Ancient Amathus, Limassol, Cyprus / September 2017

Ancient Amathus (or Amathous) is an archeological site on the outskirts of Limassol. It was an ancient city and one of the ancient royal cities of Cyprus until about 300BC. Over time it played host to Greeks, Phoenicians, the Persians and the Romans.

Amathus is strongly connected with the cult of Aphrodite as well as having links to the legend of Ariadne.

Although is promoted widely in the area and it is number one attraction in all Eyewitness travel guide books it is waste of time. There are just piles of rocks and columns with no information at all. No visuals, no facts. Admission is €2.50 and I think they charge too much for this site. I do not recommend it at all !

They promote the place with great words:

Today, the ruins of Amathus include several ancient sites, including several tombs, an acropolis with a first century AD Roman Temple to Aphrodite, an agora, some public baths and the remains of the 8th century BC Palace of Amathus. 

However, as you could see on the pictures below, there is nothing interesting for a average tourist. I am not sure if historians would find it interesting either.

Nicosia, Cyprus / September 2017

Modern Nicosia is a cheerfully rambling sprawl that surrounds a much more picturesque inner core ringed by impressive fortifications. However, unlike many historic town centres, this carefully preserved medieval gem is still very much a living town, its streets bustling with shops, bars, restaurants and local colour. The southern part of the city is divided from the Turkish-occupied North along a line between the Pafos Gate and the Flatro Bastion.

When we crossed the border which is just a few stalls with passport control, we came into bustling streets of Turkish site, with masses of tourists buying, talking, laughing and eating in the restaurants nearby. I wanted to eat in a quieter area and found the nicest restaurant called Biblioteque, on earth. It had lovely umbrellas roof and gorgeous food 🙂

Divided city

Nicest restaurant roof on Earth xd

Agia Napa: Cape Greco and Green Bay. Cyprus / September 2017

Agia Napa

Agia Napa has the best beches in Cyprus and the best nightlife in the eastern Mediterranean – so it’s no surprise that this lively but laid-back resort has become a hedonistic legend in its own time, with a raucous and some-what infamous youthful clientele.

Cape Greco

This headland in the south-eastern tip of Cyprus. The view is a little spoilt by radio masts but the clear water offers some of the best snorkelling in the area.

Larnaca: Castle and St Lazarus Church, Cyprus/ September 2017

Larnaca is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus. It is the third largest city in the country, after Nicosia and Limassol. Larnaca is known for the Church of Saint Lazarus and its medieval fort. There is also he Hala Sultan Tekke which we did not go to and the Kamares Aqueduct that we passed. The day was full of attractions as we were heading to Agia Napa and Nicosia the same day !

Landing plane. There is another airport in Larnaca

Seafront

Pafos: Tombs of the Kings, Cyprus / September 2017

Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock while some are decorated with Doric pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

Source: http://www.visitpafos.org.cy/Tombs_of_the_Kings.aspx

Admission:  €2.50

It is worth to visit the tombs, not only for the magnificent work of underground tombs but also for beautiful landscapes where antiquity meets modernity. Lovely views on the sea and rock formations. Definitely worth to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site !

Kato Pafos Archeological Site, Cyprus / September 2017

Cyprus around 20th September ? Yes, Pafos was our destination. Minimum 28 degrees, hot air, warm sea and lovely apartment. This is what we wanted after the wedding 🙂

However, how many days you can spend just lying on the beach ? We went sightseeing Pafos:

Kato Pafos Archeological Site is the most accessible, exciting and inspiring archeological site on the island. The ruins were first unearthed in 1962 ! Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains discovered here span more than 2,000 years !

Top 10 sights:

House of Aion; Villa of Theseus; House of Orpheus; House of Dionysus; Roman Odeon; Asklipion; Roman Walls; Agora; Salanda Kolones; Hellenistic Theatre

Admission: €4.50

Worth to visit ?: Yes, definitely 🙂

Lavish mosaics