East Coast Cyprus

Famagusta is a town in eastern Cyprus, administrative centre of Famagusta District, near the capital city of Nicosia. A seaport, Famagusta is a centre for the export of citrus fruits and other agricultural products and livestock; other major economic activities include cotton spinning, the distillation of brandy, and fishing. Near the town are the ruins of the ancient city of Salamis, destroyed in AD647. Famagusta was a haven for Christian refugees in 1291 after the fall of Acre (' Akko, in what is now Israel) to the Ottoman Turks. The Genoese seized the town in 1376 and controlled it until 1464, when it became a part of the kingdom of Cyprus. In 1489 Famagusta passed into the hands of the Venetians, under whose control it became a rich and flourishing seaport with 30,000 inhabitants. In 1571, after a long siege, it fell to the Turks. Over a period of several decades it began to diminish in importance, and in 1735 an earthquake brought about its ruin. The town came under British administration in 1878. Its harbour, once choked with silt, has been dredged. During the Cypriot fighting in 1974, the town was occupied by Turkish forces and its residents were displaced.

Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa was once a small fishing village in the south-eastern corner of Cyprus but it is now a hotspot for holidaymakers looking for a lively vacation over 250,000 clubbers swarm into this party capital each summer and the phenomenal atmosphere in its scores of bars and nightclubs is nothing short of explosive. Located in the centre of the market garden area of the island, Ayia Napa also boasts a string of superb golden sandy beaches and vestiges of its cultural heritage - there is a Venetian decorated monastery fronted by a 600-year-old Sycamore tree, and a quaint harbour filled with colourful fishing vessels.

Over the last few years, Ayia Napa (Ayia Napa) has topped the list of the worlds 'in' destinations as THE place to be, surpassing even Ibiza for nightlife and club culture. It has everything you could want from a holiday, especially if you're young, with beautiful white sandy beaches, lots and lots of sunshine, at least 20 nightclubs and over 100 bars to choose from. The present-day resort may not be everybody's cup of tea, but if lying in the sun and then partying until dawn is your thing. Ayia Napa is heaven!

The area around the monastery of Ayia Napa was not inhabited until 1790 when (according to local tradition) there arrived from Thessaloniki a group of people who left their homeland fleeing an outbreak of cholera (the plaque). Finally, only two of them survived the deadly disease, a man by the name of Nicholaos Kemitzis and his son. Later the son married a Cypriot girl from a small village called Panayia, which was found, on the hills north of the monastery where the water of Ayia Napa comes from. The young couple did not settle in Panayia because of a bitter conflict between the inhabitants of Panayia and Turkish authorities of Famagusta concerning the supply of water. Instead, they sought to establish a safer home outside the monastery thus beginning the village, which was to also be named "Ayia Napa" after the shrine. The popular holiday resorts of Ayia Napa and Paralimni have been called a veritable paradise for anyone who loves the sea and water sports. The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour of Ayia Napa, the mediaeval monastery at the heart of the village and the windmills and small churches in the surrounding villages which spread around the areas of Paralimni and Protaras.

Protaras is just a few miles away from Ayia Napa and is more restrained and is much more suited to family life. This resort also has excellent beaches, the most famous being Fig Tree Bay. Other popular beaches include Nissi Beach and Nissi Bay, two miles (three km) west of Ayia Napa; Cape Greco to the east, where the challenge is to leap from the rocks into the sea; and Konnos Bay, just past Cape Greco, where there is a beach cafe and speedboats for hire.

Windmills, small churches and cyclists are familiar sights in the areas of Protaras and Paralimni. You can find out - of- the - way taverns serving local specialties. The pretty fishing shelter of Potamos is a good place to rest. In Liopetri village the traditional craft of basket making continues to this day and a 16th century church stands in dedication to Virgin Mary. The village of Frenaros alone has three small Byzantine churches.

Where the old and the new meet in harmony. Paralimni has the advantage of a traditional village and the conveniences of a contemporary town. It has everything. The sea is within walking distance making this an extremely popular place to set up home. Permanent residence, retirement home, buy to let, villa, townhouse, or apartment the choice is yours. As with neighbouring Protaras all are excellent opportunities.

Liopetri is a picturesque village. It is situated in an area that is well known for its basket making. It is a quiet, traditional village, slow paced and care free. Ideal for those seeking the quiet life, a place for those seeking to purchase a retirement home, or laid back holiday hide-away.

