Cyprus (CU)_This island’s past is illustrious. Cyprus has been coveted by civilizations for centuries because of its advantageous location, which has made it a valued property for everyone who has gained power in the Eastern Mediterranean. People still come here now, but they do so to enjoy the beaches instead of the island’s might and splendor.
Cyprus features a wealth of historical tourism attractions for visitors who are interested in more than just sand and sun, including archaeological sites, beautiful Byzantine churches, monasteries, and museums galore.
With such a tremendous diversity of unusual flora and animals, it’s also a fantastic place to go hiking. The best part about it is that it’s so little that you can easily base yourself in one town and embark on day trips for sightseeing from there.
- Ancient Kourion
Cyprus is home to several historic landmarks, but Kourion stands out as the best.
It’s a wonderful spot, romantically perched across a coastal cliff with breathtaking vistas of the countryside and Mediterranean below.
The House of Eustolios, which houses a number of exquisite, well-preserved mosaics, and the theater are the most well-known locations to see while at this enormous site.
For those with more time on their hands, the expansive Byzantine basilica area is incredibly stunning with its broken mosaic floor and toppled columns.
- St. Hilarion Castle
St. Hilarion, a former Crusader stronghold and one of the most stunning castle remains in the Mediterranean, is the setting for numerous stories and legends.
According to local legend, a fairy queen who used to enchant local shepherds on these hills erected the castle itself.
Exploratory heaven, the castle’s enormous ramparts and chambers wind up the mountain. A path ascends through the lower castle structures, including the stables and troop barracks, to the ruins of the towers, royal apartments, and chapels.
The views across the hills and down to the coastal plain are breathtaking for those who make the final ascent.
- Larnaca
Larnaca, a laid-back beach resort on the southeast coast of the island, has managed to retain its sense of place.
The most carefree vacationer base is by far this one. The town has all the amenities for sun and sand-based fun, but the ornate Agios Lazaros (Church of St. Lazarus) and the old, crumbling Turkish Quarter, known as Skala, give the town an interesting historical edge. Additionally, the town’s center has maintained the feel of a real town during the year rather than just a summer resort.
Even better, the salt lake, just to Larnaca’s west, is teeming with flocks of pink flamingos in the spring, and the hinterland is rich of hill villages and cultural tourism destinations.
