Cyprus Information
About Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia Tucked away in the top right hand corner of the Med, it is close to Europe Asia and Africa ,it claims to be the stepping stone to three continents.
Its geographical position is largely responsible for the climate and thanks to this and its first rate accommodation, delicious cuisine, breathtaking scenery, hospitable people and fascinating history- the island attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The island's location however lies at the root of Cyprus' turbulent history. An island whose rich dramatic history can be tracked back over 9000 years. An island so coveted over the centuries that it has been invaded and claimed by a fascinating mixture of civilizations from near and far - all of which have left their culture and shaped its character.
An island whose archaeology stems from the Neolithic Age, The Ancient Greeks and the Roman Period, Where churches and monasteries stand from Byzantine times castles and palaces from the Crusaders and splendid city walls from the Venetians.
An island chosen by Mythological Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece-where Aphrodite Goddess of love and beauty emerged from the sea to become a cult.
With such a legendary background it is hardly surprising that Cyprus has developed a character that is quite unique.
It is an island also blessed with beauty- natural beauty that ranges from golden beaches and rugged coastlines to rolling hills and forest clad mountains.
Cyprus History
The known history of Cyprus dates back over 9000 years. The remains of Neolithic settlements (7000 - 9000 BC) may be visited at Khirokitia, whilst finds from the site are on display in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia. By 3000 BC stone tool weapons had been replaced by implements fashioned from copper. It is believed that the name "Cyprus" is derived from the Latin word for copper "Cuprus" The islands trade in copper made it one of the busiest commercial centers in the Mediterranean.
1300 BC saw the arrival of the Mycenean Greek traders who found kingdoms that grew prosperous and important. Once thriving however the island became the target of a large number of invaders and conquerors including the Romans, Byzantines. Richard The Lionheart of England, The Crusader Knights and the Venetians.
In 1571 Cyprus was invaded and captured by the Turks and it remained under Turkish occupation until 1878 when the British took over the administration of the island. The arrangement continued until 1914 when Cyprus became a British Colony.
After several years of struggle for independence, Cyprus became an independent Republic in 1960, it’s first independence for 3500 years. Archbishop Makarios became the first President of the new republic .Britain retained sovereign rights with military bases at Akrotiri and Episkopi in the West and Dhekelia in the east.
Britain, Greece, and Turkey became guarantors of the new state of independence. In 1974 a coup was staged in Cyprus by the Greek military junta and this was followed by the Turkish Invasion. Since then 37% of the island has been under Turkish occupation. As a result of this unlawful occupation 200,000 Greek Cypriots (40% of the Greek Cypriot population) have been uprooted from their homes. The Turkish troops have effectively sealed off the northern section of the island.
Cyprus still remains illegally divided by the military forces of Turkey.
In 1878 the British took over the administration of the island after the Turkish occupation of 307 years. In the 1920's it became part of the colony .After many years of struggling for independence this was achieved in 1960. Britain, Greece and Turkey became guarantors of the new state of independence. However the new Republic was faced with a myriad of problems.
The biggest problem was the lack of harmony between the Greek Cypriots who made up about 70% of the population and the Turkish Cypriots who accounted for 30 % President Makarios (the 1st president and National Hero of Cyprus) submitted proposals for amending the constitution.
These were rejected by the Turkish Cypriots, who then withdrew from The House of Representatives and the Government. This led to violence and by March 1964 a U.N. Peace Keeping Force was based on the island In Nicosia the Greek and Turkish sectors were separated.
Despite the presence of the U.N. and the attempts of mediators to solve the problem tension ran extremely high and the threat of invasion by the Turks was ever present.
In 1974 a military coup was planned by the "Colonels" of Greece, They planned to oust Makarios and replace him and annexe part of Cyprus. .On the 15tli of July 1974 The Presidential Palace was attacked, President Makarios escaped But on the 20th July 1974 The Turkish army invaded using the coup as an opportunity to realize their objective of occupying the northern part of the island.
Today the island still remains illegally divided. Separated by the" Green Line". 37% of the island including some of the most beautiful places in Cyprus such as Kyrenia are illegally occupied by the Turkish Military Troops. As a result of this unlawful occupation 200,000 Greek Cypriots have been uprooted from their homes.
In 1983 the occupied sector declared itself an Independent State but this State is only recognized by Turkey. In 1990 some 65,000 Turks were brought from the mainland to live in the occupied sector, in a bid to alter the demography of the Island.. There are approx 35,000 troops in the occupied territory.
A solution to the Cyprus problem has still to be found.
Paphos Resort Information
Paphos is a charming and colorful town on the west coast of Cyprus. It focuses around an attractive little harbor whose open air fish restaurants and taverns line a quayside with brightly colored fishing boats and pleasure crafts and an imposing fort. With a population of around 30,OOO.Paphos nestles in the lee of the western Troodos Mountains, which adds another dimension to this area of scenic beauty. The addition of its own international airport nearby has opened the Paphos area up and the resort is graced with some luxurious hotels along the coastline.
