Cyprus where there are more attractions. Cyprus. What to see besides the sea and beaches. Catacombs of St. Solomonia

Escaping everyday chores is easy. You just need to pack your suitcase, buy a ticket and enjoy. The sea, the sun and the sights of Cyprus will help you feel real happiness, the next step will be only to choose the right place and enjoy it.

Historic Sites of Cyprus

If you want to see the history of the island, you can immediately visit such a tourist attraction in Cyprus as Limassol Castle. The place is so historic that King Richard the Lionheart arranged his own wedding here. The fortress had to endure many troubles: destruction and earthquakes. You can find ancient buildings, furniture and weapons to learn more about a previous life. An impressive panorama is provided to everyone who goes up.

The burials of great rulers stretched for hundreds of meters. Entrance to the territory is paid, but it is worth it to see the passages and stairs among the tombs, shrouded in a network of secrets. Be sure to look under your feet so as not to fall into the well. Wall paintings are a kind of message of Christians to the current generation. For a long time there was no supervision of the tombs, so things were stolen. Preserved items can be seen in person.

Sights of Cyprus have chosen a place on the historic coast of Paphos. Temples, ruins, fortresses, other monuments - all this is already visible at the entrance to the park. It is impossible to say exactly how many centuries these values \u200b\u200blive their own lives, delighting travelers from around the world. Thanks to a simple farmer, this park was found, which was soon excavated by archaeologists. Work is still ongoing, but tourists visit the place without any special obstacles.

The place is famous for museums and churches, which were erected in memory of the holy martyrs. In ancient times, it was here, according to legends, that the gardens of the goddess Aphrodite were fragrant. You should definitely see the Church of St. Paraskeva, whose stamina was not broken by the most severe torture in attempts to renounce the faith. The girl was beheaded. Believers recreate diseased organs from wax, lay them at the temple and pray for healing. You can visit the church freely, but without a camera.

What to see a true lover of antiquity in Cyprus? This place should definitely be the burial of many architectural treasures - Kition. According to legend, this city was founded by the great-grandson of Noah. The tombs and the remains of the temples, the restoration of which the Greeks had a hand in years ago, were found by archaeologists. The temple of Astarte, the goddess of love, has become one of the few largest surviving structures. There is also the opportunity to see a place for sacrifices to the gods.

You can see more of these objects in the sights of Crete.

The open-air museum has become so famous over the years that tourists visit it without planning, stopping by on the road. Significant sights of Cyprus can not be found here, everything was destroyed, however, this compensates for the ascent to the hill, which offers a picturesque view. During the excavations, they found the well-preserved remains of the then living people, dishes, jewelry of women, which are now exhibited to become seen. The territory is a World Cultural Heritage.

A high hill with a bewitching view attracts tourists from all over the world. The size of the church is not very large, the style is not noticeable, but the dome and the impressive bell tower are the main decorations. The building was previously made of wood, but after the fire a decision was made to use stone. The Byzantine style of murals inside the building describes stories from the Bible. This was done so surprisingly that the restorers decided not to make any changes there.

This building has long been a few decoration of a modest fishing village. And according to legend, impenetrable forests lived here, until one day a man came across an icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave. This sign will serve as the beginning to the construction of houses. It is easy to guess that it was at the place of the find that the church was subsequently built. The daughter of the nobleman, who suffered from unhappy love, became an inspiration in the construction of the monastery. The impression design produces the most memorable.

Legend has it that the emperor’s mother stopped waiting for a storm on the island, and an angel appeared to her who advised to found a monastery here, leaving in it a part of the Life-Giving Cross, which is still stored there. Over time, the temple was destroyed until it was completely reconstructed. The monks in the temple are engaged in housekeeping and icon painting. Women are not allowed to enter, and men visit the monastery at any time and day.

What to see in Cyprus? One of the most important shrines where you can touch the relics of St. Lazarus, who was resurrected by Jesus on the fourth day and brought Christianity to Larnaca. A difficult fate was at the temple, and the remains of the saint were temporarily lost, although all this time they were stored in the sarcophagus at the base. The restoration allowed to find the remains and put them in the center of the temple. Having descended into the dungeon, it is impossible not to draw water from the holy spring.

What is good about Cyprus is an interesting excursion program. Of course, there are people who come to warm places to swim all day and lie under an umbrella on the beach. But there are few of them, the bulk of the tourists, going to another country, plans for themselves excursions. Moreover, in Cyprus you can find many attractions in all resorts.

What is worth seeing in Cyprus?

Each tourist has his own interests. Someone comes with a child and wants to visit more entertainment venues where children are interested. Someone is interested in ancient Greek mythology; a lot of places are associated with it in Cyprus. Someone will certainly be interested in the ruins of ancient cities that existed thousands of years ago. Nature lovers will focus on nature reserves. And believers will probably want to see significant religious relics stored in numerous Christian churches. Everyone will find "their" sights in Cyprus, so this island is beautiful!

Ancient history

Anyone who is interested in history will be interested to see structures from thousands of years old and older. Of course, most of them survived only in the form of ruins. But sometimes it’s even more interesting to look not at the restored building, but at the arrangement of the ancient foundation.

