Paphos, Cyprus - Top 5 Places to Visit

Top 5 places to visit when staying in Paphos, Cyprus on your off season holidays. A mixture of history and pure leisure pleasure. Places normally too hot and busy to visit in the summer heat open themselves up at these perfect times of the year. Escape the cold of home and enjoy some Paphos sunshine during spring, autumn and winter holidays in Cyprus.

Paphos, Cyprus - Top 5 Places to Visit

1. Tomb of The Kings

Spread over a vast area, these impressive subterranean burial chambers were built in Paphos from 3rd Century BC to the 3rd Century AD. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric pillars. Put on your walking shoes and climbing pants and don't be afraid to get yourself a little dirty at this site. Fun to explore and full of some very atmospheric places.

2. Paphos Mosaics

Cyprus history proclaims Aion as the Greek God of eternity. The house of Aion has an amazing five-paneled mosaic which shows the Greek God in the unenviable position of having to judge what appears to be a beauty contest.
'Unenviable?!', I hear our modern day Gods proclaim. The difference in this beauty contest is that his choice lies between the ordinary and smug looking Queen Cassiopeia and a number of much prettier, but unhappy looking Nereides water nymphs.I'm sure that all of you will be able to guess who the eventual winner is!!

3. Aphrodites Rock

The most awe inspiring piece of coastline to be seen in Cyprus, when the sun is out, and I defy any couple, regardless of how young or old, to not be bewitched by it's spell. Of all ancient Greek myths, the story of Aphrodite's creation will bring water to your eyes, but the story lives on as one of the well known legends surrounding this stunning rock formation.Cronos was begged by his mother Gaia to be released from the embraces of her husband Uranus. In order to assist his mother in her plight, Cronos castrated his father with a sickle and threw his genitals into the sea. The foam gathered around them and the Goddess rose from the sea as a fully grown woman.

4. St George Fishing Harbour

I recommend that you visit this memorable place in Paphos with someone very special to you and a camera. Arrive late afternoon and watch the fishing boats come in with their daily catch. Have a drink or two at the beach side bar but don't stay too long before securing yourself a spot on the harbour wall. Take along the camera or video and make sure you have plenty of film as this is one of those special places to catch the most romantic of sunsets in Cyprus. Enjoy!

5. Sterna Winery

Located on the outskirts of the village of Kathiskas, 15 mins drive from Paphos. Be entertained by the charismatic Cypriot owner who will treat you to free wine tasting and a tour of this very small winery. Do not miss out on their own peach schnapps - powerful enough to blow your head off and must be thrown back in one go. If you make a purchase of their very fine wines you will probably find that a complimentary bottle of schnapps is thrown in. Not recommended to light the Xmas pud with!

Lynda Burke owns and operates the website http://www.rent-a-villa-in-paphos.com and now lives and works in Paphos, Cyprus. For more information about Paphos visit Places To Visit In Paphos, Cyprus.

Visit Cyprus, Check out Chlorakas

Whether looking to escape the cold weather outside your door by fleeing to a finer climate or hoping to scratch the lifelong itch you've had to see the friendly, sun-dappled Mediterranean, Cyprus is an all-around appealing destination and deserves to be a contender as you decide where your next vacation will be. So as not to overwhelm, let us focus on the western region of this pleasant island, where you'll find plenty of sights, sounds and situations to satisfy your wanderlust and let you breathe easy for a while.

Cyprus isn't clearly linked to any one continent or identity, rather, it has been influenced over the years by Europe, Africa and the Middle East to cultivate its own fascinating personality. Rich history, complete with Greek and Roman accents such as churches, ancient buildings and mythical reminders like Aphrodite's birthplace give Cyprus an intriguing and almost otherworldly feel. If you've grown far too used to your suburban surroundings or monotonous schedule, seeing these unique sites will be refreshing.

In western Cyprus, Paphos is best known for catering to tourists from all over the world. English is widely spoken, the weather is bright all year long, and there's a generally welcoming atmosphere from the ample shops and restaurants to the stunning views. People come here to leave it all behind, something the locals realize, so expect to be accommodated rather than simply tolerated.

