Cyprus
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Cyprus - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Cyprus - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
In the town center stands one of the island's more important churches, Ayios Lazarus (Church of Lazarus), resplendent with gold icons and unique...
In the town center stands one of the island's more important churches, Ayios Lazarus (Church of Lazarus), resplendent with gold icons and unique wood carvings. Constructed in AD 890 by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI and restored to its glory in the 17th century, it is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. The church includes a fascinating crypt containing the sarcophagus of the Biblical Lazarus mentioned in Luke; Jesus is said to have resurrected Lazarus four days after his death, after which time Lazarus traveled to Kition (Larnaca's ancient city), where he became a bishop for 30 years.
Outside the city walls stands the Cyprus Museum, the world's largest collection of Cypriot antiquities and arguably the most interesting museum...
Outside the city walls stands the Cyprus Museum, the world's largest collection of Cypriot antiquities and arguably the most interesting museum on the island. It houses archaeological displays ranging from Neolithic to Roman times, including a fascinating display of 2,000 terra-cotta figures from the 6th and 7th centuries BC, unearthed in Northern Cyprus in 1929, as well as three limestone lions and two sphinxes from approximately 475–400 BC, discovered south of Nicosia in 1997. Other highlights include a famous statue of Aphrodite of Soloi and beautiful mosaics. This stop is essential to an understanding of the island's ancient sites.
Located about ten minutes west of Limassol in the village of Erimi, this comprehensive museum succeeds at explaining the history of the grape...
Located about ten minutes west of Limassol in the village of Erimi, this comprehensive museum succeeds at explaining the history of the grape in Cyprus, one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world. You'll get to view ancient wine jugs and vessels on a short, guided tour of the museum and watch a film before heading downstairs for a sampling of Cyprus wines, including the island's famous sweet Commandaria, accompanied by tasty halloumi cheese.
The Kourion (Curium) archaeological site, west of Limassol, has Greek and Roman ruins. Classical and Shakespearean plays are sometimes staged...
The Kourion (Curium) archaeological site, west of Limassol, has Greek and Roman ruins. Classical and Shakespearean plays are sometimes staged in the impressive amphitheater. Next to the theater is the Villa of Eustolios, a summer house built by a wealthy Christian with interesting mosaic floors from the 5th century AD; nearby is the partially rebuilt Roman stadium.
Once you gaze down on Kourion beach from the heights of the Kourion amphitheater, you'll certainly want to head down the hills to spend time...
Once you gaze down on Kourion beach from the heights of the Kourion amphitheater, you'll certainly want to head down the hills to spend time on its beautiful sands—one of the longest stretches on Cyprus. Though it's easiest to reach Kourion beach by car, you can also take a bus from Limassol, 17 km (10 miles) to the east. If you're making a day of it, rent a sun bed and umbrella from a nearby taverna; the well-regarded Blue Beach Bar & Restaurant makes a pleasant stop for a seafood break. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: walking; windsurfing.
One of the prettiest villages in Cyprus, Omodos sits on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains. It's an ancient wine-making town centered...
One of the prettiest villages in Cyprus, Omodos sits on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains. It's an ancient wine-making town centered around a historic Byzantine monastery, Timios Stavros. As you wander the narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed villas (and plenty of tourist shops), be sure to stop into one of the many wine-tasting stalls for a sample or two of wines made from Cypriot grapes like Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red); some shops still display old-fashioned grape presses and other wine-making paraphernalia.
The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite—Greek goddess of love and beauty—is a large offshore rock just off the southwest coast of Paphos. Swimming...
The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite—Greek goddess of love and beauty—is a large offshore rock just off the southwest coast of Paphos. Swimming around Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock) three times is purported to bring you eternal love. Whether or not you believe the legend, it's a dramatic place to stop for a snack or picnic lunch and a look at the unquestionably romantic views. Park in the lot and take the passageway under the highway to the large pebble beach, where you may be tempted to swim or stay for sunset. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming.
Don't miss the elaborate 3rd- to 5th-century AD Roman mosaics in the Roman Villa of Theseus, the House of Dionysos, and the House of Aion—all...
Don't miss the elaborate 3rd- to 5th-century AD Roman mosaics in the Roman Villa of Theseus, the House of Dionysos, and the House of Aion—all part of a UNESCO World Heritage protected site. The impressive mosaics are an easy walk from the harbor.
Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, or Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof—so named for its steep, pitched roof, built for protection against the weather...
Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, or Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof—so named for its steep, pitched roof, built for protection against the weather—is an 11th-century Byzantine church and UNESCO World Heritage Site containing stunning frescoes. The frescoes were painted between the 11th and 17th centuries and depict such iconic scenes as the Crucifixion and the Nativity. You'll need a car to reach the church, which is located in the Troodos Mountain region.
