Pafos district in a morning sun:
Tag: cyprus
Cats at Cyprus / September 2017
The Cyprus cat is landrace of domestic cat believed to be descended from cats of Egypt or Palestine brought to Cyprus by St Helen to rid the island of snakes and vermin.
They are not afraid of people however they do not like to be touched though.
Magical sunsets at Cyprus / September 2017
Cyprus was our best holiday destination so far. Sun every day, great attractions around and magical sunsets.
Look at them:
Aphrodite’s Rock, Cyprus / September 2017
Petra tou Romiou- birthplace of Aphrodite
Legend claims that Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty, was born from the sea-foam on this pebbly bay, which is dominated by rugged limestone crags rising from the sea. Other myths says these boulders were hurled at the ships of Saracen corsairs by Digenis Akritas, the paladin of the Byzantine frontier.
And rock formations around:
Kourion Archeological site, Limassol, Cyprus / September 2017
Kourion archaeological site is located on the west coast of Limassol in the small town of Episkopi.
Kourion was an ancient city to the southwest shores of Cyprus and it is one of the most famous ancient attractions here in Cyprus and it is situated 18km west of Limassol. Kourion is renowned for its importance, as historical sources suggest it was a major ancient city Kingdom of Cyprus.Herodotos and Stravonas both mention that it was a colony of the Argion, one of the most rich and powerful kingdoms of Cyprus. It is mentioned in the “prism of Asarhadon” 673-672B.C along with other kingdoms in Cyprus (Idalion, Kition , Salamina , Hitri, Tamasso,Lidra and Soloi). According to mythology, the well-known owner of Kourion was Curieus the son of Kiniras. The residents called him Curieus and Curias.
The town of Kourion is well known for its mosaics which decorate the floors in magnificent mansions and yards. One of the most well-known mansions is the house of Achilles, with a variety of mosaics on the floors. It is dated to the 4th century A.D and it took its name from the Greek hero of mythology.
The ancient Kourion Theatre
The ancient Kourion theatre is located at the most southern part of town. It was built during the end of the 2nd century B.C but it has been altered to its dimensions which are found today, during the 2nd century A.D. It has a capacity of 3.500 spectators and a majestic view towards the Mediterranean. The theatre was closed towards the north, however only ruins are found today. To the left and right of the stage there are two arched pathways from which the viewers would enter.
Kolossi Castle, Cyprus / September 2017
Kolossi castle was initially constructed in the 13th century and it was then rebuilt in its present form during mid-15th century. This well admired 15th century castle is situated in Kolossi village, 14km west of Limassol in the south of Cyprus.
During the 13th century, the castle served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar and after the fall of Acre in 1291 the castle served as the headquarters of the knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. The castle todays looks very well and well maintained and looks very similar to a tower, similar to ones found across Europe. It was built with military architecture offering security within the area and resisting any attacks. The castle has a height of 21 meters and each of the castle’s four sides are 15 meters long on the outside and 14 meters on the inside.
There is lovely view on the village from the top 🙂
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
Photography by Paulaart18 