DK Travel : Cyprus : Places of interest

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Tillyria

Cyprus’s last real stretch of mountain and forest wilderness is a vast tract of pine-covered hillsides that slope down from the western flank of the Troodos range towards the beaches of the west coast. The region is criss-crossed with numerous nature trails and is one of the very few areas where attentive walkers might be lucky enough to catch a fleeting glimpse of one of the thousand or so moufflon (wild sheep) still surviving in their natural habitat. Tillyria is also a haven for a variety of birds, and in spring and autumn its woodland glades are vivid with crocus, anemones and other wildflowers.
Time Elevator, Limassol

For slightly older children, this thrilling multi-media attraction plunges its audience deep into Cyprus’s past. As you sit in your seat you travel past an audio-visual that traces the island’s history from the earliest settlers until the present day. Lasting around half an hour, shows run every 40 minutes (see Time Elevator, Limassol).
Time Elevator, Limassol

Travel back through Cyprus’s richly coloured history at this world-class, purpose-built visitor attraction in the heart of old Limassol. The Time Elevator uses state-of-the-art audio-visual technology to take its passengers into the island’s past, from its earliest settlements and its various invading empires up to the present day. It’s particularly popular with children (see Time Elevator, Limassol). Housed in an elegantly adapted and restored carob mill – a remnant of Limassol’s industrial heritage – the Lanitis Complex also features old milling machinery, a souvenir shop and a new arts venue.
Tochni

Set in a valley amid lush olive groves and vineyards, Tochni is a tranquil village built around a picturesque church. With several sunny tavernas and cafés to choose from, it’s a good place to pause for refreshment, particularly after visiting the nearby Neolithic settlement at Chirokitia or the Agios Minas Monastery, both of which are nearby (see Tochni).
Trooditissa Monastery

A secret mountain cave and a miraculous icon of the Virgin are Trooditissa’s main claims to fame. High above Platres on the Troodos mountain slopes, it was founded during the 13th century beneath a grotto where hermits, according to local legend, guarded the holy icon for many years. The cave can be visited by all, but the monastery and its wondrous icon may be seen only by Orthodox pilgrims who journey here in their droves.
Troodos Painted Churches

Hidden in the high valleys of the remote Troodos, these modest little churches and monastery chapels conceal a treasury of some of the most glorious early Christian works of art in the world. Miraculously, their glowing frescoes have survived the rise and fall of half a dozen empires. Some are more than 1,000 years old and in their way they inspire as much awe as any great cathedral (see Troodos Painted Churches).
Vasa

Expats and Cypriot urbanites have snapped up many of the delightful cottages in this wine-growing village, but it still has a character all its own.
Vavla

With its mellow old stone houses in varying states of disrepair, picturesque Vavla stands among rolling hills with lovely views of the Troodos Mountains. A world away from all the coastal tourist hype.
Waterworld

The flumes and lagoons of Waterworld are an Agia Napa landmark, 2 km (1 mile) west of the town centre. There’s plenty of family fun here, with gentle rides and shallow pools for younger kids and roller-coasters and slides for teenagers.
Yellow Submarine, Agia Napa

See the marine world through the portholes of this miniature 30-seat submarine, which cruises the Agia Napa coast and its underwater grottoes. A high point of the two-and-a-half hour cruise is the feeding session, when the skipper attracts dozens of fish to eat food from his fingers.