Category: Discover Cyprus

Lefkosia (Nicosia)… the thousand year capital city in the heart of the country  

With a population of 333,800 (2013 – part of Lefkosia in the Government controlled area), Lefkosia, the capital, is a walled city flanked by palm trees. Laiki Geitonia, the restored section of the old city, is home to friendly traditional tavernas as well and shops selling handicrafts. The city is home to the Cyprus Museum (Archaeological), the Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus, the Byzantine Museum, the National Struggle Museum, the State Gallery of Contemporary Art and the House of the Dragoman Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios.

• For more information on Lefkosia, Click here.
• For cultural sights Click here.
• For hiking trails Click Here.

Lemesos (Limassol)… a celebration of beaches, fortresses and festivals     

Lemesos – population 239,700 (2013) – has become the country’s main port. In the heart of the town, near the old port, is the Cyprus Medieval Museum, housed in the imposing fort where in 1191 Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England. Surrounded by extensive citrus fruit plantations and vineyards, Lemesos is the venue of the annual Wine Festival, held in September. A short drive west from the centre of Lemesos is Kolossi Castle, ancient Kourion and the Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis.

• For more information on Lemesos, Click here.
• For cultural sights Click here.
• For beaches  Click here.
• For hiking trails  Click here.

Larnaka (Larnaca)… the gateway to the island and an entry point to adventure

Larnaka – population 145,900 (2013) – where the largest international airport and the island’s second port are located, is near the site of ancient Kition, an important port in pre-Christian times. Lazaros, who Christ is said to have resurrected from the dead, is buried in the crypt of the magnificent Byzantine church of Agios Lazaros. On Saturday, eight days before the Greek Orthodox Easter the icon of Saint Lazarus is carried through the streets in an annual procession along the city’s Palm Tree Promenade.

• For more information on Larnaka, Click here.
• For cultural sights Click here.
• For beaches Click here.

Pafos (Paphos)… home to Aphrodite, Adonis, Dionysus and lucky mortals

Pafos – population 91,200 (2013). Kato Pafos, the lower town near the harbour, is home to the remains of the ancient city of Nea Pafos – itself the site of the renowned Roman mosaics in the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Orpheus and Aion. Opposite the picturesque harbour is the Pafos Fort, built in 1592. Nearby are the monumental Tombs of the Kings and the Saint Paul’s Pillar. The winding streets of Pano Pafos are home to numerous modern shops and restaurants.

• For more information on Pafos, Click here.
• For cultural sights Click here.
• For hiking trails  Click here.
• For beaches  Click here.

Troodos… majestic scenery, quaint villages and rich Byzantine heritage

The village of Platres is the starting point for many nature trails around the Troodos Mountains and the region’s carefully protected cedar and pine forests. There are many important monasteries in the area, notably Kykkos, the richest in Cyprus built in the 12th century and magnificently restored. Ten Byzantine churches are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites on account of their well-preserved frescoes, unique in the world. Picturesque villages abound in the Troodos area such as Omodos, Platres and Kakopetria.

• For more information on Troodos, Click here.
• For cultural sights Click here.
• For hiking trails  Click here
• For Byzantine churches  Click here.

Ammochostos (Famagusta) region… the garden basket with the golden beaches

Ammochostos – population 47,400 (2013) – at the southeast corner of Cyprus, is an agriculturally rich region with superb sandy beaches. Major beach resorts are located in Protaras and Agia Napa – the latter enjoying a reputation as one of the top international nightlife destinations in Europe.

• For more information on Ammochostos, Click here.
• For cultural sights Click here.
• For beaches  Click here.
• For hiking trails   Click here.

The beautiful island of Cyprus offers an all-year-round, comfortable, safe destination, and is unique for being a port of call and a home port. There are four ports on the island; in Lemesos (Limassol), Larnaka (Larnaca), and two in the Pafos (Paphos) region.

Lemesos Port
Location: 34º 39′ .00” N 033º 01′ .02” E
Lemesos port is a weather-protected port in the middle of the coastline and close to all major tourist attractions, making it ideal for passengers on short visits. It is located on the south coast of the island, and is sheltered by breakwaters.

The port’s approach channel and turning cycle have been dredged to -17m, and the western port’s sea area to -16m. Large cruise ships visiting the port enjoy a well-in-advance schedule and top priority for berthing.

A new modern Passenger Terminal that is fully compatible with the Schengen criteria will soon become operational at Lemesos Port. Totalling an area of 6.800m2, the Passenger Terminal includes one departure hall, two arrival halls, a separate area for luggage handling and receipt, a glamorous restaurant on the first floor, and a large car park, as well as offices for providing visitors with all the required services to the highest of standards.

