Explore Cyprus

Nicosia

Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek) is the only divided capital in the world. The “green line” separates the Cypriot Republic, mostly Greek, from the northern part occupied by the Turks since 1974 and self-proclaimed Turkish State. The old city of Nicosia is surrounded by massive Venetian walls. Ledra street, in the old center and its famous “check point” allows everyone since 2008 to go to the occupied part of the capital during the day.

What to see:

  • Saint John Cathedral
  • Byzantine Art Museum
  • Liberty’s monument
  • The old town and its popular and commercial district “Laiki Yitonia”
  • The Cyprus Archaeological Museum

Limassol

Limassol (Lemesós in Greek), is the second most important city of Cyprus with around 230 000 in inhabitants. The city is located on the Akrotiri’s bay, on the coast of the island. Limassol is ideally situated, with equal distance between the airports of Larnaca and Paphos (70 kilometres). Limassol is a major tourist destination and is especially dynamic with a lot of new projects under development.
What to see:

  • The old town of Limassol
  • The promenade on the seafront
  • The Marina
  • The Archaeological Museum, the Medieval Castle of Limassol, the Castle of Kolossi and the Museum of Wine
  • The wine route of Limassol
  • The archaeological site of Amathounda & the archaeological site of Kourion
  • The Akrotiri Salt Lake & the Akrotiri Environmental Education & Information Centre

Paphos

A charming little port town located on the Western coast of the island. During several centuries of the ancient period, it has been the capital of Cyprus. Today, Paphos is on the official list of cultural and natural treasures of the UNESCO WOLD HERITAGE and the city has been awarded the accolade of one of the European Cities of Culture for 2017.

 

What to see:

  • The Archaeological Park. The Mosaics (the mosaics, the Tombs of the Kings & the Odeion)
  • Tombs of the Kings
  • Yeroskipou village with the Byzantine painted church of St. Paraskevi
  • Aphrodite’s rock (legendary birthplace of Aphrodite)
  • Kouklia (ancient Sanctuary of Aphrodite)
  • Saint-Neophyte monastery
  • Pillar of Saint Paul
  • Archaeological Museum
  • Medieval Castle near the small port
  • Baths of Aphrodite in the area of Polis
  • Akamas National Park

Larnaca

Larnaca is situated on the site of one of the most important ancient kingdoms of Cyprus, Kition. It’s the city of the great philosopher Zenon, founder of stoicism and has also welcomed Saint Lazarus, who lived there 30 years after his resurrection. That is why the Saint Lazarus church is one of the most cherished monuments of the island. Larnaca is an enjoyable seaside resort which has a palm-lined promenade along the beach, a modern Marina, an ancient Turkish district. For divers the wreck of the Zenobia lies in the bottom of its Bay. The wreck is ranked in the top 10 of the world’s best wreck sites by The Times!

What to see:

  • Saint Lazarus’ Church
  • Neolithic site “Choirokoitia”
  • Tekke Hala Sultan Mosque
  • Kiti’s Church “Angeloktisti”
  • Larnaca’s fort
  • Pierides Museum
  • Larnaca Salt Lake

Ayia Napa & Protaras

Located is the Eastern end of the island. Sparkling, crystal waters and powdery, golden sands are one of the most defining features of the region, which is comprised of the main holiday resorts of Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Protaras.
Both, Ayia Napa and Protaras are renowned seaside resorts of the island. The region attracts visitors from all over the world as well as Cypriots from the entire island who like to enjoy fine sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters during the summer. Ayia Napa (Virgin of the Holly Forest) was a place of pilgrimage 450 years ago.

What to see:

  • Ayia Napa’s port
  • Nissi beach
  • Fig Tree Bay
  • Ayia Napa’s love bridge
  • Dherinia village
  • Natural Forest Park of Cape Greco
  • The medieval church of Ayia Napa
  • Thallassa Ayia Napa Municipal Museum
  • Avgorou Ethnographic Museum
  • Deryneia Folkloric Museum

Troodos

Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountain range is the highest point of the island at almost 2000 meters high and offer an interesting alternative to the summer heat of the coast. You can take short walks or true hikes of all levels through the forest while enjoying the magnificent panorama of the island; you may be lucky and see some mouflons (emblematic animal of the island). Numerous waterfalls are patiently waiting for spring time, and in winter the Troodos Mountains are covered with snow and you can ski, surf or sledging in a very relaxed atmosphere at the small ski resort.

