Cyprus

The 4.5-mi (7 km) long Kaledonia Trail, the most beautiful of the four nature trails of the Troodos Mountains,... leads along the little Krios River past the Kaledonia Falls to Platres. At the end of the trail – at the intersection to the "residences", the president’s summer palace built in 1881 – there should be a box with a brochure showing the route. The shady forest path is well-signposted; however, the marking does not begin until you have reached the Krios after 1,600 feet (500 m). After another 6,500 ft (2 km) the small river, which does not dry out in summer, tumbles down the cascades into the valley. This spectacle of nature is especially charming after the thaw in spring; the route, however, is more arduous at that time as you have to cross Krios River several times. If you continue towards the valley, you reach a small trout farm with eatery after about 2 mi (3 km). Those who are still fit when arriving in Platres after a refreshment may want to visit the small village of Foini 2.5 mi (4 km) in the west, which is widely famous for its ceramics and the sweet called loukoumi. more

The two worlds of Larnaca exist in the past and in the present. On the one hand, there is the hectic... pace of the modern age – huge shopping boulevards, huge hotels and the airport, first contact of most Cyprus travelers with the island; on the other hand, the old Turkish quarter around the mosque represents more than just a touch of the Orient and tradition. Beaches stretching for miles attract locals and tourists; the chic seaside street links the sea with the city. Here, the residents of Larnaca annually celebrate the Kataklysmos, a huge, colorful folk festival in remembrance of the rescue of mankind from the Flood. The port castle proudly stands at the seaside promenade with its museum giving an insight into the past. Those who want to learn more about the culture of the country visit the private Pierides museum showing a unique collection of ancient treasures of art. And suddenly the ancient world seems to be so close. more

The lively city at the south coast specifically impresses with the lust for life of its inhabitants.... Looking for a quiet place here will have no success. However, the Turkish quarter and the Greek indoor market are oases in the city, which is dominated by new buildings and trade. Never-ending beaches, noble hotels and a varied nightlife attract a varied clientele. The wine festival of the Lemesos wine cellars taking place in the city park annually is synonymous with Cyprian exuberance. Brought here by the Venetians, the carnival is another highlight of the year which the city’s residents celebrate with enthusiasm. The mighty citadel is not only worth a visit because of the wonderful view of Lemesos’s old town and the port. It was built on the ruins of a Byzantine fortress. In its chapel Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria. What followed is a long and turbulent history; since the division of Cyprus, the museum of the Middle Ages, which was formerly located in Nicosia, has been situated here. more