Lights, colors, beautiful landscapes, this is the island where Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty and Love, was born. The Goddess of the island also has her name: in fact, the Greek Aphrodite was known as “Kipris”.
Third largest in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus all ‘welcome: its people so kind, available, friendly and hospitable, always ready to smile.
With its rich vegetation, the island is a paradise not only for nature lovers. E ‘an’ island of beauty and contrasts, and offers a surprising variety of landscapes: from lush mountains, beautiful beaches and sunny throughout the ‘year, the crystalline depths of the sea.
Following the Turkish military intervention in 1974, the island was divided into two zones: the southern part, namely the Republic of Cyprus and the northern part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The southern part is the most developed and organized tourism. Since May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union.
Comfortable connecting flights from Larnaca International Airport. Italian citizens can enter Cyprus with a valid identity card to travel abroad, but minors need a passport or be included in the parents. The most famous to stay are: Protaras, Aya Napa, Limassol and Paphos.
Protaras is a modern tourist center located on Famagusta Bay near Aya Napa. Considered the most beautiful coast in beach tourism, here bays alternate with stretches of golden or even white sand, lapped by a turquoise sea of crystalline transparency, interrupted here and there by rocky caves and small inlets. Famous for its windmills, this area has the best facilities for practicing water sports. Meeting point for young people from all over Europe looking for fun in hotels, pubs, taverns and discos open until late at night.
Aya Napa, once a small fishing village, is now a bustling resort town.
It is best suited for young people: E’ a hymn to youth, carefree life, movement, joy. You eat, drink and dance all day: recommended for those seeking sea, sun and nightlife. Its beaches are sandy and the famous Nissi beach is famous for the beauty of its waters.
Limassol is the commercial heart of the island and the ideal starting point for many tours and excursions: Lemessos Castle with the Medieval Museum, the Kourion Theatre, the District Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery and gardens public. If you pass through Limassol in September, don’t miss the Wine Festival: the ten days of celebration continue!
Paphos is the pearl of the west coast. Capital of the island in Roman times, today it is a charming little town, offering incomparable scenery, a beautiful coastline, a treasure of immense historical importance made up of buildings from the 3rd century. AC with the famous mosaics which were included in the Paphos list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The extremely mild climate, the geographical position, the sea, the rocky coast, the wild nature of the Akamas Natural Park make it a paradise for lovers of nature and the sea. The heart of the city is the characteristic fishing port of Paphos Fort, surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants where traditional dishes are served daily. The landscape around Paphos, with banana farms and sloping hills propaggini from the western Troodos mountains, is an ‘eye catcher’. Right in the Troodos Mountains, an’escursione dell’ day will discover the true heart of Cyprus with a visit to the mountain villages where time has stopped: a Kakopetria will visit the medieval village famous for the charm and beauty of the houses ancient. Another typical Cypriot village, Lania, is famous for its wine. Kikko, the most famous monastery on the island, is well worth a visit. For the visit to the Monastery, men and women must be dressed in decent clothes (no shorts).
SHOPPING:
Cyprus’s problem is not what to buy, but not to buy: crafts are full of characteristic products.
A good place to see is the Lefkosia Cypriot craft center. Interesting local production of the typical terracotta artifacts, original and cheap. “Lefkaritika” lace from the ancient Venetian tradition, copper objects and typical silver fabric filigree, made all’crochet or frame, wooden objects and wicker baskets, are some of the many things that tourists love to take home Not to mention Cyprus brandy, which can be bought in bulk, Commandaria (also known as the “wine of the gods”) and ‘halloumi, a typical Cyprus cheese. Convenient and varied, ‘leather crafts’ are truly competitively priced.
KITCHEN:
Cypriot cuisine is a cuisine with strong Mediterranean Arab influences. The meal begins with an “ouzo” brandy flavored with anise, accompanied by a plate of “meze”, assorted appetizing appetizers. Simple dishes based on fresh ingredients, local cheeses, grilled fish and meats with lots of music and wine are unavoidable in many taverns. And then Kebab, moussaka and desserts like soujoukko (almonds dipped in ‘made fresh’ hot grape juice) and kadeifi, local honey cakes.
ENTERTAINMENT:
the night life caters for all tastes and all ages. You can choose from a thousand restaurants scattered throughout the island, many of which perform traditional music accompanied by folk dances. There are also discos and night clubs. There is even the possibility of helping a Shakespeare or performances performed in Greek tragedies in the ancient theater scene in the moonlight of Cyprus.
TRANSPORTATION:
All locations are connected by an efficient road network. The taxi service allows you to achieve inter-
by car all the centers of ‘island (during the day) room rates contained. Bus routes linking the main cities. For small shifts are available to rent scooters and bicycles. It is possible to rent a car whose license is simply Italian. Drive to the LEFT!
CLIMATIZED:
In Cyprus, the climate is favorable and exceptionally mild, with the season running from April to November. From June to September the average temperature is 32° centigrade, from March to May and from October to November 25, from December to February it drops to 16 degrees.