What to visit in Cyprus from the antiquities discovered there? There are so many places where excavations are still ongoing sometimes:

• • Royal tombs. Located near Paphos, the foundations and walls are well preserved. It is interesting that the burial places of the emperors are not there, but there are tombs of the local nobility. During excavations, jewelry was discovered, which are now stored in the museum.

• • . Famous for several buildings, but most of all - the House of Dionysus. It is named after the preserved mosaic on the floor depicting the ancient Greek god of winemaking.

• • The ancient city of Kourion. Located near Limassol. Of interest is the well-preserved amphitheater, characteristic of that time.

• • The ancient city of Amathus. Located in the Limassol area. There you can see not only the remains of the foundations of various structures, but even columns. Excavations at this place continue now.

• • The ancient city of Hirokitia. He is already 9 thousand years old, and therefore he is of great interest to historians. Despite the age, the foundations and the remains of the rounded walls are well preserved.

• • Aqueduct of Kamares. An ancient water supply system, the construction of which once long ago saved the whole city from a shortage of imported water. Located near yet another attraction - Salt Lake.

• Kolossi Castle. This is a very "young" building by the standards of the history of Cyprus. The castle was built in the 13th century, but rebuilt in the 15th century. However, it is interesting as a well-preserved example of military architecture of that time.

If you are planning to relax in Limassol and do not know what to see there, then you need to read our article; .

Temples of Cyprus

What is interesting to see in Cyprus Orthodox parishioners? Of course, temples and monasteries. Moreover, many churches, despite their age, are active.

• • Church of St. Lazarus. One of the most revered saints, about which even atheists have heard of the resurrection. According to legend, after the resurrection, he preached Christianity for a long time, and finally rested precisely in this church in Larnaca.

• • Stavrovuni Monastery. Located on a hill, nearby offer beautiful views. And this is very good, because women have something to admire (you can also go to a small church), because only male tourists are allowed into the monastery.

•   (St. Nicholas). This is a working convent, which once sheltered several cats to save from snakes. And so the furry inhabitants live here along with the nuns. Do not forget to donate some money to feed the cats!
• Church of Panagia Chrysospiliotis. Located near the capital of Nicosia. There are no icons in precious salaries and other rich relics. The church is unique in its location - right in the rock.

These are far from all the pilgrimage sites on the island. What to see in Cyprus independently, each tourist will decide individually. After all, for some it is a tourist tour, and for some it is worship of religious shrines.

In Cyprus, there are many holy places and attractions, if you are going on vacation in Ayia Napa, then check out our article; so as not to lose sight of.

Unique nature

Sights of Cyprus, what to see if going to museums and temples do not appeal to you? Go to the nature reserves! There are places on the island that are striking in their beauty. And there are those that cannot be called completely unique, but they are shrouded in legends.

• • . This is a nature reserve with several attractions. Here is the Blue Lagoon - a bay with clear turquoise water. Aphrodite’s swimming pool is not a very remarkable reservoir, but on excursions you will learn a lot of interesting things about this place and the goddess herself. You can also visit Lara Beach, where giant turtles (endangered species) lay their eggs.

• • Cape Greco. A beautiful place with a natural park of the same name (Cavo Greco), which contains a collection of unique plants, including orchids.

• • The bridge of lovers. The natural stone formation really resembles a bridge, and the legend says that it is necessary to kiss a couple in love on it, then they can keep their feelings for a long time.

• • Troodos Mountains. There are nature reserves in the mountains. Also of interest to tourists are mountain villages with neat houses and beautiful landscapes around.

• Salt Lake . It is beautiful in the summer, although little remains of the reservoir: the lake dries up. But covered with a salty crust, which shines beautifully in the sun. And in winter, pink flamingos fly here.

If you decide to explore the sights of Cyprus by car, you will not have problems finding beautiful places. The island has a truly unique nature: sea and mountains. Near each resort you can find interesting nature reserves.

What to do in Cyprus with children?

School children will be interested in most museums and even on the ruins of ancient cities. And for the younger ones at each resort there are amusement parks, mini zoos, children's entertainment centers. Both children and adults will like:

• • . His attractions are stylized under ancient Greek legends: the exploits of Hercules, the Poseidon Basin, the Trojan Horse. And the Hungry Palace of Homer Burgers awaits the hungry.
  • Fasouri Watermania Water Park in Limassol. Not as grand as the Water World, but also big and interesting.
  • Lucky Park is an amusement park in Larnaca. There are rides, go-karts, cafes. You can even celebrate a child’s birthday.

• • . Here you can not only look at animals and birds, but also feed some of them. And also in the zoo there are shows with performances of parrots and owls!

• . It is not entirely correct to call it an aquarium because inhabitants of not only marine, but also freshwater reservoirs live there. And nearby there is also a mini zoo.

Sights of Cyprus on the map

  Excursion programs in Cyprus will not let you get bored! There are so many entertainments for every taste that tourists of different ages and views on leisure will find interesting places for themselves. For one visit to the island do not see everything. That is why many come here again and again!

Traveling in Cyprus is an opportunity to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of mysteries, secrets, legends that are intricately intertwined with really proven facts. The cultural and historical heritage of the island has virtually no analogues in the world. Archaeologists still find traces of human activity in the Neolithic, Stone, Bronze Age periods in Cyprus ... Rich natural and architectural sights make the trip around the island fascinating, eventful and incredibly informative. This is a kind of time tour. All sights of Cyprus in our review.

