Cyprus is one of the most popular holiday destinations and tourism in the Mediterranean. This alone makes one pay attention to it. The favorable location, the abundance of beautiful places, the developed tourist infrastructure makes Cyprus attractive for everyone. This is not to mention the mild, pleasant climate, romantic atmosphere and, perhaps, the cleanest air in the world.
Rocks of Aphrodite in Paphos
This place is also called the Baths of Aphrodite. It is located near Paphos. According to legend, it was there that goddess Aphrodite loved to bathe. You can get there only on foot, neither buses, nor a taxi to the Baths do not carry. It is believed that the water near the Rocks of Aphrodite gives the eternal youth of bathing, however, check it out of the tourist’s capacity – bathing is officially prohibited there, but you can wash and wet your hands and feet in a specially equipped fountain.
From the Rocks themselves, a path leads to the Fountain of Love, because Aphrodite is the goddess of love. By the way, not far from Paphos, 15 kilometers away, the temple of Aphrodite was also built. However, thanks to the efforts of the first Christians, as well as a multitude of earthquakes, only the ruins of this temple survived to this day.
Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
This is not just burial-mounds. Each tomb is several hundred meters and deserves the name of the monument. But size is not the only thing worth seeing. The view of the tombs is fully reminiscent of the houses in which their owners lived, with transitions and staircases, in which sometimes they also come across wells. And this whole peculiar city is located around a fairly large area.
Sadly, such monuments of antiquity, bearing traces of the first Christians in the form of crosses and wall inscriptions, are also affected by vandals – it’s just a pity to look at two tombs from the existing ones.
The minus of the underground journey is quite hot there, so it’s better to visit it early in the morning or closer to 17 o’clock. In addition, in the territory of the historical monument there are no cafes, no toilets, or places for recreation. So parents with kids best to keep track of time. Of course, the territory where the tombs are located is fenced and a small fee is charged for the entrance.
Eroskipos – the sacred garden
Eroskipos is an ancient village, it is located east of Paphos. The main historical monument of the village is the church of St. Paraskeva, along with a pastry shop, located on the main street of the village. Local sweets called lukumiya, made from almonds, jelly and powdered sugar, will appeal to both children and parents.
The church itself is a basilica built by Christians. A unique wall painting dates back to the iconoclasm period. Few monuments of this kind remain in the world – it is known that most of the murals from this period are buried under the traditional faces of saints.
Kykkos Monastery – World Monument
This Christian monastery is known throughout the world thanks to the true Orthodox treasure hidden within its walls – the icon of the Virgin Mary, the author of which is St. Luke. Interestingly, the face of Our Lady is hidden by a silver canvas, because, according to legend, anyone who looks at it will be blind. In addition, a belt is stored in the church at the monastery, which, according to the monks, is able to heal women from infertility.
A monastery was built in the north-western part of the Troodos mountain in 1080. Unfortunately, in his lifetime, Kykkos met many tragic events. Thus, four fires occurred within its walls.
Bird Park – Parrot Show
This is not a joke, in the park of birds in Paphos arranged a show, the key number of which are parrots on bicycles. In general, the park is inhabited by a great many different bird fauna – and toucans, and peacocks, and other birds. In addition, many animals live on the same territory – from giraffes and kangaroos to guinea pigs. The founder of the park was the ornithologist Christ Christopher.
In addition to observing birds and animals, there are many other attractions inside the park – playgrounds for children, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a shop with traditional crafts.
Waterpark in Ayia Napa – the best place to stay with children
What kind of child will refuse to spend a summer day in the water, and even with such wonderful attractions, which offers a water park in Ayia Napa. This is not just a park – it is a small country. Inside it is possible to visit Atlantis, to meet with Hydra and other legendary characters of ancient Greece. On the territory of the water park there is a water Olympus – it is clear that you will not find any longer than this slide in Cyprus. You can also try your hand in the role of Hercules, trying to climb the 20-meter tower. One of the most memorable attractions of the park is the Eolos whirlpool. It consists of a serpentine and a whirlpool, after which a person enters the pool.
Minus stay in the water park – you can just burn in the sun, because to get the child out of the fairy tale world is absolutely impossible.
Among other things, children and adults – fans of “Pirates of the Caribbean” will be able to admire and ride on the “Black Pearl” – the ship, for which the legendary Jack Sparrow has gone through so many adventures.
Protaras – time to relax with the whole family
The sandy beaches and secluded rocky coves of the town of Protaras are simply created in order to enjoy family fun. The hotel infrastructure in this place is very developed, the hotels are quite modern, the apartments in them are often focused on a family of four or more people. In addition, Protaras can be called an island of tranquility, located near Ayia Napa, which is the center of all sorts of noisy and active entertainment.
Nightlife in the town is represented by restaurants, pubs and bars provided by major hotels located along the main street. Almost in every bar you can watch sports programs or popular TV shows on a wide screen, as well as listen to live music, which consists of popular songs, rather than traditional Cypriot music. Most of the nightclubs, which can also be found in Protaras, work until the early morning hours.
In conclusion, I would like to advise you to choose places for your first visit to Cyprus with special care. After all, this very first impression of the island will remain with you in memory forever.
