To save repeating everything when asked I list below some of the things to do and see when holidaying in southern Cyprus, Most are available as organised trips or can be done by car.
Lefkosia [Nicosia]
the largest town on Cyprus.. contains many historical sites and museums, spend a day shopping and take your passport to cross the green line into the Turkish part of town
Lemesos [Limasol]
the second largest town if you pick the right day then do a trip around the Keo winery, this area also has many ancient sites but are scattered around
Pafos [Paphos]
the ancient capital of Kipros this area as well as being the main tourist area contains the ruins of the once Roman capital of the island the site has one of the best collections of Roman mosaics i have ever seen, the tombs of the kings [although no kings were entombed there] take a walk around the harbor to the old fortress, stop a while away some time in one of the tavernas [my favorite is the Pelican..but not cheap]
other main sites/things to do
visit any or all of the following.. Lefkara famous or its handmade lace, the tomb of Makarious the third [first modern priminister][no photograph's] the baths of Adonis, Aphrodite's baths, Curium has the best amphitheater on the island,Aphrodite's rock the whole island is littered with interesting small villages if you wish to see the true Cyprus, but remember when away from resort/main tourist areas do not expect everyone to speak English],
Cyprus has more than its fair share of old churches and monasteries to visit [Kykkos being the most famous] these can usual be combined with a trip round the Trodos Mountains...Ladies PLEASE ware long trousers or mid to long skirt[or wrap] and a long sleeved blouse when visiting religious buildings]
A day at Water world,[ near Agia Napa] the islands largest water park [take plenty of soft drink/water you will need it]
if you are in the east of the island then try the Magic dancing water show at Protaras
Depending on what part of the island you visit there are a myriad of more touristy things to do, including Jeep safaris, boat trips, scuba diving,traditional Cypriot nights out
if you are hiring your own transport PLEASE use a car, I do not recommend the use of scooters/motorcycles and quads the roads of the island are not the best i have seen, the locals drive like complete nutters, and the accident rate is appalling, most deaths/injuries each year are to off islanders and usually involve 2 wheeled transport
yasus
wizard
We prefer the Paphos area as it has more history to it. We hired a car for 3 days the first time we went and there was more than enough to see. 5 days might have been better.
The Kykko Monastery on Mount Olympus is worth seeing and the Troodos Mountains. There is also the Tomb of the Kings, Curium, the Roman mosaics in Paphos itself, Aphrodite's Bath, Aphrodite's Rock, Nicosia, little villages such as Polis and Latchi.
There are also 2/3 day cruises to Egypt and sometimes Israel. There is a topic on this at the top of the forum as well as one on car hire.
luci
What we have read so far is disapointing, Paphos full of Estate Agents and (uninspiring) restuarants!
Can you recommend a place to stay that is fairly easy to get to from either Paphos or Larnaca airports where can get some good local Cypriot food and be a good base for exploring the island?
Many thanks
Cyprus has more than its fair share of old churches and monasteries to visit [Kykkos being the most famous] these can usual be combined with a trip round the Trodos Mountains...Ladies PLEASE ware long trousers or mid to long skirt[or wrap] and a long sleeved blouse when visiting religious buildings]
A similar dress code is also applicable to men. When we were there in 2008 they refused admittance to men wearing shorts. Of course in the market square there are stall selling/hiring shirts for the ladies. Well worth the visit.
fwh
Pissours is great plenty of great tavernas and a bar and its a great night lifte - no clubs
put in Pissouri in the search bit and you will get loads of info
louise
When we go over we normally have a week in Pissouri, staying at the Rantzo Appartments or Kapsalia Villas, both owned by the same family and a week in Larnaca.
For a host of information on Pissouri go to exclusively-cyprus
(this is the site run by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation)
example - The Strawberry Festival in Dherynia is held in May every 2 years to celebrate the harvest (last one was 2010 so won't happen again until 2012). It might sound a little odd but it was a massive event with something in the region of 10000+ people through the doors, lots of entertainment from popular Greek and Cypriot stars, local dancers and speakers, children singing, stalls giving free samples of strawberrys, raffles and lots of food and drink to buy... we were astounded by the size of it all.
If you ask about and do some research you will find events at different times of the year in different areas !
If you search on google/you tube for "strawberry festival Dherynia" you will find some video snippets I put on.
Does anyone have any tips on places to visit for a couple on there first holiday together they are 20yrs old. They are not party animals, but like a drink and a nice meal. They like water and a little sport, and quiet beaches. They will be staying at the avanti village in Paphos. All ideas wellcome.
hockey6
How far i it from coral bay to nicosia (miles and time) please. I've heard if you go to Nicosia in a hire car, you are not allowed to cross over to the turkish side in it. Is this true?
By road the aproxamate distance [Pafos town centre to lefkosia town centre ] is 152 km [ 95 miles]
yasus
wizard
Thanks Wizard.
Have just returned from Pavlo Napa hotel at Nissi Beach ( review posted) - Great but very lazy holiday this time. Took the Red Bus trip to Famagusta and can recommend it - only 26 Euros each. Ensure you book for the top deck.
Paphos Harbour and Castle,Courion/Kolossi castle,Larnaka Salt lake,Cedar Valley are some of the beautiful places to visit in southern cyprus thanks alot.....
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