Tourism in cyprus
Tourism in Cyprus occupies a dominant position in the country's economy, and has had a significant impact on its culture and multicultural development over the years. In 2006, the tourism industry accounted for 10.7% of the country's GDP and total employment in the tourism industry was estimated at 113,000 jobs. With a usual minimum of about 4 million tourist arrivals per year, it is the 40th most popular destination in the world and the 6th most popular per capita of the local population. Cyprus has been a full member of the World Tourism Organization since 1975.
Best time to travel to Cyprus
The best time to visit Cyprus is between May and June. Not only is this one of the driest times of the year on the island, but it's also nice and warm - temperatures range from 23 to 28 degrees, with up to 13 hours of sunshine a day.
The best tourist destinations in Cyprus
Cyprus is considered one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Cyprus is also characterized by the best tourist destinations and this is what distinguishes Cyprus. And in this article, we will introduce you to the best tourist destinations that are distinguished according to the opinions of international tourists in Cyprus...
paphos
Paphos, a city with a mystical aura, is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. A haven for learning about Greek mythology and ancient Byzantine rule, Paphos will enchant you to stay longer in its arms. Relax along the sandy beaches, explore ancient archaeological sites and visit vineyards that carry on a thousand-year-old tradition of wine making.
Paphos' pride is evident in its vibrant culture - woven together by ancestors from different backgrounds. The city hosts many festivals to celebrate its long-standing traditions, including the Flower Festival, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival and the Paradise Jazz Festival. Discover the city's heritage through its archaeological sites, including the St. Paul's Pillar, the tombs of the kings, the medieval baths and the mosaics of Paphos. In addition, the Byzantine Museum presents a vast collection of artifacts and relics preserved as a tribute to a bygone era of great importance. Then, indulge in the art of wine making by visiting the local vineyards. an integral part of Paphos culture. If you are an art lover, Paphos is also full of galleries and exhibitions.
Limassol
Limassol (also known as Lemesos) is a coastal city that stretches along a wide stretch of beach. It is the cosmopolitan center of Cyprus, effortlessly blending modern beach tourism and café culture with its ancient past. Trendy restaurants and cafes cluster around the restored old town center, while on the waterfront, the old port area adjoins a sleek, contemporary marina that has become another popular dining center. Limassol is perfectly placed for exploring the tourist attractions and beaches of the Akrotiri peninsula, as well as for sightseeing excursions to the beautiful mountain villages that descend the lower slopes of the Mandaria region and nestle in the Troodos massif (Troodos Mountains). It is also the closest base for visiting the ancient Kourion, the most famous historical site in Cyprus, so it is an excellent choice for travelers who want to temper the pleasure of the sandy beach with garlands of culture.
Larnaca
The coastal town of Larnaca is one of the 20 oldest permanently inhabited areas in the world. It is the gateway to Cyprus and a blend of old and new. From its traditional architecture, authentic tavernas and local crafts to its cultural sites and religious monuments, old Larnaca is an evocative glimpse into Cyprus' past. New and modern Larnaca intertwines harmoniously with these elements of ancient Kition and offers the cosmopolitan visitor beautiful sandy beaches, a lively promenade, shopping, advanced infrastructure and many amenities. With almost guaranteed sunshine every day, Larnaca is an exciting year-round destination that offers cultural events, numerous attractions, activities and leisure options nearby. Larnaca is a place where "they always come back", not only because its favorite winter guests, the flamingos, visit the area's lakes in flocks every year, but also because visitors to Larnaca return year after year.
Nicosia
For lovers of the Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus is an absolute must. The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite is famous for its spectacular beaches, breathtaking scenery and the warmth of its people. It offers the visitor a wide choice of unique activities that can satisfy almost any wish. Colorful orange groves surround beautiful ancient ruins, steep cliffs surround idyllic coves with turquoise waters, and shady pine-covered mountains come alive with the sound of church bells. But in addition to offering a serene environment for the visitor who needs to escape the fast-paced world capitals, Cyprus is also a cosmopolitan place. Its cities are full of glamorous restaurants, trendy boutiques, contemporary art galleries and artistic cafes that alternate with narrow, windy old streets that offer a flair of the past.
Lefkosia (Nicosia) is the 10 century old capital of the island. It is located in the middle of the island and is a busy commercial and business center. Its old quarter is surrounded by a Venetian sandstone wall, a living reminder of Nicosia's turbulent medieval history. Walking through the narrow streets with overhanging balconies and beautiful pedestrian areas is an experience not to be missed. St. John's Cathedral with its magnificent frescoes, the Cyprus Museum which tells of Cyprus' fascinating past and the Byzantine Museum are just some of the highlights of the Cypriot capital. The options don't stop there! The city has much more to offer in terms of entertainment and places to visit as well as a unique countryside with beautiful serene villages where the visitor can be introduced to the ways of rural Cyprus, friendly monasteries and Byzantine churches with unique frescoes that include in the UNESCO World Heritage list and pine covered mountains with many well designated nature trails.
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is the largest tourist resort in Cyprus, with a capacity of 27,000 beds and over 175 hotels and apartments of all sizes. In 2017, the resort welcomed more than 700,000 tourists and hosted 5 million overnight stays, accounting for about 30% of all overnight stays in Cyprus.