Video: What to see in Cyprus, an overview of the best attractions.

1. Tomb of the kings

Tombs of the Kings. The underground necropolis in Paphos, which arose in the 3rd century BC and used up to the 3rd art. AD Each burial takes hundreds of meters and is an exact copy of the royal palaces.

A relatively modern architectural landmark is the Palace of the Archbishop in Nicosia, erected in the 1960s. A beautiful majestic building imitates the Renaissance palaces.

Kolossi Castle was built 10 km from Limassol in the 13th century for the knights of the Order of Jerusalem of St. John, in the 14th century was briefly ruled by the Templars. The architecture of the castle belongs to the vivid examples of medieval military structures.

Aphrodite's bathhouse. A natural attraction 48 km from Paphos, where, according to legend, the goddess of love bathed. This is a cozy, quiet and beautiful pond in dense thickets under a canopy of limestone rock.

Ayia Napa Monastery was built in the 14th century in the center of the modern Ayia Napa resort. There is a legend that then one of the hunters found the icon of the Virgin Mary in the cave. Residents of the village at that time considered this a sign and erected a monastery in that place. Presumably, the icon has remained in the cave since the time of iconoclasm in the 7-8 centuries.

Amathus is an ancient city, the first traces of a person in whose territory are dated by archaeologists as far back as the Iron Age (1100 BC). Located near Larnaca. Amathus is covered with many legends and myths related to Aphrodite, Theseus, Ariadne and others. In the ruins of this ancient city there is something to see and be impressed with: a water supply system, an acropolis, ruins of bathing houses, a market square, and early Christian basilicas.

7. Church of St. Lazarus

The Orthodox Church of St. Lazarus was built in Larnaca in the 9th century, after a tomb of the righteous man resurrected by Jesus Christ was found in its place.

The Kikk monastery was built in the 11th century at an altitude of 1140 m near the Troodos mountain range. The monastery experienced fires several times and was rebuilt / completed, therefore its architecture is a mixture of different eras. The temple still houses the famous ancient icon of the Virgin, painted by the Apostle Luke.

Monastery of Stavrovuni. Laid down in the Larnaca region in 327 by Empress Elena. The main value of the monastery is a cypress cross with a particle of the Life-Giving Cross.

Limassol Castle was erected in the 14th century, however, according to excavations, in the 4th-7th centuries. in its place was located the early Christian basilica, in the 10-11 centuries. - Byzantine fortress. It is believed that Richard the Lionheart was married here with Princess Berengaria of Navarre. Today the castle is a vivid example of medieval architecture.

Troodos churches are nine churches and one monastery of the 11th-15th centuries located in the Nicosia region in the Troodos mountain range. They are famous for their beautiful and rare paintings.

Hirokitiya is a settlement of the pre-ceramic Neolithic era (7000-4000 BC), located in the Larnaca region. This place will plunge into the atmosphere of the most ancient people, demonstrating their culture and way of life.

Kyrenia castle with a museum of shipwrecks. Located in the harbor of Kyrenia. The history of the castle begins in the 7th century. Then it was built by the Byzantines for defense against the Arabs. Further, the life of the castle proceeded as richly as the history of Cyprus. In the 16th century it was rebuilt and fortified by the Venetians. In the castle-fortress the medieval emperors of the island took refuge. In 1974, a museum was opened on its territory, which houses the remains of a sunken ship, icons and artifacts.

Larnaca salt lake. It is interesting because flocks of various birds winter here: flamingos, ducks ... Near the lake there are ruins of an ancient city.

Luna Park in Ayia Napa. It is famous for its crazy rides.

Oceanarium of Protaras

The tradition of many ancient civilizations has left its mark on the culture of Cyprus - the territory of the island was developed by the Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians and Byzantines. The Turks and the British left their mark here. So there are enough distinctive sights on the island, many of which have stood the test of millennia.

We will tell you about the five best attractions of Cyprus, look at Paphos, Limassol and Ayia Napa, study the cost of excursions in Cyprus and take a ferry to Israel. Particular attention will be given to children.

The main attractions of Cyprus - from Paphos to Ayia Napa

Cyprus is literally packed with historical artifacts, so there are plenty of interesting places to visit.  We recommend not to bypass the local museums - they are full of exhibits from ancient eras. Historical monuments need to be sought not only in the outback - a large number of them are concentrated in Nicosia, Paphos, Larnaca and Limassol.

How to get to the island of Russian tourists, and, you already know. Cyprus is an amazing place. You can sunbathe on the beach, the best sandy beaches of Cyprus, and a dozen thousand meters from you will rise an abandoned thousand-year-old temple. Now let's go over the main Cypriot resorts in search of attractions:

• Ayia Napa. Here you should definitely look at the Venetian monastery, visit the water park and sunbathe on one of the beaches.
• Limassol. What to see in Limassol? Among the historical monuments, the Kolossi castle, the local fortress, the ruins of Kourion and the sanctuary of Apollo Hilatsky stand out.
• Larnaca. Here you need to visit the monastery of Stavrovuni, the traditional village of Lefkara, the church of St. Lazarus and the settlement of Hirokitiya - one of the oldest on the island. The city of Kition, built by the Phoenicians, also deserves attention.
• Pathos. The main attractions of Paphos are the Royal Tombs, the Villa of Dionysus, the village of Kouklia, the catacombs of St. Solomonia and Petra tou Romiou. Be sure to check out Akamas National Park and the local Archaeological Museum.
• Nicosia. Here, the most significant objects will be the Venetian column, the gates of Famagusta, the Archbishop's Palace and the Selimiye Mosque.

