Cyprus - attractions. What to see? Top attractions in Cyprus

It is difficult to say what more on this island in the Mediterranean Sea: romance or ancient history. And maybe just in this combination is the special charm of a holiday in Cyprus!

General characteristics of the island

Cyprus is one of the three largest islands in the Mediterranean. Its area is 9250 square meters. Km. However, during the day it will not be difficult to cross it across and see the sights on the island of Cyprus. By car from north to south it is necessary to drive at the widest point 96 km, and from east to west more - 224 km.

The relief of the island of Cyprus is diverse: sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, valleys and hills, cedar forests and mountain ranges.

Summer all year round

The climate is very favorable, even. In summer, the air temperature ranges from +25 degrees Celsius to +35 degrees, in the winter it is cooler - from +17 to +19 degrees. Winter in Cyprus is short, and the beach season is open almost all year.

There is almost no rain in the summer on this island, you can only get to them during the period from December to February.

Of course, the climate is important for choosing a place to rest. But it attracts tourists here not only he. Surprising and located on the island of Cyprus attractions. Everyone decides what to see. Because the choice is very big.

Holiday Country

It is noteworthy in Cyprus that most of its attractions are located in the resort area or near it. Hence, you can combine rest on the sea with an excursion program.

For example, the resort of Limassol is the second largest city in the island. Here every stone breathes antiquity. There are many interesting places both in the city and in its surroundings. First and foremost attracts the Limassol fortress, which survived many things: enemy raids, siege, earthquakes ... In 1191 in the chapel of the fortress was held the wedding of Richard the Lionheart, the English king, with Princess Berengaria of Navarre. Now in the fortress there is a museum where you can see knight armor, various weapons, utensils of the Middle Ages and much more.

Neighborhood of Limassol

In the vicinity of Limassol, too, many interesting things. So, in 5 km from it ruins of one of the most ancient cities of Cyprus - Аматуса are kept. It appeared before our era and flourished for a long time, until the Arabs in the 7th century AD. E. Did not destroy it. Archaeologists managed to excavate some fragments of the ancient city. Today, tourists can stroll through its streets, inspect the ruins of the early Christian basilica, climb to the remains of the sanctuary of Aphrodite, see the ruins of the baths and the remnants of the water duct system.

Other resorts (Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Paphos, Troodos, Protoros) also have something to see. Its antiquity and beauty fascinates the island of Cyprus. Sights, excursions to outstanding places enjoy great popularity among tourists, make the holiday rich and memorable for a long time.

Cyprus and the Greek gods

Ancient Greek myths show that it was in Cyprus, on Mount Olympos, the first inhabitants of the Earth appeared, they are gods, - Uranus and Gaia. Here, the goddess of love Aphrodite was born.

Many of the surviving artifacts do not let you forget about how old our Earth is. The ruins of the temple of Aphrodite near the town of Kuklia, the baths of this goddess in the Akamas reserve, the sanctuary of Apollo, the temple of Astarte, and finally the remains of the palace of Zeus. Indeed, these are just crumbs that have come down to our time, but they still prove that the gods or people who lived for many centuries were powerful. After all, they erected such structures, which even now are difficult to build.

Therefore, probably, there are so many myths and legends about them. As, for example, this: it is worth to plunge a girl in the water bathing Aphrodite, as it will acquire long-term beauty.

So, Cyprus, attractions: what to see is necessary?

Rating of the most interesting: first place

It is very difficult to determine what to put in the first place. Perhaps, Paphos, on the totality of all its sights. The city is listed in the UNESCO "Treasures of World Civilization". It is believed that it was founded in the time of Alexander the Great. Here are the ruins of the ancient city of Nea Paphos. Archaeologists some of its elements are attributed to the buildings of the times of the Romans. The walls retained drawings, made with a colored stone and representing mythical subjects. Even more attractive mosaic floors, it's hard to believe that they are many centuries old.

