Years and years ago there was a hunter, a king of his own domain, who used to visit the forest of Ayia Napa with his hunting party. He came across a cave and on entering found an icon of Saint Panaya (Mary mother of Christ). On making this discovery, he made the cave into a church and built a small church on top of the caves.

20 years ago Ayia Napa was a small fishing village with a population of 200. The name of Ayia Napa comes from Saint Panaya (Mary mother of Christ). A small church in the centre of the village was named after our Mother Mary. The cave is still there and to visit is a must.

Ayia Napa was a very poor village and the people were struggling to make ends meet, the only income came from the fishing port. After the invasion in 1974 from Turkey, Famagusta lost all the revenue from the tourist industry and Ayia Napa was born.

For the young we have the centre of Ayia Napa that caters for their night life with clubs and bars and if this is not to your requirements, we have the out skirts that offers peace and tranquility. Ayia Napa is one of the most popular tourist spots in Cyprus.

There are 2 most popular beaches of Agia Napa — Nissi Beach and Macronissos Beach. These places will please you with all facilities: umbrellas, sun beds, toilets, shower and sea activity rent. Nissi Beach also the place for day time parties for young people. They take part near one of the bars of the beach. As the beach is very well planned young people and families relax, not disturbing each other. 

Both Christianity and Islam have revered religious sites in Larnaca.

Larnaca was the second home of St. Lazarus, who lived here after his resurrection and later became its first Bishop

The impressive 10th century Church of St. Lazarus in the centre of the town was built over the saint’s tomb and is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus.

The mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke, built in honor of Prophet Mohammed’s aunt, who died here after falling from her horse, is an important place of Moslem pilgrimage. Its minaret rises up amidst a copse of tall palm and cypress trees, shimmering like an oasis mirage on the edge of the salt lake, a favourite winter habitat for flamingoes and other migratory birds.

The town is built over the ancient city kingdom of Kition, a rich sea port and major centre of the copper trade and later a Phoenician stronghold. Its remains can be seen today in its cyclopean walls made of giant blocks of stone and a complex of 12th century BC Mycenaean Greek temples.

Stroll along the palm- lined sea- front promenade and indulge in some people watching at one of the many cafes or restaurants. The nearby marina is a friendly community of local yacht owners and a haunt for yachtsmen from all over the world.

On the outskirts of town, the Angeloktisti Church in the village of Kiti has rare 6th century Bysantine mosaics.

Solitary Stavrovouni, dramatically perched on the peak of a mountain top, is one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus.

The hills are dotted with picturesque villages like Vavla or Lefkara, famous for its local lace and its filigree silver- ware.

Choirokoitia with its reconstructed round huts and Tenta are important Neolithic settlements, the former being a world heritage site.

The island’s second largest city, Lemesos (Limassol) spreads out between two ancient city- kingdoms, Amathous to the east and Kourion to the west, two of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus.

It is the island’s main port, the centre of the wine industry and a bustling holiday resort.

A large number of hotels and hotel apartments line a 15 km coastline interspersed with eucalyptus groves and linked by a promenade popular with walkers or joggers.

Wander round the narrow streets of the old town radiating out from the fishing harbor. The medieval castle was the site of the royal wedding in the Middle ages between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre, and now housesthe Cyprus Medieval museum.

Browse through the array of goods and produce in the atmospheric Market.

The town’s inhabitants are renowned for their love of fun so not surprisingly the nightlife is varied, with all sorts of taverns, discos and clubs. Enjoy a summer concert under the stars in the Greco- Roman theatre of Kourion, or visit the Bacchian excesses at the Wine Festival in September, or have fun at the Carnival with its fancy dress chariot parade and parties.

A short drive out into the surrounding countryside will take you through vineyards and quaint wine producing villages. The castle of Kolossi is where the sweet dessert wine «Commandaria», the world’s oldest named wine, was produced be the knights of St. John of Jerusalem who had their headquarters here in the Middle Ages.

Germasogeia dam and Akrotiri salt lake, at the edge of which is the Monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats, are unique wetlands ideal for observing nature and wildlife and peaceful places to relax, go for a walk or indulge in some angling or birdwatching.

Situated in the middle of the island Lefkosia (Nicosia) is a busy modern commercial and business centre.

The centre of the city is its old quarter surrounded by a Venetian sandstone fortress wall with a moat and heart- shaped bastions. Wander round narrow streets with their overhanging balconies and the beautifully restored pedestrian precinct with craft shops, cafes and taverns.