To cover as many interesting places as possible, it is worth exploring the transport system of Cyprus in advance. It is poorly developed - there is not only internal air traffic, but also rail transport.

If you are just getting ready for the trip, then you will find a list of all the airports in Cyprus. Pleasure planes run between Larnaca and Paphos - tourists actively use them. In addition, you have to use:

• by buses (there are three types of them in Cyprus);
• taxi (village, intercity, intercity route);
• rented car (- a separate article).

Five places everyone should visit in Cyprus

From all the abundance of Cyprus attractions, we have to choose the five most exciting, which are worth seeing on your own. The points of your required program are as follows:

Excursions in Cyprus - what to visit

If you are tired of traveling on your own, the time has come to find out which excursions are worth visiting in Cyprus. There are group, individual excursions and the so-called gourmet tours (for lovers of delicious food).

Here is a brief overview of Cypriot excursions along with their cost:

The basic cost of an individual excursion is 270-320 euros.

Only tourist organizations should be trusted, as many private guides do not have insurance and a license, and their cars are so wrecked that they represent a potential danger.

Excursions from Protaras

  A donkey safari is also available in Protaras - however, the price of the tour is 35-65 euros. From the same city you can go on the following tours:

• Grand Tour Suite (Troodos mountain range) - 30-60 euros;
• Kerinia - Bellapais (the program includes the castle of St. Hilarion, the abbey of Belapais and Keryniy harbor) - 35-70 euros;
• Famagusta - 35-70;
• Sea Safari - 35-65;
• Sunset Cruise + Dancing Fountain Show - 60-100;
• Sea adventure safari (exploration of sea caves and grottoes) - 20-35.

True connoisseurs of antiquity will surely find what to see in Cyprus - undoubtedly the Tombs of the Kings in the city of Paphos in southwestern Cyprus. The majestic necropolis, whose creation history goes back deep into antiquity, was the last refuge for dignitaries and representatives of the aristocracy of distant times - you just have to imagine that the first tombs were carved from stone back in the 4th century BC.

What are these grand creations?

• The underground premises are hollowed out directly inside the rocks and, connecting with each other with stairs and passages, form one huge complex.
• Burials exactly repeat the dwelling of buried people - amazing copies of the magnificent houses and palaces in which these noble personalities lived.
• All tombs in the necropolis are numbered for the convenience of visitors finding the right one.
• Near each burial place you can find a clay jug, which was filled with wine, milk or honey so that the deceased could "get enough". These gifts were placed in special ritual chambers located next to the tombs.

3. Petra tou Romiou (25th km of the Paphos-Limassol road)

On the 25th kilometer of the road leading from Paphos to Limassol, there is a place whose history is shrouded in myths and legends - Petra tou Romiu, or Aphrodite's Beach. One of the most romantic sights of Cyprus is a small section of a rocky beach with beautiful boulders and clear water, which is especially popular among couples in love. It is believed that having bathed in these waters, lovers will forever remain together. Having bathed on the beach of Aphrodite at midnight, you can find eternal beauty and youth, successful marriage and healthy children. Also, according to legend, one of the large rocky stones - the stone of Aphrodite - has special power, and after performing a certain ritual around it, you can subsequently meet true love.

On the beach of Petra tou Romiou, you can not only enjoy the beauty of nature, see for yourself the famous and memorable places, but also visit the cafe located in the parking lot near the beach, on the opposite side of the road. Here you can also take a shower, buy local souvenirs or visit a restaurant with amazing sea views, driving along the road a little further towards Limassol .

4. Akamas National Park (western Akamas Peninsula)

Approximately 50 kilometers from Paphos, you will see beautiful panoramas of nature - unique landscapes with an abundance of vegetation and pristine beaches. This is another attraction of Cyprus - Akamas National Park, a nature reserve in which nature is preserved in its pristine beauty. This is an area of \u200b\u200bconiferous forests, stupefying with its aroma, pebble beaches and sandy bays with crystal clear water.

A wide variety of wild plants grows here, many of which remain only in this limited area:

• wild plum;
• arbutus;
• myrtle tree;
• eastern plane tree;
• mountain lavender;
• cyclamens;
• orchids
• pink and purple peonies listed in the Red Book.

Surprising wealth and local fauna:

• 168 species of birds;
• 20 species of reptiles;
• 12 species of mammals;
• 16 types of butterflies.

A notable place on the peninsula is Avakas Gorge, located among limestone cliffs up to 30 meters high and stretching for about 3 km. A mountain river flows along the bottom of the gorge. This place is also worth visiting, because even the path to it is interesting - in order to get into the gorge itself, you need to go about 2 kilometers through the reserve park, which smoothly, changing landscapes one by one, passes into a deep and narrow gorge that strikes your eye monumentality.

