Four large cities dominate the free part of Cyprus, with Nicosia the capital in the centre, and Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos along the length of the south coast.  Nicosia blends the old and the new, with old neighbourhoods surrounded by Venetian defensive stone walls, outside of which stretches a cosmopolitan city.

Limassol, the island’s second largest city, is the centre of wine production and a buzzing summer resort renowned for its diverse nightlife, while Larnaca with its marina and palm promenade (known as Finikoundes) has important Christian churches and Muslim mosques. Paphos, on the west coast, is an archaeological treasure boasting some of the Mediterranean’s finest mosaics.  At the end of 2007 Cyprus had a population of 789,300, 69.9% of whom lives in urban areas with 30.1% living in rural areas.

Nicosia: the island’s capital

Nicosia, the island’s capital, and the only divided capital city in the world, with a population of 310,900 at the end of 2007 harmoniously blends the concepts of ‘modern capital’ with ‘old picturesque city’ jam-packed with history. Grandiose buildings, which house large businesses, and central government buildings coupled with popular shopping centres and modern cafes, are just some of the city’s sights. Nightlife here is diverse with options to match all moods and tastes.

The other side of Nicosia’s coin is old Nicosia with its narrow winding lanes and the municipal market, the area inside the Venetian stone walls, the moat and heart-shaped bastions. The Famagusta Gate, one of the three entrances to the city, is an absolute must for visitors. The Cyprus Museum (with the best collection of archaeological finds on the island) and the Leventis Museum (showing the history of the city of Nicosia) are some of the many sights that one can visit. The cathedral church of St. John, the Hamam Omerye Baths (which have won the Europa Nostra prize), the Bairaktari Mosque, the Axiothea Mansion are some of the locations, which add a special flavour to the history of the island, which is everywhere visible.

Outside of Nicosia tens of bike lanes, nature trails and forest parks provide a welcome contrast to the intense pace of the densely populated capital.  Kykkou Monastery (the largest on Cyprus), Trooditissa Monastery and the Church of St. John Lambadistis are some of the Christian monuments worth seeing in Nicosia.

Limassol: Cyprus’ party and carnival city

Limassol old town is the heart of the city with narrow lanes and quaint, old buildings, which lead down to the old fishing port.  Limassol’s medieval castle today houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum. It is Cyprus’s second largest city with a population of 226,700 at the end of 2007 and also the island’s largest port. Rapid development of the Limassol district over recent years has added to the area’s general historical interest 15 km of hotels, night clubs, cafes, restaurants, studios and apartment blocks along the coastline, offering days of non-stop partying to visitors and residents of the city.

Limassol not only has entertainment to offer but also many archaeological sites such with the medieval Kolossi Tower, the Baths of Amathus, the Kourion mosaics, the temple of Apollo Hylates and the Limassol Central Market being just some of the sites worth visiting. The Municipal Museum of Folk Art, the Cypriot Wine Museum, and the Limassol Archaeological Museum are just some of the venues, which will take you on a trip into the city’s life and past. A short distance outside of Limassol lie tens of monasteries and small villages which will allow you to understand the culture, history and hospitality of Cypriot society.

The Wine Festival in September and the Limassol Carnival in February with its parade of floats and masquerading people in stunning costumes are trademarks of the city and its residents. The residents of Limassol, known for enjoying themselves and their hospitality, are experts in that sector and have managed to attract increasing numbers of visitors who want to experience Limassol’s wild nightlife.

The tens of beaches and coves inside and beyond the city boundaries give visitors the unique opportunity to swim in clear blue waters, to relax on golden sand or to try out water sports and activities. In the evenings a stroll around the old town, a meal at one of the coastal taverns or partying into the early hours in the tourist area are bound to make a trip to Limassol unforgettable.

Larnaca: Ancient Kition

Larnaca, built on the ruins of Ancient Kition -a bronze trading centre in antiquity which was later used as a fortress by the Phoenicians- is today home to a modern city with a port and a beautiful promenade known as Finikoundes which has become the symbol of Larnaca.  Larnaca had a population of 131,900 at the end of 2007 and has much to offer such as archaeological sites, galleries, mosques, museums, nature trails and of course enchanting beaches and coves. Larnaca is also home to the larger of the island’s two airports.

The Choirokoitia archaeological site (a UNESCO world heritage site), the Kition archaeological site, the Larnaca fortress, and the tens of churches and monasteries are just some of the historical treasures Larnaca has to offer. The city museum and the St. Lazarus Byzantine Museum are two places where ample evidence of the city’s ancient history is presented.

A stroll around the city centre, along the Finikoundes promenade, in the Mackenzie area and the port, will give visitors a good feel for the pace of the modern city with its tens of night clubs which transform this ancient city into a place given over to relaxation and entertainment.

Agia Napa is close to Larnaca, known for the wild partying there during the summer months, as it attracts thousands of young people from all over the world who visit the city for fun and endless partying.

Paphos: the ancient capital

It is no coincidence that UNESCO included the entire city in the world heritage list since the capital of Cyprus for 600 years in antiquity has a unique quantity of cultural heritage sites scattered around every corner of the city. Paphos had a population of 76.100 at the end of 2007 and is perhaps the most picturesque city on the island since in addition to its rich history, culture and civilisation. It is surrounded by quaint villages, semi-mountainous and mountainous areas, and there are endless beaches and coves stretching south of the city.

The small port of Kato Paphos, the Roman floor mosaics, the tombs of the kings, the Rock of Aphrodite (Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty is believed to have emerged from the foaming sea), the Christian catacombs are just some of the countless sites which confirm the ancient history of this place. Byzantine, archaeological and religious museums are scattered across the Paphos district offering countless hours of tours and trips for visitors.

Due to Paphos’ rapid development, an immense range of accommodation is available both in and out of the city, ranging from luxury seafront hotels with all the mod cons such as spas, conference centres, fresh and salt water pools and exotic gardens, to a variety of apartments for those on a budget. Highly developed tourist areas such as Kato Paphos, Coral Bay, the Geroskipos Beach and Poli Chrysochous offer hundreds of nightclubs with options to suit all tastes, occasions, moods and pockets.