Lemesos (Limassol) and its environs: The island’s second largest city, Lemesos (Limassol) spreads out between two ancient city-kingdoms, Amathous to the east and Kourion to the west, two of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus. It is the island’s main port, the centre of the wine industry and a bustling holiday resort. A large number of hotels and hotel apartments line a 15 km coastline interspersed with eucalyptus groves and linked by a promenade popular with walkers or joggers.Wander round the narrow streets of the old town radiating out from the fishing harbour. The medieval castle was the site of the royal wedding in the Middle ages between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre, and now houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, Browse through the array of goods and produce in the atmospheric Market.

Pafos and its environs : Aphrodite’s realm

In antiquity Pafos was the centre of the cult of Aphrodite. Swim in the sea by the rocks known as Petra tou Romiou where the goddess was believed to have risen from the waves, make a pilgrimage to her sanctuary at Kouklia, or visit the grotto near Polis where she was supposed to have bathed.Pafos, with its pleasant harbour and medieval fort, combines a cosmopolitan holiday resort, spectacular countryside and historical sites. It was the capital of Cyprus for 600 years in ancient times and its archaeological legacy is such that UNESCO put the whole town on its World Cultural Heritage List. The intricate floor mosaics in villas dating back to the Roman period depicting scenes from Greek mythology are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. Equally impressive are the underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of solid rock and decorated with Doric pillars.

Aphrodite Route: Follow in the footsteps of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty and protector of Cyprus.

The route centres on the archaeological sites dedicated to the ancient cult of Aphrodite and includes Palaipafos (Kouklia), Amathous and Kition. These are linked to other sites and museums with artefacts related to the goddess. Wander through layers of history, culture and mythology as you learn about her birth, mythology, character, the rituals connected with her cult, as well as plants and seashells associated with her.