5 Sights to see in Cyprus

From UNESCO listed sites to idyllic beaches to legends of goddesses, Cyprus holidays offer you an eclectic mix of things to see and do. It might be best known for a beach holiday but a distinctive culture means there’s more to the island than that. With a long history, the birthplace of Aphrodite and year round good weather this is a beautiful destination for a family or couples holiday.

Let’s take a look at five of the best sights to see:

• Tomb of the Kings – Paphos is one of the top places to stay in Cyprus and has an excess of great archaeological sites. The most popular is the Tomb of Kings, a spot with cheap entry and constant excavation that two thousand years ago in 4th century BC was the burial sites for wealthy residents (not kings). You can get a tour around the necropolis that is a mile outside the city and boasts eight rock carved complexes to explore. 
  
• Petra Tou Romiou – Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of beauty, love, procreation and pleasure. She is believed to have make Paphos her home after travelling the seas and searching out her area. The legend points to this beautiful rock as the place where Aphrodite rose out of the sea and it has become an iconic sight in Cyprus. There are both boat tours and coastal walks to see it up close. 
• Troodos Mountains – Found in the centre of the island, this range of mountains is beautiful and the biggest in Cyprus. Mount Olympus (not to be confused with the one in Greece) is almost 2,000 metres above sea levels and is an untouched part of the island which is becoming more and more popular with visitors. Like to ski? The Troodos Mountains get snowfall in winter. An added bonus.
• Akamas Peninsula – Beautiful during the blooming spring, this peninsula in the north west of Cyprus is an untouched wilderness. Available to explore in a 4x4, bike or on foot, there are no surfaced roads but the Baths of Aphrodite and turtle sanctuary are worth a visit. The diverse flora and fauna is beautiful allowing for an off-round rustic adventure!
• Limassol Castle – We might have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to castles in the United Kingdom, but this is a great castle, built in 1000, with some rich history. Richard the Lionheart is believed to have married here and the museum is fascinating. It’s a small spot but don’t miss the view from the top when you go!

So, there are five top spots to enjoy. That’s no all though because the likes of the church of Saint Lazarus, the ancient Kourin and the Paphos harbour and castle are also well worth a visit. If you’re looking for something other than architecture then the beaches, Aphrodite water park and Avakas Gorge are good day trips. Best of all, Cyprus is quite a cheap place to travel to and right now there are plenty of low cost travel deals available on Icelolly.com.
(Photo via Flickr by Speedboat)

(This post was written by Jenna Taylor)