Paphos

Legend has it that Aphrodite, goddess of love, sprang from the sea near Paphos. Paphos is on the west coast of the island and used to be a sleepy fishing village.

Take a romantic cruise along the coast, see the sun rise after a night out clubbing in Ayia Napa or sample the rides at the Aphrodite Water Parks. Culture vultures will want to check out the island's ancient ruins, including the Sanctuary of Aphrodite which dates back to the 12th century BC.

Shop

The harbour's leather shops are a must-see. For quality leather goods, Mavris is one of the best-known local names. Handbags, business totes, accessories and made-to-measure clothing are all on offer.

August is festival time in Cyprus, when villages hold traditional events celebrating their produce, be it wine, rose-products or lookoomi. The tourism office can more provide details.

Picturesque Markos Drakou Square is more than a great photo opportunity. Soaked in local character, businessmen ply their family trades in Ottoman-style buildings.

Day trip

Situated in Kouklia, 17 kilometres east of Paphos, are the atmospheric remains of what is arguably Cyprus's oldest tourist attraction:Aphrodite's Temple. In ancient times, the temple attracted thousands of visitors. A museum in the adjacent Frankish Manor House houses site artefacts.

Limassol

The Kourion Theatre was built by the Greeks in the 2nd century BC and modified by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Remodelled in its current dimensions, it can accommodate 3500 spectators. During the 3rd century, it was converted for the wild beast hunting spectacles. The archway in the centre of the auditorium served as a shelter for the hunters. Toward the end of the 3rd century, the theatre resumed its function until it fell into disuse in the 4th century. The theatre was looted of numerous stone blocks. In the course of the restoration, the theatre is catering to spectacles once again. Kourion was one of the 12 kingdoms of Ancient Cyprus.

general information

Republic

Capital: Nicosia

Surface area: 9.200 km2

Population: 1,1 millions

Population density/km2: 120

Member of the EU since 2004

National day: 1 October

National anthem: Ode to Freedom

• Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia

• Fossils of elephants and hippopotami have been found

• The name Cyprus comes from the Latin word Cuprum (copper) which is Kypros in Greek

• The island depends greatly on rainfall for its water supply

• 18% of Cyprus' GPD comes from Tourism

• Cyprus' wines (2000 years BC) are the oldest in the world. According to legend, Dionysus, the god of the Vine, taught Icarus how to plant vine stock

• Following troubles between Turkish and Grek Cypriots, in 1974 the island was invaded by the Turks, who occupy the northern 1/3 of the country

• Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre at Lemesos

• Aphrodite, the goddess of Love and beauty was said to be born there

• The standard of living in the North is three times lower than in the South