Cyprus is one of the most popular holiday destinations. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world come here to see the beautiful sights, swim in the sea and enjoy the indescribable atmosphere of a seaside resort.
The sun shines here for more than three hundred days a year, and the swimming season lasts almost half a year. Almost the entire industry of the island is aimed specifically at tourists. There are a large number of hotels here - from hostels to the best five-star hotels. This resort is suitable for all ages.
By the way, young people prefer to rest closer to Ayia Napa, because here you can "light" from dawn to dusk. For couples with children, it is better to choose Larnaca or Limassol, because in many hotels of these two resorts there are often interesting programs for children and their parents. But the elderly, as well as natures who want to be alone and calm, prefer to relax in Protaras.
It is rather difficult to say what is more on the island of Cyprus - ancient sights, noisy fun or romance.
Historyislands
The history of this wonderful island began at the very beginning of the emergence of mankind. It is difficult to answer the question of when exactly he appeared on earth.
Cyprus is considered part of Europe and belongs to several countries at once. The northern part of the island has been part of Turkey since the 1970s, while the southern part of the island belongs to the Republic of Cyprus. By the way, the island has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
Cyprus is considered one of the largest Mediterranean islands. The area is about nine thousand square meters, but, as you know, it is quite easy to cross the entire territory of the island in a day and see the main attractions.
The relief of the island is quite diverse. There are sandy shores, rocky hills, and wonderful cedar forests. All this is the same unique Cyprus that will be popular for many years to come.
What to see in Cyprus?
Cyprus is the oldest island, a large number of ruins of ancient buildings have been preserved here. We will tell you about the most interesting sights. Everyone who decides to relax in this sunny state should see them.
Royal Tombs
In the town of Paphos on the Mediterranean coast are the royal tombs. It is believed that this attraction is one of the most popular. Many people think that the rulers are buried here, but this is not so. There are no kings here, but there is a local nobility. Burials appeared here around the fourth century BC.era.
Before archaeologists found these royal tombs, the structure was smashed and looted by people looking for treasure. Only the walls of ancient buildings have survived.
Kolossi Castle
This building appeared at the time of knightly orders. The tower is an example of 12th century architecture. The building has survived to our time, the interior decoration and thick walls are in fairly good condition. Travelers have the opportunity to see frescoes depicting divine scenes.
Previously, this structure was used as a strategic and defensive structure.
Kyrenia Castle
This castle is located in the northern part of Cyprus. It was built by the inhabitants of the Byzantine Empire in order to protect against Arab raids.
During the reign of the Venetians, it was reconstructed. In the 15th century, when the Ottoman Empire owned the island, it also fell.
For a long time the castle was used by the Turks as a military base, this continued until the 19th century.
In 1974, the northern part of Cyprus was occupied by Turkish troops, and Kyrenia Castle turned into a museum.
Ghost town Varosha
The ghost town is located in the northern part of the island of Cyprus. Once this place was considered the best to visit. Millions of tourists came here to enjoy the magical atmosphere of relaxation. Famous Hollywood stars liked to visit this place, among them - Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot.
In an instant everything changed. After the Turkish invasion in 1974, local residents were urgently evacuated. Everything that was under construction was surrounded by a fence and armed guards were posted.
Tourists are still here, but all these gloomy houses look completely out of place against the background of the sunny beaches of the magical island.
Paphos Fortress
A rather austere architectural structure built during the reign of Alexander the Great. Previously, this fortress was considered part of the defensive system. But the lower floors were used as a prison. Quite an unusual combination, isn't it?
As for the modern appearance, only some parts of the ancient fort have come down to us, since the fortress was repeatedly stormed.
The ancient city of Kourion
In the 12th century AD, this city was considered the largest on the island of Cyprus. Only some parts of it have survived to our times.
Unfortunately, it so happened that in the fourth century BC, Kourion was seriously damaged by an earthquake. Only its ruins have come down to us. As you can see in the photo posted in the article, columns, Roman inscriptions and drawings with images of animals have been preserved here.
Archbishop's Palace
The structure was built in the 20th century, but in such a short time it managed to acquire the status of a landmark. It is located in the central part of the island, in the city of Nicosia.
