1.    Mediaeval Castle – The mediaeval castle is one among 9 castles in Cyprus.  This was built in the 14th century and is home to Cyprus Mediaeval Museum since 1985.  Soak in some history and see where Richard the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria of Navarre.

2.    Public Garden – Along the coastal road, you can stopover by the Public Garden and enjoy its relaxing atmosphere.  Feast your eyes on the lush greeneries of eucalyptus trees and cypresses.  It also has a mini zoo where you can see pheasants, moufflons and vultures among others.  Great place to unwind if you have kids with you.

3.    Limassol Carnival – Limassol is famous for its festivals.  The Limassol Carnival happens six weeks before Easter and is celebrated for 10 days.  The entrance parade of the King Carnival marks the start of the festival followed by a dress competition for kids.  Floats and masquerade parties fill the 10 day event.

4.    Dionysius Wine Festival – Another interesting festival is in honor of the Greek god of wine and revelry, Dionysius.  This happens during the 1st quarter of September at the Limassol Municipal Garden every night between 8 to 11 pm.  Get a chance to taste Cyprus’ best wines and get entertained for free!

5.    Kourion – Kourion is a popular destination from Limassol just 19 km west of the central district.  It boasts of its archaeological sites, the Graeco-Roman Theatre, built in 2nd century BC where theatrical and musical performances happen, the House of Achilles, and the House of the Gladiators.

6.    Lambouri Winery – Off the main road of Limassol-Pafos, you can go wine tasting at the Lambouri Winery.  You can try 16 kinds of wine!

7.    Food Trip – Visit Limassol’s well-known restaurants such as Le Maison Fleurie, Terra E Mare, Santana Restaurant, and Dino Art Café.

1.    Weather – Hot! Hot! Hot!  Cyprus is in the southeast of the Meditteranean so you can expect hot weather during summer.  It’s best to visit Cyprus during spring and autumn.  During winter, it doesn’t get really cold.

2.    Airports – Cyprus has two major airports.  Paphos airport serves the West Coast including Nicosia, Limassol, Pissouri, and Polis.  If you are going to visit the East Coast, then it’s the Larnaca airport you should get to.  This is near Agia, Pernera, Kapparis, Protaras, and Napa.  Be sure to get it right.  You don’t want to spend hours shuttling from one airport to another or being late for a connecting flight!

3.    Hire a Car – The best and easy way to see the sights in Cyprus is to hire a car.  Yup, there are taxi cabs available but if you’re all set to see a lot of the island, better to have your own vehicle.  Cab fare can get expensive and getting on buses will not let you explore the side streets.  You can hire a car online and ask for it to be delivered to the airport once you arrive.  It can get pretty hot in Cyprus so don’t forget to specify that you need a car that has airconditioning.

4.    Driving in Cyprus – In Cyprus, you drive at the left side of the road.  Most rental cars are right-hand drive. 

5.    Drinking Water – Bottled water is recommended for tourists as the tap water in Cyprus may not taste good.   Sources of tap water in Cyprus may be chlorinated rain water or chlorinated desalinated sea water.

6.    Food – Try out authentic Cypriot food.  Eating in Larnaca is pricier than eating in Paphos.  Don’t go home without trying their grilled Haloumi or sheep’s milk cheese, Tava, Meze, Keftedhes, and Moussaka.  Eat what the locals eat!

7.    Tipping – In restaurants, it is not expected to leave a tip.  Tips are usually included in the bill.  But if you find the service real good, 10% tip is okay.

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Museums

Nicosia is an art and culture haven with its numerous museums.  Among the museums to visit are the Cyprus Museum which holds archaeological artifacts of Cyprus, the Byzantine Museum which showcases Orthodox icons, and the National Struggle Museum which preserves the history of the independent movement of Cyprus.  Other famous museums are the Leventis Municipal Museum, Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, and the Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage.

•    Cultural Shows

Two beautifully built theaters are in Nicosia.  These are the Famagusta Gate which is now the Lefkosia Municipal Cultural Centre and another theater called the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.  

•    Cypriot Coffee

Try Cyprus strong coffee among Nicosia’s cafés in the city streets.  Some cafes serve this water on the side because of it’s a strong brew.  Traditional Cypriot coffee is brewed using a briki.

•    Spa

After shopping along Nicosia’s Ledra Street and Makarios Avenue, relax and take a dip in the Turkish Bath of Hamam Omerye found in Nicosia’s old town

.•    Food and Drinks

Indulge in traditional Cypriot food which is a mixture of Middle Eastern, Balkan, and European taste.  Try their famous mixed pork kebab called sheftalia or souvlakia with locally brewed Carlsberg or KEO beer.  Try the local wine Commandaria which goes well with desserts.  Other wines to try are zivania, Cyprus Brandy, and Brandy Sour.