Cyprus may be a small country, but it's a large island - the third largest in the Mediterranean.
It's an island with a
big heart - an island that gives its visitors a genuine welcome and treats them as friends.
With its spectacular scenery and enviable climate, it's no wonder that Aphrodite chose the island as her playground, and
since then, mere mortals have been discovering this 'land fit for Gods' for themselves.
Cyprus is an island of beauty and a country of contrasts. Cool, pine-clad mountains are a complete scene-change after
golden sun-kissed beaches; tranquil, timeless villages are in striking contrast to modern cosmopolitan towns.
Luxurious beachside hotels can be exchanged for large areas of natural, unspoilt countryside; yet in Cyprus all distances
are easily manageable, mostly on modern roads and highways - with a secondary route or two for the more adventurous.
Most important of all, Cyprus offers peace of mind. At a time when holidays are clouded by safety consciousness,
a feeling of security prevails everywhere since the crime level is so low as to be practically non-existent.
Few countries can trace the course of their History over 10.000 years, but in approximately 8.000 B.C. the island of
Cyprus was already inhabited and going through its Neolithic Age.
PAPHOS
Pafos, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, has so defined Cyprus as a place that combines
history, culture and legend. According to the philosopher Homer, Aphrodite was born out of the foamy waves on the island
shores at Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock), a stunning outcrop of rocks that sit in the sea on the road to Pafos.
In ancient times, pilgrims user to come every year to worship at the temple of Aphrodite in order to receive her blessing.
Pafos is also home to the baths of Aphrodite where legend says that the goddess used to bathe in the natural running
spring water, which runs down from the mountains into this natural grotto.
The Trojan hero Agapinor founded the town and in Roman times, Pafos was the Capital of Cyprus. Today Pafos, situated on
the island's south west coast, is a busy town full of amenities, excellent shopping facilities, bars, restaurants and is
also home to the country's second airport.
Pafos harbour lies along side the town's ancient castle, and has a marina and water sports centre and is lined with
restaurants serving fresh fish and marine delicacies.
Pafos enjoys one of the largest concentrations of archaeological sites of any place in the World.
LIMASSOL
Limassol is both a commercial centre and a base for many of the island's offshore companies and a popular resort with ten
miles of coastline. This is a living town; known for its fun loving character.
Limassol is the home of two major annual festivals that bring visitors from all over Cyprus and abroad. The pre-Lent
Carnival launches the long summer season, with a fancy dress parade, decorated floats and festivities. The second
celebration is the Wine Festival held in September.
This wine extravaganza, a big attraction for locals and visitors, marks the city's importance as the centre of the wine
industry. The wine flows freely for everyone to enjoy, courtesy of the local wineries. This event is so successful and
popular that a similar, smaller event is staged in London every year.
Limassol is also the island's biggest port for both freight and passengers and is the largest ship management centre in
the world, with revenues representing a significant portion of the country's income, underlining Cyprus's maritime
heritage. The city has much to offer the holidaymaker, with some of the finest hotels in Cyprus, many are four and five
star rated. The tavernas in the old part of town are full of Cypriot character, while restaurants, tavernas and
nightlife line the coastal road.
LARNACA
Larnaca blends gracefully its historical past with its modern life. With its cosmopolitan and at the same time romantic
character, Larnaka is a relaxing and reviving town. The palm lined seafront Cornish bustles with cafeterias, tavernas,
shops and bars and it is a reference point for its residents and visitors. The town was an ancient Greek city kingdom.
It was in Larnaka that Saint Lazarus arrived after his resurrection.
In the 17th century, the town became the consular and commercial centre of Cyprus. The today seafront Finikoudes was then
the meeting point of all diplomats and traders of the island. There is a trove of antiquities still unearthed.
Today, Larnaka is a modern, cosmopolitan seaside town, with a population of 65 000. With a yacht marina, a port, the
island's main airport, luxurious beach hotels, elegant restaurants, exclusive shops, and vivid night life, still,
Larnaka keeps her own tranquil colors, with an idyllic fish harbor, local fish taverns, folklore feasts.
But what will capture you completely is the hospitality and warmth of the locals!
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