Vilanos Real Estate Agents Ltd

Cyprus

Nicosia Limassol Larnaca Paphos

About Cyprus

Apart from a fascinating and exciting destination, Cyprus is characterized by its warm climate, hospitality, culture and tradition. Due to its geographical location, Cyprus, also offers investment opportunities for locals and foreigners.

I choose Cyprus for investment:

Because of its significant geographical location.
For being a member of the European Union.
For its currency, the Euro.
For its warm Mediterranean climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine.
Quality of life with a low cost of living.
For its numerous historical and archeological destinations.
For its excellent infrastructure.
For its skilled and capable workforce.
For its excellent health system.
For its low crime rate.
For the upgraded links and communication.
For its quality airports.
For its business and financial services.
For its attractive tax regime and incentives.
For its reasonable prices for investments.
For its important role in energy policy and the existence of hydrocarbons on the Exclusive Economic Zone, which offer new possibilities for co-operations between countries and growth in multiple aspects.
For its marinas, with the most recent one being the Limassol Marina, which creates new aspects of growth in the region and has 650 spaces for vessels up to 115 meters long.
It offers high level tourist services including golf courses, sport tourism, rural tourism, Spa, business and convention tourism.

Nicosia

Cyprus Limassol Larnaca Paphos

The Capital

“The island has in its midst a fair city called Nicosia, which is the capital of the kingdom, well walled, with its fine gates, which are three, to wit the gate of Paffo, of Famagusta, and Cirina. That of Famagusta, is the most beautiful, and in my judgment the city of Barcelona has none to match it”~ P. Joan Lopez, 1770

During the Venetian expansion eastward in the 1500’s, Nicosia (Lefkosia) was fortified with imposing stone walls and massive gates. The famous Famagusta Gate still stands today, proudly protecting the still-ancient town within from the modern city without.

Through the Gate lies Laiki Geitonia, an old section which has been lovingly restored. Wend your way through narrow stone streets where crimson flowers cascade from window pots and the aroma of traditional baking wafts through open doorways. Explore jewelry and handicraft shops, dine in charming tavernas, marvel at churches centuries old.

Those engrossed in history and art will make their way directly to the Cyprus Museum, which holds the island’s priceless treasures from the first stirrings of the Neolithic Age through the Roman period. At the Byzantine Museum, encounter a dazzling collection of early-Christian icons from the Mediterranean’s Golden Age. The State Collection of Contemporary Art takes a newer perspective, focusing on Cyprus’ modern artists, some of whom have gained note on the international market.

Come full circle in time and visit the Cyprus Handicraft Center workshops, where traditional arts are practiced today much the same way they were in ages past. Relax and enjoy a splendid Cypriot meal, accented by one of the island’s famous wines.

Later, the night life beckons near Famagusta Gate, giving expression to the Cypriots’ legendary spirit of celebration.

Limassol

Cyprus Nicosia Larnaca Paphos

Limassol, a celebration of beaches, fortresses and festivals

During the Crusades, Richard the Lion-Heart, leader of the The Lemesos coast features many luxurious hotels Third Crusade, landed in Limassol (Lemesos), not incidentally to free a noblewoman held captive by the Byzantine sovereign.

The noblewoman? His betrothed, Berengaria of Navarre. In Limassol they married, touching off the most extravagant party the island had ever seen.

Today, the tradition of celebration and hospitality continues in this vibrant seaside town. In February before Lent, masked revelers invade the street with music, parades, and dancing for Carnival. In September, the Wine Festival explodes in the town for a week. And every night people in restaurants, cafés, and nightclubs celebrate events momentous and trivial, from a soccer win to a sudden romance to yet another stunning sunset at day’s end.

Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, which is housed in an old mansion.

Walk along ten miles of beautiful beaches, deservedly known as the Cypriot Riviera. Stroll in the sea promenade or visit the lush Municipal Gardens. On the coastal road to the east, just after the luxurious hotels, you will find Amathus, one of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port.