Mosques and palm trees give an oriental atmosphere to the old city.

Make sure you stop off at St. John’s cathedral with its frescoes and the marvelous museum of Byzantine icons.

In the evening catch a concert in the moat or an exhibition at the Famagusta Gate, one of the three original entrances into the old city, which has now been restored and is used as a cultural centre.

The Cyprus Museum houses the best collection of archaeological artefacts on the island, including a first century AD Roman statuette of Aphrodite of Soli, while the Leventis museum depicts the history of the town.

Venture out of Nicosia through olive groves and orchards and drive up into the pine forest to monastery of Machairas.

On the way visit Tamassos, an ancient copper producing city, and nearby Agios Irakleidios convent, which was built in honor of Cyprus’ first bishop saint. Further on picturesque villages abound, such as those of  Pera and Fikardou with their cobbled streets and preserved stone and adobe houses, which will give you a glimpse of rural life in Cyprus.

The antiquity Paphos is the centre of the cult of Aphrodite. Swim in the sea by the rocks known as Petra tou Romiou where the goddess was believed to have risen from the waves, make a pilgrimage to her sanctuary at Kouklia, or visit the grotto near Polis where she was supposed to have bathed.

Paphos, with its pleasant harbor and medieval fort, combines a cosmopolitan holiday resort, spectacular countryside and historical sites. It was the capital of Cyprus for 600 years in ancient times and its archaeological legacy is such that UNESCO put the whole town on its World Cultural Heritage List.

The intricate floor mosaics in villas dating back to the Roman period depicting scenes from Greek mythology are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Equally impressive are the underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of solid rock and decorated with Doric pillars. The museum at Maa-Paleokastro near Coral Bay has an interesting collection of artefacts from the period of Mycenean Greek colonization of Cyprus.

Byzantine treasures abound, such as remarkable five- domed church of Agia Paraskevi in Geroskipou, or the ruins of two early Christian basilicas at Agios Georgios in Pegeia.

The monastery of Agios Neofytos has wonderfully colourful frescoes painted on the walls in a cave that hermit carved out of the mountain.

Chrysorrogiatissa monastery is worth visiting for its fine icons and a taste of the locally produced vintage wine from its own winery.

If peace and quiet in harmony with nature are what you are after, head for the Polis area.

The Akamas peninsula is an area of natural wilderness with dramatic coastlines and sandy coves.

Here you can explore the various picturesque villages, walk alone one of the many scenic nature trails or take a boat trip along the dramatic coastline that all form part of Aphrodite’s playground

Polis
Polis is located North West of the region of Pafos at a 30 minute distance from the town of Pafos, 45 minutes from Pafos airport and less than 2 hours away from Larnaca airport.

Polis is the ideal holiday location for the special few who appreciate authenticity and seek rest and tranquility in a pleasant and friendly environment, which blends mountains, sea and plain with a wonderful healthy climate, a mild winter, a particularly warm, clear sea and sandy beaches.

Polis is considered as the location par excellence for nature lovers and those keen on active holidays, such as hiking, cycling, horse riding and golf.
As far as accommodation is concerned, the area of Polis provides all kinds of hotel accommodation in all categories from luxurious hotels, holiday villages, apartments, and hotels offering facilities for thematic activities and local character, villas with private swimming pools to simple family accommodation units. Similarly, it offers all the facilities required for a pleasant vacation: a tourist office, banks, a hospital, pharmacies, shops, restaurants, taverns, bars, cafes and a picturesque pedestrian’s area in the traditional heart of Polis, a local meeting point throughout the year from early hours till late at night. Furthermore, the region boasts an excellent archaeological museum, Byzantine churches and traditional houses.

Latchi
Latchi with its coastal paved walk is the picturesque harbour of Polis, known throughout Cyprus for its fresh fish. In the past it served as a small port for shipping carobs. The old stone carob warehouses have been converted into restaurants, fish taverns and places of recreation. From Latchi, travelers to Polis can go on short cruises to the Akamas, a must for all visitors. Polis boasts its own restaurant La Plage on the Municipal beach between Polis and Latchi.

