1. The very name Cyprus, it has been said, shimmers with an ages- old mystique. Today, history and hedonism are comfortably intertwined on the island. Ravishing five-star resorts within walking distance of well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins offer every amenity the modern traveler has come to expect and more, from knock-out pools, gardens and beachfronts to state of the art thalassotherapy health spas. One of the most impressive archaeological sites, the ancient city kingdom of Kourion, overlooks a magnificent stretch of beaches with a sparkling blue sea beyond. Along the island's sun-kissed coastline., from Agia Napa in the east to Pafos in the west, world-class beach resorts alternate with settings untouched since antiquity. Venture away from the sybaritic shore - if you can bring yourself to - and succumb to the slow, seductive rhythms of the interior. There are old wine-producing villages with atmospheric winding streets and terraced vineyards. You can often stay the night for a song in cozy renovated traditional houses, part of the Cyprus agro- tourism program. Explore Greek Orthodox churches nestled in the hills whose walls conceal vibrantly painted Byzantine frescoes. Many are found among the pine-covered peaks of the Troodos, where a sublime silence can dissolve all sense of time, not to mention stress.

2. Ancient Amathous, East of Lemesos

3. Basilica Kourion

4. Kolossi Castle, Lemesos Kolossi Castle dates from the Lusignan period (14th century) and it served for a time as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. On the land given to them by the Lusignans the knights cultivated sugar cane and vines, producing the sweet wine they named Commandaria. From the roof there is an excellent view of the Akrotiri Peninsula.

5. Angeloktisti Church, Kiti Village, West of Larnaka Angeloktisti Church, Kiti Village, West of Larnaka

6. Agios Lazaros Church, Larnaka

7. Agios Monastery, North of Pafos Agios Neophytos Monastery, North of Pafos The Monastery of Agios Neofytos is perched atop the 612-meter high Charta Summit of the Melissovouno, or “Honey Mountain.” It was here that the hermit Neofytos led his monastic life in the 12th century, mainly in a small cave (called Enkleistra) above the present-day monastery that is covered with beautiful frescoes. The monastery has a museum, well- tended gardens and a shop where you can buy fresh Melissovouno honey.

8. Mosaic of Virgin Mary & Child, Angeloktisti Church

9. Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis Byzantine Church, Kakopetria

10. Pantocrator, 14th Century Fresco, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis Church, Kakopetria

11. Kourion, Greco-Roman Theatre

12. Odeon, Pafos

13. House of Aion Mosaic Floor, Apollo and Marsyas, Pafos

14. Pafos: House of Dionysos Mosaic Floor. Dionysos, Akme, Ikaros

15. Leda and the Swan Mosaic; Cyprus Museum, Lefkosia

16. Stavrovouni Monastery

17. Chrysopolitissa Church, St Paul's Pillar, Pafos Chrysopolitissa Church, St Paul's Pillar, Pafos

18. Tombs of the Kings, Pafos Tombs of the Kings, Pafos

19. Temple of Apollo Three kilometers west of Kourion, the Sanctuary of Apollo covers an area of some 15,000 square meters and is one of the largest historic religious sites in Cyprus. While the earliest ruins date back to the 8th century B.C., the temple site was dedicated to Apollo in the 5th century B.C. Apollo was a god of beauty, music, woodlands, prophecy and archery, and he was a protector of forests. Ylatis derives from an ancient Greek word meaning woodland, and this was also the old name for the forest which surrounds the sanctuary even today. Three kilometers west of Kourion, the Sanctuary of Apollo covers an area of some 15,000 square meters and is one of the largest historic religious sites in Cyprus. While the earliest ruins date back to the 8th century B.C., the temple site was dedicated to Apollo in the 5th century B.C. Apollo was a god of beauty, music, woodlands, prophecy and archery, and he was a protector of forests. Ylatis derives from an ancient Greek word meaning woodland, and this was also the old name for the forest which surrounds the sanctuary even today.

20. Akamas area, Pafos Akamas, a natural wilderness of incredible beauty with breathtaking gorges, spectacular coastlines and enjoyable nature trails.

21. Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite's Birthplace Petra tou Romiou, Aphrodite's Birthplace

22. Petra tou Romiou You can channel the spirit of Aphrodite here at the spot where the goddess of love and beauty emerged from the sea. One of the legends of the rock is that if you swim around it three times naked under a full moon, you’ll fall in love. While the legend probably isn’t true, the rock is a suitable spot for a romantic interlude midway between Lemesos and Pafos.

23. Sunset at Petra tou Romiou

24. Nature Trail, Akamas

25. Larnaka Palm Tree Promenade Palm Tree Promenade, Larnaka's seafront with its line of nature palm trees and its languid air of sleepy beauty. Cafes and tavernas line the area near the sea, making this a popular spot for visitors and Cypriots.

26. Traditional Village House

27. Village House

28. Traditional Cypriot Room

29. Lefkara Village

30. Lefkara Lace The Lefkara lace is the best known Cypriot traditional embroidery with a world-wide reputation. It has evolved through the ages having undergone changes brought about by the history of the island. By studying its technique, motifs, local names, raw materials and arrangement of designs, one can find traces of the past which enable us to discover our history and identity.

31. Agia Napa Beach Agia Napa, with its superb golden sandy beaches, has become a big draw for sun seekers.

32. Protaras

33. Pissouri Bay, West of Lemesos Pissouri Bay, a secluded beach located half way on the motorway from Lemesos to Pafos. An ideal place for honeymoons and romance. Pissouri Bay, a secluded beach located half way on the motorway from Lemesos to Pafos. An ideal place for honeymoons and romance.

34. Agia Napa

35. Sunset, Agios Georgios, Chlorakas, Pafos

36. Cape Greco

38. Mountain Village A Troodos mountainous village, is an absolute charm and the people are friendly and hospitable. A stay in the mountains is definitely recommended.

39. Old Kakopetria Village