What to see:

  • 10 UNESCO World Heritage Site Byzantine churches
  • Kykkos Monastery
  • Traditional Villages
  • Kalydonia Falls
  • Natural Trails
  • Local Wineries

Transportation

There are four types of bus service in Cyprus:

  • Airport Transfer Buses: linking all the towns to the island’s two airports of Larnaka (Larnaca) and Paphos (Paphos).
  • Interurban buses: linking all major towns on a daily basis, and with frequent routes.
  • Urban buses: linking different areas within the towns and operating frequently during daytime. In certain tourist areas, during the summer period, their routes are extended till late in the evening.
  • Rural buses: linking almost all villages with the nearest town, but with limited frequency.

    Website for Public Transport Service by Bus in Cyprus (Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works): http://motionbuscard.org.cy/

    Airport Transfer Buses
    Kapnos & Sons Transport Ltd
    Tel: (+357) 77 771 477 / (+357) 24 008 718
    Website: www.Kapnosairportshuttle.com
    Routes available:
  • Nicosia - Larnaca Airport, Larnaca Airport - Nicosia
  • Nicosia  - Paphos Airport, Paphos Airport - Nicosia
  • Larnaca - Paphos Airport, Paphos Airport - Larnaca
  • Ammochostos - Larnaca Airport, Larnaca Airport - Ammochostos

    Transport Company for Limassol District (EMEL) Ltd
    Tel: (+357) 77 778 121 / (+357) 77 777 075 / (+357) 97 779 090
    Website: www.enlimassolairportexpress.eu/
    Routes available:
  • Limassol - Larnaca Airport, Larnaca Airport - Limassol
  • Limassol - Paphos Airport, Paphos Airport–Limassol

    Interurban buses
    All the major towns are linked by bus with routes at specified intervals. For more information concerning timetables you may contact the operating company:

    L.L.L.A. Intercity Buses Ltd
    Tel: (+357) 70 007 789 / (+357) 24 643 493
    Website: www.intercity-buses.com
    Routes available:
  • Nicosia - Limassol, Limassol - Nicosia
  • Nicosia - Larnaca, Larnaca - Nicosia
  • Nicosia-Protaras / Paralimni
  • Ayia Napa - Protaras/Paralimni
  • Ayia Napa - Nicosia
  • Nicosia - Paphos, Paphos - Nicosia
  • Limassol - Paphos, Paphos - Limassol
  • Larnaca - Limassol, Limassol – Larnaca
  • Larnaca - Protaras / Paralimni
  • Ayia Napa - Protaras / Paralimni
  • Ayia Napa – Larnaca
  • Paralimni - Ayia Napa-Larnaca-Paphos, Paphos-Larnaca-Ayia Napa-Paralimni

    Urban Buses
    These operate in all major towns, and run frequently during daytime, whilst in certain areas, they are extended till midnight. For more information concerning timetables you may contact the operating companies:

    Intercity:
    L.L.L.A Intercity Buses Ltd
    Tel: (+357) 24 643 493 / (+357) 80 007 789
    Website: www.intercity-buses.com

    Lefkosia (Nicosia):
    Cyprus Public Transport
    Τel: 1416/ (+357 22221416)
    Email : contactus@publictransport.com.cy
    Website : https://www.publictransport.com.cy/

    Transport Organisation for Nicosia District (OSEL) Ltd
    Tel: (+357) 77 777 755 / (+357) 22 468 088
    Website: www.osel.com.cy

    Lemesos (Limassol):
    Transport Company for Limassol District (EMEL) Ltd
    Tel: (+357) 77 778 121 / (+357) 25 343 201, (+357 2535211)
    Website: www.limassolbuses.com

    Larnaka (Larnaca):
    Cyprus Public Transport
    Tel: 1416/ (+357 22221416)
    email: contactus@publictransport.com.cy
    Website: https://www.publictransport.com.cy/

    Pafos (Paphos):
    Pafos Transport Organisation Ltd
    Tel: (+357) 80 005 588 / (+357) 26 934 410
    Website: www.pafosbuses.com

    Paralimni / Protaras & Agia Napa:
    M.E. Ammochostos Buses Ltd
    Tel: (+357) 23 819 090 / (+357) 80 005 200
    Website: www.osea.com.cy

    Rural Buses
    Rural buses operate less frequently than urban and interurban buses, typically running two or three times a day on both weekdays and weekends. For more information concerning timetables you may contact:

    Cyprus Public Transport
    Τel: 1416/ (+357 22221416)
    Email : contactus@publictransport.com.cy
    Website: https://www.publictransport.com.cy/