CYPRUS
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, located at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, with an area of 9,251 square kilometers and about 800,000 people.
This sun drenched island’s landscape is a blend of several contrasts, where sandy beaches, rolling hills, forest-clad mountains such as Troodos mountains with ski slopes in Winter and picturesque villages, blend together and offer a very charming Mediterranean environment.
The climate is known to be one of the healthiest in the world. Summer brings guaranteed sunshine and the beautiful beaches and sea invite you to enjoy sunbathing, swimming and a variety of water sports. The winter is very short and temperature rarely falls below 16C.
Since 1960 Cyprus has been an independent Republic with a presidential democratic system of government. Cyprus joined the EU on 1st May 2004 and joined the Euro on the 1st January 2008. It is also a member state of the Commonwealth, United Nations and Council of Europe.
Cyprus is littered with reminders of the island’s history. The cultural heritage of the island stretches back more than 9000 years. Relics from everywhere – Greek temples, Roman mosaics and 15th century frescoes influence the life on the island. Many villages specialize in a particular art form and as you travel around Cyprus you will see pottery, silver and copperware, basket weaving, tapestry and “Lefkaritika” famous lacework.
Cyprus unique climate, rich history, busy cultural life, concerts, opera, painting, dance, museums, art galleries, traditional customs and cuisine, warm people and natural beauties make it an ideal destination to have a holiday home.
TROODOS
The impressive Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus, offering cool sanctuary and idyllic hours spent in the long walks in its scented pine forests in summer and winter sports and skiing in winter. Here are the many famous mountain resorts. Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountain villages clinging to terraced hill slops. The area has been known since ancient times for its mines, and in the Byzantine period it became a great center of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline.
Places of Interest
- Pitsilia
- Louvaras
- Agros
- Palaichori
- Stavros tou Ayasmati at Platanistassa
- Panayia tou Araka at Lagoudhera
- Kourdhali
- Pelendri
Solea Vallery
- Kakopetria
- Galata
- Assinou Church
- Marathassa Valley
- Kalopanayiotis
- Moutoullas
- Pedhoulas
- Three old Monasteries
Kykko Monastery
The most famous and richest monastery in Cyprus. Founded in 1100 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it possesses one of the three surviving icons ascribed to St. Luke. The icon, covered in silver gilt and enclosed in a shrine of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl, stands at the front of the iconostasis. The first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III served as a novice here. At his own wish, he was buried at Throni, 3 km west of Monastery, not far from his native village of Panayia.
Thoodhitissa Monastery
A beautiful monastery standing amid pine trees, it was originally founded in the 13th century, but the present church dates from 731. The church contains a priceless icon of the Virgin Mary brought from Asia Minor, plated with silver-gilt and many other valuable icons.
Mesa Potamos Monastery Deserted monastery near Platres in an idyllic eating, which includes a nearby waterfall!
- Omodhos
- Phini
- Kilani
- Krasochoria
KAKOPETRIA
The beautiful green village of Kakopetria constitutes one of the most favourable destinations of both Cypriot and foreign visitors. Kakopetria is built on the foothills of the Troodos mountain region and is approximately 55 kilometres away from the capital city. It is a village which will charm you with its numerous sights and magical scenery.
Do not forget to visit the Old part of Kakopetria with the popular architecture houses, the cobblestone alleys and the Museums of the village. Moreover, do not fail to visit the churches of Kakopetria, including the church of Agios Nicolaos Stegis which constitutes a World Cultural Heritage Monument of Unesco. Furthermore, it is worth spending time enjoying the forest of Kakopetria by following one of its Nature Trails, as well admiring some more of its sights such as the old water mills and the ‘Married Couple’s Rock’.
