DK Travel : Cyprus : Places of interest

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Agia Napa

Agia Napa, on the south shore of a peninsula that juts towards Cyprus’s southeast tip, has risen to fame as one of the world’s great dance party destinations, but there is much more than mere nightlife to this purpose-built sunshine resort. Agia Napa’s core – and the favourite evening rendezvous for party-goers – is its main square, which is packed with bars and café tables. Yet, only steps away from the hedonistic crowds is a tranquil oasis, the medieval Agia Napa Monastery, while down on the sea front the Limnaki (“little harbour”) still has some of its village character, even if, these days, the fishing boats are outnumbered by excursion vessels carrying holidaymakers to outlying beaches (see Agia Napa).
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 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).
Aglandjia

Not so long ago, Aglandjia, which dates back as far as 3888 BC, was a village community in its own right, thriving on agriculture, stockbreeding and quarrying. Today, although it has become virtually a suburb of Nicosia, it still retains a village ambience, with a handful of pretty 18th-century churches. Among these is the one-domed, arch-roofed Agiou Georgiou church, which contains a woodcut iconostasis decorated with images of baskets and flowers.
Akamas Peninsula

The Akamas Peninsula is a beachcomber’s heaven. A four-wheel drive vehicle is needed to reach this rugged spine of hills, covered with pine and juniper trees, but it’s worth the effort. Along its south shore are southern Cyprus’s only empty beaches, while from its western-most tip are fine coastal views. There’s excellent snorkelling off its rocky shores, while divers favour the offshore islets, such as St George’s Island (see St George’s Island). For something less energetic, boat trips are possible from Pafos and Lakki (see Akamas Peninsula).
Ancient Amathous

Standing aloof above the coastal highway east of Limassol, the ruined foundations of Amathous can only hint of its bygone glories. This was one of the very first of the island’s city-states – under the Romans it was a provincial capital, while under the Byzantine Empire it was the seat of one of the island’s bishops. The remnants of an early Christian basilica, a pagan temple and a spacious Hellenistic agora (marketplace) are the highlights of a site that, despite its accessibility, not far from the luxury resorts and beaches of Limassol’s tourist area, is almost always crowd-free (see Ancient Amathous).
Aphrodite Waterpark, Pafos

Fun for all the family is the theme of this enormous water park, which boasts more than 30 rides and attractions, ranging from fairly gentle slides and floats to exciting five-lane “mat racing”, a simulated wave pool, and a shallow pool for toddlers. A very welcome break from the often oppressive summer heat (see Aphrodite Waterpark).
Arsos

The largest of the wine-making villages is a mellow community of sturdy old stone buildings.
Ascott Pottery, Protaras

Children can try their hand at turning clay on a potter’s wheel at this welcoming commercial pottery. You can also buy their cheerfully coloured plates, bowls, cups and jugs.
Bellapais Abbey

Perched above the sea, Bellapais would be worth the journey into the mountains just for the view. But the abbey, built by the Augustinian order in 1200, is also the most spectacular piece of Gothic architecture in Cyprus, with vaulted stonework decorated with elaborate carving.