5. Catacombs of St. Solomonia (Paphos)

Travelers wondering what to visit in Cyprus are given the opportunity to see one of the most unique Christian shrines - the Catacombs of St. Solomonia. This is an ancient building, created partly by nature, partly by man. According to one belief, in ancient times a certain righteous Solomonia lived in Paphos, who refused to perform Roman rites and was forced to hide from her pursuers with her sons in the catacombs. According to one version, the pagans walled everything up in the catacombs, condemning the woman to slow death, but 200 years later, when the moves in the catacombs were freed, the holy martyr came out safe and sound. According to another version, the sons of the woman were found after the escape and executed, and Solomonia herself was left alive, and miserable days and nights she passed away in tears over the graves of her sons, eventually dying of grief.

The first thing that opens to visitors to the catacombs is a pistachio tree, completely hung with multi-colored shreds of fabric. The fact is that when visiting the catacombs, you can ask St. Solomonia for healing from various ailments, and in order for the prayers to be heard, you should tie a memorable patch on the branches of the tree.

If you wish, you can walk around the catacombs, and also visit a small well in the depths of the catacombs, in which water has healing power - it cures eye diseases.

Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Cyprus!

6. Keo Aliki Winery (Limassol)

The city of Limassol, a major economic and cultural center of the country, is also considered the center of winemaking in Cyprus, and being here, you will not have to think what to visit in Cyprus .   After all, it is here that you will have a unique opportunity to visit one of the largest plants in Limassol - the Keo winery. The tour is held on the premises of the plant as part of the promotion, so visitors are given a number of opportunities:

• observe the production of the best wines in the area;
• taste any product for free;
• hear some interesting stories about the plant and its products;
• buying good wine is noticeably cheaper than in stores throughout Cyprus.

One of the most famous alcoholic drinks produced at the Keo factory is the premium wine “Commandoria” - the history of its first release dates back to the 8th century, and now it is considered one of the best wines in Cyprus. For the production of this drink, a special grape variety, Xinisteri, is used, and the process of making wine also has its own subtleties. The grapes are dried in the sun so that its juice becomes sweet, after which the juice is poured into special vessels and aged in them for several years.

7. Show of dancing fountains (Protaras)

One of the most spectacular sights of Cyprus, amazing with its grandeur, is located in the small resort town of Protaras. Every evening, magical streams come to life with rhythmic music, simultaneously soaring upwards and performing unusual pirouettes. All this accompanies a light laser show and all kinds of effects in the form of smoke and fire.

The Dancing Fountain Show is based on the modern and one of the most sophisticated fountain management systems in the world. As many as 18 thousand nozzles and many LED lamps immersed in water create a bewitching performance: water streams illuminated by colorful lights continuously change their movements, obeying musical rhythms and creating an amazing atmosphere.

The show attracts the attention of both adults and children, and you can watch this beauty from May 1 to September 30. Guests are invited to book a table in a cozy cafe directly next to the fountains or on special spectator shops.

8. Eucalyptus grove (Limassol city)

Another attraction of Cyprus attracts to the coastal town of Limassol - the eucalyptus grove, stretching along the coast for about one and a half kilometers in length. It is difficult to pass by the stupefying aromas of numerous eucalyptus trees growing right along the coastline and not enjoy this beauty. During the summer heat, it is especially good to hide from the rays of the scorching sun, and aromatic etheric fumes bring peace and tranquility. In rainy weather, the grove will also be a great place for walking, when the aromas of the trees are mixed with fresh air saturated with ozone - this kind of “inhalation” will help to strengthen health and increase immunity.

The park also has sports fields, a children's playground. After enjoying the walk, you can visit the cafe or restaurant with a picturesque view of the sea - along the eucalyptus grove there are many such establishments. Guests also have the opportunity to check into one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity.

9. National Forest Park “Cavo Greco” (Cape Greco)

In the eastern part of Cape Greco, also called Ayia Napa, there is a luxurious reserve park Cavo Greco, whose area is huge - more than 385 hectares. Initially, the goal of the park was to preserve the unique flora, fauna and landscape of this part of the island. Later, another important mission was added to this goal - attracting more tourists to Cyprus.

Along with pristine nature, here you can find well-arranged picnic areas, bike paths and hiking trails with benches for relaxation, which offer excellent views of the coast, with its clear sea water. By the way, the coast here is ideal for diving and fishing - in coastal waters you can find moray eels, octopuses, sea bass and igloo fish.

Today the national park inhabits

• about 4 hundred plant species, 14 of which are considered extremely rare - juniper, acacia, mastic tree, fennel, wild garlic, etc.
• many fauna representatives - hedgehogs, foxes, hares, snakes, lizards and various birds.

10. Finikoudes Beach (Larnaca)

And what to see in Cyprus lovers of sunbathing? The first thing to visit is of course Finikoudes Beach, located right next to the central promenade of Larnaca. It is one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus, therefore, entire regular buses come here periodically, bring numerous tourists and just wanting a good rest.

The name “finikoudes” itself means “small palms” - indeed, the beach is separated from the city by a palm alley, which was planted here back in 1922. Once small palm trees have now turned into large trees, the beauty and grandeur of which delight many visitors.

