Cyprus travel guide

During at long period in ancient times Paphos was a Roman city (around 2nd and 3rd century AD). It was a prosperous place where exquisite tiles floors were in high fashion among the wealthy. These colourful mosaic floors have been preserved to this day and is now the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Paphos – the other are the Tombs of the Kings. Each mosaic tells a story, often about Greek mythology. They are a part of the sprawling Paphos Archaeological Site which begins down at Paphos harbour.

The highest mountain on Cyprus is Mount Olympus - what else could it be called. It's a pine tree covered peak, which from the distance easily blends in with other peaks in the Troodos Mountians. You can drive all the way up the ski resort (yes, they have chairlifts and runs) right below the top at 1,952 m, which is unfortunately occupied by the military. But the views over lowland Cyprus are spectacular.

The Troodos Mountains have some world class mountain roads. Narrow winding roads which zigzag through cedar tree covered mountain slopes. Here and there the forest opens up for amazing panoramic views over the Troodos Mountains and lowland Cyprus at the coast. The most popular routes are sealed, but drive slowly and carefully since pretty much every turn are blind and there are a plenty of small rock falls.

Nicosia is the only divided capital left in the world. The city is divided right in the middle from east to west into two very distinct parts, which feel like they don't belong in the same century. The south side is Greek Cypriot and is as modern and western as the rest of Western Europe. There are lots of cosy cafes, art shops, and cute restaurants down the narrow lanes. The north side is Turkish Cypriot and resemble more like Istanbul with its oriental bazaar, mosques, and dilapidated houses. It's easy to cross the border at Ledra Street, so there is no reason not to explore both sides.

The Agios Loannis lambadistis Monastery is considered one of the best of Cyprus' painted church – ten of which have been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. From the outside the small monastery doesn't look like much, but when entering the dark interior, it's a different story. The whole ceiling is covered in vivid frescos from the 11th to the 15th century. Like ancient cartoons, each illustrates an episode from the bible. Getting to Agios Loannis lambadistis Monastery is almost half the fun. First by navigating the winding roads through Troodos Mountains, and then wriggle your way through the narrow lanes of the small villages of Kalopanagiotis, where the monastery lies at the bottom across the river. The villages itself could easily be a candidate for the cutest villages in Cyprus.

Another holiday town in Cyprus, but compared to Ayia Napa and Limassol, Paphos seems close to its expiration date – not unlike many of the tourists here. Many hotels and restaurants seem outdated and the once pumping bar street is half deserted and otherwise tacky. But the coastline is pretty with plenty of small beaches and coves, and the cute harbour is equal picturesque. There are also two fine historical sights: Paphos Archaeological Park, which has the famous Paphos Mosaics, and further north the Tombs of the Kings.

This castle is definitely a contender for the most dramatic location. Perched on a ridge at the top of a jagged mountain cling this castle. It was original built in the 11th century on top of an existing monastery from the 10th century, which the castle is named by. The St. Hilarion Castle was a part of the defense of Kyrenia (Girne) and the northern coast. You can explore the castle by climbing winding and steep tracks. Keep in mind, that the view of the castle is almost better from the distance.

The splendid Roman Ruins at Salamis is one of Cyprus's best archaeological site. An extensive area which once was a prosperous Roman city about 2000 years ago. Though most of the structures have been reduced to crumbling walls and columns, making it hard to figure out what they once were, some have been restored to some degree, making it possible to get an idea of how grand the city of Salamis once were. The whole area is kept wild with bushes and high grass covering the ruins, making a visit rather adventurous.

Flanked by the sea on one side and resorts on the others lies this gem of an open-air museum. A collection of underground tombs and chambers dating all the way back to the 4th century BC. Despite the name, Tombs of the Kings, no kings were buried here, just wealthy residents of ancient Paphos. There are seven excavated tombs scattered over the rather large site. Some are cut into small hills, while others are underground, imitated the houses of the living. Not much is fenced off and there are staircases so you can descend into the tombs, which all are empty. Tombs of the Kings is, along with Paphos Archaeological Site closer to the harbour, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.