Today, I’m showing you the last picture of Cyprus, this month.
I hope you like this island, “technically” this part of the island; the other part will come later.
And now we’re moving to different continent…
Stay tuned and see you in September! 🙂
Month: August 2018
Cyprus – Tombs of the Kings
The Tombs of the Kings is a large necropolis. Besides its name, no kings were buried there, but mostly rich aristocrats.
I was very impressed by the Tombs of the Kings; they look amazing, and remind me a bit churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Cyprus – Paphos Archaeological Park
Paphos Archaeological Park is a large area that includes different ancient sites, ruins and mosaics; e.g., Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Orpheus, the Four Seasons; the Asklepieion, the Papos Castle ruins, as well the Tombs of the Kings.
Probably, it’s a must-see for everyone visiting Cyprus.
Cyprus – Paphos
Paphos (or Pafos) is a town with many attractions; it’s also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Paphos used to be a capital of Cyprus.
Cyprus – Amathus
Amathus or Amathous is an ancient city; a nice place with ruins nearby Limassol.
Cyprus – Aphrodite’s Rock
Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra tou Romiou or Rock of the Roman) is a rock formation on the sea.
It’s a tourist attraction because it’s a lovely area and in mythology it’s a birthplace of Aphrodite. 🙂
Cyprus – Name of the Country
I used to think, that the name of the country of Cyprus comes from the Mediterranean cypress tree. However, it’s only one of the options (the others is henna plant or copper).
Cyprus – Mountains
In Cyprus, you’ll find nice mountains, that can be even covered by snow in winter!
Cyprus – Religion
The majority of Greek Cypriots are Greek Orthodox, and the religion of Turkish Cypriots is mostly Sunni Islam.
Cyprus – Kykkos Monastery
The Holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos (Orthodox) lies at 1318 m above sea level, in a nice mountain scenery.
The monastery was founded in about 11th century.
Cyprus – Halloumi Cheese
Cyprus is a home of a delicious cheese called Halloumi.
Try it while being in Cyprus!
In general, the Cypriot cuisine offers many tasty dishes.
On today’s picture, you can see a unique road we found while driving through the mountains in Cyprus – with a tree in the middle of the road! 😀
Cyprus – Water
Cyprus is an island, so it’s surrounded by water. However, because of its location, it actually suffers from a chronic shortage of water.
Well, not enough rain; too many people; not so easy…
Cyprus – Why to Go?
Well, Cyprus is a very interesting and nice island, so you don’t really need a reason. 😉
But two main things that probably drive people to go to Cyprus are coast and history.
You can enjoy the weather, relax by the sea and explore the ancient sites (well, dating from the New Stone Age through to the Roman Empire).
Learn more from visitcyprus.com.
As they write: “Cyprus is an open-air museum of prehistoric settlements, classical Greek temples, Roman theaters and villas, Early Christian basilicas, Byzantine churches and monasteries, Crusader castles, Gothic cathedrals, Venetian fortifications, Moslem mosques, and British colonial-style buildings.” 🙂
Cyprus – When to Go?
Spring and autumn are the best periods to visit Cyprus.
It’s still nicely warm, but not extremely hot; and it’s usually not so crowded as in summer.
In winter, some places may be closed, so check details before planning your holidays.
I was in Cyprus in May and it was perfect. 🙂
Cyprus – Nicosia International Airport
Nicosia has an International Airport, however it’s been closed since 1974.
It’s located inside the UN Buffer Zone.
Currently, Larnaca serves the main airport of the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus – Nicosia
Nicosia (Lefkosia) is a nice city and worth visiting from both sides.
It should be easy and not problematic to cross “the boarder” on foot; but you should start from the Republic of Cyprus.
Enjoy small streets, old buildings and nice cafes.
Cyprus – Divided Capital
Nicosia (Lefkosia) is a divided capital of Cyprus.
The city is “cut” in two, i.e., its northern part is a capital of Northern Cyprus and the southern part is a capital of the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus – UN Buffer Zone
The United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus is kind of border line between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It was established in 1964. It covers about 4% of the island’s area.
Cyprus – Greek-Turkish
Cyprus is divided between two countries and cultures of Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
The situation is complicated and affects travelers, that’s why I mention about it.
Otherwise, it’s a travel blog, so I avoid to talk about politics.
And also while being in Cyprus, it’s better to avoid discussions about it…
Cyprus – Language
The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish.
English is also widely spoken, that is very convenient for tourists.