A lot of places are associated with the goddess Aphrodite in the vicinity of Pafos: a bay, a bathing place, rocks, a temple. Especially admires the natural beauty of the rocks of Aphrodite, the places where this goddess of love was born. They are located 25 km from Paphos.

Tombs of kings are located in the rocks. There are buried dignitaries of the Roman Empire, as well as the Ptolemaic times, and even the king Ptolemy. They are whole underground palaces.

In Paphos you can also visit the medieval fortress-castle, the Archaeological Museum, the Monastery of St. Neophyte in the rock and much more.

Calculate in order

Calculating in order is not so easy. Because it is really unique on the island of Cyprus attractions. What to see, it is best to choose, based on their proximity to the resort, where you have to rest.

However, we will try to continue the rating list and put the second place Curio. This is another ancient city of Cyprus. It is believed that he died because of a strong earthquake in the 4th century. Archaeologists managed to unearth many fragments of this powerful in those times policy. The main one is, perhaps, the Greco-Roman amphitheater. Where there were formerly houses of nobles, public baths and some other structures, mosaics depicting birds and fishes have been preserved.

Having visited Curio, it is worthwhile to look into the sanctuary of Apollo located nearby. This temple is dated to the 7th century BC. Of course, and from him there is little: two gates and steps that lead to the altar.

Knight's Castle Colossi (13th century) is struck by a high tower and thick walls. It was a defensive structure built by knight-Hospitallers near Limassol.

In Larnaka, an Orthodox church of the 9th century - the church of St. Lazarus - was preserved. Legends say that it was built exactly in the place where the saint is buried.

In the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, it is worth seeing the gates of Famagusta (one of the three entrances to the historic part of the city through the Venetian walls); The Archbishop's Palace (the center of the autocephalous Orthodox Church in Cyprus); Mosque Omeriye (there, according to some reports, the Turkish caliph Omar is buried).

Monasteries of Cyprus

There are a lot of them on the island. The three most important are the Imperial Stavropegic St. Kikk Monastery (founded in the Byzantine period), the monastery of Stavrovouni (4th century, the relic - a particle of the Holy Cross) and the monastery of Maheras (the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin). By the way, Stavrovouni is located on the top of the mountain, with a wonderful view of the mountains and the coast.

The main monasteries of Cyprus are located in the mountainous area of Troodos. Twelve of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In most cases they were built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Many of them were destroyed, but their churches remained, differing not only in architecture, but also in magnificent frescoes.

Nearer to the present

If you are tired of antiquity, you can dip in Cyprus and in modern paradise.

Kavo Greco Nature Park, Water World Water Park, Lefkara (famous for lace and silverware), aquarium, Caledonia waterfall ...

The entertainment program at all the resorts is also full and interesting. Popular festivals: "Cataclysmizmos", "Anfestaria" and others. Diving, jeep racing, surfing, golf, water skiing ... There is everything!

Of course, it is difficult to enjoy your holiday in 8-9 days and to see all the sights on Cyprus. The reviews of tourists say that most of them still manage to get "rest for the body and for the soul", "only positive emotions" and "a sea of impressions!" Even for such a short time. Well, those who thought it was not enough, they plan to turn around , To continue acquaintance with the wonderful island.

In addition to the time, of course, a certain amount of money is required to inspect the attractions on the island of Cyprus. Prices there are still European level.

The cost of the tour to Cyprus is an average of 16 000 rubles per person. The price depends on the length of the rest, and on the comfort of the hotel, and on the services provided (food), and on other factors. You just need to study the proposals of tour operators and choose what suits them.

There is also the possibility of booking a hotel or apartment in Cyprus via the Internet, as well as self-purchase air tickets and visa.

It does not matter which way people choose to organize a trip to this Mediterranean resort, the main thing is that besides the full rest, bright impressions will be provided to them by the sights that have been preserved from the ancient times on the island of Cyprus. What you see, where to go, what to admire, you now know. There are few places where there are still so many objects for contemplation and cognition than in Cyprus!