Gorgeous Beaches and Mouth-watering Food, is Cyprus the Perfect Mediterranean Island?

Officially its own country, Cyprus is split between Turkish control in the north and the dominant Greek culture in the south. Whether you visit one side or both however this Mediterranean island of paradise offers some of the best beaches in Europe, beautiful turquoise waters and a wide range of historical sites dating back to thousands of years ago.

1. St. Hilarion Castle (Kyrenia)

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The St. Hilarion Castle is nestled in the Kyrenia mountain range. One of three similar castles in the mountain ranges of Cyprus, this is the most accessible of the three. The castle was originally a monastery but was later converted to a castle by the Arabs. The castle is now a living museum showcasing its history, especially of the Lusignans who improved it in the 13th century.

2. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park (Paphos)

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One of the most important archaeological sites on the island, Kato Paphos gives a fascinating insight into the historic settlement of the island, with most buildings dating back to the Roman period. Be sure to check out the Tomb of Kings, the Asklepieion, the Odeon and the Saranta Kolones, the latter of which is the ruins of a medieval fortress there.

3. Blue Lagoon (Akamas)

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Cyprus is well known for its gorgeous beaches and azure-blue waters and Blue Lagoon is a wonderful example of the coastal landscape here. The water here is beautifully clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in. The beaches around here can get a little crowded during peak times in summer, so if you want a little privacy then its best to head there in the early morning or during off-season.

4. Bellapais Monastery (Kyrenia)

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The Bellapais Monastery is in a village near the Kyrenia ranges, in Northern Cyprus. The monastery is under the care of the Cyprus Antiquities Department, and is significant for its religious history and the beautiful Gothic architecture of the island. It's also often used as a venue for lectures, concerts and music festivals so be sure to check if any events are planned for when you're visiting.

7. Konnos Bay (Ayia Napa)

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Konnos Bay is considered to have one of the best, cleanest and calmest beaches on the whole island. The sea here is usually extremely calm with hardly any waves and has crystal-clear waters, perfect for a spot of relaxation. As its further away from the cities it also tends to be less crowded and busy even during the height of summer. You can take part in a number of water activities here such as snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and water-skiing.

5. Kykkos Monastery (Pedoulas)

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The Kykkos Monastery is another stunning religious sightseeing site and the wealthiest and most lavish of its kind of the island. The monastery sits on a mountain peak and is the place where the first president of Cyprus served in as a novice. The monastery often holds religious fairs in August and September and has a special museum along with the grave of Archbishop Makarios III, the first president of Cyprus. Note that you should be modestly dressed to access the monastery, so no beachwear folks.

6. Saint Lazarus' Church (Larnaka City)

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One of the first churches built on the island, it belongs to the Church of Cyprus of the Greek Orthodox Church. It's a popular spot to see the tomb of Agios Lazaros, who was said to have been resurrected by Jesus Christ. The church has a museum that is dedicated to the history of Saint Lazarus right from when he fled to Cyprus, along with Byzantine and post-byzantine empire exhibits, and various religious literature.

8. Cyprus Museum (Nicosia)

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With the huge range of archaeological sites on Cyprus, a visit to this museum is a must to see the ancient artifacts discovered in such nearby sites. It is home tovast a collection of items dating back to the Neolithic period, Bronze Age, Iron Age and the Greco-Roman period. Make sure to check out the statue of Aphrodite of Soloi, relics from the royal tombs of Salamis, terracotta figurines, and the Mycenaean artifacts.

9. Tombs of the Kings (Paphos)

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The Tombs of the Kings is a significant archaeological sightseeing site and one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cyprus. The ancient tombs are thought to be the burial sites of Paphitic aristocrats and high officials of Cyprus during the fourth century BC. In fact, there were actually no kings buried here, the name refers to the grand appearance of the burial grounds. The tombs are unique from others found on Cyprus as the architecture was highly influenced by Egyptian culture.

10. The House of Dionysus (Paphos)

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The House of Dionysus is thought to have belonged either to one of the Roman rulers in Cyprus or a wealthy citizen of Paphos in the 2nd century AD. The house is an interesting historical site in the Paphos Archaeological Park. The house is full of mosaic decorations with the main mosaic being that of Dionysus, the god of wine. Other mosaic themes show themes of mythology, hunting, and vintage of the ancient Cyprus.

Conclusion

Cyprus boasts of some of the cleanest beaches and gorgeous blue waters perfecting for cooling you off during the island's hot summer. The archaeological sites take you on a fascinating path through the well-preserved history of Cyprus. Throw in the mouth-watering cuisine of the island into the mix, a blend of influence from Turkey and Greece, and you have the perfect Mediterranean island for a summer holiday.

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