Areas of Cyprus
There are so many diverse areas of Cyprus that one needs to examine each individually in order to fully grasp the extent of culture and history that is available. When searching for your perfect Cyprus property be sure to explore all areas and find the best cultural and lifestyle fit for you and your family. A few major community centres are listed below with short descriptions of each centre.
Ayia Napa
This was once a small fishing village and has now been known to holiday tourists for its colourful shops, tavernas, discos and bars. The centrifuge of the resort is the small harbour, where the tavernas specialize in fresh fish harvested by the local fishing vessels. Life in the southeast corner of Cyprus revolves mostly around the sea and water sports of all types are available for those interested.
Protaras
The windmills and glorious beaches set Protaras apart from other centres in Cyprus. The small, whitewashed town of Paralimni that is slightly inland contains a number of open-air traditional tavernas known for their local cuisine.
Larnaca
Housing approximately 70,000 inhabitants, Larnaca is nostalgic of the 17th century when it was the diplomatic and trading capital of Cyprus. This is a nice quiet town where it remains as such all year long, unlike some tourist areas of island of Cyprus that can get extremely busy during the summer and secluded in the winter. Larnaca seafront is reminiscent of a Continental promenade lined with mature palms and its languid air of sleepy charm that stretches for 25 kilometres. Cafes and tavernas are situated the area near the sea making a very popular spot with visitors and inhabitants. Yachtsmen form from all over the world have been known to frequent the Marina that is close by. At the western end of the promenade is the town’s 17th century fort.
Larnaca houses the island’s main international airport and from this offers many visitors their first glimpse of Cyprus. One of the very first things one will see is the beautiful salt lake that is home to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds in the cooler months.
Culture is evident in Larnaca and can be seen everywhere. There is an open-air amphitheatre and an indoor municipal theatre that host exhibitions, concerts, drama and Folk festivals. Famous singers, actors and artists from all around the world often perform there. The District Archaeological museum and the Pierides Foundation museums exhibit interesting antiquities. There are many other architectural sights to be seen in Larnaca ranging from the church of St. Lazarus in the town centre to the ancient city-kingdom of the Kition established in the 13th century B.C. An ancient fortress castle that is now used for the town’s summer cultural centre adds historic charm to an already favourable tourist stop. One can sample both Greek and Turkish cultural delights in Larnaca and have easy access to the Akamas Peninsula or the Roman Empire at Salamis.
Limassol
The population the south coast town of Limassol is approximately 200,000 people and is an important commercial and tourist centre located directly on the Akrotiri Bay. This is Cyprus’ second largest city and is the island’s main port on the south coast of Cyprus. It lies between the sites of 2 important historic city kingdoms that dominated the island in antiquity – Amathus to the east and Curium to the west. The backdrop of Limassol is the Troodos mountain range that spreads for 10 miles along the coast.
Limassol is the centre of the wine industry and thus has remained a busy holiday resort. After the Turkish invasion of 1974, Limassol experienced great development, becoming the biggest port in the Mediterranean transit trade. It is valued as the spirited and cosmopolitan seaside town of Cyprus due to the character of the lemesolians. Currently Lemesos is a resort with a ten-mile coastline, a busy shopping centre, tavernas and restaurants, with nightlife to fancy any taste from modest to sophisticated.
Lemesos holds the 2 top festivals – the Pre-Lenten carnival with fancy dress balls, parades and festivities; as well as the wine festival in September where wine is freely for everyone to enjoy courtesy of the local wineries.
Nicosia
Nicosia has a population of approximately 200,000 people and is the administrative centre and the seat of Government, dotting the city with various ministries and diplomatic missions. This 1,000-year-old capital of Cyprus is roughly in the centre of the island and is within reach of the other surrounding communities with no more than one and half hours from any mountain or coastal resort. The narrow streets and old houses with ornate balconies from sandstone walls brings one back in time when walking through Lefkosia. Craftsmen practice their trades in small workshops and have been unchanged by time for centuries. This neighbourhood is a pedestrian section that has been meticulously renovated to evoke the atmosphere of past days where the modern city that has developed outside the walls is a cosmopolitan centre of business and culture. Lefkosia is regarded as the shopping heart of Cyprus with a vast variety of restaurants, discos and bars.
Paphos
While smaller, the west coast town of Paphos has a population of around 65,000 people; it houses the island’s second international airport and is primarily a resort town. The town itself has 2 main areas – Kato Paphos (lower Paphos) and Pano Paphos (upper Paphos). With a fishing harbour by Paphos fort, open-air cafes and tavernas serving the tempting menu of the days catch, one cannot pass up such an appetizing scene. Paphos is nestled in the lee of the Western Troodos mountain range that helps to add another diversity to the scenic beauty of this quaint section of Cyprus. The mild, healthy climate and beautiful countryside surrounding this south-western coastal town have attracted visitors throughout centuries.
Paphos has been known as the playground of the Gods. According to Greek mythology, it was on the Paphos shoreline that the goddess Aphrodite was born, a legend that erupted a massive wave of cult worship from neighbouring countries lasting several centuries.
The large rock jutting from the sea is known as Petra tou Romiou and the resort town of Polis overlooks the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing refuge of Latsi. The state of the countryside and villages of Paphos make the area a delight for a naturalist. With such a dramatic coastline and banana plantations of this picturesque resort one cannot help but bask in the Mediterranean sun for as long as possible. The town of Paphos is also included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world’s heritage.
Paralimni
The city of Paralimni began their transformation in 1974 when the Greek Cypriot population fled from the town of Famagusta during the partition. Almost immediately, Paralimni became the regional administrative capital and town planning was the most important item on their agenda. The days at Paralimni are somber while the nights are livid and refreshing and can be a nice change for those who frequent the nearby Ayia Napa.
In completion of your Cyprus property purchase you will no doubt be thrilled with obtaining your new home in the Mediterranean. There is so much to see and experience for those new to Cyprus or those who are seasoned to its vast culture and lifestyles. With low travelling costs and an even lower cost of living, Cyprus is enticing for everyone ranging from the outdoor enthusiasts or relaxed retirees.