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Cyprus, Island of Aphrodite

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 26 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #152 in Travel, #9618 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Introduction to Cyprus

 

Cyprus, although a small country, has a rich cultural heritage which is evident from the huge amount of ancient monuments and places, castles, and forts around the island.

The antiquities of Paphos, the Neolithic Settlement of Choirokoitia in addition to nine Byzantine Churches from the Troodos area are included in the official World Cultural Heritage list, thereby certifying their importance.

Unfortunately, since July 1974 a important part ouf the cultural heritage is under Turkish military control and as a consequence acquaintance with it is out of question. This heritage has been suffering intentional and severe demolition, as the Turkish forces systematically aim at changing the demographic and ethnic structue of occupied Cyprus.

Cyprus 

Cyprus (, transliterated: Kýpros, ; ), officially the Republic of Cyprus (, Kypriak?? D?mokratía, ; ), is an island country situated in the eastern Mediterranean east of Greece, west of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, south of Turkey and north of Egypt.

Cyprus is the third largest Mediterranean island and one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year.Invest in Cyprus...

Rock of Aphrodite 

Aphodite's Rock, Cyprus

The Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek), or the Rock Of Aphrodite (as known in English), is a scenic place, located off the old Pafos-Lemesos road.

It's a popular tourist spot, for its breathtaking view of the sea, and more famously the birth place of Aphrodite.

Legend has it that this is the Rock from which Aphrodite mythically arose from the foaming sea.

Photos of Petra Tou Romiou, the Rock of Aphrodite 

Aphrodite's beach by millardog

I can see why the ancient greeks said that this beach was the birthplace of Aphrodite.

Aphrodite's Birth Place by piedromolinero

The place where Aphrodite, the greek goddess of love was born. ;)

Cyprus 16 - Petra tou Romiou by Shane Stankard

Distant view of Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's birth place) near Aphrodite Hills

024_P8290028.JPG by benny_in_cyprus2005

Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite's birth-place

D473 Aphrodite's birthplace, Cyprus by ptergillan

Aphrodite was reputedly born here

Cyprus by Celeste33

Aphrodite's birthplace.

Aphrodite's Birth Place 

Acording to the myth, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, lust, beauty and sexual reproduction was born of the sea foam close to Paphos. The myth teaches us that Ge, the Earth expected one of her sons, Cronus to murder his father Uranus. Cronus who followed the expectation cut off his father's testicles and dropped them into the sea. Now from the sea arose white foam, from which a maiden rose up. First she was taken by the waves to Kythera and then brought to Cyprus. The maiden, named Aphrodite then went to the assembly of gods from Cyprus.

Videos about Cyprus 


Holiday in Cyprus 2007

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This is Cyprus

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Love Cyprus

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Impressions from Cyprus 

Lights by kimberlyfaye

Lights

DSCF2154-Castielli-Italy-Roma-Creative_Commons-High_Resolution by michael.castielli

DSCF2154-Castielli-I...

Wreath by kimberlyfaye

Wreath

Christmas Tree by kelseyglover

Christmas Tree

holding up sing along signs by stevendamron

holding up sing alon...

holding up sing along signs 1 by stevendamron

holding up sing alon...

holding up sing along signs 3 by stevendamron

holding up sing alon...

holding up sing along signs 2 by stevendamron

holding up sing alon...

 by michale

DSCF2152-Castielli-Italy-Roma-Creative_Commons-High_Resolution by michael.castielli

DSCF2152-Castielli-I...

DSCF2153-Castielli-Italy-Roma-Creative_Commons-High_Resolution by michael.castielli

DSCF2153-Castielli-I...

Merry Christmas :D by azilade

Merry Christmas :D

Nicosia, the Capital in the Centre of the Island 

South Nicosia Looking Towards North Nicosia, Greek Cyprus

Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia (, ), is the capital and largest city of Cyprus. It is located at . Located on the River Pedieos and situated almost in the centre of the island, it is the seat of government as well as the main business centre. Nicosia is the capital of the Nicosia District.

Following the intercommunal violence of the 1960s, the capital was divided between the island's Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in the south and north respectively. An attempted coup to unite the island with Greece in 1974 led to a Turkish invasion, leaving the capital divided since then, with Turkish Cypriots claiming the north as the capital of their own state, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) (recognised only by Turkey). On 3 April 2008, as part of efforts to reunify the island, a symbolic wall dividing the two communities at Ledra Street was opened.