This is a beautiful village that is full of lush orange groves and olive trees, surrounded by farmland and located a short distance away from Famagusta town. Vrysoulles has become very popular for people moving to Cyprus permanently due to the relaxed atmosphere friendly people and the stress free environment. This is an ideal location for that quality villa purchase.

The church of Ayia Thekla is one of the oldest spots in the area. The area is surrounded by natural beauty and flora and considered by many the place to live. There is a small sandy beach looking out to the clear blue Mediterranean Sea. Ayia Thekla is perfect for those who seek the privacy and seclusion for their home. High quality villa purchases are recommended here.

Ideally located between Larnaca, and the east coast resorts of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paralimni. This traditional friendly village is ideal for permanent residence or for that holiday home purchase; property choices are excellent with high quality villas, townhouses, and apartments available. The coast is only a few minutes walk away, and the golf course at Dhekelia is nearby. The village of Ormidia is ideally located for those wishing to relax and yet have the option of nightlife in Ayia Napa which is located 20 minutes away by car.

Larnaca

Larnaca is the 3rd largest town in Cyprus after Nicosia & Limassol with a population of around 100,000 people. The local economy is largely geared towards tourism. Larnaca is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world; it is the modern gateway to Cyprus and known for lovely sights such as the Palm Tree Promenade. It is the home of the island's main international airport. Larnaca offers many visitors their first taste of Cyprus.

Kition in Larnaca was also home to the philosopher Zeno who founded the School of Stoicism in Athens and also Lazarus, the man Jesus raised from the dead. Lazarus later became Bishop of Larnaca and his empty tomb can be seen in the crypt in the Church of St. Lazarus.

One of the first sights is the beautiful salt lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds. Over 10,000 flamingos arrive during the months of January & February. The salt lake quickly dries out once the water seeping into them evaporates. By July both have a thick glistening salt crust nearly 10cm thick. Larnaca Salt Lake has always been the important commercially, and is still referred to as Aliki- the Greek word for salt. A local legend tells how the area used to be filled with luscious vines and one day, Saint Lazarus {Patron Saint of Larnaca} was so thirsty he stopped and asked for some grapes. The owner told him that there were no grapes and the saint was so incensed he changed the vineyard into a salt lake!

Beside the lake, in a tranquil setting crowned by lush palms, is the Hala Sultan Tekesi which was built to honour the aunt of the Prophet Mohammed who accompanied the Arab invaders of Cyprus in 694AD but died after falling from a mule near Larnaca. Her shrine, the third holiest in the Moslem world after Mecca and Medina is today this wonderfully peaceful sanctuary.

There is a causeway between the main Larnaca Salt Lake and smaller pools which leads to the village of Kiti with its famous church - the Panagia Angeloktisti (meaning ‘built by the angels) which is famous for its mosaics. One of Larnaca's most distinctive features is the mid-town seaside promenade lined with tall palm trees. A project to improve the area around the promenade - known as the Finikoudhes - and turn it into a large precinct bordered by tavernas and a sandy beach was recently completed. Nearby is the Larnaca marina, one of the few shelters for yachts on the island (though several new ones are currently under construction in other towns). Palm trees and minarets which dot the horizon also give Larnaca a Middle Eastern ambience, particularly in the old, inner city.

The advantages of Larnaca as a tourist resort are numerous. The town is large enough to give everything one may need but still is not overcrowded especially at its beautiful beaches which extend for 25kms. The archaeological sites and its six museums are in the centre of the city within walking distance. Summer sports, sea activities and cruises are readily available. The shops are well stocked, medical care is excellent, the cinemas are screening films simultaneously with the cinemas of Europe and the USA. The variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafeterias and bars is very great. The Cyprus "meze" is the food specialty of the town. Night life is interesting and security in the streets unsurpassed. Cultural life is rich and many events are organized by the town's Municipality almost daily.

The History of Larnaca

Larnaca dates back to the Bronze Age, the Mycenaeans colonizing it in the 13th century B.C. after which it became commercially important with the Phoenicians in the 9th century B.C. Attacked by the Greeks in 450 B.C. It did not enjoy prosperity during Roman times and was destroyed by fire in 250B.C and later with fire by the Arabs in the 7th century A.D.

