It was 10-day trip with 3 people in the winter of 2024. It was partly a bit cold there in this time (in December), but there was more sun as in the continent. We traveled by plane and we rented a car on the island. The accommodations were in Paphos [4 nights] and in Larnaca [5 nights]. It was a trip with lots of beautiful sea coasts and nature but Larnaca and Nicosia are architecturally interesing places, too.
26.12.2024 – Arrive to Cyprus
The trip starts at Budapest Airport and fly to Paphos in the evening.
27.12.2024 – Paphos
Spend the whole day in (Kato) Paphos and visit some archeological sites of the acient city Paphos Castle, Old Harbour, House of Dionysos, Agora.
28.12.2024 – Paphos and more
Rent a car and drive to the South. The Aphodite’s Beach is a nice place to visit and not so far from this site there is the Aphodite’s Sanctuary, which is a small archeological site with a museum. Drive further to Yeroskipou and visit the byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi (photo below). Go back to Paphos, to the Tombs of the Kings (photo above) archeological site – the colour of the soil, the tombs and sea are an magical mixture and the site has an amazing athmosphere.
29.12.2024 – Paphos and more
Go the North and visit the Cave Beaches and the Edro III Shipwreck (photo). Another side of Cyprus is in the montains and it is worth to visit the Holy Monastery of Saint Neophytos the Recluse in Tala. Drive back to Old Paphos, the hilly part of the town, a bit far from the sea coast. You will see, that the houses around the market hall are fresh renovated and they are busy to make the place lively and this is the part of the town, where you can see also some muslim buildings like the mosque and turkish bath. (Tip: you should try the Oulla Halali Sou Meze House.)
30.12.2024 – Limassol
Leave Paphos and go to Limassol, the biggest city on the island. The Kolossi Castle, stands the gate of the city, is massive stone building of the former crusaders. If you drive in the town I recommend you to park by sea and you can reach by foot all of the highlights of the old town. Limassol Castle, the turkish quarter, the harbour (photo) and market. (Tip: you should try the Meze Taverna Restaurant). Drive further to the East and arrive to Larnaca.
31.12.2024 – Rocks and beaches
Start the day at Cap Greco where you can visit the famous sea caves and the Blue Lagoon. Before you reach Ayia Napa take a look at the “Lovers’ Bridge” (photo), which is an interesting rock formation in the sea. Ayia Napa is not so interesting in the winter time, but you can find some good sea food restaurants and you can visit the monastery. The two famous beaches could be interesting also in the winter: Nissi- and Makronissos Beach. In the Makronissos Beach there are even some ancient ruins. (Tip: while it was Sylvester’s day, we took a walk in the evening in the old town of Larnaca.)
01.01.2024 – Lefkara and Larnaca
In the morning you should visit the Larnaca Salt Lake with the flamingos and the Hala Sultan Tekkesi (photo) (Tip: check the opening hours, because we had no luck). After that go to the montains and get to know the small village of Lefkara. The village is full of cosy details and there are many artisans, and you can feel (also in this small place) the dual culture of Cyprus. Go back to Larnaca and visit the main attractions: the beach, the Piale Pasa promenade, the fortress, the mosque, the Saint Lazarius church and the Zouhouri Square. (Tip: Larnaca is also full of ancient ruins and there are also museums, where you can see the ancient art.)
02.01.2025 – Larnaca
Just chilling in Larnaca (photo) – eating, shopping, walking.
03.01.2025 – Nicosia
Take the bus and go to Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. Honestly it was the best city, which I have seen in the island. In Nicosia there is really interesting architecture and this is the most urban area of Cyprus. I started my visit there, where the bus stops: the Eleftheria Square (designed by Zaha Hadid Architects) ist the middle of the city. Nicosia is also a city, where you can take photos of every corner, but I recommend also to go up to the top of the Shacolas Tower. From above you can see the structure of the city with the venetian walls, the “green line” and the large North Cypriotic flag on the hill on the other side. The city is still devided by green line an after that you show your passport by the custom on the Ledra Street, you can go in another world. The turkish part of the city is less developed, but more interesting – actually the most beautiful buildings are on this side: the Selimiye Camii Mosque, the Büyük Han, the Kumarcılar Han (photo), the Samanbahçe Evleri houses and the Bazar. Go back to the greek part of the city and visit the some mosques and the orthodox churches and the famous Paphos gate, were you can go close to the “green line”. (Tip: I ate in a restaurant, where there are many locals, I can recommend to you: Evroulla.)
04.01.2024 – Leave the island
Leave the island by plane from Larnaca Airport.
And here is the map:
ADAM BALOG 