The length of the beach is about 0.5 kilometers, and the width in different places ranges from 30 to 100 meters. Sand on the beach of volcanic origin, so its color has a grayish tint. The Blue Flag certificate to which Finikoudes corresponds confirms its cleanliness and safety, and the service here meets the highest requirements:

• rescuers are on duty throughout;
• inventory rental works;
• there is a sanitary zone;
• shower room with fresh water;
• throughout the beach maintained perfect cleanliness.

Sights of Cyprus: what else to visit while in Cyprus

17. The fortress of Paphos (Paphos)

At the extreme point in the west of the city of Paphos is a defensive fort, which has become one of the symbols of this place. The uniqueness of the medieval building is given by thick walls, behind which you can visit the ruins of the former fortress. The fort was built in the 13th century by the king of Cyprus - one of the representatives of the Lusignan dynasty. Initially, the castle consisted of two towers, united by a wall, but over the centuries the building was destroyed many times by the invaders, suffered from natural disasters, and was later restored by new owners. There was a Paphos castle and a prison, and a mosque, and even a salt warehouse. But the view that the fortress has today, it acquired in 1592, when it was restored in the Ottoman style. Today this monument has the status of a museum - for 20 years in a row opera music concerts and festivals have been held here, among which the Aphrodite festival is most famous.

18. Kolossi Castle (10 km from Limassol)

Those interested in the sights of Limassol , it is worth visiting the castle of Kolossi - a medieval military fortress about ten kilometers from Limassol. The structure, erected at the beginning of the 13th century, was once the center of the Knights Hospitallers. Today, Kolossi Castle is most often called a massive battlement, but it is only part of the architectural complex. The thickness of its walls, which is 1.25 meters, is amazing - it was this factor that allowed the tower to withstand earthquakes and survive to this day. On the ground floor of the tower, presumably, there was a pantry - until now, you can see the water tanks there. On the second level there are two rooms, in one of which there is a fireplace - most likely, there was a dining room. In another of the rooms, a large fresco is preserved, which depicts the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the faces of the Virgin and St. John. The third floor once served as the Knight's Hall and the Commander’s private chambers.

19. Buffavento Castle (Northern Cyprus)

Along the northern coast of the island of Cyprus stretches a mountain range - Kyrenia Mountains. It was there, at the very tops, at an altitude of about a kilometer, that three glorious medieval castles took refuge - St. Hilarion, Cantaru and Buffavento. As for Buffavento, this fortress was erected by the Byzantines back in the 7th century with the main goal - to protect against Arab raids. The place for the construction was ideally chosen - from this height the whole island was perfectly overlooked. The fortress consists of two levels: the first began with a bastion, followed by a guardhouse - it still has a fireplace. A level above are the ruins of the chapel, and even from here you can see mesmerizing views of the Kyrenia Mountains chain. The castle can not be attributed to a specific period of history - judging by the method of masonry, different levels of the castle were built from the 7th century and were completed until the 14th century.

20. Kyrenia Castle (Northern Cyprus)

Another significant bastion in the lands of Cyprus is Kyrenia Castle, towering above the old harbor of the ancient city of Kyrenia, in the very north of Cyprus. Like Buffavento, Kyrenia Castle was built in the 7th century to resist the invasion of the Arabs. The citadel has a rectangular shape with bastions located at the tops. Such an architectural solution was so successful that the castle throughout history has never been taken by storm. The courtyard is so vast that once even knightly tournaments were held here. A visit to the interior of the castle will impress with history, the spirit of which is still stored in these walls: prisoners were kept in the dungeons and according to legend, it was here that the Knights of the Knights Templar were executed. Now in these places there is a museum of torture, impressive with its exhibits. The castle also houses the Shipwreck Museum and the small Byzantine temple of St. George.

21. Church of St. Lazarus (Larnaca)

Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world rush to one of the most important shrines in Cyprus - the church of St. Lazarus, because everyone wants to touch the relics of a saint who, according to the Gospel, was resurrected by Christ three days after death. The clergy did not like the miraculous resurrection then, and Lazarus was forced to flee - Larnaca and became his refuge. After the death, the relics of the saint were buried at the base of the church, after which the temple was rebuilt several times, and it was believed that the remains were irretrievably lost. Only in the 70s of the last century during the restoration, in the process of opening the stone tombs under the altar, relics were found - today they are a most valuable artifact and put up for general worship. Among other values \u200b\u200bof the church is a burnt-out wooden iconostasis with the miraculously surviving face of St. Lazarus, the icons of St. Martyr George and Our Lady of Hodegetria.

By renting a car in Cyprus, you immediately gain the opportunity for a rich vacation that is not tied to the regulation of general excursions. Having a car, you can visit the mountains and picturesque bays, stroll along the ancient streets of mountain villages, see ancient monasteries. By the way, in the Troodos mountains you can find what to see in Cyprus by car - this is the stavropegial monastery of the Kikk Mother of God. The monastery has always had a special role in the history of Cyprus - its brethren have always sought to inspire people in the most difficult times. And the miraculous icon of the Kikk Mother of God is kept in the walls of the monastery’s church - according to popular belief, this is one of three icons painted by the apostle and evangelist Luke. This shrine is covered with many legends associated with its miracles - the Mother of God has repeatedly protected, saved from troubles, and from ancient times to this day, the icon during the most difficult trials is taken out to Mount Troni.

