Explore Cyprus with Our Interactive Map

Explore our top stories and discover ideas worth your time.

Zoos & Animal Farms in Cyprus

Zoos & Animal Farms in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of those destinations where the beaches get all the attention, and everything else sort of sits in the background. But if you travel with kids, or you just genuinely love animals, the island has a lot more going on than sand and sea. From large wildlife parks to laid-back farm experiences, Cyprus gives you plenty of ways to spend a day surrounded by nature. Some of these places have been welcoming families for nearly two decades, and they keep drawing people back for good reason. Whether you are staying in Paphos, Limassol, or Larnaca, there is something close by worth adding to your itinerary. This guide walks you through the best animal attractions in Cyprus so you can plan your visits with confidence. 1. Pafos Zoo Pafos Zoo has been welcoming visitors from around the world for nearly 20 years, operating as a wildlife reserve and tropical paradise where people can discover animals, learn about their species, and connect with nature. The zoo sits across more than 100,000 square meters of lush, natural terrain, which gives the whole place a very open, unhurried feel. It does not feel like you are walking through rows of cages. It feels more like a proper nature reserve with well-organized paths and plenty of shade. From tigers, lions, and giraffes to…

Read more
Platres to Prodromos Drive

Platres to Prodromos Drive

The scenic road from Platres to Prodromos traces one of the most beautiful routes in the Troodos Mountains. This approximately 18-kilometer drive connects two of Cyprus's most significant mountain villages, winding through dense pine forests at elevations between 1,100 and 1,400 meters above sea level. The route offers travelers a chance to experience the island's mountainous interior, where cool air and verdant landscapes contrast sharply with the coastal regions below. Platres sits at an altitude of 1,100 meters and serves as one of the largest resort villages in the Troodos range. Prodromos, positioned at 1,380 meters, holds the distinction of being the highest village in Cyprus. The road between them follows the natural contours of the mountain, revealing panoramic views of valleys, forests, and distant coastlines. Historical Routes and Mountain Connections The modern road between Platres and Prodromos has its roots in centuries-old paths that connected mountain communities. During the Byzantine period, these routes served monasteries and settlements that sought refuge in the highlands. Medieval maps show Prodromos marked as "Prodromo," indicating its existence as a settlement during that era. By the late 19th century, British colonial administrators recognized the Troodos Mountains as an ideal summer retreat from the coastal heat. They developed road infrastructure that linked villages such as Platres and Prodromos, transforming them into popular destinations for government…

Read more
Panagia Chrysopolitissa Basilica

Panagia Chrysopolitissa Basilica

The Chrysopolitissa Basilica is a major archaeological complex in Kato Paphos that reflects the architectural and urban development of Cyprus from the late Roman period through the medieval and early Ottoman eras. The site preserves the remains of a large 4th-century basilica, considered one of the most extensive early monumental structures uncovered on the island, along with later additions from Byzantine, Frankish, and Venetian periods. Today, the area functions as an open-air archaeological site where visitors can observe layered construction phases spanning over a millennium of Cypriot history. Historical Background Archaeological and historical sources confirm that Cyprus was an important Roman provincial center during the early centuries AD. Paphos, in particular, served as a key administrative and cultural hub in the eastern Mediterranean. The site is traditionally associated with a 1st-century marble column that has become part of local historical narratives. According to long-standing tradition, the column is linked to Roman administrative activity in the region during early imperial times. While these associations are based on later interpretations rather than contemporary Roman records, the column remains an important cultural landmark within the site. The broader historical context of the area reflects the presence of Roman governance, trade activity, and early urban development in Paphos during the 1st century AD. Construction of the Large Basilica Complex The construction of the original…

Read more