Nicosia lies in the middle of the central plain of Cyprus. The largest town on the Island since Mediaeval times, it has a population of about 210,000. Since tourism in Cyprus is mainly geared to the seaside areas, approximately 47% of the Island’s industrial sites are found to be around the Cypriot capital. Nicosia or Lefkosia is centrally located and consists of both new and old town combined to give a pleasing contrast.

The new town encompasses the old, spreading outwards, wide streets, modern designer shops, banks, commercial offices, hotels, squares and varied restaurants. Nicosia houses the government departments and has grown with the times establishing itself as the Middle East centre for International Conferences. The old town is enclosed within the famous Venetian walls built in the 16th century, which are the characteristic monuments of the capital. With narrow twisting streets, old town hosts market stalls displaying traditional handmade silver and leather crafts, fresh foods and textiles all at very appealing prices.

The three main coastal resorts are Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca.

Lying to the west of the Island, Paphos is the most mature area as a tourist resort. This is shown in the property prices which are up to 30% higher than most of the surrounding areas. Paphos, popular for sports, with its’ internationally acclaimed golf course Aphrodite Hills, and Secret Valley, a challenging golfers course offering superb clubhouse facilities including a golf academy. Paphos was once the Roman capital of Cyprus, an area of great natural beauty and many historical sites of interest.

Historic sites such as the House of Dionysus, with its’ beautiful mosaics, and the famous Tombs of the Kings. Aphrodite’s Rock lies approximately 15 km – 20kms east of Paphos, where the Goddess of Love is supposed to have risen from the breaking waves, whilst to the north east rise the awesome Troodos mountain range, stunning all year round with magnificent views. The coastline is stunning, the beaches stretch for mile after golden mile framing the azure waters. Paphos is a major tourist attraction.

The second largest town and the largest seaside resort in Cyprus, with a population of around 160,000 people. The centre of Limassol is the old town with narrow bustling streets, and old Arcontika architecture which is currently under restoration. Limassol is the entrance to the mountains and the departure point for mini cruises to Egypt and the Holy Land. Dark sandy beaches, coastal boardwalk and safe swimming, make Limassol an attractive resort all year round. An old port graces one end of Limassol, with Limassol castle close by at the end of the seafront. Street markets abound in every nook and cranny, plying the tourist with leather goods, jewellery, sea products and pottery. Competition is high so prices are keen. This is a cosmopolitan resort with some of the best hotels in Cyprus and a large range of restaurants, night clubs, discos and shops to be found along the tourist strip.

Limassol has two major annual events, the Spring Carnival in March and the Wine Festival held in September, both very popular, attracting a growing number of tourists each year.

Easy to reach are the beaches of Pissouri and Governors, as is the beach at the ancient kingdom of Curium. Mountain villages are set in the middle of vineyards, whilst nearby Kolossi lies, renowned as the headquarters of the Knights Templar and St John of Jerusalem. Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre

The third largest town in Cyprus with a population of around 76,000 was once the major port of Cyprus, a fact which is illustrated in the wealth of colonial buildings to be found in the old town. The exporting of salt originally brought high revenues to the town. The Larnaca Saltlakes are famous for the migrating flamingos which arrive in November and leave the shores as the lakes gradually dry up.

Larnaca is the home of the international airport of Cyprus, a modern harbour, a marina with the capacity for 250 yachts, and a tourist area to the east with many modern hotels and apartments. Close to the highway, Larnaca makes an ideal base from which to visit Nicosia, Ayia Napa, Limassol and Paphos.

Larnaca, is said to be the city of Kition, the second home of Lazarus, who was persecuted by the Jews and appointed first Bishop of Kition by St Barnabus. Larnaca house one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in the church of Ayios Lazarus, the resting place of St Lazarus, friend of Christ. Other local historic sites of interest are the mediaeval fort on the seafront, now a museum, and the mosque of the Sultan Halle Tekke.