South of the Green Line, the population of the city is 270,000 (late 2004), while a further 84,893 live in the north.The press statement of Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer on the tentative results of 2006 population and housing census (5 May 2006)|88.8 KiB Nüfus ve Konut Say?m?.] Nicosia is important commercially with many shops, two modern shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment. The city is a trade centre and manufactures textiles, leather, pottery, plastic, and other products. Copper mines are nearby. Nicosia is the seat of the University of Cyprus (UCY) and four other universities.

Current Weather in Nicosia 

Current weather conditions in Nicosia, Cyprus

Local Pollen Reports

13°C (Feels like 13°C)

Last update: 12/3/08 5:00 AM Local Time

Humidity: 82%
Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 10°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1020.0mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 10km/h From: Airport Conditions
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Impressions from Nicosia 

Nicosia by Beelama

This is Nicosia, Sicily, a little city in the center of that beautiful island. I...

Metochi of Kykkos Monastery, Nicosia by Phil-AEK

About half of the monks of the Monastery, including the Abbot, reside at the Met...

Nicosia / Lefkoşa (North Cyprus) - Arabahmet House Entrance by Danielzolli

(EN) House Entrance in the northern district of Arabahmet(D) Hauseingang im n...

Nicosia in the Walls by LaRezistance

A long exposure of the walled city of Nicosia, showing both Greek and Turkish si...

Nicosia / Lefkosía (Cyprus) - Ledra Street Crossing by Danielzolli

(EN) A historical picture: Turkish Cypriot workers looking over the barricade se...

Greek National Bank in Nicosia by Mike G. K.

Greek National Bank in Makariou street in Nicosia....

Old house, Nicosia , Cyprus by Phil-AEK

Nicosia city, Cyprus

Spring in Nicosia by Mike G. K.

Pink-red flowers in Nicosia, Cyprus.I can't get enough photos of those flowers ...

Nicosia sun rays by Mike G. K.

View from the baclony on the back of the "Marks & Spencers Home...

Street Vendor in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus by curreyuk

A street vendor pushing his cart through the streets of Nicosia, Northern Cyprus

Nicosia, Northern Cyprus by curreyuk

A street scene taken from the Saray Hotel in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus

A Market Street in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus by curreyuk

A typical market street scene leading up to Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia, Northern...

Limassol, the Port of the Island 

Kolossi Castle, Limassol, Cyprus, Mediterranean

Limassol or Lemesos (Greek: ???????, Lemesos; Turkish: Limasol, alt. Leymosun) is the second-largest city of Cyprus, with a population of 176,900 (2005), the largest city in geographical size, and the biggest municipality of the island. The city is located on Akrotiri Bay, on the island's southern coast and it is the capital of Limassol District.

Limassol is the biggest port in the Mediterranean transit trade. It has also become one of the most important tourism, trade and service-providing centre in the area. Limassol is renowned for its long cultural tradition, and is home to the Cyprus University of Technology. A wide spectrum of activities and a great number of museums and archaeological sites are available to the interested visitor. Consequently, Limassol attracts a wide range of tourists mostly during the summer season to be accommodated in its several luxurious hotels and apartments. In addition to the existing sights and attractions, a world class marina is currently being built, that will offer a wide range of services and attractions unsurpassed anywhere in Cyprus. The project will be called Limassol Marina and will consist of 1000 berths for small and larger yachts and the whole operation will be managed and operated by high-quality, experienced operators.

Limassol was built between two ancient cities, Amathus and Kourion, so during Byzantine rule it was known as Neapolis (new town). Limassol's tourist strip now runs east along the coast as far as Amathus. To the west of the city is the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area of the United Kingdom.

Current Weather in Limassol 

Current weather conditions in Limassol, Cyprus

Local Pollen Reports

11°C (Feels like 11°C)

Last update: 12/3/08 4:50 AM Local Time

Humidity: 82%
Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 8°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1019.0mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 5km/h From: Airport Conditions
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Impressions from Limassol 

Limassol sunset by solar8

Limassol (The East End) by lemessoler

The (currently) utmost eastern part of the town. The last hotels, followed by Mo...

Limassol / Lemesós (Cyprus) – Old Town Street by Danielzolli

(EN) The picture shows a street in the not extremely exciting old town of Lemes%uFFFD..

