Explore Cyprus with Our Interactive Map

Explore our top stories and discover ideas worth your time.

Venetian Bridges Nature Trail

Venetian Bridges Nature Trail

The Paphos Forest hides a secret world where history meets the wild. You walk on trails that medieval merchants once used to transport copper and gold. These paths connect three spectacular stone structures known as the Venetian Bridges. Deep valleys and thick cedar trees create a quiet atmosphere for every visitor. The air feels cool even when the sun shines bright above the canopy. You hear the sound of water as it flows under old arches. This journey offers a glimpse into the past of Cyprus. It remains a top choice for those who love quiet walks. Every step reveals a new view of the green landscape. Trail Overview Location: Paphos Forest, Limassol/Paphos District, Cyprus Distance: 17 km (Full linear trail) Route Type: Point-to-Point (Linear) Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 600 meters Duration: 5 – 6 hours Best Time to Visit: March to June or September to November Terrain: Dirt tracks, forest paths, and rocky slopes The Historical Significance of the Venetian Bridges The Venetian era in Cyprus left a permanent mark on the island. Engineers built these bridges during the 16th century to facilitate trade between mountain mines and the coast. Mules carried heavy loads across these stone spans every day. The architecture reflects a need for strength and durability against mountain floods. You see precise stonework that survives centuries…

Read more
Akamas Peninsula National Park

Akamas Peninsula National Park

Akamas Peninsula National Park occupies the northwestern tip of Cyprus, beginning just north of Paphos and extending to Cape Arnaoutis. The landscape varies from golden beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs to arid plains covered in Mediterranean scrub and mountain forests of pine and juniper. Deep gorges carved by seasonal rivers cut through the limestone terrain. No paved roads cross the interior, and most of the peninsula remains uninhabited. The area takes its name from Akamas, a son of the mythological hero Theseus, who supposedly founded the ancient city of Soli after fighting in the Trojan War. Historical Background Until the year 2000, the British military used Akamas for training exercises and as a firing range. Under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment, the British Army was allowed to use the peninsula for up to 70 days each year. The military presence actually helped preserve the area by preventing development. When the British withdrew, conservation groups and the Cyprus government began the long process of establishing protected status. In preparation for Cyprus joining the European Union, most of Akamas received designation under the Natura 2000 network between 2003 and 2009. Two turtle nesting beaches became Sites of Community Importance. The Polis-Gialia area received status as a Special Area of Conservation. The entire peninsula was designated a Special Protection Area for birds. However,…

Read more
Cyprus Public Transportation System

Cyprus Public Transportation System

Cyprus operates a bus-based public transportation network that serves all major cities and most tourist areas across the island. The system consists of urban buses within cities, intercity buses connecting major towns, airport shuttle services, and rural routes linking villages to nearby urban centers. Since the last passenger railway closed in 1951, buses represent the only form of public mass transit available to Cypriots and visitors. However, despite having 3.2 buses per 1,000 inhabitants, double the EU average of 1.6, Cyprus records some of Europe's lowest public transport usage. Only 3 percent of journeys in Greater Nicosia use public transportation, while the island maintains one of the world's highest car ownership rates at 658 automobiles per 1,000 people. This paradox reveals a fundamental challenge: Cyprus has invested in buses but has not created conditions that make public transport a practical alternative to private cars for most residents. How the Bus System Works Across Cyprus Public transportation in Cyprus operates under a concession model, with different private companies managing services in each district under contracts awarded by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. Cyprus Public Transport handles Nicosia and Larnaca, operating as NPT and LPT respectively. The Transport Company for Limassol District runs services in Limassol. Pafos Transport Organisation manages the Paphos district. The Famagusta District Transportation Organization, known as…

Read more