Cyprus’ climate is mild Mediterranean, with an abundance of sunshine even in the winter months and only some rainfall. However you can find and enjoy snow in the winter at Troodos Mountains.

Aphrodite the goddess of love and beauty made her home on Cyprus and many travelers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.

This island has seen many civilizations come and go throughout its history, which is full of legends and myths. Ancient Greeks, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, the Romans and many more empires stake their claim here, because many people tend to get possessive when face such beauty. Not to mention that Cyprus is the connecting “key” to three Continents

Nowadays Cyprus is a modern country that manages to combine European culture to ancient enchantment and tradition. Here you will enjoy the marriage of alluring beaches with fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards, olive trees and ancient ruins, traditional stone villages and modern and convenient cities. Here you live a carefree life where people are willing to stand by you and a conversation flows freely as sweet wine…

Cyprus’ major cities are Nicosia, which is the only divided capital city in Europe, Larnaca that probably is the oldest inhabited place in Cyprus, Limassol which became a flourishing city during the time of the crusaders and today is called ‘the Paris of Cyprus” and last but not least Paphos that is rapidly becoming the most important tourist and developing center of Cyprus…

Limassol

Limassol sea front © Cyprus Tourism Organisation

During the Crusades Richard the Lionheart visited the Cypriot city of Limassol (then known as Lemesos) to free his betrothed from the Byzantine sovereign. The subsequent wedding became a party that is legendary still today, which is probably why modern Limassol is still a centre of nightlife and joie de vivre. This lively ambience is also aided and abetted by the fact that Limassol is the centre of winemaking on the island. The city has concentrated its efforts in recent years on mercantile development and modernising its buildings. Unlike other Cypriot cities it has not protected its architectural or cultural heritage, but with its many excellent hotels it does offer a good base for visitors who can head for the hills after whooping it up under the city’s bright lights. The foothills of the Troodos Mountains lie north of the city and offer charming country walks that meander through friendly villages. There are also some good beaches on the outskirts of the city, most of which belong to hotels which charge an entrance fee for non-guests. The sandy beach of Avmidou, located on the grounds of the British military base of Akrotiri, is open to the public.

Attractions

Cyprus Medieval Museum Limassol Castle, built in the 14th century, stands sentinel over the old harbour on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. Today it houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum with a host of fascinating exhibits. The castle is renowned for being the place where Crusader Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, and crowned her Queen of England in 1191.

Address: Limassol Castle, Richard and Berengaria Street; Telephone: (25) 305 419; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 1pm; Admission: £1

Folk Art Museum A collection of traditional costumes, farm and household tools and a variety of local handicrafts are among the displays at Limassol’s Folk Art Museum, contained in a restored house. Authentic Cypriot handicrafts are also offered for sale.

Address: 253 Ayios Andreas Street; Telephone: (25) 362 303; Opening time: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1.30pm, and 3pm to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (June to September 4pm to 6.30pm); Admission: £0.50

Pitsilia A worthwhile day trip from Limassol is to explore the unspoilt villages in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, in the region known as Pitsilia. A rental car or a hired taxi is necessary because public transport is infrequent. Many of the villages make their own wines, and other products such as honey and cheeses. The picturesque houses, painted churches and red-tiled roofs are striking, and many restored houses have been turned into cafes or restaurants.

Troodos Mountains The Troodos Mountains in the interior of Cyprus north of Limassol offer a selection of four interesting signposted summer walks for nature lovers. The Artemis Trail is circular, extending four miles (7km) in the Black Pine region through the distinctive sub-alpine flora of the area. Orchids can be found under the pines, and one may spot the rare Epipactis condensata. The Atalanta Trail, six miles (9km) long, starts at Troodos and also offers rich plant life, spectacular scenery and birdwatching opportunities. The shorter and easier Caledonia Trail, covering two miles (4km), follows the Kryo Potamo stream about one mile (2km) from Platres, and winds through pine forest, and among plane trees. It also bypasses the Caledonian Falls, which are the only waterfalls on Cyprus. The Persephone Trail, named after the Greek goddess of spring, is about two miles (3km) long and offers lovely views.

About Paphos-Polis…

Paphos is a small city about 11.000 inhabitants. The old Paphos is also known as Ktima and modern Paphos is called Kato Paphos, which is the touristic neighborhood. This modern resort has many hotels, several cafés and bars and an 18 hole golf course. Paphos combines the romantic nature of old times with the vibrant modern night-life. You can visit several archeological sites close to the harbor. In former times, New Paphos was the most important city of the island, but earthquakes and mostly invasions of the Saracens drove most people to the neighboring hamlet of Ktima.

Some places to visit are: the Paphos District Museum, the Georgios Elliades collection, the Byzantine fortress of saranta colones (40 columns) , the house of Theseus and many more interesting places.

Polis was known in the ancient years as Marion, and was probably founded by Athenian Akamas, son of Theseus, after Trojan war or by a certain Marieus. The harsh battle for Cyprus between Alexander the Great, Antigonus and Ptolemy led Marion to destruction. Later a member of Ptolemy dynasty founded a new city called Arsinoe. In the early Christian ages Arsinoe became an episcopate. In the Middle Ages this area was referred as Chrysochou and later Polis (of Chrysochou). Nowadays Polis is the administrative centre of the area which includes 23 Communities.

Polis is located North West of region of Paphos and is situated in a pleasant and friendly environment, which blends mountains, sea and plain with wonderful healthy climate, a mild winter, a warm, clear sea and sandy beaches. Polis is considered as one of the best locations for nature lovers and for those who are keen on active life, such as hiking, cycling, horse riding and golf. The Tsada Golf Course is just 15 minutes away from Polis.

Polis is close to where Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, used to meet Adonis. Only a few minutes drive from Polis can lead you to the fishing port of Latsi reputed for its fish taverns, its sea-sport facilities and boat-rides up to Akamas. What is more a great advantage of Polis is its close vicinity to the extraordinary beauty of Akamas peninsula, a unique area geologically and physiographical.

Furthermore Polis is estimated to be the new destination for future investors and is now on the first steps of developing. As its name announces (Chrysochou= Golden) Polis is the Golden Paradise of your dreams…Come and discover it on your own…