| 6 mins read
Located at the centre of Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has always been a strategically important point for the world's mighty powers (be the Greeks or the Romans). This substantially contributed to making Cyprus a land enriched with legendary tales and civilisations. As it still serves as an important layover point in the Mediterranean, the country, in recent times, has made it among the world's leading places for shore excursions.
So, if you are in Cyprus for a layover or a very short period of time and find yourself struggling with- "What can I do?" and "What should I prioritise?"- we have an answer for you. With careful planning, your brief sojourn can be a window to the country's rich heritage, natural wonders, and vibrant culture. Here are a few experiences that will allow you to make the most of your short stay while feeling the true essence of the place.
Kourion Ancient City
Steeped in Roman history, the ruins of the ancient city of Kourion transport visitors back to the period of gladiatorial contests and theatrical performances. One can see many structures, from the amphitheatre and House of Eustolios to the public baths and a Nymphaeum, with the earliest evidence dating back to the 5th and the 4th centuries. An interesting site to see is the Earthquake House, named after the excavators found the site with skeletal remains, signalling that the structure succumbed to an earthquake in the fourth century. Today, the Earthquake House is considered a powerful reminder from the past that even the most powerful city-kingdoms cannot escape nature's fury.
Limassol Old Town
As you wander its cobblestoned streets, every corner in the Old Town evokes stories from its Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman past. Here, you can explore the medieval Limassol Castle (which also houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum), where the king of England (Richard the Lionheart) married Berengaria of Navarre, crowning her the Queen of England in the early 12th century. Amidst all the political narratives, their love story adds a romantic touch to the castle's long history. Moreover, you can also check out the Grand Mosque, a monument of Cyprus' Ottoman past, and spend some time strolling through the alleyways or savouring local delicacies at a tavern.
Aphrodite’s Rock
A must-visit in Cyprus is Aphrodite's Rock, which beautifully graces the southwestern coastline of Cyprus. Apart from offering breathtaking landscapes and clear water for swimming, Aphrodite's Rock is famous among lovers! As per legend, the site marks the birthplace of Goddess Aphrodite, the god of love, passion, pleasure and childbirth. Stories go that when Chronos cut his own father, the God of Gods- Uranus, he threw the parts in the water. After floating for some time in the water, the flesh turned into foam, from which Goddess Aphrodite was born.
Omodos
Located shortly near Limassol Port in the Troodos Mountains is the charming, quaint little wine village of Omodos. The village is a perfect antidote to seasickness and the bustling sounds of ports and cities. The unique attraction is its old wine presses; you can enjoy a wine-tasting tour and understand the traditional wine production techniques that make up Cyprus' vinicultural legacy. Additionally, pay a respectful visit to the Monastery of the Holy Cross, which houses a piece of the rope that, according to legend, bound Jesus to the cross.
Kolossi Castle
Serving panoramic views of the wine and olive fields, the Kolossi Castle was originally erected in the 13th century. It was later rebuilt in the 15th century and has played a pivotal role in the island's military and administrative functions. Visitors can explore its three-story complex while learning about the events when it served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar and the Knights of St. John. Interestingly, whispers of secret tunnels from the castle to the sea still surround the site, which could have been used for secretive operations or smuggling.
However, if you have more than a day at your disposal, then worry not; the city is full of beautiful sites and experiences. Here's a short account of things to do in case you plan to stay a bit longer-
1) Musan Museum of Underwater Sculpture: Located on the coast of Ayia Napa, this underground sculpture museum is a beautiful example of art meeting marine life! While snorkelling or diving, one can see various tree-like sculptures made to attract marine life, and these can be found at varied depths. A beautiful scene is that of children playing hide and seek behind the trees, which forces us to reconnect with Mother Nature.
2) Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque: Outside its mainland, the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque stands as one of the most important Islamic sites in the world. It is where the maternal aunt of Prophet Muhammad, Umm Haram, was buried. Apart from its religious significance, the site is also a visual spectacle as it is surrounded by lush greenery and set on the shores of Larnaca's Salt Lake.
3) Troodos Mountains: One of the thrilling experiences to have in Cyprus is trekking the picturesque trails of the Troodos Mountains. From endemic plant species and hidden waterfalls to the pine forests and varied wildlife, the mountain range is a must-do for adventure seekers. Moreover, hidden amongst the paths are the ancient churches with painted frescoes depicting Biblical stories. These churches have found their place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
4) Nicosia: The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia forms a great blend of the past and present. The ancient Venetian walls surround the bustling and vibrant streets of Ledra Street, where shops, cafes, and boutiques offer a delightful mix of local and global flavours. Moreover, do you know Nicosia is the last divided capital? Unlike the other cities that were restored to one nation, Nicosia is still divided by a green line where the northern sections are under Turkish control (referred to as Northern Cyprus by Turkey) while the southern rests with the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus.
The land of a historic crossroad, Cyprus, captivates all with its traditional beauty, architecture and picturesque landscapes. Even on a brief journey, you can explore so much- from the Roman ruins and mosques to the vineyards. It is the diverse experiences that the nation offers which has made it a great destination for cruise excursion tours worldwide. Just by simply docking at the place and getting picked up by a local guide, one can soak in the essence of the place in a very short period of time.