Under the Turks it became an important trading centre again and became “Larnaca” taking its name from the Greek funeral urns…”larnax”…which were spread all over its territory. During the 17th & 18th centuries the city became commercial again with foreign consuls and the British later leased Cyprus from Turkey in 1878 before annexing it completely in 1919. In 1960 Cyprus became an independent republic

Limassol

(or Lemesos)

Limassol is the second biggest town of Cyprus and its biggest Municipality. It has experienced great development after the Turkish invasion in 1974, becoming the biggest port in the Mediterranean transit trade. Limassol has since then become one of the most important tourism, trade and service-providing centre in the area. Limassol is renowned for its long cultural tradition. A wide spectrum of activities and a great number of museums and archaeological sites are available for the interested visitor. A unique combination of ancient, Frankish, Byzantine and other modern influences are observed.

During the Crusades, Richard the Lion-Heart, leader of the Third Crusade landed in Limassol to free his betrothed, Berengaria of Navarre, who was held captive by the Byzantine sovereign. They married in the town and afterwards had the most extravagant party the island had ever seen.

Today, the tradition of celebration and hospitality continues in this vibrant seaside town. In February before Lent, masked revellers invade the street with music, parades, and dancing for Carnival. In September, the Wine Festival explodes in the town for a week. And every night people in restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs celebrate events momentous and trivial, from a soccer win to a sudden romance to yet another stunning sunset at day's end.

Limassol now is commonly recognised as the wine-making town of Cyprus. In 1987 the International Office of the Vine and Wine (O.I.V.) made a suggestion to declare Limassol as the "City of Vine and Wine".

Historically Limassol was the centre of the wine trade and wine making in Cyprus. From the beginning almost all exports of wine and spirits were made from the port of Limassol. Also in there is the region of Commandaria, which is a de Facto wine with an appellation of origin. The method of making Commandaria is basically the same today as it used to be many centuries ago. Also in the Limassol district are the two well known vine areas for the production of the quality table wines which are Krasohoria and Pitsilia. Every house in the wine village of Limassol was also a small winery where owner and the vine grower had all the apparatus for the making, storage, aging and transportation of the wine to the places of consumption. The small vine-grower felt joy and pride when he could invite guests to his dining table and offer his own "zivania" which is an appetizer and then his own wine which had been aging for more than a year.

Limassol provides a flashback into the history of Cyprus as it is steeped in Greek mythology and the conquests by Franks, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans, British and more recently part of it in 1974 by the Turks.

For those interested in cultural and eco-tourism, there are plenty of other attractions. Mention should be made of its rich forest cover that includes oak, Cyprus, black pine and other types of vegetation. Mountains. The fauna comprises mainly some small mammals, such as the mouflon (deer-like goat), fox, hare, hedgehog, seal, dolphins and 61 species of birds, besides snakes and lizards.

The nearby Troodos Mountains are a tourists' delight. Cypriots would say, they may be described as the fruit basket of Europe. Apples, apricots, grapes, strawberries, cherries, bananas, oranges, melons, pistachio and almonds are among the other fresh and dried fruits that grow in the rich, fertile soil of the Troodos Mountains. You don't have to go to a supermarket to buy fruits. You can shop them right off the trees lining the mountainous route.

Limassol is a bustling cosmopolitan resort with plenty to do by day and night. It is the island's largest seaside resort. The beaches are a mixture of sand and pebbles with the favourite ones being Curium, Lady's Mile, Governors Beach and Dasoudi. In the old town of Limassol shopping opportunities are excellent.

All water sports are widely available, including scuba diving, water skiing, water sailing, windsurfing, Para-sailing and boating.

There are numerous restaurants and tavernas to suit everyone’s taste including Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, typical Cypriot tavernas, pizzerias, kebab bars but seafood lovers should head for the fish tavernas dotted all along the coast.

The nightlife can be quiet or lively as there are plenty of discos, nightclubs and bars to choose from.

Places of Interest to Visit in and around Limassol

LIMASSOL CASTLE - CYPRUS MEDIAEVAL, MUSEUM
Built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. According to tradition Richard the Lion heart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England, here in 1191. The castle houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
LIMASSOL DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Interesting collection of antiquities found in the Limassol area from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period.

FOLK ART MUSEUM
This very beautiful collection of Cypriot Folk Art of the 19th and early 20th century is housed in a restored old house. The collection includes national costumes, tapestry, embroidery etc and displayed in a very interesting way,

LIMASSOL MUNICIPAL ART GALLERY
The art gallery houses a representative collection of paintings of well known contemporary Cypriot artists.

KOLOSSI CASTLE
A fine example of military architecture originally constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in its present form in the middle of the 15th century. After the fall of Acre in 1291, it served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. In the 14th century it came for a few years under the domain of the Knights Templar. Nearby are the ruins of a sugar mill dating back to the 14th century.

