Lights, colors, beautiful landscapes, this is the island where Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty and Love, was born. The Goddess of the island also has her name: in fact, the Greek Aphrodite was known as “Kipris”.
Third largest in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus all ‘welcome: its people so kind, available, friendly and hospitable, always ready to smile.
With its rich vegetation, the island is a paradise not only for nature lovers. E ‘an’ island of beauty and contrasts, and offers a surprising variety of landscapes: from lush mountains, beautiful beaches and sunny all ‘year, the crystalline depths of the sea.
After the Turkish military intervention of 1974, the island was divided into two zones: the south, namely the Republic of Cyprus and the northern part of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The southern part is the most developed and organized tourism. Since May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus has joined the European Union.
Convenient connecting flights from Larnaca International Airport. Italian citizens can enter Cyprus with a valid identity card to travel abroad, but minors need a passport or be included in the parents. The most famous to stay are: Protaras, Aya Napa, Limassol and Paphos.
Protaras is a modern tourist center that is located in the Bay of Famagusta near Aya Napa. Considered the most beautiful coast for beach tourism, here bays alternate with expanses of golden or even white sand, bathed by a turquoise sea of crystalline transparency, interrupted here and there by rocky coves and small inlets. Famous for its windmills, this area has the best facilities for practicing water sports. Meeting point for young people from all over Europe in search of fun in hotels, pubs, taverns and discos open until late at night.
Aya Napa, once a small fishing village, is now a busy, lively seaside resort.
It is the most suitable for young people: E’ a hymn to youth, life without worries, movement, joy. You eat, drink and dance all day: recommended for those looking for sea, sun and nightlife. Its beaches are sandy and the famous Nissi beach is famous for the beauty of its waters.
Limassol is the commercial heart of the island and the ideal starting point for many tours and excursions: Lemessos Castle with the Medieval Museum, the Kourion Theater, the District Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery and gardens public. If you pass through Limassol in September, don’t miss the Wine Festival: The ten days of celebration continue!
Paphos is the pearl of the west coast. Capital of the island in Roman times, today it is a small and charming city, offering an incomparable landscape, a beautiful coastline, a treasure of immense historical importance made up of buildings from the 3rd century. BC with the famous mosaics that were included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites of Paphos. The extremely mild climate, the geographical position, the sea, the rocky coast, the wild nature of the Akamas nature park make it a paradise for lovers of nature and the sea. The heart of the city is the characteristic fishing port of Paphos Fort, surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants serving traditional dishes daily. The landscape around Paphos, with banana plantations and propaggini sloping hills of the western Troodos mountains, is a ‘draw’. Right in the Troodos mountains, a ‘day hike’ will discover the true heart of Cyprus with a visit to the mountain villages where time has stopped: a Kakopetria will visit the medieval village famous for the charm and beauty of the houses ancient. Another typical Cypriot town, Lania, is famous for its wine. It is worth dedicating a visit to Kikko, the most famous monastery on the island. For the visit to the Monastery, men and women must be dressed in decent clothing (no shorts).
SHOPPING:
The problem in Cyprus is not what to buy, but not to buy: handicrafts are full of characteristic products.
A good place to see is the center of Cypriot crafts in Lefkosia. Interesting local production of the typical, original and inexpensive terracotta artifacts. “Lefkaritika” lace from the ancient Venetian tradition, copper objects and filigree typical silver fabric, made all’ crochet or frame, wooden objects and wicker baskets, are some of the many things that tourists love to take home Not to mention Cyprus brandy, which can be bought in bulk, Commandaria (also known as the “wine of the gods”) and ‘halloumi, a typical Cyprus cheese. Convenient and varied, ‘leather craft’ is truly competitively priced.
FOOD:
Cypriot cuisine is a cuisine with strong Arab-Mediterranean influences. The meal begins by savoring an “ouzo” brandy to the taste of anise, accompanied by a plate of “meze”, a variety of appetizing appetizers. Simple dishes based on fresh ingredients, local cheeses, grilled fish and meats with lots of music and wine are unavoidable in many taverns. And then Kebab, moussaka and desserts like soujoukko (almonds dipped in ‘fresh made hot grape juice’) and kadeifi, local honey cakes.
ENTERTAINMENT:
the night life satisfies all tastes and all ages. You can choose from a thousand restaurants spread throughout the island, many of which perform traditional music accompanied by folk dances. There are also discos and night clubs. There is even the possibility of helping a Shakespeare or performances performed on Greek tragedies on the scene of the ancient theater in the moonlight of Cyprus.
TRANSPORT:
All locations are connected by an efficient road network. The taxi service allows you to achieve inter-
by car all the centers of ‘island (during the day) room rates contained. Bus routes linking the main cities. For small shifts they are available to rent scooters and bicycles. It is possible to rent a car whose license is simply Italian. Unity to the LEFT!
CLIMATE:
In Cyprus, the climate is favorable and exceptionally mild, with a season that runs from April to November. From June to September the average temperature is 32° Celsius, from March to May and from October to November 25, from December to February it drops to 16 degrees.
