Aphrodite's Island: An Entrancing Blend of Old and New by Heidi Fuller-Love

Known as the island of Aphrodite because legend says that the Greek Goddess of Love rose from the sea here in a scallop shell, Cyprus, which was already inhabited in 3700 BC, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in the world.

Boasting rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forest-covered mountains – like the mighty Troodos range that rises to a height of 1,952m – this 240 kilometres long and 100 km wide island offers a heady blend of pleasures for the modern visitor. In Paphos, Agia Napa and Limassol and other resorts you’ll find fabulous cultural sights, water sports facilities, great shopping and vibrant nightlife.

For a more authentic island experience, you should visit the tiny hamlets scattered like sugar cubes along the Akamas peninsula, or spend a day discovering unspoilt coastline and endless golden beaches along Karpas peninsula. But if there are sites scattered around the island dating back to the Stone Age, there are also plenty of remnants from the Middle Ages, including the stunning mediaeval castles of Buffaventa and Kantara.

Lovely Larnaca

Main gateway to Aphrodites island – and hometown of stoic philosopher Zenon of who was born here in 335 BC, Larnaca was founded in 14th century BC by the Phoenicians. Originally known as Kition, the settlement prospered thanks to the export of copper and other minerals that were mined in the mighty Troodos Mountains.

The oldest town in Cyprus, Larnaca has many fascinating monuments, including the statue of Kimon the Greek general who died here after a decisive battle in 450 BC and whose statue now stands guard over the city´s main promenade.

The best place to find out more about this city's rich past is the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum on Kalograion street. Housing local finds dating back to the Neolithic period, this fascinating museum also displays pottery items that were found in the 3000 year old settlement of Kition, along with a selection of Mycenaean vases and a variety of ornaments in bronze, clay and glass.

Stroll half a kilometre east of the museum and you’ll find the ancient site of Kition where the town was originally founded. Invaded, partly destroyed and then rebuilt by the Mycenaean Greeks in the 12th century BC,  you will see a complex of five temples, including one built by the Phoenicians and dedicated to the goddess Astarte – and the impressive  remains of the city wall, hewn from gigantic stone blocks .

Down to the Seafront

Amble down to the seafront and you’ll find the city’s Medieval Museum. Housed in an impressive 17th-century fort, the museum's collection includes. Artefacts from the site of Kition. After your visit, climb to the top of the hill and enjoy panoramic views over the city, then visit the  mosque of Djami Kebir, built next to the fort in the 16th century and now known as the Grand Mosque of Larnaca.

Ornithological fans will want to make a detour a few kilometres west of town to visit the two square kilometres Salt Lake, which provides a  home to migrating flamingos in winter. You might not see the lake ablaze with pink wings in summer, but you will see plenty of other fowl  who come here to wet their beaks and escape the summer heat.

It’s also worth visiting this astounding natural site to watch the harvesting of this vast, glittering crust. Once one of the islands main exports, today only some 3,500 tons of salt are collected each year. And whilst you're here don't forget to pay your respects to Hala Sultan Tekke mosque overlooking the Salt lake, where the holy tomb of Umm Haram is housed.

A Taste of Life

Drive 17 kilometres southwest of Larnaca and you'll find one of Cyprus' most important Neolithic settlements. Founded around 6,800 B.C, recent excavations of Choirokoitia have revealed a large complex of circular houses and tombs. In order to give you a taste of life at the time, four of these beehive-shaped houses have been reconstructed to show how people lived at the time.

But Larnaca is not just about the past. With its 25 kilometres of stunning beaches, the city is also an idea base for lazing in the sun or engaging in more strenuous activities like windsurfing and dinghy sailing. Still on a modern note, the cobbled alleys and palm-tree-shaded seafront of this charming city  are a warren of  cafes, taverns, and shops  where you’ll find candle makers, ironmongers and pita-bread makers rubbing shoulders with chic jewellery stores and clothing shops.

And last, but not least, lovely Larnaca is the perfect base for visiting the rest of this stunning island.

Mountains and Marvellous Towns

A short drive from Larnaca, the Unesco  world heritage-classed  city of  Paphos is packed with ancient monuments and archaeological treasures, including the world-renowned  Tomb of the Kings. These rock cut mausoleums dating back to the Hellenistic and early Roman periods are as big as  houses, hence their royal moniker. A buzzing modern city packed with elegant boutiques and vibrant cafes, Limassol is within easy reach of the Troodos Mountains.

Amongst the lofty peaks of this mountain you will find nine Unesco  world heritage-classed  Byzantine churches, plenty of beautiful hiking paths and a plethora of authentic villages, including  Kakopetria, Platres and Phini where you can buy the lace goods, leather goods and jewellery that are made locally.

Further to the north and standing guard over the Mesaoria Plain,  Nicosia has been the capital of Cyprus since the 14th century. Hemmed in by well preserved Venetian walls, the narrow alleys of Nicosia's old city are jam-packed with attractions. These  include the  Cyprus Museum, packed with the islands archaeological treasures, fascinating relics of local life in the last century at the Folk Art Museum, and Omerye, a stone built hammam, thought to mark the spot where the prophet Omer rested during his visit to the city, which is now a favourite place for rest and relaxation. 

Sun, Sea and Stunning Beaches

Although Cyprus is packed with cultural treasures, lovers of sun and sand will find plenty on offer, too. A few minutes from Larnaca, the long sandy beach at Pyla offers a wide range of water sports, whilst the fine sand beaches at Protaras are said to be some of the islands finest.

Coral bay, a horse-shoe-shaped cove surrounded by spectacular rugged cliffs near Paphos has a gently shelving beach and soft sand that´s  ideal for families. Farmagusta is famed for its endless sandy beaches, whilst wildlife fans will want to visit Lara bay, a beautiful beach along the Akamas peninsula which is one of the few remaining places in the Mediterranean where the endangered green turtles returns each year to breed.

Adrenalin activity fans should head for beaches in Kyrenia and Lefke, where they can enjoy water skiing, wind-surfing, diving and jet skiing, or make a beeline for Agia Napa´s fabulous sand beaches, where they can try scuba diving, or hire water scooters.

Food Glorious Food

Food is an important cultural element for the hospitable Cypriots. for whom every meal is an occasion for sharing. Prodromos, the island´s highest village is famous for its juicy apples, Pedoulas in the fertile Marathasa valley is said to produce the best cherries in Cyprus and rosewater from Agros claims to be the best in the world. Cypriot mezes include stuffed vine leaves and fried aubergine, but the most typical snack is Halloumi, a salty cheese made from a mix of cow's and sheep's milk that is served fresh or grilled, as an appetiser.

For a tasty main course try tava, a succulent stew of meat, herbs and onions, or seftalia, a dish of mince meat wrapped in  mesentery .
Potatoes basted in olive oil and parsley are often served as side dishes, along with, pickled cauliflower, asparagus, and the celery and onion dish kolokassi, Must try deserts include tiny balls of dough fried in olive oil then dipped in syrup, called loukmadhes.

And when you've eaten your fill, you'll be glad to know that Cyprus has hotels to suit every taste and budget. But if you really want to soak up the authentic atmosphere of this vibrant island, why not stay in one of the government Agrotourism restored traditional houses and really discover that entrancing blend of old and new which is the hallmark of this fascinating country?

Take a trip around this island and book a stay at one of our beautiful luxury hotels in Cyprus.