Cyprus, Europe

Cypress- the divided beauty in the Mediterranean

Cypress played an important role in Greek mythology. Today the third largest island with the most forests in the Mediterranean Sea is divided. The mutual capital of two republics, Nicosia, lies in the middle of the island and is divided by a “green line” which is guarded by UNO soldiers.  The southern part of Cypress has belonged to the EU since 2004 and is a popular vacation destination for bathers and friends of antique findings. 

A trip to Nicosia is definitely an experience, as the small handicraft shops, restaurants and shops in the Old Town, religious buildings and the archaeological as well as the icon museums are worth seeing. Nicosia only has three large hotels and a few pensions.

The tourist centers of the republic are in the south and southwest near Limassol and Paphos. 
Limassol has an important cruise ship harbor and is very popular with visitors due to its beautiful long coast with many international hotels directly on the beach promenade. 

Larnaca is also a tourist destination. The city was built upon the ruins of the ancient city of Kition and spectacular findings and excavations have been made available to the public here.

In the central Troodos Mountains at Olympos (1951 meters above sea level) there is a small skiing region in which ski-runs are possible usually in January and February.

picture source: Baghira / pixelio.de

 

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