The ultimate lifestyle transformation figured out in one word… Cyprus!

Published by Island blue on

The ultimate lifestyle transformation figured out in one word… Cyprus!

From taking time to eat and drink well, to spending time with family in safe relaxed environment to appreciating rich history, beautiful architecture and design, as well as living in a lovely warm climate, we think we’ve got the ultimate lifestyle transformation figured out in one word… Cyprus!

Meet Paphos

It’s no secret that Paphos, the birthplace of Aphrodite boasts ancient castles, theatres, fortresses and tombs that belong to traditional Hellenism and Roman periods, but it’s also famed for its abundance of historical architecture and crystal clear sandy beaches.

With a near 50,000 population, Paphos is a fast developing bustling city filled with a rich history, paved with art, culture and a welcoming renowned local hospitality. Uptown Paphos forms the main residential district with an amazing city center filled with striking colonial buildings that house government officials and many of the city’s museums.

Kato Pafos, by the sea, is home to an exquisite fishing harbour and Medieval Fort which attracts visitors all year round. Kato Paphos hosts an array of luxury hotels, restaurants and bars.  The two city hotspots are connected by Apostolou Pavlou Avenue, which starts in city centre and ends in Kato Paphos alongside the Medieval Fort.

Paphos at a glance...

Petra tou Romiou

Rough and rugged rocks mark an intriguing formation on the south west coast in Paphos. At this beautiful shore, Aphrodite rose from the sea, today know as ‘Petra tou Romiou’. According to myth Petra tou Romiou (the Rock of the Greek) is consequent of legendary warrior, Digenis Akritas, intimidated the invading Saracens with his strength. It is said that the legend cast the enormous rock in to the sea, destroying the ship of the enemy.

Agios Georgios & the Akamas

For the historically inquisitive visitor or resident, Agios Georgios is a famous place of pilgrimage in the Paphos region. Three early Christian basilicas and baths, all 6th century, were excavated in the early 1950s. Later excavations revealed an extensive unwalled settlement that occupied the neck and the south slope of the cape in the Roman and early Christian periods. Today the region is a perfect place to enjoy the most spectacular and often dramatic sunsets. The picturesque charge of Agios Georgios is an ideal starting place for coastline walks and provides some of the most breath-taking sea views. A quaint small fishing harbour can be found just below. Geronisos, a small island just off the coast marks a popular diving zone.
 
The Akamas, known as a region of astonishing beauty is home around 170 varieties of birds, 25 different reptiles, 15 species of butterfly and more or less 12 mammals not to mention the rich selection of fauna Lara Beach, birth place to the green turtle. A 150 meter rising Gorge known as the Avakas Gorge can also be found in the Akamas along the banks of Avgas River. High steep rocky walls rise, the trail narrows – marking its entrance. The Gorge is renowned for its bio-diversity, where there is a variety of both flora and fauna. The gorges residence includes foxes, frogs, rabbits, eels and a diversity of birds.

The Akamas is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon where you cannot help but to be awestruck by the magical clear turquoise waters where you can see all the way to the underlying golden sandy sea bed.
 

World Heritage Site Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 was the call for a plan to ensure the protection and preservation of all archaeological remnants in Kato Paphos. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park includes sites and monuments from the Roman period and the Middle Ages. One of the most exquisite finds includes that of five Roman houses with their famous mosaic floors. These houses were the House of Dionysus, House of Theseas, House of Aiona, House of Orpheus, House of the Four Seasons. 

Tombs of the Kings

They are carved from rock and date to the Hellenistic and early Roman periods and the place where the higher administrative officers and distinguished Ptolemaic personalities and the members of their families were buried. Today you can see the remains of underground burial chambers, ruins and former tombs, partly or completely carved into the rock formations.Saracens with his strength. It is said that the legend cast the enormous rock in to the sea, destroying the ship of the enemy.

Medieval Castle Kato Paphos

Pafos castle was declared an ancient monument in 1935 and is one of the most significant landmarks in the Paphos region with an extraordinary history!

It was originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour, the castle was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1222 AD. The Lusignans restored the castle in the 13th century but it’s destruction followed once again in 1570, when this time, it was wrecked by the Venetians during the Ottoman invasion. The Ottomans rebuilt it after the invasion and capture of the island for a short while.

Throughout its rich and remarkable history, the Castle was not only used for the protection of the harbour, but also, as a prison as well as a storage area for salt during the British colonial years. 

Other cities at a glance....

Nicosia

Nicosia, the islands capital established itself as the financial centre and the main international business hub, but this city has much more to offer! Visit the Cyprus Museum, the largest archaeological exhibition in Cyprus. Exhibits commence in the Stone Age and complete in the Roman era, showcasing coins, sculptures, jewellery and everyday household items, as well as priceless treasures from the Ancient Greek Tombs.

Nicosia is surrounded by massive Venetian walls. Ledra street, Nicosias main shopping artery located in the old center. Its famous “check point” allows entrance since 2008 to occupied part of the capital during the day.

Limassol

Limassol is ideally situated, with equal distance between the airports of Larnaca and Paphos.

With beautiful sandy beaches, the climate is comforted by the Troodos Mountains to the north. An array of traditional taverns flock this city where you can indulge in a delicious meze and exquisite local wines.

The famous Promenade is located near Limassol city centre, next to the old harbour and stretches to Olympia beach. With its multifunctional Molos Park, home to hundreds of trees, sidewalks, bicycle paths, an outdoor gym, and sculptures by Cypriot, Greek and international artists.

You can also venture into the surrounding villages to discover an abundance of tradition and history. Olive oil and wine making just to mention a few, whilst you thread through medieval ruins and ancient cities.

Larnaca

Larnaca is the third largest town after the capital Nicosia and Limassol and hosts the second largest commercial port as well one of two international airports on the island, the other located in Paphos.

Lined with Palm trees, Finikoudes (Palm Trees) Promenade, is the most famous road in the district, home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Restaurants, cafes, shops and well known food chains line up parallel to Finikoudes beach which is covered with sunbeds for visitors to seize, relax, and enjoy.

Ayia Napa

Comprised of the main holiday resorts in Ayia Napa and Paralimni/Protaras, this region can be defined by its sparkling crystal waters and golden sands. It is also the capital of the islands party, famed for its clubbing scene, bars and nightlife.

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