East meets west in the ancient district of Larnaka (Larnaca), where hundreds of years of contrasting civilizations, architecture and culture have left their mark on an authentic and diverse region.

Both Christianity and Islam have important religious sites in Larnaka. The Church of Agios Lazaros, who lived in Larnaka after his resurrection, and the Mosque of Hala Sultan - built in honour of the Prophet’s Mohammed’s aunt - are two of the main attractions of the city. Other popular sights are the Medieval Castle, the palm tree-lined promenade of ‘Foinikoudes’, and Larnaka Salt Lake, which fills with flocks of vibrant pink flamingos during the winter months.

Further out, the mountainous areas of Larnaka trail up the Troodos range, which is dotted with charming villages of narrow streets, where traditions and skilled handicrafts are still practiced. Of the most famous is the handmade lace embroidery of Lefkara and its delicate filigree silver, whilst villages like Kato Drys, Vavla and Odou are also pretty and tranquil.

The region is also rich in significant archaeological sites, including ‘Choirokoitia’ - one of the best-preserved sites of a prehistoric settlement in the Eastern Mediterranean - and ‘Kalavasos Tenta’, located in the rural areas.

One of the finest examples of Byzantine art of the Justinian period - a rare 6th century mosaic of the Virgin and Child between two archangels - can be found in the region at Angeloktisti Church in Kiti village, whilst the solitary monastery of Stavrovouni, one of the oldest on the island, sits perched on a rocky peak with panoramic hillside views. In Pyrga village, the Royal Chapel - built in 1421 by the Lusignan King Janus - is  decorated with an interesting wall painting of the king and his wife, Charlotte de Bourbon.

Enjoy a melting pot of diversity and history, combined with coast and mountains in the captivating region of Larnaka!

Legends of kings and kingdoms, and the origins of the island’s wine making industry characterise the Lemesos (Limassol) region, which embodies both the ancient and the modern.

Known as the region of wine, celebrations and ancient realms, Lemesos is comprised of its main city - which sits between two important archaeological sites; the ancient city-kingdom of Amathus to the east, and the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion to the west - along with rural areas and charming mountainous villages, where old traditions and crafts are still practised.

Lemesos is the second largest city of Cyprus, the home of the island’s main port, and a bustling holiday resort. From its jewel of a marina and impressive archaeological monuments, to the vast 15 km coastal strip lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and entertainment establishments, the main city is thriving and colourful.

The region also encompasses two unique wetlands. Germasogeia Dam is a peaceful place to relax, take a stroll, or enjoy a spot of angling, whilst Akrotiri Salt Lake is perfect for observing nature and wildlife (especially birds). The environmental significance of the Salt Lake and its surrounding area are showcased at the new installations of Akrotiri Environmental Centre.

The region then trails up the sun-kissed southern slopes of the Troodos mountains, with vineyards forming a pleasant green backdrop to the city. The hillside villages here are known collectively as the 'Krassochoria' (or wine villages), and keep their old traditions of viticulture alive, producing the island’s best wines even today, and especially one of the oldest named wines in the world – the sweet dessert wine of Commandaria. Here, visitors will find a tranquil, rural retreat where hiking and cycling can be enjoyed in the unspoilt countryside.

With its viticultural pedigree and a magical history, the region of Lemesos simply sparkles with opportunity from coast to hillside.

With its distinction as the only divided capital in the world, Lefkosia (Nicosia) and its surrounding region combines the heartbeat of the island’s commercial and businesses centre with an interesting past, and rural areas where escape is possible in naturally beautiful, green environs.

The capital itself is steeped in history and culture, with a charming old city surrounded by massive Venetian walls, and the island’s largest concentration of museums, art galleries and religious and historical monuments, that all tell wonderful stories of the island through the ages.

Leaving the busy capital behind, the region then expands to the countryside, where a different side unfolds amidst orchards and olives groves, forests and hillsides.

Visitors will encounter the ruins of two rich city-kingdoms that also form part of the Lefkosia region; those of Tamassos  and Idalion (both south of Lefkosia).

Tamassos was built near an important copper mine and prospered greatly during Roman times - when Cyprus was famous for its copper. At the site of Idalion, there is a museum with chronological exhibits from excavations of the area.

Stretching up into the pine forest of the Machairas mountains, the scenery becomes more and more picturesque, with significant sights, such as the ancient Machairas monastery and Agios Irakleidios Convent, where the relics of the saint are kept inside the church.

There are also an abundance of quaint, mountainous villages that form part of the rural areas of the region, with their cobbled streets and preserved stone and adobe houses, offering a glimpse of village life in Cyprus. Worth visiting is the village of Fikardou, which has been declared a national monument, and was awarded the Europa Nostra award in 1987 for its carefully restored 18th century houses with their remarkable woodwork and folk architecture. Other interesting villages include Alona, Prodromos, Pedoulas, Kakopetria and Palaichori.

Offering the best of two worlds; that of vibrant capital, and also of rural retreat, the two ‘faces’ of the region of Lefkosia are both equally beguiling.