KOURION MUSEUM
Collection of finds from nearby archaeological sites, exhibited in a beautiful old house.

KOURION
An important ancient city-kingdom and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the island where excavations still bringing new treasures to light. The magnificent Greco- Roman Theatre was originally built in the 2nd century BC and is now fully restored and used for musical and theatrical performances.

The House of Eustolios, originally a private Roman villa, became a public recreation centre during the Early Christian period. It consists of a complex of baths and a number of rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors. The Early Christian basilica dated to the 5th century was probably the Cathedral of Kourion with a baptistery attached to the north face.

The House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators have beautiful mosaic floors. The Nymphaeum, dedicated to water nymphs. is an elegant Roman structure.

SANCTUARY OF APOLLO HYLATES
Apollo Hylates, God of the Woodland, was the protector of the city of Kourion. The cult of Apollo was celebrated here from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. The southwest side of the temple has been restored and excavations have also revealed other structures of this important sanctuary such as the bath complex, the pilgrim halls, the palaistra and a holy precinct.

AMATHUS
One of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus where, according to mythology, Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne to be taken care of after his battle with the Minotaur. A very important cult of Aphrodite-Astarte flourished here. Excavations have revealed parts of the Acropolis and Agora areas, as well as part of the upper and lower city. The remains date from the Archaic, Roman and Christian periods.

AYIOS GEORGIOS ALAMANOU CONVENT
Originally founded in the 12th century. The nuns, besides performing their religious rites, spend their time in icon-painting, the cultivation of flowers and herbs and the production of honey.

PANAGIA TIS AMASGOU CONVENT
The small church dedicated to Virgin Mary was built at the end of the 11th century. It has some rare mural paintings of the 12th, 14th and 18th centuries, equivalent in beauty and significance to those of Asinou and Panagia tou Araka. Part of the monastic buildings has been renovated according to the original plan.

Paphos

The charming west coast town of Paphos focuses around an attractive little harbour whose picturesque open air fish restaurants line a quayside of bright fishing boats and pleasure craft. The town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world's heritage.

With a population of just 28.000 Paphos nestles in the lee of the Western Troodos Mountains, which add another dimension to this area of scenic beauty. The recent addition of its own international airport nearby has opened up the Paphos area, and the resort is graced with some luxury hotels along the coastline.

Paphos has an air of holiday charm combined with history, and olden-day elegance is lent to the town by its classical style buildings in the upper part of town which leads to the shopping area. The lower part of the town - known as Kato Paphos has a life of its own albeit so close by, down near the sea -home of the harbour, the fish tavernas, souvenir shops and several beautiful hotels with important archaeological sites around them.

Paphos, which has been, during certain times in antiquity, the capital of Cyprus, has a history which goes back literally thousands of years, and has always attracted visitors from the rest of the island and abroad.

From the modern town centre to the picturesque harbour and, stretching across the coastline, lie innumerable ancient sites which not surprisingly have now been included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites. After all, this is the birthplace and centre of worship of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty and the whole area retains some of this magic.

Paphos is entwined with Greek mythology, and the legendary birth of Aphrodite on her shores brought fame and worshippers there to follow the cult of the Goddess. Landmarks associated with Aphrodite are the chunky, rugged rocks of her beautiful birth shore known as the Aphrodite Rocks or " Petra tou Romiou " , the evocative sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia Village, one-time shrine and scene of pagan festivals for thousands, the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis, supposed source of fertility and the Fountain of Love, or Fontana Amorosa , a few miles further into the Akamas Peninsula.

Even the town's name is linked to the Goddess, for Paphos was the name of the mythological daughter of Venus and Pygmalion.

Bordered by a lovely coastline, the Paphos area has charming villages in its mountains, here life has gone unchanged over the years, where the customs and traditions of the country have been kept alive because that is how it has always been and in the heartland, are famous monasteries such as Ayios Neophytos and Chrysoroyiatissa with modern day pilgrims.

Paphos became the capital of Cyprus under the successors of Alexander the Great - the Ptolemies and in those days its harbour was a busy, thriving port. It continued as the island's first city for more than seven centuries, retaining its importance under Roman rule. Its most famous Governor, Sergius Paulus, was converted to Christianity by St Paul in 45 AD. Paphos history dates back a great deal further. In fact the whole area abounds in historical and archaeological treasures.

Places of Interest to Visit in and around Paphos

Paphos District Archaeological Museum
Attractive collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Paphos area, dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD.

Byzantine Museum
In the premises of the Bichopric. An interesting collection of objects from the Byzantine period, including Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th century.