Limassol, Cyprus by ynysforgan_jack

Limassol, Cprus' second city.

Limassol  at  night by pat & nige

Limassol at night Not as nice as the north but still quite stunning

our hotel "Atlantica Miramare Beach" - Limassol, Cyprus by lucianhanga

Limassol

Limassol castle by flameproof

Today's Main entrance to the Byzantine

Limassol, Cyprus - town library by Tigger DarkeScamp

The library in the town of Limassol, on the southern coast of the island of Cypr...

Limassol by kypros.co.uk

View in Old Limassol

Limassol by kypros.co.uk

Avenue in Limassol

Limassol marina by solar8

sea front by night in Limassol by noble4

Larnaca, the City with the easy-going Pace 

One of Many Icons in the Church of St. Lazarus, Larnaca, Cyprus

Larnaca, (Greek: ???????, Turkish: Larnaka) is a city of the Republic of Cyprus situated on the southern coast of Cyprus. The island's largest airport, Larnaca International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city.

It has a population of 72,000 (2001) and is the island's second commercial port and an important tourist resort. To the north of the town lies the island's oil refinery, which is now only a storage facility as the refinery itself has been sold,(2008) while to the south is situated the Larnaca International Airport. The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque seafront which includes rows of palm trees (oi finikoudes, in the Cypriot dialect). Here you will also find Larnaca Marina, one of the four official entry points, by sea, to the island. Much of the activity is centred around the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these for the city of Larnaka is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events. The festival used to last about a week, but in recent years, with the increased commercialism of peripheral stalls, rides and temporary loukmades restaurants (a sweet delicacy) it has extended to about 3 weeks, with the seafront being closed to traffic in the evenings.

Current Weather in Larnaca 

Current weather conditions in Larnaca, Cyprus

Local Pollen Reports

13°C (Feels like 13°C)

Last update: 12/3/08 5:00 AM Local Time

Humidity: 82%
Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 10°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1020.0mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 10km/h From: Airport Conditions
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Impressions from Larnaca 

Larnaca Lake and temple by Sokolatis

UM Haram Temple At Larnaca

Hala Sultan Tekke Larnaca Cyprus by neilus3

Mosque Cyprus Larnaca

Larnaca Salt Lake by Bahkti

Facing the Sultan Tekke Mosque, Larnaca, Cyprus, January 2006

Cyprus -  Larnaca by gaffri

Church in the city of Larnaca - Cyprus

Mosque, Larnaca by *ade

Sunset on Cyprus (Larnaca) by rafel (busy)

I made this one in March 2007. Weather was fantastic +25 Celsius.

Larnaca Winter Night by sitkarev

Après-midi plage à Larnaca 011 by Titem

Larnaca Marina, Cyprus by John OS

Larnaca - city center by Andra MB

Sunset in Larnaca by Toum

Larnaca Archway by ingenuousme

Paphos, the Historical Capital 

Peristyle Tomb III, Tomb of the Kings, Cyprus

Paphos (Paphos is usually written Paphos or Paphus in English, (Ancient Greek: ; Modern Greek: ?????, Páfos; Latin: Paphus, and for a time, Augusta; , formerly Baffa) is a coastal city in the southwest of Cyprus and the capital of Paphos District. In Antiquity two locations were called Paphos: Old PaphosOld Paphos, in Ancient Greek: , Ptol. v. 14. § 1; or, in one word, , Strabo xiv. p. 683; Palaepaphos, Plin. v. 31. s. 35) and New Paphos. New Paphos in Ancient Greek (, Ptol. l. c.; Nea Paphos, Plin. l. c.. The name of Paphos, without any adjunct, is used by poets and by writers of prose to denote both Old and New Paphos, but with this distinction, that in ancient prose writers it commonly means New Paphos, whilst in the ancient poets, on the contrary, for whom the name of Palaepaphos would have been unwieldy, it generally signifies Old Paphos, the more particular seat of the cult of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. In inscriptions, also, both towns are called . This indiscriminate use is sometimes productive of ambiguity, especially in the Latin prose authors. The currently inhabited city is New Paphos.

Paphos is the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, of love, sexual intercourse and beauty. And the founding myth is interwoven with the goddess at every level. In Greco-Roman times Paphos was the island's capital, and it is famous for the remains of the Roman Governor's palace, where extensive, fine mosaics are a major tourist attraction. The apostle Paul of Tarsus visited the town during the first century. The town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world's heritage.

