DK Travel : Cyprus

Cyprus packs a remarkable array of sights and attractions into such a small space: museums and archaeological sites that span more than five millennia of history, throbbing beach resorts, medieval fortresses, age-old temples standing on empty hillsides, cool mountain forests and pretty valleys chequered with vineyards, grain fields and olive groves all complete the landscape. On an island where one can swim and ski all in the same day, this is truly a holiday paradise with something for everyone.

Agioi Anargyri

A stiff clifftop walk, starting at the pretty church of Agii Anargyri above Konnos Beach with a detour to Cape Greco and its lighthouse.
Agios Ambrosios

Ambelida and Anassa (red and white) are the leading labels from this ecological winery, which prides itself on using the minimum of pesticides, fertilizers and additives.
Agios Dometios

The pretty, late 17th-century church of Agios Dometios is the main attraction of this village community, quite unchanged by time. Although it’s on the outskirts of the capital, Agios Dometios still moves at its own leisurely pace, and it’s a nice spot to stop for a coffee or a cold drink.
Agios Georgios Alamanos Convent

Lovingly tended flower and herb gardens surround this small convent, which was founded almost 900 years ago. They are cultivated by a small community of nuns, who also paint attractive icons and make their own honey for sale here.
Agios Georgios Alamanou

A natural amphitheatre of white limestone cliffs conceals this rugged stretch of shoreline from the south coast highway. The pebbles make it better suited for a quick dip before lunch than a full day’s sunbathing.
Agios Ioannis Lampadistis

Unique among the island’s monasteries because it has changed little since its foundation some time during the 11th century, Agios Ioannis Lampadistis is set beside a sacred spring and is incredibly well preserved. A riot of colourful 13th- to 15th-century frescoes, covering the walls of the three chapels that nestle together under one pitched roof, depicts much of the gospel (see Agios Ioannis Lampadistis).
Agios Irakleidios Convent

One of the oldest Christian communities in Cyprus, the chapel here dates from the 15th century. It lay in ruins before being restored in the 1960s.
Agios Irakleidos Convent

An air of age-old mystery hovers over this oldest of monasteries, founded in AD 400 in honour of Irakleidos. He welcomed St Paul and St Barnabas to Cyprus, who brought with them Christianity, and he thus became the first Bishop of Tamassos. His bones are displayed in an ornate silver reliquary. It is now run by nuns (see Agios Irakleidios Convent).
Agios Minas Convent

Graceful white cloisters surround a small 15th-century church and house a community of nuns whose fine icons are sought-after by collectors.
Agios Neofytos Monastery

The elaborate iron crowns and silken vestments of Orthodox bishops are among the highlights of this monastery’s museum. Equally fascinating are the frescoes in its cave-like chapel, a grotto dug by Neofytos, the hermit who founded it in the late 12th century.