Explore Cyprus with Our Interactive Map

Featured Articles

Explore our top stories and discover ideas worth your time.

View all articles
Cyprus E4 Trail – Europe Long Distance Route

Cyprus E4 Trail – Europe Long Distance Route

The E4 European Long Distance Path stretches over 10,450 kilometers from Tarifa in southern Spain to Cyprus, making it one of the most ambitious hiking routes in the world. The Cyprus section was added to the route in 2005 following a proposal by the Greek Ramblers Association to the European Ramblers Association. The trail connects Larnaca and Paphos international airports across approximately 540 to 660 kilometers depending on the route taken. The path crosses Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Crete before reaching Cyprus as its final destination. The Cyprus segment traverses the Troodos mountain range, the Akamas Peninsula, and long stretches of countryside through regions of exceptional natural beauty and ecological importance. Cyprus became only the second island on the entire E4 route, after Crete, making it a unique endpoint for this continental trail system. The development of Cyprus's section The Cyprus Forestry Department developed the island's E4 section in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation to create a cross country route that showcases the island's diverse landscapes. The trail follows a primarily west to east direction, though it includes a significant loop at the eastern end near Larnaca. The route was carefully designed to balance accessibility with wilderness experience, passing through remote forest areas, traditional mountain villages, and coastal regions. The Department of Forests…

Read more
Ancient Kourion in Cyprus

Ancient Kourion in Cyprus

Ancient Kourion sits on a limestone cliff nearly 100 meters high along the southwestern coast of Cyprus, overlooking Episkopi Bay. The site was first inhabited during Neolithic times, with the earliest evidence dating back to 4,500 to 3,900 BC, but the town itself was founded in the 13th century BC by the Argives. The city-kingdom was built on the hills of the area and overlooked and controlled the fertile valley of the river Kouris. Archaeological finds suggest that Kourion was associated with the Greek legend of Argos of Peloponnese, and its inhabitants believed they were descendants of Argean immigrants. The site stands as one of Cyprus's most impressive archaeological areas, preserving remains that span from the Bronze Age through the Byzantine period. The ruins tell stories of prosperity, political intrigue, natural disaster, and religious transformation. Historical Background According to Herodotus, Kourion was founded by Argives in the Late Bronze Age and was named for Koureus, the son of Cinyras, the first king of Cyprus. The Assyrian kings Sargon II and Esarhaddon mentioned Damasu, king of Kuri, in their records. During the Cypriot uprising against Persia in the 5th century BC, its king Stasanor betrayed his country, lending his support and troops to the Persians. However, Kourion later supported Alexander the Great's fight against the Persians in the 4th century BC.…

Read more
Archangel Michael Frescoes Pedoulas

Archangel Michael Frescoes Pedoulas

The Church of Archangel Michael in Pedoulas contains one of Cyprus's most complete late-medieval fresco cycles. Painted in 1474 and signed by the artist Minas, the interior preserves an extraordinary collection of wall paintings that provide insight into the artistic traditions, social realities, and cultural identity of mountain communities during the late Byzantine period. Within a modest timber-roofed church, the frescoes combine religious imagery with details drawn from contemporary life. Elements such as Western-style armour appearing in key scenes reveal the political and cultural influences that shaped Cyprus during the fifteenth century. This article explores how the church was adapted to the Troodos climate, how its fresco program was designed to be viewed and understood, and why its artwork remains an important record of local identity, patronage, and historical continuity. A Church Built for Mountain Conditions Pedoulas lies in the Marathasa Valley at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters. The region experiences cold winters, heavy snowfall, and long periods of isolation from the coastal areas. The church's architecture reflects these environmental conditions. Its steep timber roof protects the stone structure from rain, snow, and moisture, while the compact interior helps preserve warmth and structural stability. Rather than emphasizing size or grandeur, the building was designed to serve the practical needs of a mountain community. The contrast between the plain exterior…

Read more