Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, rich in history and culture, and full of wonderful experiences waiting to be enjoyed. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two mountain ranges, and 400 miles of coastline.
Join us on a photographic journey through this beautiful country along the coast and back through the highlands. You will see beautiful places full of magic and mystery that are sure to ignite your love of wandering to the furthest corners of the European Union.
Disembarkation to Cyprus
Flying from London to Cyprus takes about five hours, which is roughly the same as flying from New York to Los Angeles. The shift in scenery is also similar. You leave a concrete jungle and fly to a land with beautiful coastlines and mountains galore. As you descend through the clouds, you'll see resort towns dotting the coast and villas climbing the mountain sides with white-walled houses topped with red-tiled roofs.
Land in Larnaca
East meets West in the ancient district of Larnaca (Larnaca), where hundreds of years of contrasting civilisations, architecture and culture have left their mark on an authentic and diverse region.
Both Christianity and Islam have important religious sites in Larnaca. The Church of Saint Lazarus, who lived in Larnaca after his resurrection, and the Hala Sultan Mosque – built in honor of the Prophet Muhammad's aunt – are the city's main attractions. Other popular attractions are the medieval castle, the palm-lined Finikoudes promenade, and the Larnaca Salt Lake, which is filled with flocks of vibrant pink flamingos during the winter months.
Watch The Birth of a Goddess
Traveling along the main road from Paphos to Limassol on the southern coast of Cyprus, you can see the birthplace of the gods. According to legend, Aphrodite rose from the foam surrounding a sea stack off the coast.
You may have seen this scene in a Botticelli painting birth of venus, where A goddess with flowing hair stands on a scallop half shell. This is part of the charm of Cyprus. Your cognitive map of art and history begins to blend with scenes from the world around you.
Think of Paphos Castle
An air of romance and history spreads across the naturally abundant and culturally rich region of Paphos.
The region has its own old and new towns, rural villages and picturesque resorts, and is home to some of the island's most stunning areas of natural beauty. There are many historically priceless archaeological sites, with Katos Paphos being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a whole.
The outskirts of Paphos center around the quaint harbor and impressive medieval castle, then extend to the tourist resort of Polis Chrysochous. The beautiful and tranquil region – known simply as 'Polis' – has expanded into a sub-region, and includes the beautiful Akamas National Park, Lara Beach – a turtle breeding site, and the traditional fishing refuge of Latchi.
Discover secrets at Paphos Archaeological Park
In Greek mythology, Paphos was the daughter of Pygmalion, whose ivory image of Aphrodite was brought to life by the goddess. It's where Aphrodite came ashore after her watery creation, so finding a large temple in these hills is no surprise.
Paphos Archaeological Park covers most of the ancient city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most important remains discovered so far are four large and elaborate Roman villas: the House of Dionysus, the House of Orpheus, the House of Ion, and the House of Theseus. The mosaic floors in the House of Dionysus are well preserved.
See the westernmost tip of the Akamas Peninsula
This peninsula is named after Acamas, son of Theseus and hero of the Trojan War. Akamas attractions include Loggerhead Turtle Sanctuary and Aphrodite Baths. It is a remote area of the country with sweeping views and tremendous biodiversity including numerous nature trails.
Hike the Aphrodite and Adonis Nature Trail
The Aphrodite and Adonis Nature Trails are two great trails in the pristine landscape of the Akamas Forest. Along the way, you'll experience the region's rich 3,000-year-old Hellenic cultural heritage, diverse flora and fauna, and stunning geology. You start at the Baths of Aphrodite and follow the Aphrodite Nature Trail past the ancient Byzantine monastery known as Regina's Tower. It returns to the sea via the Adonis Trail, forming a 6-mile loop.
Sail from Latchi port
The port of Latchi is located just north of the Akamas Peninsula at the back of Chrysochous Bay. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and local restaurants serving fresh seafood. Here, you can book a trip to explore the beautiful nooks and crannies of the bay.
Splash in Chrysochous Bay
Chrysochous Bay is 12 miles wide at its mouth. Sailing the bay gives you access to inaccessible parts of the Akamas Peninsula such as the protected Blue Lagoon Bay. The waters here invite you to dive, splash or just enjoy the view.
Arriving at the Church of the Holy Cross
Returning through the mountains, you reach the Church of the Holy Cross, Timios Stavros, in the village of Pelendri. It is one of the ten UNESCO churches in the Troodos Mountains. Timios Stavros is a 14th-century church decorated with magnificent Paleolithic frescoes and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original frescoes date from 1171-1172, with parts of the decoration preserved beneath the layer of 14th-century frescoes. The main part of the church was decorated during the second half of the 14th century by at least two different artists.
Traversing the Troodos Mountains
You will discover that ancient traditions are still alive when you pass the Troodos Mountains. You can enjoy local Cypriot cuisine including grilled meats, vegetables, tahini, regional cheeses and local wines.
Travel the Atalante Nature Trail
Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods, is the highest mountain in Greece. Mount Olympus in Cyprus, at 6,404 feet, is the highest point on the island. One of the trails of Mount Olympo is named after Atalanta, a powerful huntress who rebelled against marriage. Her plan to deter the suitors was to challenge them to a race. If they win, they can marry her. If they lost, they were executed.
Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, who helped Hippomenes win his race against Atalanta with the help of three golden apples that legend says came from a sacred tree in nearby Tamassos. Perhaps this is why the trail around Mount Olympus in Cyprus is called the “Nature Trail Atalante”.
The summit of Mount Olympus
You may not find gods on top of Mount Olympus, but you will encounter a divine sight. On a clear summer day, you might see 20 miles out to the ocean. On a winter's day, you can ski here in the only ski area in Cyprus.
Visit mountain villages
In the Troodos Mountain villages, you can hone your cooking skills and learn to prepare traditional recipes such as moussaka. It is also fertile wine country, with local vineyards that rival their counterparts on the European mainland. Cooking traditional food connects you with the rich and diverse culture and history of this region.
In these mountains you will find many interesting sites including the Folklore Museum, the old fountain and the old olive mill. The village also includes beautiful and ancient chapels, including the Church of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), and the Church of the Archangel Michael in Kato Lefkara, with frescoes dating back to the 12th and 15th centuries.
Weave your way through history in Lefkara
Located in the Larnaka District, the mountain village of Lefkara, divided into Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara (Upper and Lower Lefkara), is world-famous for its traditional handicrafts of lace embroidery and openwork silver. The village is located at the foot of the Troodos Mountains in the southeastern region, at an altitude of more than 2,000 feet above sea level.
The craft of lace and silver has been practiced in the village since the Venetian era, and visitors can learn all about it, and watch lace and silver making at the Lefkara Handicraft Centre, the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing, and various workshops. Legend has it that the famous painter Leonardo da Vinci personally visited the village in 1481, bought a piece of lace cloth and donated it to the Milan Cathedral.
The character of the village is very picturesque with its narrow, winding streets and traditional architecture of old houses with clay roofs. It is also included as one of the stops on the island.
Leaving Cyprus
We had traveled along the coast and back through the mountains, so it was time to bid farewell to our photographic journey to Cyprus. If you like what you saw in this slideshow, Traverse Journeys offers all of these locations and more on group departures or custom trips. It's an opportunity to wander through history, explore nature, and immerse yourself in a culture that has welcomed travelers for centuries.
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.
