Popular Things to do and See in Cyprus

Othello's Tower is the medieval fortress guarding both the harbour and the town of Famagusta. Othello is the name of a Venetian governor of 1506. The entrance to the tower is pierced through the Venetian fortifications which date from between 1500 and 1550.

Inside the walls is the Great Hall, and with the large kitchen at one end. Windows are quite small (probably for defence purposes). When you climb up the steps, you can see a fine view of both ancient and modern harbours. Modern ships still use the same harbour entrance as it was in the golden age of Famagusta, 1300 to 1400 A.D.

This is the largest medieval building in Famagusta. It was originally constructed as St. Nicholas Cathedral and its construction took almost 100 years (1300-1400 AD). Its architecture is obviously Gothic and many claim that it closely resembles the Cathedral of Rheims in Paris.

When the Ottoman Turks captured Famagusta from the Venetians in 1571, the cathedral was converted into a mosque and a minaret was added. The full name of the building today is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. In accordance with Muslim religion all images of the human form in stone, fresco, or in stained glass windows were removed or plastered over. However, all aspects of the Gothic tracery have been preserved. The interior is a Muslim prayer hall, the floor being covered with carpets.

Some info on the town itself...

Thanks to its troubled History, Famagusta is in fact two towns rolled into one. The ancient walled city of Famagusta is much as it was over five hundred years ago when Ottoman siege engines lay beyond its walls. Meanwhile the modern day town of Varosha (which flourished after independence in 1960) now lies trapped in the buffer zone between North and South Cyprus. The town is locked in a historical stasis; washing still hangs from sagging lines and the empty streets are given over to stray cats. The Turkish authorities have cut off all access to the city and so it remains a melancholy symbol of a land divided; its presence a reminder to the Greeks of all they have lost.

Seven hundred years ago Famagusta was the richest city on earth; famed throughout the world for its mercantile magnificence. Famagusta's economy boomed under Venetian rule, fed by trade routes that spanned the globe from England to India. In fact, the city was so well known that Shakespeare chose it as the setting for his play Othello. Famagusta's new wealth spurred on a frenzy of medieval building, many of which can be seen today, including: the Cathedral of St Nicolas, numerous houses and the remains of the fortified citadel. Unfortunately the fortifications weren't as robust as they could have been, and the city was taken by the Ottomans in the sixteenth century.

Famagusta soon slid into decline to become a remote 'backwater posting' that normally signaled the end of an official's career. Ironically this neglect both preserved the city and drained it of life. Today the shell of the walled city survives; an impressive façade which promises more than it delivers. The exception is the city centre, which has been recently renovated and retains much of its historical appeal. Otherwise those looking for a taste of Famagusta's medieval past should poke around the ancient bazaar in the heart of the old town or head up to the Venetian fortifications.

Although Famagusta is still a rather depressing place to spend a great deal of time, a short stop to see some of the Gothic architecture should be enough to pursuade those history-inclined tourists. The Venetian Palace and museum should be your first stop then head to the Church of St John before moving on. If you are prepared to stay a tad longer, the St George of the Greeks church is a fascinating detour where you can still see the remains of cannonballs that have collided with the walls.

Coral Bay Beach

Coral Bay beach is tourists' favourite beach in Paphos.
I was recently here and I have a video showing the whole of the coral bay. (Don't miss it).

Take the coast road from Paphos Town north for about 14 miles signposted to Peyia. There are frequent service buses from Kato Paphos

Paphos castle is located in Kato Paphos at the harbour. This castle was originally built to protect the harbour and was a Byzantine fort.

The castle itself is a stunning stone walled castle built on the harbour. There is an arched battle way bridge that connects the castle to the harbour itself. There are very few windows in this castle but the view from the top platform is magnificent and from here you can see Kato Paphos in all its glory. It really is a site worth seeing and for those interested in culture; Paphos Castle is a definite must see during your trip to Cyprus.

Paphos Castle is listed in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites and is fully protected.

Once inside the castle there is not much to see or do but once you reach the top platform you will see the breath taking view of the marina. Many people also use Paphos Castle as a backdrop for some amazing and memorable holiday pictures

There is a great promenade and boulevard with palmtrees next to the port-area of Kato Pafos with a lot of food-stands and garden-restaurants and places to rent a boat or book an excursion.
There is a large car-park as well that is ment mainly for the visitors of the excarvation-area there.

The house of Theseus in Kato Pafos has one of the most beautiful mosaiques in Kato Paphos with a diameter of 12 meters. Kato Paphos of nowadays was called Nea Pafos when the Romans built this town around 58BC. Nea Pafos was an important port and a weathly town, you can still see that by the outstanding quality of the mosaiques
in this excarvation-area. A lot of houses are still under the ground.

In Kato Pafos you will find a wide area of excarvations,where it takes quite a long time to walk through and all that you mostly will see are the basements of the former buildings and a lot of interesting mosaiques on the floor. Here at the 7 columns is the only place that I remember where you get a feeling what the houses or temples might have looked like.

Waterworld waterpark opened it's doors in 1996 and has been winning awards ever since. Two awards collected in 2009 bring the total to 24 International awards. Over 3 million guests have visited the park which is the largest themed waterpark in Europe and one of Cyprus's biggest attractions. With over 21 thrilling rides for all ages, the park is themed on ancient Greek mythology. Top attractions include Chariots chase, Aeolos Whirlpool, the River Odyssey and Poseidon wave pool.

Children are well catered for with the Atlantis activity pool, Pegasus Childrens pool and the Trojan adventure. Those seeking a more adrenalin fuelled ride can attempt the Kamikaze slides, Drop to Atlantis and the fall of Icarus.

As well as the rides, visitors have the benefits of free parking, sunloungers and umbrellas, showers and changing facilities. Lockers are available for daily rental. All staff are fully trained and first aid is available if required.

Those spending a day at the park will no doubt want to eat something from the restaurants or snack bars in the park. There is a choice of self service full meals, pizza, fish and chips as well as a creperia and ice cream parlour.

Sling Shot Ayia Napa opened in 1999 and is still going strong as one of the most popular adrenalin fuelled rides on the island. Situated on Nissi Avenue in the Parko Paliatso funfair, riders have spectacular views over the centre of town, especially at night. Those seeking the adrenalin rush are securely strapped inside a metal cage which is hung on steel cables, they are then catapulted up to 90 metres in a tiny 2 seconds. Everyone is welcome on board the ride from children to senior citizens and many people enjoy the experience so much they go several times during their holiday. A live video stream of the ride including footage from inside the cage is shown at various places in town and both the video and the ride itself attract a huge number of spectators as well as participants.

The Thalassa Museum is directed by the Pierides Foundation, in association with the Hellenic Institute for the Preservation of Nautical Tradition and the Tornaritis-Pierides Marine Life Foundation. It opened in August 2005 and it comprises the cornerstone for the local cultural infrastructure of Agia Napa-Cyprus, has the sea as a subject-matter. It is the first museum of its kind across the Mediterranean region with main principle to present to the audiences, the local and foreign visitors, the impact and the significance of the sea upon the history of the island. The exhibits of the museum cover a chronological span, from pale ontological to prehistoric periods until present times.