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.

Pafos Aphrodite Opera Festival

A month after the Greek drama festival, the area in front of Pafos castle comes alive again as the setting for three days of opera, performed by an esteemed international cast. This popular autumn event is one of the highlights of the country’s cultural calendar.
Palaia Pafos

Archaeologists have found Chalkolithic idols here from the 4th century BC.
Palaiochori

This village stands among citrus groves and fertile fields. In the village centre the Museum of Byzantine Heritage displays striking icons and ecclesiastical vestments.
Palazzo Bianco, Agia Napa

Palazzo Bianco’s pizza and pasta will set you up for a heavy night’s partying.
Paloura

A couple of basic snack bars and one (as yet uncompleted) hotel complement Paloura’s clear blue water.
Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church

Catacombs dug into the hillside show that this church dates from early Christian times, when believers worshipped in secret for fear of persecution.
Panagia tis Amasgou

Some wonderful – but unrestored – frescoes dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries are the key feature of this nunnery church. It is just one of several important Byzantine churches in the Kourris Valley, near Limassol.
Panagia tou Sinti

The former monastery was left to crumble after the Venetians were driven from Cyprus by the Ottomans, but it underwent restoration in 1997.
Panagia tou Sinti Monastery

Standing alone on the banks of the river Xeros, Panagia tou Sinti is deserted and a little ghostly. Founded in the 16th century, it is one of the island’s most important Venetian buildings, and has been awarded the Europa Nostra prize for the sensitive restoration work carried out in the 1990s (see Panagia tou Sinti).
Panagia’s Souvenir Market, Geroskipou

You can’t miss Panagia Athinodorou’s colourful shop on the north side of the central square, with its array of bright-painted pottery, colourful tsestos (bread trays) and cane baskets.

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