Discover Cyprus through its diverse historical traces: at Kourion, the theatre, remains of the agora and mosaics represent different phases of construction and decoration, while Choirokoitia dates back to the Neolithic period. Other highlights include the Cyprus Museum, crafts, wine tradition, nature trails and coastal attractions. You can therefore give culture, landscapes and local interests the emphasis that suits you, rather than reducing the island to a single reason for visiting.
Kourion: Building Phases and Mosaics
The restored Greco-Roman theatre of Kourion was built in the 2nd century BC and expanded in the 2nd century AD. It is primarily used for open-air music and theatre performances during the summer months. Remains of the Roman agora are visible on site. The structure dates from the early 3rd century and was later expanded during the Early Christian period.
The mosaics also offer a distinct insight into Kourion. The House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators contain mosaic floors; the villas are named after scenes depicted in the mosaics. The central room of the House of Eustolios contains four panels with mosaic floors dating from the 5th century. While the theatre and agora show architectural development, the houses draw attention to mosaic decoration.
From the Neolithic Period to UNESCO Heritage
The archaeological site of Choirokoitia offers a different timescale: it is a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic settlement and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. In contrast to the Roman and Early Christian traces of Kourion, the story here reaches much further back in time.
Cyprus’s UNESCO heritage also includes intangible cultural heritage. To date, five elements from the country have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List; this number may change if further elements are added. The island therefore offers both archaeological sites and a distinct category of cultural heritage.
The Cyprus Museum
The Cyprus Museum is the island’s most important and largest archaeological museum. Alongside individual archaeological sites, it offers a separate point of interest for those interested in cultural history. If you are weighing different ways to explore archaeology, you can compare the museum’s focus with the actual structures and mosaics at Kourion.
Nature Trails and Coastline
Hiking trails in Cyprus vary in length and difficulty, and range from 3 to 176 kilometres. The island’s nature trails are divided into three difficulty categories. When choosing a trail, this means that length and difficulty category answer different questions; the number of kilometres alone does not indicate how difficult a trail is.
The coast offers another perspective. Two marinas in Cyprus meet Blue Flag standards; this number may change. Cyprus achieves a score of 100 per cent for bathing water cleanliness year after year. These ratings relate to different aspects, and they too may change.
Crafts, Gastronomy and Wine
At the Cyprus Handicraft Centre, visitors can watch artisans at work in the workshops, practising traditional crafts. These are distinct from the free workshops on crafts and gastronomy organised by the Ministry of Tourism. If you would like to plan for a specific workshop, check the current offerings.
Wine offers another cultural thread: Cyprus’s seven Wine Routes were created to promote the value and quality of Cypriot wine, as well as the island’s long winemaking tradition. Together with the crafts and gastronomy offerings, this theme makes local tradition a distinct focus when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Girne, Limassol, Kyrenia, Famagusta, Larnaca, Paphos, Nicosia, Faroe Islands
