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LarnacaLarnaca is the international gateway to Cyprus, being its second port and having an international airport. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and has plenty of historical sightseeing on offer to complement its deep-blue sea, bright sandy beaches and reliably sunny skies. With its 400-berth marina, Larnaca is also a favored destination for visitors with yachts. Land-based tourists enjoy the palm-lined harbor promenade and the city's international calibre shops, inviting cafes and panoramic ocean views. The city was called Kition in the days of the
Old Testament and the ruins of the ancient city can still be seen. Much of its rich archaeological heritage has been preserved and is showcased in two of its main museums. The surrounding area beyond the city is also a treasure-trove of historic ruins from the Neolithic period onwards.
NicosiaThe bustling city of Nicosia (Lefkosia) in the northern interior has been the capital of Cyprus since the 12th century. It stands today as Europe's only divided city, being split in two by the 'Green Line', a United Nations buffer zone that divides the government-controlled south from the northern section of the island that has been occupied by Turkey since 1974. The modern city center is surrounded by elegant tree-lined suburbs, but the favored tourist sector is the old town, which is being extensively renovated. The old town is a picturesque fusion of 16th-century walls, pedestrian precincts, pavement cafes and squares, brimming with charm, character and sightseeing opportunities. The city, on the Mesaoria Plain, is center of the Nicosia District that includes the valleys of Solea and Pitsilia and parts of Marathasa with its mountain villages, orchards, hill resorts and plethora of Byzantine churches and monasteries. These are within easy reach making a pleasant day trip from the city.
Getting Around: The Nicosia Bus Company services routes all over the city, all starting from Solomos Square terminal in the center. Buses run every half hour or so, with less frequent service at weekends. The Nicosia Municipality runs free yellow buses in the old city. There are numerous taxi companies, operating metered cabs, which can be ordered by telephone or hired at the Eleftheria Square taxi rank.
PaphosThe city of Paphos on the southwest coast of Cyprus was the capital of the island in Roman times, and dates from 1400 BC. Legend has it that the city is built on the spot where the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, was born. The city also has many connections to and relics from early Christianity. Over the centuries it has survived numerous foreign incursions and raids, and even a devastating earthquake in the 4th century AD. It lost out to Larnaca as a major port in the Middle Ages and experienced a decline during the British colonial period when development of this part of the island came to a standstill.
Today, however, Paphos is reviving on the strength of tourism and government investment in infrastructure such as dams, roads and airport. Private initiatives have also resulted in a boom in the construction of hotels, apartments and villas. The city has become a popular seaside resort with a large population. The Ktima section of the city is the main residential area, while Kato Paphos is the playground of holidaymakers, built around the medieval port with its numerous luxury hotels, tavernas and entertainment venues.
Getting Around: Paphos has a reliable and inexpensive bus system that connects Kato Paphos and the upper town. Hiring a car is a good way to explore the surrounding areas, but the main parts of town can be easily navigated on foot. Municipal taxis are available and tend to be reasonably priced, servicing Paphos and its surrounds, although it is recommended that these are hailed rather than pre-booked as drivers tend to turn on meters when leaving to pick up passengers. For the more adventurous, hiring a scooter can be an exciting way to explore Paphos, but it is worth noting that accident rates are very high.
LimassolDuring the Crusades Richard the Lionheart visited the Cypriot city of Limassol (then known as Lemesos) to free his betrothed from the Byzantine sovereign. The subsequent wedding became a party that is legendary still today, which is probably why modern Limassol is still a center of nightlife and joie de vivre. This lively ambience is also aided and abetted by the fact that Limassol is the center of winemaking on the island.
The city has concentrated its efforts in recent years on mercantile development and modernising its buildings. Unlike other Cypriot cities it has not protected its architectural or cultural heritage, but with its many excellent hotels it does offer a good base for visitors who can head for the hills after whooping it up under the city's bright lights. The foothills of the Troodos Mountains lie north of the city and offer charming country walks that meander through friendly villages. There are also some good beaches on the outskirts of the city, most of which belong to hotels which charge an entrance fee for non-guests. The sandy beach of Avmidou, located on the grounds of the British military base of Akrotiri, is open to the public.
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