Districts / Towns

Distances in Km (approx.) between major cities and other tourist areas
AREA	LEFKOSIA (Nicosia)	LEMESOS (Limassol)	PAFOS	LARNAKA	TROODOS	AGIA NAPA	PARALIMNI (Protaras)	POLIS	LARNAKA AIRPORT	PAFOS AIRPORT
LEFKOSIA (Nicosia)	---	83	146	45	71	80	84	176	50	142
LEMESOS (Limassol)	83	---	68	66	45	106	110	98	70	63
PAFOS	146	68	---	135*	113*	175*	179*	35	140*	15
LARNAKA	45	66	135*	---	111*	41	45	165*	5	130
TROODOS	71	45	113*	111	---	152*	156	148*	111*	100
AGIA NAPA	80	106	175*	41	152*	---	4	197*	45	169
PARALIMNI Protaras)	84	110	179	45	156*	4	---	201	49	173
POLIS	176	98*	35	165*	148*	197*	201	---	175	45
LARNAKA AIRPORT	50	70	140	5	111	45	49	175	---	125
PAFOS AIRPORT	142	63	15	130	100	169	173	45	125	---
*via Lemesos (Limassol)

Lefkosia (Nicosia)

Nicosia The island's capital lies approximately in the centre of the island, within easy reach of the other towns. Lefkosia is the only divided by military force capital city in the world. The infamous "Green Line" is guarded by Turkish troops which invaded the island in 1974 and occupied 37% of northern part of Cyprus.

Not far from the "Green Line" is the old walled city. Encircled by strong fortress walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the enchanting old city is scattered with buildings and monuments of historical interest as well as small shops, cafes and tavernas.

To walk through the old city is to step backwards in time. Narrow streets and old houses with ornate balconies jut from weather-beaten sandstone walls and craftsmen in small workshops practice trades unchanged for centuries.

The modern city which has developed outside the old walls is a cosmopolitan centre of business and culture. Lefkosia is regarded as the shopping heart of Cyprus with very elegant boutiques and a variety of restaurants, discos and bars.

Places of interest

Nicosia The Cyprus Museum, housing the island's most important collection of antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period. The Lefkosia Jewellery Museum, the Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage, the Municipal Arts Centre, the Cyprus Handicraft Centre and the "Leventis" Municipal Museum are all well worth a visit.

"Laiki Geitonia" (Folk Neighborhood) is a pedestrian section of the walled city which has been renovated to evoke the atmosphere of past days. The two main pedestrian streets of old Lefkosia, Lidra and Onasagorou, are lined with many well-stocked shops.

"Pyli Ammochostou" (Famagusta Gate) which is one of the original entrances to the old city has won the Europa Nostra award for its restoration. Many old churches are to be found in this part of the town. Other places of interest in this area are the Folk Art and Byzantine Museums, the Archbishopric, the Cathedral of Agios Ioannis with its beautiful frescoes, the National Struggle Museum and the intriguing house of Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios - a fine example of 18th century architecture - which houses the Ethnological Museum.

Within easy reach of the capital are the 12th century painted churches of Asinou at Ayios Theodoros and Agioi Apostoloi at Pera Chorio Nisou, the regal tombs at Tamassos, the ancient city-kingdom of Idalion and the enchanting villages of Fikardou and Kakopetria.

Lemesos (Limassol)

Limassol Lemesos, the second largest city of Cyprus and the centre of the island's wine making industry, is a cosmopolitan seaside town and a bustling holiday resort. Located in the southern part of the island, it makes it ideal to easily reach any destination in the island within an hour.

Lemesos is bursting with life all year-round, offering an endless choice of sport, shopping opportunities and entertainment. It offers an exciting night life in countless tavernas, restaurants, bars and discos. The lively spirit which prevails everywhere in Lemesos is due to the character of the Lemesolians which are known to be fun loving, extrovert and hospitable. Lemesos holds the island's two top festivals, the Carnival in Spring, with fancy dress balls, parades and festivities and the Wine Festival in Autumn, a wine extravaganza where wine flows freely.

Yet, Lemesos manages to combine modern life with history and culture and a beautiful ten-mile coastline with a picturesque hinterland. Limassol

The town has a rich historical heritage as it emerged out of two of the most important ancient city-kingdoms, "Amathus" to the east of the town and "Kourion" to the west. Every era in history has left its mark with temples, castles, ancient cities, villages and churches.

Places of Interest

In the heart of Lemesos, you will find the Lemesos Castle, which houses the Cyprus Mediaeval Museum, the District Archaeological Museum, the Folk Art Museum, the Lemesos Municipal Art Gallery and the Municipal Gardens. The historic Kolossi Castle is situated about 10km West of Lemesos.

In the vicinity are the placid Germasogeia dam and the Salt Lake of Akrotiri, home of thousands of migrating birds in the winter. In nearby foothills, picturesque delightful villages continue the pace of rural life.

Larnaka

Larnaka The home of Cyprus's main international Airport, Larnaka offers visitors their first taste of Cyprus. The first sight one comes across to is the magnificent salt lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds. This beautiful setting includes the famous Hala Sultan temple amongst lush palms.

The seafront of Larnaka is vaguely reminiscent of a continental promenade with its line of mature palms and its languid air of sleepy charm. Cafes and tavernas line the area near the sea, making this a popular spot with visitors and Cypriots alike all the year round. Nearby is the Marina, frequented by yachtsmen from all over the world. At the western end of the promenade is the town's 17th century fort, which now houses the Larnaka Mediaeval Museum.