Paphos has an air of holiday charm combined with history. Olden day elegance is lent to the town by its classical style buildings in the upper part of town which leads to the shopping area. The lower part of town - known as Kato Paphos has a life of its own It is the home of the Harbor, fish taverns, souvenir shops and archaeological sites
Paphos is romantically associated in legend with Aphrodite, The Greek Goddess Of Love and Beauty, who legend says was born from the soft sea foam of the Paphian Sea.
The whole area abounds in historical and archaeological treasures. The most fascinating are the famous Roman Mosaics near the harbor. the 3rd century villas whose floors are brilliantly illustrated with colored mosaics depicting Greek Mythology are beautifully preserved after 16 centuries under the soil.
Another important site is that of The Tombs of The Kings, a large regal style burial ground of catacombs.
Further sites of interest in the Paphos area are St. Pauls Pillar ,The Fortress in the harbor and Petra Tou Romiou otherwise known as Aphrodites Rock, Birthplace of the Goddess Aphrodite
Shops
During the high season, shops in the town centre are open from 08.30 - 13.00 and 16.00 - 19.00.ha1f day closing is on Wednesday and they are closed all day Sunday.
However in the tourist area, they stay open all day until quite late in the evening with the exception of Sunday when they close a little earlier.
Market
This is in the Town Centre and is only open in the mornings 07.30 - 13.00 with the exception of Sundays. Saturday is the busiest day
Chemists
Plenty in Kato Paphos and the town centre as well as in Polis. They are open 08.30 - 13.00 and 16.00 - 19.00 during the week and Saturday mornings.
Banks
These are open from 08.30 - 13.30 Monday - Friday.
Some provide additional tourist services in the afternoons. The times vary from branch to branch details are usually on the door. There is no weekend service; Make sure to have your password with you whenever you enter a Bank Branch, you never know whether they will be asking for it or not. Bank Branches can be found in Polis and recently a new one opened in Latchi.
Latchi
Latchi with its small picturesque harbor and backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery is a popular place to wander along the beach, watch the boats coming and going and enjoy a delicious fish meal in one of the taverns
There has been a harbor at Latchi for many centuries. The harbor offers good protection to the boats from the prevailing north- westerly that can whip the waves into sizeable breakers.
Latchi was the main area for sponge diving and is the only place in Cyprus to hold a commercial sponge fishing license. Over the years an unknown disease killed of the sponges, putting an end to the trade . Today the sponges for sale in the local shops are imported.
Latchi is at its best at sunset when the sun sinks low onto the horizon casting a burnished glow. The coastline westwards is both beautiful and dramatic and you will find small coves of crystal clear water. There are various boat trips available from the harbor.
The Baths of Aphrodite
This picturesque semi - circular pool that nestles under a huge limestone rock, shrouded by the leaves of a giant fig tree has for centuries been associated with the legend of Aphrodite. This area with its breathtaking views and fragrant smells of wild flowers, especially Cyclamen easily lends itself to the legend of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. It is quite easy to imagine her as she bathed in the pool. Legend says that one day as she bathed, the God Adonis who was out hunting, saw her and fell passionately in love with her. They were together when he was killed by the wild boar and legend says that his blood fell onto the earth as scarlet poppies. The tears of Aphrodite became the wild Anemones that grow everywhere. The legend says that whoever bathes in the crystal clear water will recapture their beauty and if a foreign lady bathes there she will fall in love with a local man and stay in Cyprus forever.
The Akamas Area
The Sea Caves at Peyia
Just one kilometer east of the church at Ayios Georgios is the stretch of coastline known as the Sea Caves. Here the soft white chalk has over many years been eroded by the sea into a sequence of caves and arches.
Some of the caves are best explored from the sea. The walls inside are a vivid green and purple as they change in the waters reflections. The Mediterranean Monk Seal used to breed here but now this seal is very rarely seen in the area.
Legend says that during the Saracen raids the local people were forced to hide in the Forest. When they returned to their coastal homes they saw many rocks in front of the shore thrown there by St. George to scare away the invaders. In honor of the Saint who saved them the villagers built a church not far away.
The Harbor at Ayios Georgios
The sleepy harbor of Ayios Georgios is a popular place to start a tour of the Akamas. This area used to be far more populated and in Roman times there was a large thriving town nearby .Excavations are still taking place in the area and evidence dating back to the 6th century suggests that there were at least three churches in the area. . The large church of Ayios Georgios which dominates the cliff face was built in 1928 with money raised by the locals. Near to the big church is a smaller one built in the 19th century. Locals call this the church for lovers.
Lara - a paradise for Turtles.