At 14 km west of Limassol lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain not only an imposing tower and surrounding living quarters but also an ancient sugar factory.

Just 19 km west of town, visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, overlooking the blue Mediterranean. And, a bit further on, explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Larnaca

Cyprus Nicosia Limassol Paphos

Larnaca, gateway to the island and entry poing to adventure

Most travelers first see Cyprus at Larnaka, which is the second port and the site of an international airport.

No welcome could be sunnier: at Larnaka, deep blue seas meet bright sand beaches under incomparably brilliant skies. Palm Tree Promenade Here yachts and sailing vessels from around the globe bob and glint, and along the harbor perimeter is a palm-lined promenade.

Between shopping trips to Larnaka’s international-caliber boutiques, inviting cafés offer shady resting spots and sweeping ocean views. The promenade winds its way to a striking finale, the Larnaka Medieval Museum, housed in a 17th-century fort. Make your way north from the fort, toward the center of the city, and you will come to one of Larnaka’s and the island’s most cherished sites — the church of St. Lazarus. After his resurrection from the dead by Jesus, Lazarus elected to live out his “second” life as Bishop of Cyprus.

He is reputedly buried in a crypt under the main altar. The beautiful interior of the Church of St. Lazarus Originally called Kition in the days of the Old Testament, Larnaka reached a heyday as a commercial center in the 1700’s, when the consulates were established here. One of the oldest, continually-inhabited cities in the world, Larnaka abounds with sights. Nearby is an 18th-century aqueduct, and two wonderful museums — the Larnaka District Archaeological Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum.

Both contain exceptional examples of Mediterranean art. Heading out from Larnaka toward Limassol (next section), stop by the enchanting village of Lefkara. Doubtless you, like Leonardo da Vinci five centuries before you, will be seduced by Lefkara’s exquisite handmade lace...

Paphos

Cyprus Nicosia Limassol Larnaca

Pafos, home to Aphrodite, Adonis, Dionysus, and lucky mortals

Enter another world, where idols and temples, graves and goddesses make up the fabric of everyday life.Pafos is where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, is said to have risen from the waves that crash on its shores.

Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock, is a massive chunk of stone that marks the spot. Her birthplace was a place of pilgrimage for the entire Hellenic world. Aphrodite’s presence seems to have drawn other divinities and notable mortals as well. Excavations have unearthed the spectacular 3rd -5th century-mosaics of the Houses of Dionysus, Orpheus, and Aion, and the Villa of Theseus — buried for sixteen centuries and yet remarkably intact. Their grace of line and subtlety of color will surely inspire elevated feelings in those who see them. Also in this region is the Odeon Theater, a stone structure still used as it was in ancient times for outdoor concerts, plays, and games. Small wonder t hen that the whole Past Polis and Latsi, the Baths of Aphrodite provided the ancients with a dramatic setting for outdoor bathing. The Fontana Amorosa, or fountain of love, still bubbles forth nearby. Is it simply water... or Aphrodite’s fabled love potion?

Later periods of history have also left their traces. The Tombs of the Kings, in Kato Pafos, is a monumental honeycomb structure carved into sheer rock whose vaults held the tombs of Ptolemy period nobles. Nearby, the stone pillar where St. Paul, according to tradition, was bound and beaten for preaching Christianity thrusts heavenward. The Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery was founded in the 12th century A.D. and is dedicated to “Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate.” The neighboring monastery of Agios Neofytos contains some of the world’s finest Byzantine frescoes and icons as well as an interesting Byzantine museum.

Archaeological discoveries in the Pafos region are making it a highlight for those tracing civilization’s roots in Cyprus. For a glimpse of the artifacts and masterworks found in the area, visit the District Archeological Museum.

Returning to the 20th century, enjoy a cool drink, a steaming Cypriot coffee, or a meal of freshly -caught seafood in one of the tavernas that dot the scenic harborside in the town of Pafos. Hotels for every taste and budget can be found in town and the surrounding area. A perfect home base for discovering this wonderful rich region.