Car Rental Paphos - Exploring Paphos

Cyprus is relatively small and has a variety of landscapes and sites worth visiting. Several day trips around the island by car can yield a rewarding break from the crowded beaches of Paphos. Unfortunately Northern Cyprus, which has been occupied by Turkey since 1974, is somewhat off limits, though day trips are permitted.

The best beaches, as well as many resorts and little fishing villages can be found near Lanarca and Limmasol. Outside the city of Lemesos, the restored Kolossi Castle towers over a landscape of vineyards.

Limassol is a major port, an important tourist resort and wine industry centre. Apart from extensive hotels, hordes of nightspots, taverns and restaurants, it boasts Curium, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus.

Larnaca is a relaxed resort with its wide seafront promenade of palm trees and excellent tourist infra-structure. The town’s 17th century fort houses the Larnaca Medieval museum.

The mountains of the Troödos region, in the country centre, are unforgettable. Troödos is littered with 15th-century frescoed monasteries, notably Kykkos monastery.

The Akamas Peninsula, on the west coast, is one of the last wild and unspoiled places on the Cypriot coast, including the Baths of Aphrodite, and excellent walking trails.

Lefkosia, in the centre of the island, is the capital. It’s surrounded by 16th-century Venetian walls, and features the fascinating Leventis Municipal museum, gorgeous 15th century Dragoman Hadzigeorgakis mansion and a Byzantine museum. Some of the city’s best attractions are located in the Turkish occupied North, and therefore off limits (unless you undertake an arduous border crossing).

In the rural centre of the island are famous monasteries such as Ayios Neophytos and Chrysoroyiatissa, popular with modern day pilgrims.