Paphos consists of a traditional town and also a coastal region; both are worth taking a look at. The ruins that pepper the region qualify the city as a World Heritage Site, and visitors will have the chance to see tombs, mosaics, Byzantine churches, museums, basilicas and temples, some dating back to the12th century B.C. The melding of cultures and eye-catching architecture are sure to impress history enthusiasts and neophytes alike, and at the very least, the palpable feeling of depth and energy that permeates the air will rejuvenate you as you stroll from one place to the next.

As for the natural wonders, there's the beach, the mountains and everything in between. Snorkel, swim and fish in the shockingly blue waters, tickle your toes in the white sand, and strive to soak in enough sun to return home with a caramel colored complexion. If you're here during the winter months, ski on Mount Olympus located inland a little bit. Channel the perspective of the gods as you look down over the land beneath you, still not quite believing that you're actually here. A trip to Cyprus, maybe because it's an island or maybe because of its ethereal qualities, will never let you take this privileged opportunity for granted.

Pamper yourself even further by settling into a lodging situation fit for Zeus himself. The region known as Chlorakas, a kind of satellite to Paphos's glowing orb, has several vacation rentals available all year long. As opposed to hotel rooms, these properties are a little more pleasing thanks to ample amenities, gorgeous views, tastefully decorated rooms, and best of all, variety. No matter what it is you seek you're sure to find it somewhere within the Chlorakas Vacation Rental listings that are displayed online, so check them out today.

Sometimes visiting a far-off place is just what you need to recharge. Cyprus understands this, and will take good care of you and your traveling companions. Settle into a comfortable villa, apartment or beach side home and prepare to follow the example of all the hedonists, god-like or mortal, who have come before.

Visit http://www.homeaway.com/ to peruse vacation listings located here and all over the world.

Cyprus Island - History in the Mediterranean Sea

The third largest island in the heart of the pristine Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus, is full of rich history, splendors that dazzle the eye and incredible attractions making it one of the world's most prominent tourist attractions. With its easy access form all corners of the earth; there is no reason to skip out on this alluring island paradise.

Cyprus has a culture rich with Western Europe. Greek mythology calls the island the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty. It's location being close to the shores of Africa and Asia it is riddled with touches of the East. Its rich, cultural tones, which creep throughout the island, are an excellent place to start your journey, immersing yourself in an ambience soaked in fascinating history.

The city of Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus, which flourishes with ancient ruins and modern wonders. One of the first places to greet tourists like a stone monolith looming on the horizon is Kolossi Castle. The castle was said to be the marriage place of Richard the Lion Heart to Berengaria of Navarro after the returning form the Crusades. It was destroyed during the 15th century but was rebuilt on a smaller scale then left to ruin and eventually the British restored the castle in 1933.

Within the city limits of Limassol lies the ancient city of Kourion. Containing some of the most masterful ruins on Cyprus, this ancient city should not be overlooked. The ruins contain a Greco-Roman theatre, which is a breath-taking sight to behold. Other key attractions in Kourion are the House of Gladiators, the House of Achilles and several well-preserved mosaics. Another place of interest is the Cyprus Medieval Museum that is housed in the Limassol Castle. If able to do so, a whole day could easily be spent exploring what the past has to offer.

Nicosia, the capital of the island, is filled with museums and districts delivering information about the history, art, literature and culture have laid the foundation for the island's colorful culture. Among them is the famous Byzantine Museum that contains historical artifacts ranging between the 9th and 18th centuries. Laiki Yitonia is an area filled with pedestrians that boasts restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. The architecture of this area pays homage to a forgotten era in the history of Cyprus.

In the capital city lie the ruins of the Kingdom of Idalion. The Ancient city is still in the process of being excavated but here this is the location with roots deep in mythological lore. This is the place where her jealous husband, through use of a wild boar, killed Aphrodite's lover, Adonis. The ancient city can be seen on the outskirts of the village, Dhali.

