Travel and leisure
Destinations
So much to see in Cyprus
However many times you visit Cyprus there always seems to be yet another layer to discover, writes Penny Visman
Touring the Troodos Mountains is a delight at any time of year. In winter you can ski on the slopes of Mount Olympus and get back to the sunny coast within an hour. The 11th century Kykkos monastery is below the peak, some 1,200 metres above sea level.
Remote villages have tiny Byzantine churches, with exquisite icons and frescoes, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Little shops are festooned with cottage industry crafts including the lovely Lefkara lace and embroidered linen. The Cyprus Handicraft Service, with shops in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos, is responsible for the preservation and promotion of these traditional crafts.
Paphos itself is a UNESCO world heritage site, with 4th century BC Tombs of the Kings and 3-5th century AD mosaic floors depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Legend has it that Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, emerged from the sea in Paphos.
Some say that if you swim round her rock three times at full moon you will fall in love. Easier perhaps to follow in her footsteps on Aphrodite’s Cultural Route which is linked to archaeological sites and museums where artefacts relating to the goddess are displayed.
The Cyprus Wine Route Guide highlights six new routes this year. A fresh look at an ancient attraction. Cyprus wine was mentioned by Homer and in the Bible. The most famous is Commandaria, a name relating to the times of the Knights Templar.
Made using the same method for hundreds of years, this is a sweet red dessert wine. Naturally, there are many other varieties. And the annual Wine Festival in Limassol (August 29-September 7, 2008) promotes the message ‘Drink Wine to be Healthy’.
Of course, Cyprus wines complement local food: a healthy selection of fresh vegetables, fish, poultry, olive oil, herbs and spices. Look out for the ‘Vakhis’ certificate in restaurants and tavernas.
Named after a Cypriot chef who lived in the ancient city of Kition around 300AD, this project supports the adoption, use and promotion of authentic Cypriot traditional cuisine. (Information booklets on food and drink are available from all Cyprus Tourism Organisation Offices).
While Nicosia remains the only divided capital city in the world, there was a breakthrough in April this year when the UN controlled crossing point dividing Ledra Street was opened up. Get an overview of the area from The Ledra Observatory Museum.
Must-see Nicosia sights include the restored Famagusta Gate and the Cyprus Museum with treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period.
The Head Office of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation houses The Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage with exhibits from the first minted coins of 2600 years ago to the introduction of the Euro this year.
It also home to The Pierides Collection, donated by the former owners, which is a showcase of Mycenaean pottery (there is another fascinating Pierides Museum in Larnaca).
In fact Cyprus has so many specialist museums you could spend a whole holiday touring round them.
Saga links:
- Travel shop
- Cyprus resort holidays
- Elias Beach Hotel, Cyprus - 7 nights all-inclusive from £499
- Louis Princess Beach Hotel - 7 nights all-inclusive from £469
- Olympic Lagoon Resort - 7 nights all-inclusive from £639
- Akteon Village - 7 nights all-inclusive from £449
- Alexander the Great Beach Hotel - 7 nights all-inclusive from £549
- Aloe Hotel - 7 nights all-inclusive from £499
- Touring holidays: Cyprus, coast to coast
- Cyprus for all seasons
- Travel and Leisure
Reader comments
It was breathtaking to see someone write about the true Cyprus,the Troodos mountains are not on mosts peoples travels whilst staying in Cyprus. My wife and I recently came back, staying in a traditional village of LANIA, Limassol ,where they produce the Commandaria wine, the views of vineyards around and citrus and almond trees, all the flora and fauna, it's such a beautiful area, We stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast, called Acorn Villa in LANIA,just what we were looing for privacy, quiet, rural but still has a cafe /taverna in the village itself and winery /artists studios and craft shops,the church is a must to visit. next to Acorn Villa is also a 800 year old oak tree, which only takes 5 mins to walk to. 20 minutes from Limassol and 30 minutes drive to the top of Mount Olympus. It had panoramic views of the Troodos mountains, and to sit out at night with our glass of wine,after walking through all the surrounding villages was our perfect holiday. David.
Posted by: david ruddleston | 22/05/2008 09:08:32