The Mayor of the Paphos Municipality is Savvas Vergas, a member of Diko party. The town is capital of Paphos District. Paphos is the birthplace of Marios Joannou Elia, an internationally famous composer and Rauf Denkta?, who was Turkish Cypriot leader for more than 30 years.

Current Weather in Paphos 

Current weather conditions in Paphos, Cyprus

Local Pollen Reports

13°C (Feels like 13°C)

Last update: 12/3/08 5:00 AM Local Time

Humidity: 72%
Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 8°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1019.0mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 14km/h From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Impressions from Paphos 

CircularMosaic_Paphos by conceptDawg

Mosiac from the House of Theseus. The "house" is what remains ...

Paphos Castle by mpalis

Paphos Castle late in the evening with dramatic sky colors%u2026 And...

Latchi (Paphos) by fluffballs - Lisa

We are back in Nicosia for one night (We went to Paphos for 2 nights) andtomorr...

Nea Paphos by Steffan Harries

This modern Greek Orthodox Church Christian Church can be found at the main cros...

Monastery near Paphos, Cyprus by rgtmum

Monastery in the hills near Paphos, Cyprus. This photo was taken in June 1996.

Paphos Lighthouse by Andy South Wales

At the foot of the lighthouse, Paphos, Cyprus.

Paphos Harbour, Cyprus by ynysforgan_jack

The main tourist section of Paphos, also known as Kato Paphos. The area contains...

Sea Caves, Paphos, Cyprus by ynysforgan_jack

Located near Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos mosaic by Kanikoski

Roman mosaic uncovered at Paphos. This mosaic features several figures, includin...

Ruins in Paphos, Cyprus by ynysforgan_jack

Located in Kato Paphos

Cathy's Pub: the oldest pub in paphos by zombizi

Coral Bay, Paphos, Cyprus by ynysforgan_jack

Coral Bay is a sandy beach stretching within an enclosed bay which is considered...

Famagusta, the Ghost City 

Facade Detail of St. Nicolas Cathedral, Famagusta, Cyprus

:"Magusa" redirects here. For the moth genus, see Magusa (moth).

Famagusta (, Ammóch?stos; or Ma?usa) is a city on the east coast of Cyprus and is capital of the Famagusta District. It is located in a bay between Capes Greco and Eloea, east of Nicosia, and possesses the deepest harbour in the island. Since the 1974 Turkish invasion the city has resided in the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognised only by Turkey). The old tourist quarter of Varosha is abandoned pending a settlement of the Cyprus dispute.

Current Weather in Famagusta 

Current weather conditions in Famagusta, Cyprus

Local Pollen Reports

8°C (Feels like 7°C)

Last update: 12/3/08 4:50 AM Local Time

Humidity: 93%
Visibility: 8.0 km
Dew Point: 7°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1020.0mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 10km/h From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Impressions from Famagusta 

Famagusta, the "dead city" by danceinthesky

on a beach in Famagusta, with a view of the "dead city" beyond

The Ex-Church in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus by curreyuk

The church in the centre of Famagusta, Northern Cyprus.

Elderly Man in Cafe, Famagusta, Northern Cyprus by curreyuk

This elderly man sat down for a well earned rest and a turkish coffee in the squ...

Bombed Out Hotel in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus by curreyuk

A bombed out hotel on the Greek side of the divide in Famagusta, clearly visiblo...

Othello's Tower, Famagusta, Northern Cyprus by curreyuk

A view of the church/mosque in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus from Othello's Tower

View of the moat arround the walled city of famagusta by pat & nige

View of the moat arround the walled city of famagusta

Nestorian church famagusta by pat & nige

On the day we visited the church was holding a service of thanksgiving for the b...

Famagusta. by Raveydv

The Varosha district of Famagusta, as it has been since the Turkish 'invasion' o...

Famagusta, Northern Cyprus by sayzey

A shot of the ghost town of Famagusta.

Famagusta, Northern Cyprus by sayzey

The sandy beaches of Famagusta, Northern Cyprus.

Gazimagosa'da bir balıkçı - A fisherman in Famagusta by armaganorki

KKTC-Gazimagosa-Galapsides...Geen y%u0131l Nisan ay%u0131, Sanyo XACTI C40 ile...

