Ayia Napa
If, for many, the words ‘Cyprus’ and ‘Mediterranean’ inspire thoughts of sandy beaches, bustling bars, summer fun and wacky watersports, then Ayia Napa is where they should head for. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town is now the Cypriot capital of 24-hour-a-day high-octane fun and is massively popular with the younger visitors to the island.
Protaras
Those who enjoy a slightly slower pace of life, however, should not be put off as the nearby town of Protaras has many of Ayia Napa’s benefits, but is a little more family orientated. Don’t miss out on the beautiful monastery that lies in the heart of Ayia Napa town.
Lefkara
A million miles away from Ayia Napa in terms of appeal and atmosphere is the town of Lefkara. Encompassing two villages Kato (lower) and Pano (upper) Lefkara is famous around the world for one thing and one thing only: its beautiful and intricate locally made lace.
Traditional crafts
If it was ornate enough to inspire Leonardo da Vinci to stuff as much as he could in his pockets in order to take back to Italy, then visitors should be delighted and inspired with the offerings. Plus, if you need to know the story behind the craft, there’s the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silver-Smithing which is well worth a visit.
Nicosia
Whether you’re a holiday maker, part-time or full-time resident in Cyprus, one of the most delightful aspects of life on the island is, both day and night, being able to stroll around the picturesque, cobbled streets of the ancient cities and towns. Nowhere is better to partake in this most leisurely of activities than the walled city of Nicosia.
The Venetian-built walls – which, along with their 11 bastions, date back to the 1570s – surround the old town, where many of Nicosia’s most historic monuments lie.
Things to do in Nicosia
Try the Omeriye Mosque or the nearby house of Hadigeorogakis Kornesios, who was once one of the city’s most powerful residents. It is a fine combination of both Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles. The Ledra Museum and Observatory offers visitors awe-inspiring panoramic views over the old and new parts of the city, while the Laiki Yitoniak tourist quarter is great to explore, with its gift shops, bars and restaurants.
Kolossi Castle and Kourion
Describing Cyprus as an historical island is kind of like saying that Brazil is a relatively successful footballing nation; with so many monuments, ruins and buildings to visit, it can be just as hard to decide which is worthy of a trip as it is to name the best team from that samba nation to lift the World Cup. Fortunately, both located in the Limassol region, the ancient town of Kourion and the Kolossi Castle stick out a mile.
Day trips
If you’re based in a different part of the island, then both can be visited in a day and offer something different for history buffs. Kolossi Castle – close to the village of the same name – was once the head quarters for the Knights Hospitallers and, later, came to prominence for the dessert wine which still bears their name.
Kourion ruins
Located in one of the most humblingly beautiful of Cypriot sites, near the town of Episkopi and overlooking the sea, the Kourion ruins encompass the old city of Kolossi and the Apollo Hylates sanctuary. A few kilometres apart, they represent the finest of Cyprus’ superlative archaeological sites. Episkopi also has a wonderful museum.
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Why Invest In Cypriot Real Estate?
Recent changes in legislation allows foreign investors to purchase land and residential homes on the island. With this has came a real estate explosion of almost unequalled size. With demand so high, rental yields are staggering when compared to the low purchase price of Cypriot apartments.
There are many advantages in investing in Cypriot apartments which include the facts that there is 0% capital gains tax, 0% rental income tax and a staggering volume of demand with the population rising so quickly.
UPA
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