Among the historical sights, Cyprus is also known for its glorious festivals that occur though out the year. In June, Kataklysmos, the Festival of the Flood, takes place in Limassol. On the Sunday after Pentecost and the Monday of the Holy Spirit, people gather on the near sea to douse each other in water from the sea in honor of Aphrodite and Adonis. Singing and dance contests last thought out the festival spreading jubilation to all who attend.

In late August and early September, tourists flock in great hordes to take part in the Limassol Wine Festival. It rivals the festivals held by the ancient Greeks honoring Dionysus, the God of Wine and Aphrodite. At this festival, the locals serve up mouth-watering dishes, a vast medley of wines and a heart-warming environment with local theatre, music and dancing. This festival is the perfect time to visit Cyprus and save money while doing it (the festival is free of charge).

Although it is hidden deep in the realm of the gorgeous blue Mediterranean, Cyprus offers quite the travel destination. With is fair climate year round, there isn't a poor time to visit and get lost in culture far different from your own.

Nick Nikolis is working in Atlantica Hotels and Resorts as It manager in Rhodos. Atlantica Hotels and Resorts is a Europe Hotels chain currently offering lodging services in Cyprus Greece and Egypt. Check here Greece Hotels and Cyprus Hotels.

Festivals and Cultural Events in Greece and Cyprus

When choosing a travel destination, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the vast number of choices. There are so many historical, beautiful, interesting places on this Earth, it is easy to see why many people become frustrated.

Greece, and the Greek islands are by far, one of the top travel destination choices by cultured and choosy travelers. Not only is Greece a wonderland of blue ocean vistas it is also the home of many exciting cultural events.

The Hellenic Festival

This extremely popular festival offers a huge range of performances. Classical music, ballet, opera, both ancient and modern theater, singers, dances and more are featured at this festival that takes all summer to exhaust its supply of entertainment. The festival encompasses the entire city, with many theater performances taking place at the Lykavittos Theater set atop Lykavittos Hill. Neither buses or taxis will take you to the top of this hill, so it is best to leave early to walk the ten or fifteen minutes you will need to get to Lykavittos Theater.

The Epidaurus Festival

This festival takes place annually during the summer months. Held at the ancient (and acoustically perfect) theater of Epidaurus, this festival is held as a part of the larger Hellenic Festival. The Epidaurus Festival is an opportunity to witness plays just as the ancient Greeks did. Adding to the flavor is the fact that the performances are in Greek. Theater goers are provided with programs that translate major languages.

Some tips for enjoying the Epidaurus Festival include dressing warm and bringing a blanket. The theater is outside with most programs starting at 9pm and weather unpredictable, even in the summer months. Best to be prepared. Many of these shows sell out quickly and can only be bought 3 weeks in advance.

The Icarus Festival of Dialogue Between Cultures

Overwhelmingly, Greek cultural events are rooted in the love of music. The Icarus Festival for Dialogue Between Cultures takes place annually on Ikaria, Greece. Traditionally held during the summer, this event hosts performances by artists whose music has been inspired by many cultures. Every year the event is dedicated to a single instrument, 2008 was dedicated to the violin, as it is the favored instrument of the island Ikaria.

The August Moon Festival

Annually, whenever the full moon decides to make its appearance, many sites around Athens are open to the public for free entertainment. The Odeion of Herodes Atticus, the Acropolis, Roman Agora, provide the city with Greek dances, classical music and opera performances. What a spectacular site to behold by the light of the full moon!

Rockwave Athens

The largest rock and roll festival in Greece takes place in July, during the intense heat of summer, and provides the city with some of the hottest international rock bands. This musical event has taken place since 1996 and is still going strong.

Not to be outdone, the Island of Cyprus holds many exciting cultural events as well. As the third biggest island in the Mediterranean sea, this island has direct ties to Greece and many of its festivals are based in the Greek culture.

The Wine Festival in Lemoses attracts thousands of tourists each September to take part of this event. Cyprus, an island known for its extraordinary wine, offers this festival as a means to pay tribute to Dionysus, God of Wine as well as Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty.