Places of Interest

Larnaka Larnaka's District Archaelogical Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum exhibit unique antiquities. Of great interest is the ancient city-kingdom of Kition established by Mycenean Greeks in the 13th century B.C.

A variety of churches is worth visiting. St. Lazaros church and the church of Agia Faneromeni is a must. Within easy reach of Larnaka, you may visit Stavrovouni, one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus, founded by Saint Helena. In accordance with the strict monastic tradition, women are not allowed inside the Stavrovouni Monastery. Again, in the proximity of Larnaka is the Church of Panayia Angeloktisti, which houses the 6th century life-size Byzantine mosaic of the Virgin Mary.

The traditional and picturesque village of Lefkara is world-known for its lace-like embroidery. Further south, is the remarkable site of Choirokoitia, included in the Unesco World Heritage List, where excavations have yielded one of the most important neolithic settlements in the world.

Pafos

Pafos Pafos houses the island's second international airport. It is a resort town with focal point a charming fishing harbour next to the old Pafos Fort, lined with open-air cafes and fish tavernas.

Pafos's remarkable history makes it look like an open museum and thus UNESCO has added the whole town to its World Cultural Heritage List.

The mythological Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, was said to be born on Pafos shoreline next to a large rock that juts from the sea, known as "Petra tou Romiou". The Baths of Aphrodite at Polis also echoes her apparent penchant for the island, while at Kouklia lie the remains of the Goddess's earliest Sanctuary.

The low-lying scenery around Pafos, much of it cultivated with banana plantations and backed by the gentle foothills of the western Troodos range, has an attractively open quality to it. This is the gateway to the Peninsula of Akamas, a natural wilderness of incredible beauty with breathtaking gorges, spectacular coastlines and enjoyable nature trails.

Places of interest

Pafos Amonst the numerous treasures found, are the remarkable mosaics in the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion, beautifully preserved after 16 centuries under the soil. Then there are the mysterious vaults and caves, the Tombs of the Kings, the Pillar to which Saint Paul was allegedly tied and whipped, the ancient Odeon Theatre and other places of interest including the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaeological Museum.

Geroskipou with is remarkable five-domed Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi and its Folk Art Museum is a village very near the town of Pafos, known for its special delight "loukoumi".

Agios Neofytos Monastery, famous for its Enclosure, carved out of the mountain by the hermit himself, boasts some of the finest Byzantine frescoes of the 12th and 15th centuries. Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery makes its own range of wines using homegrown grapes. A small museum dedicated to Archbishop Makarios, the first President of Cyprus, is found at Pano Panagia. From here, it is a rewarding drive to the majestic Cedar Valley, home of the indigenous Cyprus horned sheep, the moufflon.

Lempa village can be singled out as one with particular historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa's link with prehistory is the site of a chalcolithic settlement. Further north lies the resort town of Polis, overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing refuge of Latsi. The relatively unspoiled countryside makes the area a real delight for the walker and naturalist.

Ammochostos Area (Famagusta)

With its superb golden sandy beaches, this area has become a big draw for sun and sea seekers. It lends character and substance to Ayia Napa village that is better known to holidaymakers for its tavernas, bars, clubs, discos and colourful shops.

The focal point of the resort is the small harbour, where the tavernas specialize in fresh fish harvested by the colorful fishing vessels.

Life in the south eastern corner mostly revolves around the sea. Water sports of all kinds are readily enjoyed - from scuba diving to paragliding.

Nearby the resort area of Protaras has built up a deserving reputation for its many windmills and glorious beaches. The small town of Paralimni, slightly inland, has a number of open-air unspoilt tavernas known for their delicious local cuisine. The skilful craft of basket-making still carries on at Liopetri.

Places of Interest

Ayia Napa, once a small fishing village, boasts a superb Venetian period decorated monastery with a central octagonal fountain. A small Marine Life Museum exhibits past and present marine fauna.

Cape Greko, on the very tip has its own share of beaches and coves. With its contrasting rugged countryside, the dramatic fiery glow of sunsets from this spot have to be seen to be believed.

Small churches dating from the 13th and 16th centuries are found in Sotira and in nearby villages. The fishing shelter at Potamos Liopetriou, just east of the village of Xylofagou is a photogenic inlet where fishermen mend their nets.

Troodos Mountains

Troodos Troodos is composed of forests where one can take scenic walks, see a great variety of interesting birds and flora, waterfalls and special picnic sites. There are numerous picturesque villages of immeasurable charm to wander around or just simply to quietly participate in the unhurried pace of rural life.

Each village has a special crop, craft or product for which it is known, for instance rosewater, wines, zivania (traditional highly alcoholic vine), soujouko and palouze (traditional sweets produced with grapes).

The higher slopes are thronged with sports enthusiasts throughout the year, so much for skiing as for hiking along the nature trails, which have clearly marked environmental features of interest.

Places of Interest

Troodos There is plenty to see in the Troodos mountains. Nine of the many Byzantine churches are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the exquisite art depicted in their icons, frescos and original architecture. Moufflons have been protected for numerous years in a huge natural reserve in the magnificent Cedar Valley and nowadays these timid creatures can often be seen by visitors.

A number of interesting monasteries are scattered in the Troodos range. The largest one is the Kykko Monastery, with a golden icon of Virgin Mary. Other monasteries worth visiting are Machairas and Trooditissa with its distinctive steeply sloped roof.