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.

Kolokitha

These colourful gourds are painted or decorated with carved or pokerwork patterns.
Kolossi Castle

Kolossi is no fairy-tale fantasy castle, but a solid, forbidding fortress which bears testimony to the military skills of its medieval builders. For a while, it was a stronghold of the piratical Knights of the Order of St John, and was surrounded by the vineyards from which they made the celebrated sweet wine, Commandaria, which was named after their “commandarie”. Sacked by Genoese marauders in the 15th century, it retains many of its original features from that period, thanks to a careful restoration in the 1930s, including a private apartment and a coat of arms of one of the commanders. There are great views of the coast from the castle turrets.
Kolossi Steak House, Kolossi

This friendly place is a favourite with British armed forces families from the nearby bases as it serves English roasts.
Konnos

Pine woods cover the steep slopes behind this minute cove, hemmed in by craggy headlands. It is easiest to get to by boat, and it’s a popular stop on day-trips from Protaras and Agia Napa, with good visibility for snorkelling.
Kontoyannis House, Kalavassos

This old village home in the centre of Kalavassos has been tastefully converted into four studios and apartments, which share a pretty courtyard. Nearby are the sandy coves of Governor’s Beach (see Governor’s Beach).
Kostaris, Pafos

These stone-built houses and adjoining cottage share a pretty garden in which there is a traditional clay oven, an old wine-press and – best of all – a small pool. All three houses are furnished with charm, and share fabulous views.
Koupepia

Cypriots say this dish, made with vine leaves stuffed with minced pork or lamb and rice, is at its best in spring when the young leaves are at their freshest and most tender. In winter, cabbage leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for this reason.
Kourion

This clifftop city is at least 3,300 years old, but the site may have been occupied even earlier (see Kourion).
Kourion

Tier after tier of stone benches, able to seat up to 3,500 spectators, rise above the circular floor of Kourion’s amphitheatre, where gladiators and wild beasts are depicted on a well-preserved mosaic. These days, the restored theatre is the summer venue for more humane cultural events, including Cyprus’s annual theatre, jazz and classical music festivals (see Shakespeare Festival, Kourion). Kourion’s builders must have had an eye for landscape, too, for the theatre has fantastic views over the coast, vineyards and wheat fields of the Akrotiri Peninsula from its position 80 m (260 ft) above sea level (see Kourion).
Kourion

The multi-tiered stone theatre of ancient Kourion is often the summer setting for concerts; when not in use it offers views over the peninsula (see Kourion).

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