Cyprus is a gorgeous, beachy island nation with delicious food and fun adventures to explore. I would LOVE to take this trip - such a dreamy virtual visit. Thanks for tagging along - Hope you enjoy!
Mapwork by @Slalice_Draws
TRAVEL & ACCOMODATIONS
After virtually visiting some countries that are on the larger side, it is refreshing to visit Cyprus, which is a relatively small island, with so much to offer packed into a smaller area to traverse. If we really wanted to, we could stay in the middle of the island (conveniently where the capital, Nicosia, is located) and reach the outskirts for day trips. Just the same, we'd miss out on some coastal beach resort time if we did that, so this week, we will have two stops along our trip that will serve as our home bases for the week: Nicosia (the capital) and Paphos (on the west coast).
From Berlin, Germany, travel is not too difficult. Many airlines can get us there, and I found several with just one layover - taking about 5 hours in total, obtainable currently for less than 100 Euros.
When we arrive in the capital city of Nicosia, we will stay in the Nicosia Eagle Eye Boutique Hotel - a fully refurbished building with 700 years of history, located in Nicosia's old town.
When we travel to the coast, we will stay at the luxurious all-inclusive beach resort, King Evelthon Beach Hotel & Resort, which includes all food, beach and pool use, kids' club, water park and use of the spa.
ITINERARY
NICOSIA
One very unique aspect of Cyprus is that it has the last divided capital in Europe, and to cross from the "Turkish" side to the "Greek" side of the city we will need to use our passport and provide a reason for travel. The buffer zone is maintained by the United Nations.
To see and to be seen, and to shop, we will head to the famous Ledra Street for a stroll.
Next, let's enjoy this virtual tour of the Nicosia Fairytale Museum.
Frozen in time, and in the UN Buffer Zone within the city of Nicosia, stands an airport that was abandoned in 1977. We might feel less comfortable exploring this in real life, so a virtual visit to this time capsule is perfect!
Next, we will visit the Cyprus Museum. This comprehensive virtual visit is very well done and transports us right there.
We won't want to miss a visit to the Büyük Han - the oldest Ottomon structure on the island.
As we expand a bit to the outskirts of the city of Nicosia, we will first visit the Cyprus Railway Museum, located in an old train station.
Next up, we will head to the town of Limassol, where we can explore the Old Town, and if we are fortunate to be there when it is happening, the annual Carnival.
Panagia tu Araka and the Troodos Mountains
Deep in the heart of the Troodos Mountains in the center of the island, we will visit a 12th century church called Panagia tu Araka.
We will also enjoy the Troodos Mountains as well. The highest peak of this range is Mount Olympus.
Larnaka Salt Lake
We will next enjoy a visit to Larnaka Salt Lake. In the meantime, this visitor captured a rare flamingo sighting on the Lake!
While in Larnaca, we will stop by for a visit to the Kyriazi's Medical Museum for a fascinating exploration of the history of health and healing on the island of Cyprus.
We also can't move on from Lanarca without a stop at the fun Salt and Pepper Museum.
In 1980, just off the coast of Lanarca, a large ferry sank on its maiden voyage (some say under mysterious circumstances) and has since become one of the 10 most important dive sites / shipwrecks in the world. Slot machines and carpets still adorn the ship, and now, turtles and fish call it home too. It will be fun for us to check it out.
In the northern part of the island, we will enjoy a visit to St. Hilarion Castle.
During the Bronze and Copper ages, Cyprus was especially in its heyday, and it will be very interesting to visit these abandoned mines in that context.
Less than an hour from Nicosia, this beautiful and historically significant church stands. Here are highlights from a festive liturgy at the church from 2013.
The city of Ayia Napa on the eastern coast of the island is known for its white pristine beaches, and buzzing night life, and that makes it the perfect place to begin enjoying the beaches of this beautiful island.
The nearby sea caves will be an especially fun spot to check out.
The sparkling waters of Fig Tree Bay are also right nearby.
We will round out our visit to the eastern shores of Cyprus with a visit to Konnos Bay.
PAFOS (PAPHOS)
It will be difficult (but worth it!) to explore Pafos beyond the amazing all-inclusive resort where we will be staying, so we will want to build in some downtime to spend there as well. The entire town of Pafos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's a short video highlighting some of the places we won't want to miss.
Paphos and Kourion Ancient Tombs, Ruins and Mosaics
We will definitely want to check out the necropolis; ancient ruins and mosaics that have drawn the world's eyes to Paphos (and nearby Kourion).
A popular activity in Paphos is a walk along the harbor, where there are many shops, restaurants and sights to enjoy.
Cyprus embraces their claim to fame as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. The island can, as a result, also be called "The Island of Love." We can go check out "Aphrodite's Rock."
Thousands of people from around the world come to this wishing tree and tie pieces of fabric, scarves and ribbons with their wishes on the tree and in the room below it, that carry their hopes, concerns and dreams. We don't want to miss the opportunity for our wishes to come true!
Next up, we will head to the northern coast, where we can explore the Akamas Peninsula National Park and the Blue Lagoon.
Adonis Baths and Waterfalls
After all this adventure, we will be ready for something relaxing, and a trip to the Adonis Baths and Waterfalls will be just what we need.
As a cat loving family, we were delighted to learn how much this island loves cats!
As an adventure-loving family, a day at the beloved Fasouri Water Park will be a great way to round out our week in Cyprus.
If we happen to have an extra day during our visit, a day trip a few hours further afield to meet and feed the wild donkeys of Karpass National Park may be worth it!:
Phew! Such a full and busy virtual trip! What did you enjoy the most? Let me know in the comments below:
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