Larnaka Port
Location: 34º 55′ .6” N 033º 38′ .9” E
Larnaka Port is the second largest port of the island, and is situated in the southeastern part of Cyprus – sheltered by breakwaters. In its present form, Larnaka port is situated approximately 2 km from the town centre, and is surrounded by residential units on the landside. On its south side it borders with Larnaka marina. The port is located 6 km away from Larnaka International Airport.

Pafos Port *
Location: 34° 45′ .22” N 032° 24′ .60″ E
Pafos Port is one of the most ancient ports of Cyprus with the wider archaeological site penetrating the port area. Pafos lighthouse is situated within this archaeological site, and at a relatively short distance. During a stroll along the breakwater of the port – and after the historic castle – visitors can ‘feel’ the remnants of the ancient breakwater and admire the exquisite Roman mosaics.

As part of enhancements to the port’s character, and to better serve cruise traffic, a new mooring facility is being installed at the port.

Latchi Port *
Location: 35° 2′ .44” N 032° 24′ .60” E
Latchi Port is located at the northern part of Pafos, in the region of Polis Chrysochous. It is a picturesque port and ideal for visiting the Akamas Peninsula, the baths of Aphrodite and many more attractions of the area. It is a perfect stopping-point for other calls and visits in the area, and encompasses remarkable sites with a history dating back 3.000 years.

* Cruise ships visiting Pafos and Latchi ports stay at the anchorage at a distance not more than a mile. Tender boats are used for the transfer of passengers.

Key Facts for Choosing Cypriot Ports:
– Port infrastructure suitable to serve any type of ship
– Excellent port services
– Operations 24hrs throughout the year*
– All-year-round favourable weather conditions
– Berthing priority
– Top security levels
– ISPS certification
– Low charges, economic and other incentive schemes
– Welcoming receptions
– Onsite amenities
– City centre connections
– All types of ship provisions
– Proximity to international airports

Tourism Facts:
– Local Population: 865,900
– Time Zone: EETC (UTC+2) / Summer (DST): EEST (UTC+3)
– Currency: Euro
– Banking Hours: 8:30 – 14:30
– Credit Cards: All
– Calling Code: + 357
– Distances: Short Distances from Pafos and Larnaka Airports, as well as city centres

* Except on January 1st, Easter Day and Christmas

Approximate Distance of Major Cruise Destinations from Cyprus (in nautical miles):
– Piraeus: 525
– Thessaloniki: 653
– Heraclion: 403
– Rhodes: 271
– Rethymnon: 438
– Kousantasi: 404
– Antalya: 202
– Tartous: 140
– Port Said: 208
– Lebanon: 139
– Damietta: 210

Distances Between Cyprus Ports (in nautical miles):
– Lemesos-Pafos: 42
– Lemesos-Latsi: 75
– Lemesos-Larnaka: 38
– Pafos-Latsi: 33
– Pafos-Larnaka: 75
– Larnaka-Latsi: 108

For more information and facts on all the ports, click here.

As the easternmost island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a natural point of departure for exploring the amazingly diverse region, offering the opportunity to enhance your holiday to the island by extending it to other countries.

Locally-based cruise lines departing from Limassol (Lemesos) Port – mainly during the summer months – provide locals and tourists alike with the unique experience of enjoying the splendours of ancient Egypt, major attractions in Israel and Lebanon, and the charming Greek islands – all just a short cruise away.

The cruises are typically of two-to-five days’ duration and make the most of Cyprus’ geographic position to eliminate the need to book hotels in the selected ports of call. For example, on a two-day cruise, passengers overnight on board, and can then spend a full day exploring the sights of the cruise destination, thereafter, overnighting on the ship again, en route to Cyprus.

The cruises are operated by large and comfortable cruise ships which offer full board accommodation and entertainment at very reasonable prices. Bookings for these cruises can be made while on holiday in Cyprus, whilst many tour operators in Europe and elsewhere also feature the cruises in their holiday brochures. The ships usually leave Limassol Port in the afternoon / early evening, arriving at the destination the following morning. The cruise programmes have been specifically designed to suit varying travel preferences, including departure days and destinations.

For up-to-date information on cruise destinations and itineraries from Cyprus visit:

www.salamiscruiselines.com

www.louiscruises.com.cy

With its close proximity to Middle East ports, excellent port facilities and the many and varied main attractions found just a short distance from them, Cyprus is an ideal port of call for cruises of all sizes.

The rich cultural sites of Cyprus can be explored with ease and comfort during the course of a ship’s short call to the island. These factors, and many others – such as an exceedingly safe environment and demonstrated commitment to the highest travel standards – have made Cyprus one of the most vital and important cruise centres in the Eastern Mediterranean. Many cruise ships already use Cyprus as a base for mini-cruises to popular Middle Eastern destinations during at least four months of the year. Furthermore, most international cruise liners sailing the region include Cyprus in some portion of their itineraries.

