PARALIMNI – PROTARAS

Ayioi Saranda

A natural cave hidden in the Fanos forest and formed into a small church. Above the cave is a stone dome, with hagiographies dating back to the 12th century. Its interior, with no iconostasis or murals, contains only two icons set on tripods and a few pews. The chapel is located at the top of the hill of Fanos Forest, and offers unobstructed views of the beautiful landscape.

The square with three churches

The largest square with churches in Cyprus, located in the heart of Paralimni where three churches meet. The two churches are dedicated to Saint George and the third, which is dedicated to Ayia Anna, has been turned into a museum.

Environmental Information and Education Centre in Cape Greco

Located in the heart of the protected area of the Cape Greco National Forest Park, this centre opened in 2017 to showcase the natural wealth of the peninsula and to raise awareness on the threats to the area’s ecosystem and preservation efforts.The modern, eco-friendly building incorporates a Welcome Centre, souvenir shop, exhibition rooms (with visual and audio guides explaining the different ecosystems of the coastal area and the sea), three aquariums (where visitors can view the marine ecosystems up close), and a café. Tel : +357 23 814 412 Opening hours: Open daily 7.30 -15.00 except weekends and holidays

Cyclops Cave

According to legend, a family from the Cyclops who had fallen into rough seas found refuge here. To reach the location on foot, follow the nature trail that starts from Konnos beach and descend 30 metres towards the sea. However, you can also go by car, although the road is quite rough. The area is suitable for diving as well as nature observation. Traces of human presence dating back to the preNeolithic period have been found in this natural cave. The area is also an important diving spot, while it is believed that the sanctuary of “Aphroditi tis Akraias” was built here and recorded during Greek geographer, philosopher and historian Stravonas’ travels on the island.

 Paralimni windmills

One of the characteristic elements of the area are the windmills that are scattered around the area and number over 1000. They began to appear in the early 20th century while nowadays, the Municipality of Paralimni has decided to gradually repair and maintain them in order to highlight the rural life in the area.

Paralimni Lake

One of the most important wetlands in Cyprus, this natural brackish lake fills up with rainwater every year. Rare species of flora grow here, while rare species of fauna also find refuge here, such as the endemic water snake Natrix Cypriaca which is nowadays a protected species. Among the birds of the area is the Vanellus Spinosus (Pellokaterina) that nests only in Cyprus and Greece. During the winter, flamingos come to the lake, and create a beautiful spectacle.

Ayios Nikolaos Harbour

A picturesque harbour located in the area of Pernera took its name from the blue and white chapel that dominates above it and is dedicated to the Holy Patron Saint of the sailors. Visitors can enjoy a coffee overlooking the sea as they watch fishing boats passing by.

Liberty and Nemessis shipwrecks

For diving enthusiasts, the Liberty shipwreck is located opposite Vrysoudia beach and 650 metres from the shore. Very close, at a shallower depth, is the Nemessis shipwreck. The two boats were sunk by the Municipality of Paralimni in order to create an artificial reef while access is possible from the Ayios Nikolaos or Ayia Triada in approximately 10 minutes.

AYIA NAPA

Park of Mediterranean Plants, Cacti and Succulents

In an extension of the Sculpture Park, a unique Park of Mediterranean plants, cacti and succulents has been created. Since 2015, the plants, cacti and succulents began to be planted by the Municipality of Ayia Napa, and are constantly enriched. The goal is to create the largest collection of cacti and succulents in the Mediterranean. So far, it is estimated that they have planted 10,000 plants which together with the magnificent elevated view, create a beautiful landscape. A walk to the park at sunset is a must. Address: Intersection of Cape Greco and Kriou Nerou Avenues. Tel: +357 23 816 307. Working Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset

Camara Bridge

Probably the most photographed place in Ayia Napa; the natural bridge formed by rocks in a specific area of Cape Greco. It is no coincidence that it is called the Lovers Bridge as it stars in countless snapshots, especially of newlywed couples. Depending on the position of the sun, the colours of the rock and the sea, it constantly changes, giving the place a completely different look. A visit to see this bridge should be top of your list, as it is truly magical and so romantic. Τhe following monuments are found in various places in the harbour of Ayia Napa.

The Fisherman’s Monument

A sculpture depicting a fisherman fixing his nets was placed on the harbour to remind people of the origins of the place. Before the Turkish invasion of 1974, Ayia Napa was a small fishing village whose inhabitants lived from fishing. The sculpture has dimensions of 1.90×0.90 meters and is created by the famous Cypriot sculptor Filippos Yiapanis.

The Farmer’s Monument

Another sculpture by Filippos Yiapanis that was created to honour farmers who, along with fishermen, financially supported life in the area. The sculpture, located in the centre of Ayia Napa, is 1.85 meters high and depicts the farmer in traditional costume.

