Paphos
is rapidly becoming the most important tourist center of Cyprus. It is a
small city with about 11.000 inhabitants. The old Paphos is a small
village, called Ktima. Today, there is also a modern Paphos, called Kato
Paphos, which is the tourist neighborhood. This modern resort has
several hotels, a boulevard with different cafés and bars and a 18 hole
golf course. Paphos is a romantic city with a vibrant night-life. Close
to the harbor are several archeological sites. In former times Nea
Paphos was the most important city of the island, but earthquakes and
invasions of the Saracens drove most of the people to the neighboring
hamlet of Ktima. For lovers of ancient Greece culture, Paphos is a must.
Some place to visit are : the Paphos District Museum (a collection of
archeological findings), the Georgios Eliades collection in Exo Vrysis
Street (fossils and 
archeological objects), the Byzantine fortress of
Saranda Kolones (the 40 columns), the house of Dionysus (a Roman villa
from the third century that was excavated in 1962 and that has some
splendid mosaics), and the house of Theseus (excavated in 1965).
The place which is now called
Larnaca is probably the oldest inhabited place in Cyprus. The
present city is built on the foundations of the old city state Kition
(founded, according to legend, by the grandson of Noah). During the 20th
century the city lost most of its importance to Famagusta. Because of
the division of the island and the construction of the international
airport at Larnaca, however, Larnaca is again a thriving center. The
places to visit are : the Turkish fortress (now a museum), the
impressive church Church of Saint Lazarus (after his resurrection
Lazarus is told to have become bishop in Cyprus). The church is supposed
to have been built above his tomb. About 5 km west of Larnaca is a 4
km² salt lake. On the borders of the lake one can see the Muslim sanctuary
Hala Sultan Tekke which contains the relics of Umm Haram, the aunt of
the Prophet Mohammed, who died here in 647 AD.
Limassol
lies on the south coast of the island, halfway between Larnaca and
Paphos. Already in 2.000 BC people lived here, but it was only during
the time of the crusaders that it became a flourishing city. Limassol is
the second largest city of Cyprus, and certainly the most lively one.
Cypriotes sometimes call it "the Paris of Cyprus". There
is always some festival or celebration going on in town. Very renowned
is the Wine Festival that takes place in September. On the eastern side
of the city are sandy beaches that stretch out for miles. Lovers of
night-life fun will certainly not be disappointed in the many bars and
discotheques in the old city. The most important monuments are : the
Limassol fortress, the museum, the zoo and the wine producing companies.
Outside of the city is the former royal town of Amathus (now a ruin,
partially submerged by water). The Kolossi Castle is a remainder of the
old city state of Kourion (of which also a theater, a basilica and a
stadium are preserved).
