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Lefkosia (Nicosia) is the administrative and commercial centre of Cyprus. Compared to most European capitals it is a fairly small city of predominantly modernist and contemporary architecture, but also rich in historical architectural samples found inside the old sector of the city enclosed by Venetian Walls. Therefore, admirable examples of Hellenistic, Ottoman, early Christian and Colonial architecture coexist harmoniously with the modern cityscape that has acted as the head of the island for more than one thousand years. Nicosia is divided into seven municipalities, each distinguished from the other in development and character. But what is most certain is that all municipalities work under a common cause, to improve and beautify the city, at the same time making it more agreeable to the Nicosians. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990, Nicosia became infamously known as the last divided capital of Europe. It is also the only city in Cyprus shared by both the Greek and Turkish communities, but can access it only by use of a passport.
The University of Cyprus as well as a number of established private colleges and institutions are based in Nicosia. Furthermore, with a population of 210,000, Nicosia is the largest city of Cyprus and an attraction point of major cultural happenings. From the centre to the suburbs, this city has to offer everything the hip and modern lifestyle demands: highstreet cafes stand next to brand stores and meticulous eating spots featuring local and international cuisine; well equipped gyms and sports facilities specialising in particular sports like football, basketball, tennis, squash, horse ridding, mini golf, handball, futsal etc. |
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Famagusta is a city on the east coast of Cyprus and is capital of the Famagusta District. It is located in a bay between Capes Greco and Eloea, east of Nicosia, and possesses the deepest harbour in the island. Since the 1974 Turkish invasion the city has resided in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
In antiquity, the town was known as Arsinoe after Arsinoe II of Egypt, and was mentioned by that name by Strabo. Its was also called Ammokhostos (meaning "hidden in sand") and it is still known by that name in Greek today. This name developed into the Famagusta used in Western European languages and the Turkish name, Mašusa. |
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Larnaca is a city on the southeast coast of Cyprus. The major international airport of Cyprus, Larnaca International Airport is located in this city. Larnaca is the oldest living city of Cyprus and was originally known as Kition, or Kittium. Legend has it that the first settlement at the spot was founded by Noah's great-grandson Kittim. Unlike other ancient cities of Cyprus, which were abandoned by their inhabitants, Larnaca from the time of its founding 6,000 years ago, has existed and still exists on the same site.
It has a population of 72,000 (end of 2001) and is the island's second commercial port and an important tourist resort. To the north of the town lies the island's oil refinery, while to the south of Larnaca the International Airport is situated. The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque sea-front which includes rows of palm trees (oi finikoudes, in the Cypriot dialect). Much of the activity is centred around the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these for the city of Larnaka is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events.
Larnaca is one of the major seaside resorts in Cyprus. There are numerous beaches in and around Larnaca which which extend for approx 25 km (16 mi). The main Finikoudes and McKenzie beaches both have been awarded Blue Flags for environmental cleanliness.The archaeological sites and its six museums are in the centre of the town. Summer sports and sea activities are readily available. The shops are well stocked and medical care is good. There is one main six-screen cinema called 'K-Cineplex' which opened in 2001 and is on the edge of the town. Most English language films are shown in English with Greek subtitles. There is a wide variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafeterias and bars catering for varied tastes between 'traditional Irish pub' through international chains like McDonalds to local Cypriot fare. The Cyprus 'meze' is the food specialty of the town. Cultural life is rich and many events are organized by the town's municipality almost daily.
Larnaca is the ideal base for exploring the rest of Cyprus. Its international airport lies a few kilometers from the centre of the town, but because the flight path is over the sea there is almost no noise from landing and departing aircraft.
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Lemesos (Limassol) is the second-largest city of Cyprus with a population of 201.257 (2004 census), the largest city in geographical size and the biggest municipality of the island. The city is located on Acrotiri Bay on the island's southern coast and it is the capital of the Limassol District.
It is the biggest port in the Mediterranean transit trade. Limassol has since then become one of the most important tourism, trade and service-providing centre in the area. Limassol is renowned for its long cultural tradition. A wide spectrum of activities and a great number of museums and archaeological sites are available to the interested visitor.
Limassol was built between two ancient cities, Amathus and Kourion, so during Byzantine rule it was known as Neapolis (new town). Limassol's tourist strip now runs east along the coast as far as Amathus. To the west of the city is the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area of the United Kingdom.
Limassol also attracts a wide range of tourists mostly during the summer season to be accommodated in its several luxurious hotels and apartments. Limassol is also home to the Cyprus University of Technology.
Limassol is famous for its festivals. The Carnival festival lasts for ten days, with jolly and amusing masquerading. During the first quarter of September, the great Wine Festival of Cyprus takes place in the Municipal Garden of Lemesos every evening between 8.00 hrs - 23.00 hrs. During the festival the visitor has the chance to taste some of the best Cyprus wines, which are offered free of charge. On some evenings, various groups from Cyprus and abroad perform folk dancing and there are also choirs and others. Other festivals are Flower Festival (May), Festival of the Flood (June), Shakespearean nights and Ancient Greek Drama Festival. |
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The charming west coast town of Pafos focusses around an attractive little harbour whose picturesque open air fish restaurants line a quayside of bright fishing boats and pleasure craft. With a population of just 28.000 Pafos nestles in the lee of the Western Troodos Mountains, which add another dimension to this area of scenic beauty. The recent addition of its own international airport nearby has opened up the Pafos area, and the resort is graced with some luxury hotels along the coastline.
Pafos has an air of holiday charm combined with history, and 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 the town - known as Kato Pafos has a life of its own albeit so close by, down near the sea -home of the harbour, the fish tavernas, souvenir shops and several beautiful hotels with important archaeological sites around them.
Pafos is entwined with Greek mythology, and the legendary birth of Afrodite on her shores brought fame and worshippers there to follow the cult of the Goddess. Landmarks associated with Afrodite are the chunky, rugged rocks of her beautiful birthshore known as the Afrodite Rocks or "Petra tou Romiou", the evocative sanctuary of Afrodite at Kouklia Village, one-time shrine and scene of pagan festivals for thousands, the Baths of Afrodite at Polis, supposed source of fertility and the Fountain of Love, or Fontana Amorosa, a few miles further into the Akamas Peninsula. |
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