Next to this building isan 18th-century structure that was badly damaged during the invasion of the Turkish army in 1974.
At the moment, this place is considered the residence of the Cypriot Archbishop.
City of Amathus
This city is also one of the ancient ancient cities. It is located very close to Limassol. Only the remains of administrative buildings and baths have survived to this day. According to ancient myth, the father of Adonis is considered the founder of this amazing area. It is believed that the spirit of the goddess Aphrodite herself was once present in this area.
Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia
This mosque is located in the northern part of the island of Cyprus. The building has existed for more than fifty years, at different times it had a different status - it was a church, a cathedral and a Gothic temple. Now this building is a mosque. In the architectural style of the building, traces of completely different eras can be traced. This does not spoil the building, on the contrary, the attraction looks special.
Catacombs of Saint Solomon
This area is considered one of the most important shrines of the island of Cyprus. Here once died a resident of Palestine named Solomon. She, along with her children, was hiding from the persecution of King Antiochus IV. All the sons died with their mother.
Hirokitia Settlement
Ancient territory that existed in the Neolithic era, that is, about seven thousand years ago. Included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The area is fairly well preserved.therefore, archaeologists managed to find many interesting facts that allow us to draw some conclusions about the life of the island at that time. Unfortunately, it is still unknown where this settlement came from, who lived in it, and where the locals disappeared.
Castle of the Forty Columns
This building appeared here in the 12th century and was used as a defensive system against raids by Arab troops. This name was given to the ruins due to the fact that the original building consisted of forty columns. The castle was completely destroyed by the earthquake. Only a few towers and catacombs remained. They are of the greatest interest to archaeologists.
Famagusta Gate
They were built in the sixteenth century and protected the city of Nicosia from Turkish raids. They are part of the fortifications of the Venetians. At the end of the 20th century, the gates were restored. The area next to them began to be used as a place for lectures and conferences.
Best tours in Cyprus
There are a lot of ancient sights on the island. But many of them are quite far apart. If tourists are limited in time and do not know what to see in Cyprus, you should think over the route in advance and make a list of the main travel points. About them - later in the article.
Salamin - Famagusta
One of the most interesting excursions. All because you will have the opportunity to see two of the most famous ancient cities. One of which is antique, and the other is medieval. As a bonus - an abandoned cityVarosha.
Be sure to take your passport with you, because you will cross the border and find yourself in another part of the island, which belongs to Turkey. It turns out that this is an excursion to Northern Cyprus.
Gourmet Tour
During this excursion in Cyprus you will have the opportunity to visit a village smokehouse. The island's most popular delicacies are prepared here. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see a Cyprus winery and taste local delicacies.
Donkey tour
As you know, donkey tours in Cyprus are very popular among tourists. Many speak with enthusiasm about her, especially children. The only thing that upsets is that the donkey cannot be taken with you. The animals are said to be very peaceful and friendly.
If you are going there with a child, this tour in Cyprus will be one of the best decisions.
Picnic for the whole family
If you have already gone swimming and simply cannot live without mountains, you should take advantage of a private tour in Cyprus. You will be able to visit local villages, a winery, have a lot of fun with an entertainment program for teenagers and a fun picnic. For children, an excursion in Cyprus will be one of the most memorable. Amazing nature, amazing landscapes, hospitality of local residents will remain in your memory for a long time. Numerous reviews of excursions in Cyprus confirm this.
Excursion "Saints of Cyprus"
For many tourists this excursion is one of the most interesting. There istravelers who come here specifically to go to these shrines.
During this excursion in Cyprus, you can visit most of the holy places of the island.
Price of excursions
Prices for excursions in Cyprus from different tour operators are practically the same. Approximately 3500-4200 rubles. (€50-60) per person.
As for the cost of excursions in Cyprus of an individual nature, their prices are much higher, from 21,450 rubles. (€300) per person.
In conclusion
Cyprus is one of the fabulous Mediterranean islands. If you have the opportunity to get here, be sure to come, because in such a small area there are a large number of attractions, and the rest is just wonderful.
