After returning from a four-day tour of Cyprus, I must admit that, possibly, not even a week is enough to visit the most important places.

In Cyprus, a charming small island, one can also enjoy a genuine welcome from the local people and, with its spectacular scenery and enjoyable climate (similar to Malta) it is no wonder that Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty, chose the island as her birthplace.

Cyprus is an island of beauty and contrasts, with its cool pine-clad Troodos mountains, archaeological remains and sun-kissed beaches, its contrasting modern towns and luxurious beachside hotels, such as the one we stayed in at Limassol. There are also large areas of unspoilt beauty along the south coast, and places of interest can easily be reached by modern, well sign-posted roads.

There are large areas of unspoilt beauty along the south coast and places of interest can easily be reached by well sign-posted roads

Cyprus, like Malta, can boast some 8,000 years of history, so much so that there is evidence that in around 6800BC. the island was already inhabited during its Neolithic Age. It is also well known for the discovery of copper, the mineral which probably gave its name and generated a lot of wealth. In actual fact, the island’s strategic position, together with its copper deposits, could very well have attracted the first Greeks who reached the island by the end of the Trojan War.

Endowed with its natural resources of forests and copper, the island also attracted the attention of foreign powers like the Assyrians, Egyptians and Persians, who in turn occupied the island until the arrival of Alexander the Great around 322 BC.

Our holiday kicked off right after landing at Larnaca airport. We reached Limassol, one of the main tourist resorts late in the evening and managed to find some food before going to sleep in a comfortable hotel not far from the promenade.

Limassol is equipped with the largest port facilities in the south and a population of around 100,000. With a number of modern hotels, it is considered by many as the Paris of Cyprus, with several artistic and cultural events.  Many wine taverns serve a tasty Cypriot meze. Their wines really need to be experienced.

Due to Arab raids during the 14th century, Limassol suffered a lot of destruction, while several large stones were carried from archaeological sites in Amathus for the construction of the Suez canal. However, towards the end of the 19th century, it was already a commercial and industrial centre, and now boasts several comfortable and modern hotels with all amenities.

Besides other interesting museums located not far from the city, one finds Kolossi Castle, which was built by the Knights Hospitallers and later used by the Knights of Malta during the 16th century. Further on the west coast is the important archaeological site of Curium, with an open theatre that enjoys a marvellous view of Episcopi Bay and is used for a number of summer festivals. During the Greek conquest, the Sanctuary of Apollo served as one of the important religious centres.

Further up along the beautiful coastline, on the Paphos road after bypassing the British base, we stopped to admire the marvellous coast at Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite.

The Troodos mountains occupy most of the central part of the island. To get there, we used the Limassol-Platres road, reached through some of the picturesque villages which still retain their traditional characteristics and architecture, where the local hard working people produce large quantities of grapes, home-made wines, honey, almonds and walnuts, besides several dried fruits.

The Platres region is nowadays very popular with tourists and visitors from Middle Eastern countries, especially wealthy Egyptians – famously,  including the former King Farouk –  who enjoy the unspoiled beauty and excellent climate.

The road to the mountains continues through picturesque villages in the Marathasa valley, whence one can reach several monasteries of historical significance.

However, the Kykko Monastery erected towards the end of the 11th century and situated on the slope of a mountain about 1,200 metres above sea level is the most important of these. The icon of the Virgin Mary kept in the Monastery is believed to be one of the oldest, painted by the Apostle Luke.

Further up the mountain is a monastery that holds the Tomb of Archbishop Makarios, first president of Cyprus.

Roaming among the Troodos roads one can discover mountain paths and nature trails, waterfalls and a variety of mountain flowers, among pine-scented forests. There are also a number of endemic plants to spot, such as orchids, rock- roses, alyssum, lavender and others.

Most of the larger villages offer very good accommodation with pools, horse-riding and excellent restaurants, especially in the Platres area, together with the friendliness and hospitality of the local people.

During our stay in Cyprus we also visited Famagusta in the Turkish quarter. Rather than using our hired car, we opted to join a tour to this beautiful town and to the north of the island. Unfortunately, the place is pretty much deserted since, after the Turkish invasion almost 40 years ago, the Greek residents are refused permission to return to their homes.

Further on the west coast is the important archaeological site of Curium, with an open theatre that enjoys a marvellous view of Episcopi Bay

Before the Turkish occupation, Famagusta was one of the main tourist centres, accounting for almost half of the tourist accommodations.

Yet, through sheer hard work, the Cypriots have built new thriving hotels and restaurants in nearby villages and along the beautiful coast. Protaras and Ayia Napa are but two examples, with their clean and sandy beaches and their romantic atmosphere.

Leaving Famagusta, our tour continued north across the hills and followed the coast road until we reached Kyrenia, with its picturesque little harbour and imposing castle, dedicated to St Hilarion, on one of the jagged peaks. The city was once the capital of one of the ancient kingdoms of Cyprus and was of importance during Byzantine and Mediaeval times. The high walls and towers that with-stood several Genoese attacks are now partly covered by Venetian additions.

Before returning to Limassol, we climbed to a small village, Bellapais for some shopping and to admire what remains of the beautiful Gothic Abbey of the Augustinian canons. Though the cloister is in ruins, the vaulted refectory is still intact.

Returning back, we bypassed Larnaca city and reached Limassol in the evening, thus bringing our tour of Cyprus to an end.

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