The Lara area is one of the most beautiful in Cyprus, unspoilt with golden sandy beaches and since the early 70s the home of a conservation project to save the Green and the Loggerhead Turtle.
The Avakas Gorge
The Avakas Gorge takes its name from the Greek word for impassable. It is 8 kilometers in length and has a catchment area of nearly 9 square kilometers. In places the sides of the Gorge are different colors, red, green, and black .Rare orchids can sometimes be seen and maybe a vulture flying high searching for food. In the water that flows through the gorge small fish can be seen and during springtime and summer there is an abundance of freshwater snails. .
Nicosia
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus and the largest on the island with a population in the southern sector of some 120,000.lt is the only sizeable inland town. and it houses the main government offices as well as the headquarters of many major local and international companies.
The defensive wall built by the Venetians in 1567 remains the prime feature and the unique shape of the wheel like fortifications provide a symbolic logo for the modem capital city and even the Greek Cypriot nation .Originally there were three main gates to the wall, Farmagusta, Kyrenia and Paphos, but the latter two have declined in importance. The Farmagusta Gate is now a cultural centre and the venue for exhibitions, lectures, plays and concerts. The beautifully restored vaults of the gate are worth seeing for themselves .Inside the walls are busy shopping streets and at the end of these streets is the so called "Green Line "- the demarcation line from the northern part which is under Turkish occupation.
Within the large area encircled by the strong bastion walls that served to protect the city for centuries are many places of great historical interest. Of particular note is the “Laiki Yitonia" (local neighborhood) a pedestrian section which has been carefully renovated to invoke the atmosphere of the olden days city with traditional houses and craftsmen working as they did 100 years ago.
Near the Municipal Gardens is the Cyprus Museum which holds the most important collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Neolithic Age. There is a beautiful statue of Aphrodite and amongst the many varied finds ~there is an exceptional collection of icons covering a period of 1000 years.
In 1964 the Greek and Turkish sectors of the city were separated and in July 1974 the Turkish forces invaded the southern sector and the Island has been divided ever since.
The Troodos Mountains
A day in the Troodos Mountains, breathing the invigorating fresh air and admiring the excellent views of the island from a height of several thousand feet is an exhilarating experience and a great contrast to the coast and plains of the rest of Cyprus.
The dry cool climate is perfect for visiting Byzantine Monasteries driving through pine forests or simply exploring the enchanting villages. In winter the higher slopes are used for skiing.
The largest village is Platres with an almost alpine like air and retains a friendly old fashioned atmosphere. On the northern slopes is Kakopetria with its charming village square that overlooks thousands of apple trees in the Solea Valley. This is a spectacular sight when the trees are in blossom .Both villages serve delicious fresh trout that is farmed in the area.
The mountain roads meander through delightfully peaceful villages where laden donkeys are still a form of transport. Each village has a cottage industry, a special crop or craft for which it is well known. .
Pedhoulas Village is the main cherry producer .Moutoullas bottles mineral water from its own spring and also specializes in carved wooden bowls. Kalopanayiotis has a dam stocked with fish fr9m the fish farm and its own sulphur springs. Prodromos is the second highest village on the island and claims to grow the .best apples and on the southern slopes are the picturesque wine producing villages known as ' Krasohoria whose grapes are used in many the Cyprus wines
Mount Olympus is the highest point on the island at 1951 metres. Views are so panoramic that the sea can be seen on a clear day. Below is the resort of Troodos which has a campsite, a youth hostel and several small hotels.
Kykko the largest monastery in Cyprus contains a golden icon of The Virgin Mary claimed to have been painted by St, Luke. Above the monastery is "Throni tis Panayis" ,the tomb of the late Archbishop Makarios in a glorious setting of tall pine trees.
Further west is the majestic Cedar Valley.
Limassol
The South Coast town of Limassol is the islands largest seaside resort and the main commercial port on the island .Acting as a magnificent backdrop to the town which spreads for over 10 kilometres along the coast are the Troodos Mountains.
Since the middle ages Limassol has been known to traders for its wine and sugar cane .It is the second largest town of Cyprus with a population of around 135000 it is the centre of the wine making industry and an important commercial tourist centre The wide seafront promenade and the bustling little shopping streets are matched by the lively character of its people. The atmosphere is fun- loving and the nightlife hectic. Limassol stages some of the islands best known festivals, including the September Wine Festival and the Pre- Lenten Carnival with bands ,gaily decorated floats dancing and singing.
Limassol has a local archaeological museum a folk art museum. There is also the medieval castle at Kolossi where Richard the Lionheart and the Knights of St John stayed on their way to the Holyland. and the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Amathus.
11 miles west of Limassol is Kourion, such a huge archaeological site that you drive around it . There you will find the full size Amphitheatre looking out to the sea .Here in the summer months plays and concerts are held. Nearby is The sanctuary of Apollo and the remains of the Stadium.
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