The Apollo Hylates (Sanctuary of Apollo of the Woodlands), an impressive archaeological site, stands about 2.5 km (1½ miles) west of the temple...
The Apollo Hylates (Sanctuary of Apollo of the Woodlands), an impressive archaeological site, stands about 2.5 km (1½ miles) west of the temple of Apollo at Kourion. It includes a partially restored main sanctuary with enormous Roman columns.
One of the best preserved painted churches in Cyprus, Asinou Church (also known as Panagia Forviotissa) was built in the early 12th century...
One of the best preserved painted churches in Cyprus, Asinou Church (also known as Panagia Forviotissa) was built in the early 12th century; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 3 km (2 miles) south of Nikitari village. The church's brightly colored frescoes—which cover the entire inside of the structure—date from the 12th to the 17th centuries. If there isn't a church caretaker around to let you in, you'll need to stop by Nikitari village to ask for the priest to escort you; he can usually be found at the local kafeneio (coffeehouse).
Don't miss Ayios Ioannis (St. John's Cathedral), built in 1662 within the courtyard of the archiepiscopal palace (Archbishop's Palace). Look...
Don't miss Ayios Ioannis (St. John's Cathedral), built in 1662 within the courtyard of the archiepiscopal palace (Archbishop's Palace). Look for the 18th-century murals illustrating important moments in Cypriot religious history, including a depiction of the tomb of St. Barnabas.
In 1159 the hermit and scholar Neophytos settled at what's now referred to as the Ayios Neophytos Monastery, carving a home for himself out...
In 1159 the hermit and scholar Neophytos settled at what's now referred to as the Ayios Neophytos Monastery, carving a home for himself out of the rock. Known in his time as the leading critic of Richard the Lionheart and the Byzantine tax collectors, today he is best known for what became a series of grottoes hewn from the hillside rock and the evocative religious frescoes—some actually painted by Neophytos—they contain. The monastery itself, with no more than a half-dozen or so monks, is situated below the grottoes.
Just past the town's fishing harbor of Latchi, and 48 km (30 miles) north of Paphos, are the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural pool where the goddess...
Just past the town's fishing harbor of Latchi, and 48 km (30 miles) north of Paphos, are the Baths of Aphrodite, a natural pool where the goddess is said to have seduced her swains. The wild, undeveloped Akamas peninsula is perfect for a hike or Jeep excursion (make inquiries for the latter in Paphos).
The romantic ruins of the former Bella Pais Manastiri (Abbey of Bellapais), built in the 12th century by the Lusignans, are just as impressive...
The romantic ruins of the former Bella Pais Manastiri (Abbey of Bellapais), built in the 12th century by the Lusignans, are just as impressive as those at St. Hilarion Kalesi. They lie on a mountainside 6 km (four miles) southeast of Girne, overlooking the coastal plain. Every May the Bellapais Music Festival takes place inside the monastery.
The "Great Inn," built in 1572, used to accommodate travelers during the Ottoman Empire until it became a prison in 1893. Today the structure...
The "Great Inn," built in 1572, used to accommodate travelers during the Ottoman Empire until it became a prison in 1893. Today the structure houses crafts, shops, and restaurants, some of which spill out into the lovely central courtyard, and it is often a venue for concerts and dance performances.
The Byzantine Museum houses notable mosaics, icons, and sacred books and artifacts collected from churches and monasteries throughout Paphos...
The Byzantine Museum houses notable mosaics, icons, and sacred books and artifacts collected from churches and monasteries throughout Paphos and dating from the 7th through the 18th centuries. The collection includes one of the oldest icons discovered in Cyprus, the Agia Marina, thought to be from the 8th or 9th century. Though it's on the small side, the museum provides a good introduction to the rich Byzantine history of the Paphos region and is well worth a stop.
In a 1960 neo-Byzantine-style wing of the archiepiscopal palace, the Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation houses the Byzantine Museum...
In a 1960 neo-Byzantine-style wing of the archiepiscopal palace, the Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation houses the Byzantine Museum. Its fine displays of icons span 1,000 years, and another six sections of the museum showcase the 6th-century Kanakaria Mosaics stolen from Northern Cyprus following the Turkish invasion in 1974, which were not returned until 1991.
The Ethnographic Museum, located in the 14th-century part of the archiepiscopal palace, has demonstrations of ancient weaving techniques and...
The Ethnographic Museum, located in the 14th-century part of the archiepiscopal palace, has demonstrations of ancient weaving techniques and displays of ceramics and olive and wine presses.
The Famagusta Gate, now a cultural center, has exhibitions, a lecture hall, and a theater. ...
The Famagusta Gate, now a cultural center, has exhibitions, a lecture hall, and a theater.
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