Although Cyprus is famous for its beaches and its references to the goddess Aphrodite, there is a list of Byzantine churches, some World Heritage-camouflaged in the woods and villages in the Troodos Mountains in itself justify a trip to this piece of Mediterranean.
Although the island seems the exclusive province of Aphrodite, the Troodos Mountains stand against the pagan goddess with a wealth of celestial magnitude. And, in addition to the highest peak of the island, Mount Olympus, Troodos is home to beautiful churches built in the Byzantine period. Encased in idyllic forests, gems of simple architecture of these temples are inside, as embodied in frescoes and icons that leave visitors speechless.
All the churches of the region deserve a leisurely visit and curious-like people of their contours, and relaxed urban enclaves surrounded by apple and almond-although all the highlights of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, and Panagia tou Asinou Araka. The first is located north of Kakopetria and its walls are completely covered with murals of the eleventh to seventeenth centuries, while Araka Panagia tou XII century and contains some of the best fresh comneniano style. The church is situated, like most, on the outskirts of town, in this case Lagoudera, and once there to look for the priest to open the doors and power and go into their micro-universe of shapes and colors. Another reference that should not be missed is Asinou in Nikitari also the twelfth century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Of course, after a tour of the main Byzantine churches in Troodos is more to discover the other attractions for which Aphrodite emerged from the foam of the waves on the beach of Petra Toy Romiou-made island in his home town . Cyprus, despite its haphazard past is a country of friendly people, from grandparents to play backgammon in the cafes, ancestral women who weave crochet designs on doors of homes in Lefkara ancient wine cellars, as Comandari , to say nothing of its coastline, caressed by the proximity of almond, olive and lemon trees.
Nicosia is the ancient capital, whose old quarter, Laiki Geitonia evokes with its narrow streets, cafés and terraces, the atmosphere of other times. The beach lovers only have to choose some of which are clustered between Gkreko out in the east, and the wild Akamas Peninsula to the west, stunning gorges region, coasts of vertigo and nature trails.
Halfway in Lemesos, carried out the most important celebrations of the island, Carnival and Wine Festival, and shows with sea views in Greco-Roman amphitheater Kourion. Although a favorite of Aphrodite was always Pafos, on the coast fishing port was born and which is stitching secluded cafes and restaurants, after which begins the road to Kato Paphos, the ancient city. Nearby, Kouklia, is the first shrine of a goddess who could not have chosen a better place to emerge from the waters, though the Byzantine icons will now involve a more than serious competition.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
Directions
There are no direct flights from Spain to Cyprus, but the Greek carrier Aegean connects Madrid and Barcelona to Athens via Larnaca, Luftansa via Frankfurt and does Czech Airlines via Prague. The boat refers to Athens Limassol, Haifa (Israel), Beirut (Lebanon) and Port Said (Egypt).
Where to sleep
In Paphos is one of the finest hotels and cool in Cyprus, the Almyra, Kyma suites which offer breathtaking rooftop with sea views. In Limassol, the hotel Le Meridien and notable for its gardens and pools, while in Nicosia accommodation like the five star Hilton Hotel Cyprus. In Larnaca Sandy Beach stands the Hotel, spotlessly white shades which contrast with the blue sea bathing.
Gastronomy
The strategic location of Cyprus and the passage of so many cultures through their territory justifies the exotic and diverse mixture of food, reminiscent of Greek, Turkish and even British. Land of olives and citrus exceptional cheese has its own, the halloumi, which masterfully combines indigenous watermelon. The most experienced gourmets know that the best thing to get into the Cypriot cuisine is to order an assortment of meze, a combination of unique appetizers, served with sweet and ancient wine Commandaria. And for dessert, candied fruit of Glik to finish with a glass of brandy Zivania ice cream.
Where to eat
When choosing a restaurant, five counts with the wonderful Hotel Limassol Amathus, do not miss the Limanaki Fish Tavern, conveniently located by the sea. In Larnaka, the Art Café 1900 is a charming local taverna atmosphere bohemian wisely mixes good food, art and a century’s old tradition. In Nicosia, highlights Electriki Palia (Apostolou Varnava 19), a sophisticated gastronomic reference in which the high-Mediterranean cuisine in the summer does not leave dinner in its fresh garden is the protagonist.