Starting in the 2010s, under the leadership of Mayor Yiannis Karousos, the city sought to expand the tourism offering and declared a goal of discouraging rowdy groups of young tourists and becoming "the best and most cosmopolitan tourist resort in the Mediterranean" by 2030. Since 2013, it has closed problematic establishments, upgraded infrastructure, hotels and restaurants, and added facilities such as a new marina and the underwater museum. The vision set by the city is supported by the Cyprus Tourism Strategy, which was completed in March 2017 and aims for Ayia Napa to be "considered one of the top three European beach and nightclub vacation destinations [...] offering the best beach and marine experience in Cyprus for young adults, complemented by world-class beach clubs and nightlife." The strategy rated the quality of Ayia Napa at 3.4/5 and proposed to plan to increase its quality to 4.4/5.
Protaras
Part of the small town of Paralimni on the southeast coast of Cyprus, Protaras is one of the island's most popular summer spots, a destination for sea lovers that boasts beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, hidden bays and long stretches of white sand. In addition, the wide variety of quaint restaurants and taverns, modern bars, traditional pubs and casual cafes make Protaras an ideal seaside resort to relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer, an ideal vacation destination for families and couples.
Stroll along the beautiful newly constructed pedestrian road along the main coast of Protaras. There are kiosks to sit and enjoy the view, places to hop on a boat and take a mini tour of Protaras' beaches, and playgrounds for children. Families will have a fabulous time at the Οcean Aquarium where they can see turtles, crocodiles, penguins and many other sea creatures. For romantics, the sea cave just below the picturesque Ayii Anargyri Chapel on Konnos Beach is a must-see. And if you're up to it, climb the more than 100 steps to the beautiful St. Elias chapel located on the highest hill of Protaras. For a break from the beach, it is worth visiting the nearby villages of Derynia, Frenaros, Avgorou, Liopetri and Sotera and visiting some of their ancient churches or even tasting local specialties in the traditional taverns.
Troodos Mountains
The Troodos Mountains are the largest mountain range in Cyprus, crowned by Chionistra and a number of incredible ski resorts in winter, and crisscrossed by hiking trails that wind through cool forests in summer. Beyond the beauty of the waterfalls and pillowy lava, the villages that dot the nearby mountains are a breath of fresh pastoral air, and you can escape to rural cabins or luxury hotels when you visit this vast range.
Famagusta
Once a sleepy fishing village, Agia Napa on the southeast coast with its fabulous white sandy beaches and Protaras, the coastal area of Paralimni, to the east with its hundreds of windmills, are now buzzing with life. Spend the day sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the warm turquoise waters or taking a short cruise along the coast. Some of the best snorkeling and diving can be found off Cape Gkreko, the national forest park of the eastern peninsula, with its secluded coves and rocky outcrops, impressive cliff views and sea caves. In the evening, dine in one of the many restaurants, especially one of the local ones in Paralimni, or dance to the latest sounds in one of the many discos.
This area is collectively known as "Kokkinochoria", "villages of red soil", due to the rich red soil in which Cyprus' famous potatoes are grown. Culture lovers can explore the medieval churches found in villages like Sotira or visit the folk art museums displaying rural artifacts in Deryneia and Avgorou. Children will love the museum of marine life or the new sea museum, "Thalassa", in Agia Napa, which has an amazing replica of a 4th century trading ship that sank off Kyrenia. Or you can stop in the small estuary known by the locals as "Potamos" and watch the fishing boats carrying their catch in their colorful baskets.
Pissouri
Located in the district of Lemesos (Limassol), the beautiful village of Pissouri is built on a green hill, only 3 km from Aspro Cape, and offers a breathtaking view of the mountain and the sea. Pissouri is only 30 km from the town of Lemesos and can be reached by following the A6 road or by following the B6 road. There are various theories about the origins of the village's name, including the belief that it is derived from the resin ('pissa') that comes from the hard pine tree, and was produced in the area during the Byzantine and Frankish periods. It was originally known as "Piseeri", and is also called "Pisuri" on old maps. The village was once a small port from which carobs were exported in medieval times, and its stone carob warehouses have been preserved and transformed into restaurants and residences. Nowadays, it is known locally for its Halloumi cheese, as well as for its small, sweet, seedless green grapes - Sultanina.
Every September, a celebration is held in honor of Agios Andreas, while other annual summer and Easter events are held both in the village square and in the open-air amphitheater. The beach of Pissouri Bay has become a popular tourist resort and offers the possibility of water sports and hiking on its picturesque coastline of fine golden sand, small multicolored pebbles and crystal clear waters. Its naturally beautiful surroundings include the spectacular white cliffs of Cape Aspro (Greek for "white"), and there are five public trails for easy access and exploration of the area. The resort also offers a wide variety of accommodations, including high-end luxury hotels, a multitude of restaurants serving a selection of cuisines, and an array of stores. Pissouri Bay is also particularly popular with locals, who tend to visit the resort during the peak summer season, while the village is popular year-round.
Kyrenia
Kyrenia (or Girne in Turkish) is a coastal city and arguably the heart of the tourist industry in Northern Cyprus. Pictures of its harbor and castle are often used in tourist brochures to promote the whole area. Both inside and outside the city limits are a number of excellent hotels, making the city and its surroundings an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island.
