CYPRUS is the most easterly and the third largest of the Mediterranean islands after Sicily and Sardinia.
Hot dry summers are followed by mild winters, with many near deserted beaches, it is little wonder Cyprus has become a popular destination.
The lively resort of Agia Napa on the east coast of Cyprus is filled with sun, fun and nightlife. There is an abundance of clubs, pubs and discos and is renowned for having the best club scene on the island. You will also find a wide choice of places to eat catering for all tastes and budgets. If you like fish there are a number of very good cafes and restaurants near the harbour that specialise in local sea food dishes.
The sandy beaches are great for just lazing around on and for the more energetic there are lots of water sports to enjoy from scuber-diving and water-skiing to jet-skiing or paragliding. Near by you'll find Waterworld, the theme of the park is Ancient Greece with stone bridges, fountains and statues. Children are very well cared for by trained staff, so all you have to do is lay back and relax. Go- Karting is also available near by. Both the water park and the go-karting are an ideal alternative from the beach.
THE AYIA NAPA MONASTERY. Circa 1500 AD. The monastery was originally built as a convent and later converted to a monastery. In 1978 it became the Ecumenical Conference Centre for the churches of Cyprus and the Middle East. Inside the church is a cave dedicated to the Virgin Mary which predates the site to a much earlier place of worship. There is a legend surrounding the cave saying that an icon of the Virgin was found near by, and is thought to be the reason for the cave being dedicated to the Virgin.
LIOPERTRI.The small village of Liopertri is famous for the ancient craft of basket making. You can buy the finished baskets which make lovely souvenirs or a special gift to take home.
MAKRONISSOS. The burial tomb's date from the Hellenistic and Roman periods excavated by the department of Antiquities. They have uncovered 19 Rock tombs and part of an ancient quarry. Unfortunately, all the tombs had been looted, but the experts have managed to conclude that the method of burial was to place the deceased in clay sarcophagi covered by three large stone slabs. There is also a small sanctuary dating around the Cypro-Classical and Hellenistic period on the site.
THE FARMHOUSE MONASTERY SQUARE. Here you can see an authentic reconstruction of a Cypriot farmhouse depicting the rural history of the area, featuring everyday utensils, clothing and furniture.
POTAMOS LIOPETRIOU. This very pretty fishing village was once the home of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud in the 19th century.
OCEAN AQUARIUM. Located in Portaras. The aquarium houses more than 1,000 different species of marine life.
WATER WORLD PARK. The parks theme is Ancient Greece with stone bridges, fountains and statues. The children are well-taken care of by trained staff, so just sit back and relax.
Please
Note. Since 1974, the Cypriot government has designated Larnaca and Paphos international
airports, and the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, as the only legal
points of entry into and exit from Cyprus. These ports are all in the government-controlled
southern part of the island. Entry or exit via any other air or seaport is not
authorised by the Cypriot government. It is possible for visitors to arrive at
non-designated airports and seaports in the north, but they should not expect
to cross the United Nations-patrolled "green line" to the government-controlled
areas in the south. Such travel is not permitted by the government of Cyprus,
even for transit purposes. Visitors arriving through designated ports of entry
in the south are normally able to cross into the north for day trips. Policy and
procedures regarding such travel are subject to change. Information on this may
be obtained at the U.N. "Buffer Zone" Checkpoint.