23. Ayia Napa Monastery (Ayia Napa City)

Ayia Napa will meet those who are looking for beautiful sights of Cyprus with picturesque beaches with white sand, bizarre limestone cliffs and the azure sea. But not only the developed beach infrastructure is known for a large seaside village - the Ayia Napa Monastery is located not far from the coast, and once it began with it the history of a modest fishing village at that time. The monastery is located very close to the coast, in the very center of the popular resort. The history of the monastery began in the 14th century - they say they’re being buried, in those days an impassable forest grew in these places, where the inhabitants of nearby settlements hunted. Once, one of the hunters most often found a cave in which an ancient icon of the Mother of God was stored. It was on this place that the church grew over time, and after another two centuries - and the monastery. The most valuable shrine of the monastery is the veil handed over to the Savior by St. Veronica during the procession to Calvary.

  24. Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia (Northern Cyprus)

Already at the entrances to Nicosia you can see the spiers of the Selimiye Mosque, which were built in the 13th century, but are still impressive in terms of size and monumentality. The history of the great monument is extremely rich - a mosque was built a century and a half, and this process was accompanied by numerous disasters, the erection was repeatedly interrupted due to earthquakes and raids by Egyptian Mamelukes. Initially, the shrine was created as a Roman Catholic church, but in the 16th century, after the capture of Cyprus by the Ottomans, the cathedral was transformed by the Turks into a grand mosque - the previous decoration was destroyed and painted over, and two minarets were attached to the building. But even today marble tombs of Cypriot kings, covered with carpets, have been preserved. The majestic mosque is amazing with its carved entrance arch, fancy windows, huge columns, Gothic arches, mosaics and bas-reliefs.

25. The ghost town of Varosha (Northern Cyprus)

To be precise, Varosha is not a city, but a district of the city of Famagusta, which today belongs to the territory of the unrecognized state of Northern Cyprus. It was once a thriving resort town with a 4-kilometer strip of beach, brand-new hotels, shops, markets, nightclubs and private villas. But in 1974, his prosperity was abruptly interrupted by a coup, when the Greek part of the local people rebelled, demanding the annexation of Cyprus to Greece. And Turkey, in order to protect the interests of the Turkish part, sent troops from the north, and the Varos region became the extreme point of this offensive. So Cyprus was divided into two parts, the north remained occupied by Turkish troops, and the city of Varosha on the border began to play the role of a buffer zone guarded by UN troops. This place was abandoned by residents, and to this day, hundreds of UN representatives guard the empty city.

26. The ancient city of Kourion (Episkopi Bay)

Just a few kilometers from the historical center of Limassol, along the bay lies the ancient city of Kourion. Once it was a large city-state - it was another thousand years before our era. During its existence, the city passed into the possession of the Byzantines, Greeks, Romans, but after many centuries it began to decline - most likely, the destructive earthquake of the 4th century AD was the starting point of this process. And finally the city was abandoned in the 7th century as a result of Arab invasions. Today, Kourion is a large archaeological museum with the ruins of several eras - Hellenism, the Roman period and the early Christian era. A walk through the ruins will turn into an informative journey into the past - among the ruins you can see such objects as the house of Achilles and Eustolios, Roman baths, the house of gladiators, the ancient theater, the ruins of the basilica, the ruins of Nymphaeum, fragments of mosaics.

27. The ancient city of Amathus (south of Cyprus)

Going to explore the sights of southern Cyprus , you should definitely visit one of the ten remaining ancient cities in Cyprus. This is the ancient city of Amathus, with which mythology was closely intertwined - for example, there was an ancient sanctuary, which was one of the most important places of worship of the goddess Aphrodite, and today you can see the remains of this building. The city was arranged on a convenient location on the coastal cliff, on the coast of a natural harbor - this fact predetermined the rapid development of the city in the ancient period, trade with Greece and the Levant went through the local port. For centuries, the city was conquered by the Persians, Romans, Ptolemies, Byzantines, and at the end of glorious history the city was destroyed as a result of Arab invasions. Today on the territory of the ancient city you can see the ruins of the acropolis, the remains of the temple of Aphrodite, a market with rows of marble columns and ancient burials.

28. Aqueduct Kamares (Larnaca city)

On the island of Cyprus, the sights of Larnaca occupy a special place - these are kilometers of magnificent beaches, ancient temples and fortresses, a walk in the vicinity of which takes many centuries to the past. There are other valuable historical sites such as the Kamares aqueduct. This is a prototype of a modern water supply system, created in the 18th century, the purpose of which was to deliver water to Larnaca from a source located above. For two centuries, the aqueduct successfully fulfilled its important role, until in the 30s of the last century it was replaced by a modern plumbing system. Once Kamares was located outside the city, but over the years the city has grown and built up, and now the building was in its very center. By the way, the city government appreciates this monument and even created a special committee for its protection.

