture. The structure was built for 150 years, at different times it was a small church, a Gothic temple, the Cathedral of St. Sophia and after that – a mosque. The design clearly shows a mixture of architectural styles of different eras and cultures, which gives the mosque a unique value.

    Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia (Northern Cyprus)

    Catacombs of Saint Solomonia

    One of the main shrines of Cyprus. According to Christian legends, a great martyr who escaped from Palestine died here Solomonia. She and her sons were hiding from the persecution of King Antiochus IV, but were discovered. All seven sons The Solomonies were martyred, and their mother died while praying over their bodies.

    Hirokitiya Settlement

    An ancient settlement of the Neolithic era (7-6 thousand years BC), a UNESCO heritage site. Despite the impressive age of 9,000 years, the ruins of Hirokitiya are well preserved, which allows archaeologists to draw conclusions about a distant epoch based on the objects found there. It is still unknown where this settlement originated from and where people then disappeared from it.

    Camares Aqueduct

    Camares Aqueduct

    The water supply of the XVIII century, which supplied Larnaca with water. The structure consists of 75 stone arches, reaches 25 meters in height and stretches for several tens of kilometers. The aqueduct functioned until 1930. After laying modern water supply systems, it turned into a historically significant architectural monument.

    Castle of Forty Columns

    Ruins of an ancient structure of the VII century, which was used for defense against Arab raids. It was originally built on forty columns, hence it got its name. The castle was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake, only some towers and catacombs of interest to researchers have been preserved.

    Castle of Forty Columns

    Famagusta Gate

    Located in the center of Nicosia. The gates are part of the Venetian fortifications. They were created in the XVI century and protected the settlement from Turkish attacks. After the restoration of 1980, the halls of the gates began to be used as a venue for lectures and conferences, and concerts are often held in the 35-meter corridor due to excellent acoustics.

    Buyuk Khan Caravanserai (Northern Cyprus)

    One of the most striking sights of Nicosia. The building appeared under the Ottoman Turks in the XVI century and was used for its intended purpose until the arrival of British troops. The British have placed a prison and a shelter for the poor here. After the 90s of the XX century, as a result of a large-scale reconstruction, the caravanserai turned into an art center.

    Buyuk Khan Caravanserai (Northern Cyprus)

    Avagas Gorge

    Located on a plateau Laona. It is a picturesque cliff surrounded by green vegetation and pink flowers. A great place for hiking, admiring nature and exploring the Cypriot flora. There is an interesting cave in the gorge, opened in 2003 and almost inaccessible due to the very narrow entrance.

    Fig-Three Bay

    An attractive place in a resort town Protaras, where there is a picturesque landscaped beach. There are always enough tourists in the bay, as it is located in a beautiful place where the azure water of the Mediterranean Sea merges with the sky, and the purest sand sparkles in the rays of the bright sun.

    Fig-Three Bay
    Petra-tu-Romiu Bay

    Petra-tu-Romiu Bay

    It is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the Mediterranean. According to legend, it was here that the goddess Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam. The white cliffs and the piercing blue sea of the bay create a picturesque contrast that pleases the eye. Newlyweds and couples in love like to hold photo shoots here.

    Salt Lake Larnaca

    A reservoir consisting of four interconnected salt lakes. The total area is slightly more than 2 km2. This place is unique in that wild ducks, gulls, flamingos, cormorants periodically nest here in large numbers. A recreation area with gazebos, benches and equipped picnic areas has been created around the lake.

    Salt Lake Larnaca
    Aphrodite Water Park in Paphos

    Aphrodite Water Park in Paphos

    A large area with a variety of slides, swimming pools, numerous water activities. The water park also has a children's playground with replica slides for the youngest visitors. On the territory there are recreation areas and restaurants where you can catch your breath in the shade of exotic trees.

    Nissi Beach

    The most famous beach of Ayia Napa. Life is constantly in full swing here – DJs play and foam discos take place. Tourists perform relaxed dances and relax in luxurious restaurants against the backdrop of snow-white sand and blue sea. The place is not for lovers of privacy, but it is very suitable for cheerful and noisy companies.

    Nissi Beach
    Cape Greco

    Cape Greco

    A picturesque place, popular among divers, romantics and lovers of pristine nature. The best time on Cape Greco is in the evening, when the evening sun sets in the sea. Many tourists come to admire this spectacle and take photos for memory. The cape is located between popular Cypriot resorts Protaras and Ayia Napa.