Ethnographical Museum
Interesting private collection of objects from the Neolithic Age to the present day.

Tombs Of The Kings
Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating to 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

Ayia Solomoni Church
Originally a Christian catacomb. A sacred tree stands at the top, which, according to tradition, cures the disease of those who hang a personal offering on its branches.

The Mosaics Of Paphos
House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion. The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3rd century AD noblemen's villas, are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.

Paphos Odeon
A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiqulties in 1973-4 and is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances.

Saranta Kolones
Kato Paphos, near the harbour. This castle was built in the first years of the rule of the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) maybe on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1222.

Paphos Castle
Kato Paphos. Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, and then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island.

Panayia Limeniotissa Basílica
Kato Paphos. Dating from the Early Christian period, probably early 5th century and dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Harbour'. Almost completely destroyed during the 7th century Arab raids.

Panayia Chrysopolitissa Church And Byzantine Basilica
Kato Paphos. Built in the 13th century, over the ruins of the largest early Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the compound, one can see the so called St. Paul 's Pillar, where according to tradition Saint Paul was flogged at some time before the Roman Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity. Excavations are still going on.

Theoskepasti Church
Kato Paphos, facing the harbour. Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to tradition, God sent down a fog to protect the original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923.

Petra Tou Romiou
(Birthplace of Aphrodite) - 25 km east of Paphos. According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou (The Rock of the Greek), is associated with the legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times, Dighenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said in one such fight he heaved a large rock (Petra), at his enemy.

Yeroskipou Folk Art Museum
The name of the village comes from the Greek word "Hieroskepos", the sacred Garden of Aphrodite. Fascinating collection of Cyprus folk arts and crafts gathered together in the house known as Hadjismith.

Ayia Paraskevi Church
Yeroskipou village, 3 km east of Paphos. One of the most interesting and attractive Byzantine Churches on the island, dating to the 10th century, with a vaulted basilica, a nave and two aisles surmounted by five domes, with later frescoes dating to the 15th century.

Temple Of Aphrodite
Kouklia village, 14 km east of Paphos. This is Palaepaphos, Old Paphos, one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage of the ancient Greek world, and once an ancient city kingdom of Cyprus. Here are the ruins of the famous Temple of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains, go back to the 12th century B.C. The temple was one of the most important places of cult and pilgrimage of the ancient world, till the 3rd-4th century A.D. The Museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, is small but impressive with many finds from the area.

Panayia Chryseleousa
3 km north of Paphos, Emba village. A 12th century church standing in the centre of the village. A series of icons and two panels with the 12 Apostles date to the middle of the 16th century.

Peyia
Ayios Georghios Basilica and the picturesque fountains. Peyia village, 19 km north-west of Paphos. In Peyia, do not forget to quench your thirst at the picturesque fountains which can be found in the beautiful stone-paved village square. 41/2 km from the village, near the fishing refuge, is the ruins of two early Christian basilicas with some very interesting mosaic floors depicting animals. This site must have been an important establishment in Early Christian times. There are also rock-hewn tombs of the Roman period above the sea.

Ayios Neophytos Monastery
9 km north of Paphos. Founded around 1200 by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos. The Encleistra or Enclosure carved out of the mountain by the hermit contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to 15th century. In the Monastery's church there is an interesting collection of icons and remains of 16th century frescoes.

Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery
40 km north-east of Paphos, turn right before Stroumbi village. The monastery is also reached from Kykko (forest road). Set in beautiful surroundings, this monastery, dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate, was originally founded in the 12th century but the present building dates to 1770. The monastery has a collection of important icons and treasures. An impressive religious ceremony and celebrations are held on 15th August. Recently the old winery of the monastery was reopened and produces some of the best vintage wine available in Cyprus.

Pano Panayia
On the west of Troodos 1 1/2 km from Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery. The birthplace of President Makarios. The house, where he was born, has been turned in a museum.

Polis
(known in ancient times as Marion) - 37 km north of Paphos One of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus , it became an important commercial centre in Classical and Hellenistic times, with close relations with Athens . Some beautiful houses, dating to the beginning of this century, can still be seen here. Polis, with its excellent climate and beautiful beaches and scenery, is now developing into a popular resort.

Baths Of Aphrodite
( Akamas Peninsula , near Polis ) - 48 km north of Paphos An area of breath taking beauty associated with Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8 km from the Baths, at the end of the Akamas Peninsula). Walking along this trail, one can enjoy an incomparable view and unspoilt nature (especially in Sing).