Near the city of Paphos is another one of the many fortifications of Cyprus, created to protect against invasions of the Arabs. This is the castle of Forty Columns, which is part of the archaeological complex. By the way, the existence of the castle was not known until the second half of the last century, when a fragment of a mosaic panel was discovered during the processing of the land located above the port. During further excavations, it turned out that it was only part of the archaeological treasure that lurks underground. It is believed that the castle was built in the 7th century by the Byzantines, and in the 13th century it underwent a radical reconstruction. However, a severe earthquake at the root undermined all these works, destroying the fortress almost to the ground. The fortress got its name thanks to the granite columns that once supported its vault - they have survived to this day, along with the remains of towers, gloomy dungeons and cellars.

30. Buyuk Khan Caravanserai (Northern Cyprus)

There are interesting places in Cyprus that preserve the history of those years when Cyprus was part of the Ottoman Empire. One of them is Buyuk Khan Caravanserai - the largest Ottoman settlement in Cyprus, located in the north of Nicosia. The caravanserai was built by the Turks in the 16th century immediately after the victory that they won over the Venetians who ruled here before. Earlier here was the Lusignan Palace - it was on its ruins that the coaching inn was built. Once life was in full swing here and there, an inexhaustible stream of guests arrived here, ensuring the prosperity of its owners. Since 1878, this territory was appropriated to the British, who organized a prison here, and after the Second World War, Buyuk Khan was set up as a shelter for the homeless. Today it is an art center with galleries, workshops, souvenir shops, and the Shadow Theater shows are also held here.

31. Settlement of Ciroquitia (valley of the Maroni river)

In the Neolithic era, the lands of Cyprus were also inhabited, and this fact is confirmed by the oldest settlements discovered on the island. How could a person get to the land of the island even before the era of navigation? It is believed that once Cyprus was part of the mainland, and only a major earthquake turned these territories into an island. The Neolithic settlements of Cyprus include Hirokitia, where people settled as early as 7 millennia BC A small group of people was only 300-600 people. They were engaged in cattle breeding, agriculture, hunting, fishing and built round houses of stone or clay. At the site of the ancient settlement, today you can see the remains of circular dwellings, with burials located under the floor, and fortifications. Some of them have been restored, and visiting the settlement, today you can look inside one of them to find out how people lived many millennia ago.

32. Avagas Gorge (Laon Plateau)

A trip to Cyprus will not be without beautiful nature - the island is rich in natural beauty, excellent landscapes and climate. Therefore, you should definitely visit the natural attractions of Cyprus. The presentation of natural objects will be incomplete without Avakas Gorge, located 20 kilometers from Paphos. This natural creation was formed more than a thousand years ago by the river flowing here, which dried up over time - now only a small stream remained at the bottom of the canyon. Avagas is a real paradise for hikers, they are waiting for breathtaking views, an incredible abundance of flora, including endemic plants and endangered species. As the gorge passes, the distance between its stone walls gradually narrows, eventually forming a narrow corridor where stone masses hang right above your head - a frightening, but bewitching sight.

The coastline of the city of Protaras is completely dotted with small bays, but one of them stands out from the rest - it is Fig-Three Bay, or Fig Tree Bay. Today it is a popular resting place where a lot of figs grow - they say this is the only place in Cyprus with such a cluster of fig trees. Once upon a time, the bay was adorned with a giant fig tree - this is where the name of the area came from. Fans of diving will be especially interested in exploring the coastal underwater world - this is facilitated by the clear transparent water and the rich underwater world with mysterious sea caves. The beach offers a lot of entertainment - boating, water skiing, sailing, volleyball, basketball, tennis, there are numerous restaurants with traditional local dishes. The bay is surrounded by a string of hotels with different levels of service.

34. Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa)

Ayia Napa Cyprus resort is famous for its beaches, among which the most popular is Nissi Beach, which is comfortably located in a beautiful Mediterranean bay. An incredible number of vacationers come here every year, preferring noisy parties and having fun in the company of friends. Every day this place is filled with the noise of discos, pleases the youth with a huge selection of entertainment. For example, in the daytime - riding a banana, parachuting, snorkeling, in the evenings - incendiary dances, foam parties and beach competitions. Nissi Beach is also well equipped for a comfortable stay - there are comfortable sunbeds, umbrellas, cabins and showers, and azure water and soft sand are ideal for swimming. You can grab a bite to eat at any of the many cafes and restaurants.

35. Cape Greco (south-eastern part of Cyprus)

Looking for what to see in Cyprus in May , cape Greco, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Cyprus, should definitely be included in the route. This is a true oasis of serenity located in the southeast of the island. Its territory - untouched lands that change their amazing appearance every season - it is no coincidence that in 1993 they were given the status of a national park. So, the flora of the local park includes more than four hundred species of plants, including endemic and simply rare vegetation. Flowers are especially beautiful - in April-May this whole area blooms with the most unimaginable colors, impresses with its brightness and beauty. In addition, hunting is completely prohibited on Cape Greco, due to the need to protect local species of fauna - along with numerous foxes, hedgehogs and hares, more than 80 species of birds, including migratory ones, as well as a huge variety of fantastic butterflies live here.

A trip to Cyprus can be compared to a real round-the-world trip - it is amazing how many monuments of nature, history and culture have concentrated on one small island. Holidays in Cyprus will not only allow you to escape from everyday life and everyday worries, but also plunge into another world by touching the cultures of different eras.