The Lemesos Carnival Parade takes place in February, or approximately 50 days before Easter. Highlights of this annual event include the Children's Carnival Parade, Grand Carnival Parade of groups and chariots, King Carnival and Serenader's Parade. This carnival is held to celebrate the last week of meat-eating before the Apokria or what is referred to as the fasting before Easter. Costumes are prepared for the entire family for this event, and at the end of the event, more than fifty floats parade through the city.

The Festival of Ancient Greek Drama is held during the summer months in Cyprus. The performances are held in three separate theaters throughout Cyprus, each sharing the ancient Greek traditions of tragedy, comedy, treachery, adventure and more with the audience. This festival attracts thousands of people internationally and the venues include: Paphos (Ancient Odeon), Limassol (Kourion Ancient Theater) and in Nicosia (Makarios III Amphitheater).

When it comes to festivals and cultural events, the Greek and Cyprus communities are unmatched throughout the world. These ancient lands are steeped in traditions of beauty, art, culture, wine and drama. There really is no other choice when it comes to choosing this travel destination spot.

Nick Nikolis is working as It Manager in Atlantica Hotels and Resorts a Europe hotels chain currently offering lodging services in Greece Cyprus and Egypt. He operates a small family business Olive Garden Houses as well in Rhodes Greece.

Polis Cyprus - The Scenic Resort

Polis in Cyprus is still the most underdeveloped resort on the West coast of the Island. Looking across Chrysochou bay to the Akamas Peninsula, Polis nestles at the foot of rolling hills covered with Citrus groves and fertile farm land. This could almost be the part of Cyprus that time forgot. In fact the pace of life in Polis is about as laid back as it gets. The tourist industry in the resort is supplemented with fishing from the the port of Latsi and varied agriculture. The harbor is busy during the holiday season with trips across to the Akamas Peninsula and pleasure cruises along the coast. The resort has several traditional Cyprus restaurants as well as mini markets and other tourist facilities.

Akamas across the bay is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a nature reserve making it a must visit for tourist. Just up the coast is Lara bay where the green and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The turtle station is manned by volunteers and access to the beach may be prohibited at certain times of the year. The volunteers also place wire mesh over the turtle nest to prevent foxes and other predators from digging up the eggs. The view back across Chrysochou bay towards Polis is quite spectacular too against the back drop of the Troodas mountains rolling down to the fertile coast. This national park is dotted with footpaths and makes a great place to either explore or just relax and take it all in.

Also in the park are the baths of Aphrodite where the Goddess took a bath before her marriage to Hephaestus the smith god. He forged the weapons of the Gods and Zeus thought it would be a good idea to give Aphrodite to him to prevent the other Gods fighting over who should marry her. Unfortunately she was a bit on the wayward side and took many lovers including mortals such as Adonis. The tale weaves a typical Greek tragedy of lust and men fighting over a woman's affections but that's another story altogether. Further down the coast is the site of the rock of Aphrodite where she came ashore after her birth. Local legend has it that if you swim around this rock at midnight during the full moon Aphrodite will make you ten years younger. That is of course if you don't kill yourself climbing down the cliffs to the beach hundreds of feet below.

Polis is a great place to relax even if you are just visiting the resort for the day. Alternatively its a great base from which to explore the rest of Cyprus. The main coastal motorway is only a short drive inland and you are not far from the beautiful Troodas mountains. After a hard days sightseeing Polis could be the ideal place to recharge your batteries down on the beach or with a relaxing drink in one of the tavernas. Cyprus is a great place to take your holidays and there is so much to see and do there. With its wide appeal to both families and couples alike its no surprise that visitors to this beautiful Island return year after year. The large resorts have much to offer in terms of nightlife and other activities but some folks prefer the tranquility of the Cyprus countryside. If you are one of those Cyprus holiday makers who enjoys some peace and quite perhaps you too should visit Polis Cyprus.