The sculpture of Icarus

On the coastal pedestrian road of Ayia Napa, mythical Icarus welcomes visitors. The work of the Cypriot sculptor Panikos Spanos, with a height of 3.6 meters and made out of stainless steel, reflects the colours of the sky and the sea, connecting the landscape with mythology.

Farmhouse

What was life like in Cyprus in the 19th century and what did a traditional house of a peasant family look like? The Farmhouse, located in the central square of Ayia Napa, functions as a Folklore Museum; an authentic representation of the era with all its agricultural tools and household utensils, furniture, loom, embroidery and decorations. Admission is free for the public and it certainly is worth a visit.

Genuses of Ayia Napa

Paying tribute to the first family that settled in Ayia Napa from Thessaloniki at the end of the 17th century, three sculptures were created depicting a man, a woman and a child in the heart of the city, created by local sculptor Filippos Yiapanis.

 

DERYNEIA

Cultural Centre of Famagusta Municipality

The Cultural Centre of Occupied Famagusta hosts anti-occupation events and information days of the Municipality about the Cyprus problem. The site also houses a permanent photo exhibition.

Address: 35 Evagorou street, Deryneia. Tel: +357 23 740 860. Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 7.30-16.30. Saturday: 9.30-16.30. Closed on Sunday.

Famagusta Viewpoint

The observatory is located on the roof of the Cultural Centre of Occupied Famagusta, from which one can see its occupied city with binoculars, which is known as a ‘ghost town’. The inhabitants abandoned it and life stopped in August 1974 after the second phase of the Turkish invasion.

Monument to the Heroically Fallen, Murdered and Missing 1974

Dedicated to the people of Deryneia who are on the long list of the fallen, murdered and missing from the Turkish invasion of 1974, the monument was created by artists Maro Partzili and Thymio Panouria. Deryneia counts four dead, two killed and nine missing. The monument is located on Iroon and Paphos Street, next to the Theme Park and the Amphitheatre of the Municipality.

Monument of Pavlos Liasidis

One of the most important folk poets of Cyprus, Pavlos Liasidis, with 14 poetry collections and 8 plays in his assets, is honoured in the homonymous park of Deryneia. His bust is temporarily housed in this area, until the liberation of his occupied village, Lysis, where it will be transferred to once possible.

Monument of Dimitrakis Christodoulou

The hero of Deryneia was killed during the liberation struggle of EOKA (1955-59) in an ambush by English colonialists. The fighter’s ambush was set up near the village of Potamitissa in the area of Pitsillia. In honour of the hero, a bust was erected in the Central Square of Deryneia with the inscription “he fought and fell for freedom and his memory remained in the world forever”.

Municipal Market of agricultural products

Every Saturday, locals come to the open air market to buy their fruits and vegetables directly from producers. On location you will find fresh fruits and vegetables from local producers as well as producers coming from all over Cyprus. And it’s not just that. In the Deryneia’s Municipal Market you will find fresh traditional products such as jams, halloumi and anari, village breads, rusks and traditional Cypriot pies as well as fresh nuts, pastelaki, soutziouko, palouze, fresh eggs, organic products and even plants.

SOTIRA

Christodoula Monument

Christodoula and her long journey for asylum, became a pan-Cypriot symbol of the struggle of cancer patients. Having undergone a mastectomy, 65-year-old Christodoula left Varosi during the Turkish invasion of 1974 and ended up, after a 16-kilometre march, recovering under an orange tree in Sotira. Every year, the “Christodoulas March” is organised in Cyprus in memory of her journey and her battle with cancer. The town of Sotira honoured her with a monument at the place where she left her last breath and her figure was sculpted by the famous Cypriot sculptor Filippos Yiapanis.

AVGOROU

CyHerbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth

With nine wonderful themed botanical gardens, a forest with hundreds of cypress trees that form the shape of Cyprus and a labyrinth of 2000 sq.m., the park is a fun experience for the whole family. The path in between the lavender bushes is designed for meditation or just to enjoy the aroma and colour of lavender while walking around the park.

Address: Levanta Street, Avgorou, Τel: +357 99 915 443 Working hours: Μοnday – Sunday 10.00-18.00

LIOPETRI

Achyronas – Monument of EOKA

Heroes An old stone barn was to become part of the heroic sacrifice of four EOKA fighters (1955-1959): Andreas Karyos, Fotis Pittas, Elias Papakyriakou and Christos Samaras

Liopetri River

One of the most picturesque places in Cyprus is this natural “fjord” which is surrounded by a protected natural rocky beach. The whole area is currently being renovated with the aim of creating nature trails and a fishing shelter for mooring fishing boats and yachts. All landscaping works are guided with preservation of the natural landscape in mind, since the area is located opposite a forest park included in the Natura2000 network.

DASAKI ACNHAS

Refugee Monument

A small church dedicated to refugees. It is a tent-shaped sculpture with statues inside, which refer to the tent that was the first church in the community.