In which city house in Cyprus?

Direction Cyprus for holidays? Here, from Nicosia to Limassol, to Larnaca or the Turkish-speaking coast, in which city to lodge in Cyprus.

Cyprus is an island and state of the European Union (since 2004) located in the Levantin basin of the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. The island – whose third-north, Turkish-speaking, has been claimed by Turkey since 1983 – has two official languages: Turkish and Greek. Lighted by the sun 330 days a year, the island has a rich historical heritage, beautiful beaches, a splendid mountainous hinterland, a rich culture and was always coveted through history by the Phoenicians, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, Byzantines, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and the English. It is the only island in Asia with a population of 854,802 inhabitants. Cyprus, a crossroads of cultures, has many seaside resorts where to spend an idyllic stay.

To radiate on the native land of Aphrodite (the goddess of Love and Beauty), several routes are possible: Nicosia – the capital – and Troodos in the land, Larnaca, Limassol, Protaras, Agia Napa, Akamas and Paphos on the south coast. The north, occupied by Turkey and with a closed border, is impractical. Here's where to stay in Cyprus.

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Nicosia and Troodos

In the centre of the island is Nicosia, Troodos and a mountain range, including the famous Mont Olympe, peaking at 1,952 metres. Nicosia, the capital, is considered one of the oldest cities in the world. City of all lusts through history, staying in Nicosia One day or two is immanquable. What to see? The panoramic view at the Ledra Museum, walking in the old walking center, visiting many museums in the old Venetian city: the Byzantine Museum or the Cyprus Museum. Note that the northern part, Turkish, is visiting as well. Going south, take a hike in the chain of Mount Olympe and visit typical villages such as Lefkara, Troodos, Agros.

Larnaca

Located on the south coast – the Hellenophone side -, staying in Cyprus in these two cities allows ideal departure points to make tourist excursions in Cyprus. Larnaca has everything to seduce all types of public: families, couples, friends, young and less young, parties, nature lovers or paradise beaches. Errate around the salt lake of Larnaca and do not miss the Hala Sultan Tekkesi Mosque to start. Larnaca is also known to have long sandy beaches with turquoise waters. The monastery Stavrovouni, the Kamares aqueduct, or the village of Kiti are among the must-sees of Larnaca.

Limassol

With 175,000 inhabitants, Limassol is the second city of Cyprus. If you choose to stay in Limassol, don't expect to find an authentic atmosphere: here, modernity and European tourism are legion. On the seafront, many hotels, bars and restaurants line the beach – the area is very concrete, urbanized and dense. However, outside the city centre, the vegetation regains its rights on concrete and the beaches become quieter. All the charm of Limassol – old houses and shackled alleys, picturesque – is confined to popular neighborhoods, near the castle and the large mosque. On the west, the ancient site of Kourion – with its Greco-Roman theatre – is a must for a trip to Cyprus.

Paphos

On the western Cypriot coast, Paphos is one of the most popular destinations in the country. The seaside resort is divided between an old city and a modern city. On the coast, the port and the pier are invitations to Farniente The seafront is lined with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. You will not miss the castle, a Byzantine fort erected in the Middle Ages to protect the port. Also if you are planning to stay in Paphos, Kato Paphos: it is an archaeological site that is part of UNESCO’s world heritage. The site is home to "La Maison de Dionysos", one of the most beautiful ancient villas in the eastern Mediterranean.

Main Photo Credit: Flickr – Andreas Komodromos