Kevin Moore lives half the year in Cyprus writing regular articles about all things Cyprus including holidays and Cyprus property purchase. To find out more visit his web site here Cyprus Info

Cyprus And Aphrodite - The Greek Goddess Of Love Beauty And Sexual Rapture

If you know even a little about Cyprus or Greek mythology the chances are you will have heard of the Goddess of love, beauty and sexual rapture Athrodite. Legend tells that she was the result of the castration of the God Uranus which was carried out by his son Cronus (perhaps it was the way those Gods raised their kids) with a sickle. Owch! Anyway Cronus threw the severed genitals into the sea where they foamed up which in turn gave birth to Aphrodite. The word "athros" or sea foam giving rise to the translation Athrodite or deity of foam.

Anyways, Cyprus comes into the picture because Aphrodite was carried by the sea and came ashore on the Island and some legends claim she rode on a giant clam shell. In fact some Greek mythology refer to her as Cytherea or Kypros for this very reason.

Zeus (the top God) was worried that the other Gods would fight over Aphrodite's hand in marriage so he took the liberty of marring her of to Hephaestus the smith God. Boy was he knocked out? Scruffy old black smith weds Goddess of love, beauty and sexual rapture! Had his boat come in or what?

Hephaestus was over the moon and as a sign of his love for Aphrodite he used all his skills as a smith to fashion her a beautiful bejeweled girdle with fine gold filigree. He even wove magic into the gold filigree which was a big mistake on his part. The problem was that when ever Aphrodite wore the girdle she would become sexually irresistible bearing in mind that she was already the ultimate embodiment of female beauty anyway. Amongst her many lovers (she was a bit of a girl) were Gods but she also took mortal lovers too the most famous being Adonis.

Some of her Sons are Eros, Anteros, Hymenaios and Aeneas through her union with her Trojan lover Anchisess. What can I say? It's a typical story of a beautiful woman wreaking havoc amongst the male population, causing wars and several spoilt dinners to boot. Her festival was Aphrodisiac (now you know where that comes from) which was celerbrated in several places in Greece including Athens and Corinth. Her priestesses where not prostitutes but sexual intercourse with them was considered a form of worship to the Goddess herself.

There you go then, now you can impress all your friends or even fellow tourist with your factual knowledge of Aphrodite. When you visit Cyprus be sure to take a trip out to her alleged birth place a few kilometers outside of Paphos. The view from the cliffs is indeed spectacular and there is a resturant bar with a great view point where you can relax with a cool drink. You will see the "rock of Aphrodite" itself just off the coast.

The local legend states that if you swim around the rock at midnight during the full moon Aphrodite will make you ten years younger if the exercise doesn't kill you off first that is. Enjoy Cyprus and don't forget to visit the rock of Aphrodite.

Kevin Moore owns several Cyprus web sites and writes regular articles about Cyprus and Cyprus property so take a look here at Cyprus Info

Ten Facts About Cyprus

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If you're planning a trip to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, then take a look at our top ten facts. You'll soon be able to impress friends and family with your knowledge about this beautiful country!

1. Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The country had previously been controlled by Great Britain and joined the British Commonwealth in 1961, meaning that Cyprus sends a team to the Commonwealth Games every four years.

2. This is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

3. The country joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. Nine other countries joined the EU on the same date - they were: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia.

4. According to its 2007 census, Cyprus has a population of 788,457 people.

5. Cyprus uses the Euro as its currency, in common with many member states of the European Union. At the present time, the Euro is the common currency for more than 300 million people throughout the continent.

6. The national anthem of the country is known as the Hymn to Liberty, which is also the national anthem of Greece.

7. The vast majority of Shakespeare's play, Othello, was set on the island of Cyprus. The play is believed to have been written in 1603 and is still seen by many as being very relevant to today's world.

8. Cyprus was also the mythical birthplace of one of the most famous Greek Gods - Aphrodite. Aphrodite was the Greek God of love and beauty. She should be be confused with Venus, who was her Roman equivalent.

9. It is believed that people first lived on the island more than 12,000 years ago.

10. The United Kingdom still retains control over 3 per cent of the island's land and sea territories.