The visitor who ventures beyond the confines of their hotel and beach will find the real Cyprus with Crusader castles, ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries and citrus orchards. Inland Cyprus is still predominantly rural, and the visitor will receive a warm and friendly reception in the time- honoured tradition with typical Cypriot hospitality. 

Here life still revolves around the local coffee shop, a place where one can sit and relax all day, hear the local gossip and relive tales of bygone days, all over a single cup of coffee!

The south coast town of Limassol is the island's largest seaside resort. The town's carefree holiday atmosphere, with wide seafront promenade and bustling little shopping streets, is matched by the gaiety and lively character of its people. All types of holiday accommodation have been built close to the sea and located near them are a wide range of tavernas, pubs, discos and nightclubs. There are numerous beaches to choose from with the convenience of changing rooms, showers, cafes and bars or you can explore Limassol Castle, which contains a medieval museum. Just outside the town lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain not only an imposing tower but also an ancient sugar factory. 

On the edge of Larnaca Bay the palm-lined seafront of Larnaca town bustles with cafes, tavernas, shops and bars. Historic charm is lent to the scene by its fortress castle, now used as the town's summer cultural centre. Larnaca is an excellent base from which to get to know the central and eastern section of Cyprus, and its proximity to the International Airport and a number of luxury hotels that have been developed along its beautiful sandy beaches make this a popular holiday choice. Originally known as Kition, or Khittim - legend has it that the first settlement at the spot was founded by Noah's grandson Khittim. But the name Larnaca probably comes from the Greek word "Larnax", which means sarcophagus many of which have been unearthed in this area.

Paphos

Said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite this ancient capital of Cyprus was lavishly rebuilt by Augustus, first emperor of Rome, following an earthquake around 100 BC.

Mingling with the luxury hotels, restaurants, pubs, discos and trendy outdoor cafes of modern Paphos, you have the Dionysus ‘wine’ mosaics, the Tombs of the Kings, the 16th century fortress in the picturesque fishing harbour, Byzantine painted churches and 30 minutes away are the scenic Troodos Mountains.

Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is mentioned for the first time in 1366 A.D. and a second time in 1373 with the shipwreck of five Venetian ships loaded with booty, which the Venetians had stolen during the looting of Cyprus.

The next mention of Ayia Napa is encountered in Venetian documents and maps of the 16th century.  The monastery and the village took their name from the ancient Greek word "Nape", which means "wooded valley".  This term is used by Homer in the Illiad, by Pindar in his Pythian poems, and later by the Christian Hymnographers.

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