Akamas
The Akamas Peninsula on the north — western part of Cyprus is a unique area, both geologically and physiographically and with regard to Flora and Fauna. Almost all the geological formations of Cyprus can be found here, resulting in a real geological mosaic. For this reason, the Akamas peninsula is endowed with a unique biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems. The largest part of the area is covered with a unique natural Para — Mediterranean ecosystem where the bushes and shrubs alternate with phrygana or garique, maquis and open pine forests. Of particular importance is the fact that the area constitutes the eastern most point where many European plant species can be found

This is a more calm resort compared to Ayia Napa even though it is only 10 minutes away by car. Protaras is situated between Cape Greco and the village of Paralimni and boasts the fabulous Fig Tree Bay, which stretches over 10 miles of Sandy Beach. While lying on the beach you will have the opportunity to decide which of Protaras many restaurants you will try that evening.

Protaras is the place to try freshly grilled fish in one of the open-air seafood restaurants or take a pick from the several types including Thai, Italian, Indian and many others. Protaras also offers a good choice of shops, taverns, nightclubs and bars. The many Protaras villas for rent, offer privacy in your own villa, often with private swimming pools. Protaras hotels are also excellent in this area.

Protaras is one of the three towns in the district of Ammochostos (Famagusta). This small town has enchantment and is well known for some of the most beautiful beaches with golden sand and sparkling turquoise clear waters.

The church of the Prophet Elias in Protaras which is on a hill 100 metres high has a panoramic view of the entire town and the sea which stunts you. Climb the 300 steps up the hill and view this breathless sight and visit the tiny church of Prophet Elias.

The entire length of the main coastal road in Protaras which spans from Paralimni via Protaras and into Ayia Napa (about 15km) is lined with a large pedestrian route that is ideal for walkers and bikers.

Protaras has the most beautiful clear turquoise seas in the Mediterranean. Many visitors have an unforgettable holiday. Two of the most popular beaches are Fig Tree Bay and Konnos Beach. Both beaches have all necessary facilities, plus all the latest water sports.

The southwest coast of free Cyprus is considered as the best regarding beaches. Extensive silvery and sandy beaches cover the area which attracts the majority of tourists

Troodos is the biggest mountain range of Cyprus, located in the center of the island. Troodos' highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 metres.

The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountain villages clinging to terraced hill slopes.

The Troodos mountain is known worldwide for its astounding geology and the presence of undisturbed specimens of ophiolite.

Troodos slowly rose from the sea due to the collision of the African and European tectonic plates, a process that eventually formed the island of Cyprus. The slowing down and eventual almost stopping of this process left the rock formations near intact.

There are nine churches and one monastery in Troodos that are counted among UNESCO’s Worl Heritage Sites and several other monasteries, of which the Kykkos monastery is the richest and most famous. The nine Byzantine churches are:
-Stavros tou Ayiasmati
-Panayia tou Araka
-Timiou Stavrou at Pelendri
-Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis
-Panayia Podithou
-Assinou
-Ayios loannis Lampadistis
-Panayia tou Moutoula
-Archangel Michael at Pedhoulas

The area has been known since ancient times for its copper mines, and in the Byzantine period it became a great centre of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline.

In winter time Troodos welcome everybody to enjoy snow slopes and going in for skiing on a real ski resort.

There are a lot of local villages where you can see original culture of Cyprus. There are some of them, most popular through tourists for visiting: Platres, Kakopetria, Kalopanagiotis, Prodromos.

Pissouri is a village located in Limassol’s district, (thirty kilometres westwards of Limassol’s centre), between Limassol and Pafos.

The main settlement of Pissouri is situated about 3 kilometres away from the bay named Cape Aspro,and is built on the side of a green hill. The settlement, strangely, is placed in the middle of Pissouri’s territory.

Now they are two distinct communities, Pissouri Village Area and Pissouri Bay Area. The total permanent population is said to reach around 1100 people, about half of whom are Cypriots, the rest foreigners, mainly British, residents and visitors.

In Pissouri there are several shops, and many tavernas, restaurants and bars serving food and drink of exceptional quality. There are also three banks' branches in Pissouri village’s central square.

Pissouri has one of the most beautiful and idyllic beaches in the island, maybe in the Mediterranean. As the crystal blue waves meet with the rocky slope, they compose a magical melody that enchants all visitors. This wonderful seashore is two kilometers long; it starts from Aspros Cape and reaches the wild and rocky hills. It is also special for its extraordinary beauty and its organization according to European standards.

The luxury resort have been constructed on the coast, Columbia Beach Resort.