Pride of Famagusta by Analog Berliner

Anorthosis Famagusta - Digenis Morphou 1:0 (0:0) /Antonis Papadopoulos Stadio...

Troodos Mountains, the Biggest Mountain Range in Cyprus 

Pedoulas, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus, Mediterranean

Troodos is the biggest mountain range of Cyprus, located in the center of the island. Troodos' highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 metres.

Category: Image - :Troodos_Mountains_(Cyprus).jpg|thumb|left|Troodos Mountains

Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountain villages clinging to terraced hill slopes.

There are nine churches and one monastery in Troodos that are counted among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and several other monasteries, of which the Kykkos monastery is the richest and most famous. The nine Byzantine churches are:

* Stavros tou Ayiasmati

* Panayia tou Araka

* Timiou Stavrou at Pelendri

* Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis

* Panayia Podithou

* Assinou

* Ayios loannis Lampadistis

* Panayia tou Moutoula

* Archangel Michael at Pedhoulas

The area has been known since ancient times for its copper mines, and in the Byzantine period it became a great centre of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline.

Current Weather in Troodos 

Current weather conditions in Troodos, Cyprus

Local Pollen Reports

11°C (Feels like 11°C)

Last update: 12/3/08 4:50 AM Local Time

Humidity: 82%
Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 8°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1019.0mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 5km/h From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Impressions from Troodos 

Troodos Falls by Steffan Harries

Troodos...

Artemis forest trail, Troodos, Cyprus / μονοπάτι μελέτης της φύσης Άρτεμις by Phil-AEK

On Troodos mountains, Cyprus.This is the highest nature trail of all in Cyprus....

Caledonian Falls, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus by ynysforgan_jack

The Troodos is highest mountain range in Cyprus

Troodos mountains by smokykater

Troodos Gebirge Zypern

The Troodos Mountains, Cyprus by ynysforgan_jack

The Troodos is highest mountain range in Cyprus

Troodos Mountains by Andy South Wales

Part of the Troodos Mountain range, Cyprus.

Venetian bridge, Troodos mountains by flameproof

The Venetians built a small settlement here in the Troodos mountains when they c...

Troodos Mountains, Cyprus by lucianhanga

cool down in , &l...

Troodos Fire by pmirosevic

Fire on Troodos on 21.10.2007

Goats - Troodos Mountains Cyprus by GerardQ

Here's a herd of goats in the Troodos Mountains. Never seen so many gathered in ...

Church - Mylikouri, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus by LeszekZadlo

Troodos Mountains, Cyprus by stephancbruinsma

Views from Mt Olympus trail

What To Do in Cyprus? 

Traditional Cypriot Food 

If you are going to visit Cyprus you might want to give this typical cyprus food a try.

Talking About Food 

If you want to try a lot of the above at once, Cyprus Meze offers a lot of dishes for you to try.

Plan your Trip to Cyprus 

Travel to Larnaca from...






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Other Squidoo Lenses about Cyprus 

Visit Cyprus
Legend has it that Cyprus was the playground of the gods, and it is easy to see why.Cyprus is a beautiful island to visit and explore at any time of the year.
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Pervolia is in Cyprus, approximately 14km south of Larnaca, one of Cyprus largest Towns and certainly it's oldest, dating back over 6000 years.Pervolia is very accessible, just 9km south of Larnaca airport and good road access, which has made it an up-and-coming tourist destination with a large numb
Wonderful Cyprus
It is best to avoid Cyprus with its Mediterranean climate in July and August. However, its past has had so many exciting adventures woven into it with constant takeovers, that it is truly an interesting place to visit.St. Hilarion Castle with its magnificently overgrown gardens blends into the steep
Where to play Golf in Cyprus
Year long sunshine, plenty of courses to choose from, bloody good bar-b-q, what more could you want from a golfing destination ?

Feedback 

marciag wrote...

I can confirm, Cyprus is gorgeous. I am there, afterall :)

ReplyPosted November 21, 2008

cancan wrote...

Very nice lens. And great photos!

ReplyPosted November 21, 2008

dreamsgate wrote...

What a beautiful place, and so full of history.

ReplyPosted November 13, 2008

lakeerieartists wrote...

Not been to Cyprus yet, but it is on my list. This is very useful information.

ReplyPosted November 11, 2008

LucyVet wrote...

I'd love to visit one day! It looks like a beautiful place, and beautiful lens too.

ReplyPosted November 10, 2008