At the crossroads of a melting pot of cultures for over 11,000 years, the tiny island is endowed with a remarkably rich historical legacy that encompasses Neolithic ruins, instantly identifiable Greek and Roman sites, formidable Crusader castles, Early Christian basilicas, luminous Byzantine churches, and so much more.

Major places of interest can be reached within an hour drive from the ports of Cyprus. The most impressive archaeological and historical sites are most accessible from Limassol (Lemesos) Port. They include Kourion – an ancient Greco-Roman theatre dramatically perched on a cliff, overlooking lush green fields and the blue Mediterranean Sea – and the Medieval Crusader fortress of Kolossi. Head north from Lemesos and you’ll find yourself in the foothills of the pine-forested Troodos Mountains, with charming villages of stone-built houses, such as Omodos and Laneia along the way. Pafos (Paphos), on the western coast, has so many historical sites that the whole of Kato Pafos has been placed on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List. Amongst its most fascinating sites are the ancient Roman mosaics at the Houses of Aion and Dionysus, the Tombs of the Kings, and Saint Paul’s Pillar.

Varied and interesting excursions can also be organised from Larnaka (Larnaca) Port. These include the Medieval village of Lefkara – famous for its handmade lace, the Troodos Mountains, the capital Lefkosia (Nicosia), and the sights around Lemesos and Larnaka.

With so much to see and do on a compact and beautiful island, discovering something new and interesting on a short stop-over is not only easy, but an experience to be savoured and enjoyed.

– Cyprus is strategically located at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa and only an overnight sailing away from the ports of Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and the nearest Greek island of Rhodes.

– The 35^th latitudinal parallel traverses Cyprus which lies at latitude 34A 33’ – 35A’ North and longitude 32A 16’ – 34A 37’ East.

– Abundant copper in antiquity put small Cyprus on the map. In fact Cyprus (Kypros in greek) gave copper its Latin name, cuprum. It was in the late Bronze Age, 1600 – 1050 BC, that Mycenaean Greeks came to Cyprus, integrating with the indigenous population.

– Trade links were established with Egypt and the Aegean islands. The archaeological record bears witness to a profusion of cults and temples from this time, one of the biggest being that of Aphrodite. According to myth, the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty was born on Cyprus at the shore [you can visit the site on the way to Pafos (Paphos), a seaside boulder called Petra tou Romiou].

– Cyprus with a population of 946.000 (End 2013) is a modern island nation that retains as essentially Mediterranean character.

– The island has a mild, typically Mediterranean climate, with abundant warm sunshine and little rain.

– The island’s 9.251 square kilometres (3.572 square miles) encompass citrus and olive groves, pine forested mountains reaching heights of 1.950 meters (6.400 feet) and some of Europe’s cleanest beaches.

– While Greek is an official language in the Republic of Cyprus, English is spoken by nearly everyone (Cyprus was under British dominion from 1878 until independence in 1960).

– The road network is modern and extensive. Road signs are usually in Greek and English, and driving is on the left.

– The currency of Cyprus is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs in all major towns and many villages.

For more practical information on the island, click here.

Envisioning the ideal Mediterranean idyll brings to mind scenes of landscapes laced with olive trees… stunning cliffs… picture-perfect coastlines… the welcoming smiles of locals who love life, and an evocative sense of antiquity. This vision has a name: Cyprus.

At the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus offers a diverse range of topography and the opportunity for travellers to experience 10,000 years of living, cultural history – all in a comparatively small area.

Though a part of Europe, Cyprus lives and breathes a heritage that could only come from being at the centre of so much world history for so many centuries: Neolithic sites; enthralling sanctuaries to Aphrodite; Roman villas with ornate mosaic floors; city walls erected by Venetians, and a plethora of native treasures and traditions too.

Within the space of a single day, passengers who arrive at a port in Cyprus can take in a number of historical and natural attractions, from the Lemesos (Limassol) Medieval Fort to Kolossi Castle – a Crusader fortress, and the stunning Greco-Roman theatre of Kourion. In the west, the birthplace of Aphrodite and lively Pafos (Paphos) with its Roman mosaics and wealth of archaeological sites await discovery. To the east, the ancient city-kingdom of Kition – and Larnaka’s many quaint villages with their traditional handicrafts – are a delight to explore. Inland, the Troodos Mountains are home to winemaking villages, natural trails, Byzantine monasteries and painted churches.

It won’t take long to see and appreciate all the diversity that Cyprus has to offer. In less than an hour, travellers can go from alpine peaks – where it’s pleasant even in the height of summer – to bustling seaside, where a host of activities can be enjoyed, from swimming in waters that reach temperatures of 27°C (84°F), to sailing, diving, and of course… cruising.

And as the easternmost island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is also a natural point of departure for exploring the rest of this amazingly diverse region – offering the best of all worlds.  

Cruises Interactive Presentation (Windows)