Limassol, Cyprus (Greek port) – Wednesday, October 7 – Docked 11am-9pm
National language: Greek/Turkish Currency accepted: Euro
Greek Isles & Cyprus Cruise Itinerary
Our Cruise Landings/stopovers
Each place our cruise ship will be stopping will have a separate posting on this blog, including each Greek island; Bodwin, Turkey; and Cyprus. This posting is specifically for the stopover on the island country of Cyprus
Introducing Cyprus, an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, divided between Greece and Turkey.
The Republic of Cyprus has several major urban centers, each with its own character.
*Lefkosia (Nicosia), with its 16th century Venetian walls that encircle the old city, is a vibrant capital where centuries of history, a rich cultural scene, and contemporary city life meet within the last divided capital of Europe. Lemesos (Limassol) and Larnaka (Larnaca) are lively coastal cities known for their history, seaside life, and gastronomy. Pafos (Paphos) is a port city with UNESCO-listed archaeological treasures nearby, and water sports and boat trips abound. The Ammochostos District (Famagusta) has resort towns renowned for their golden sandy beaches.
The current status of the Republic of Cyprus (south) and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (north)
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 as a result of the Turkish military invasion and occupation. Today, the internationally recognized state, main cities, airports, and tourist infrastructure are located where the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control (a.k.a. the Greek side). The areas not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus (the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, or as the local Greeks call it, the “occupied territory” of Cyprus) are separated from the government-controlled areas by a United Nations-controlled buffer zone along the “Green Line”.
Visitors can travel freely throughout the Republic of Cyprus. The most popular pedestrian crossing between the Republic of Cyprus and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located in the capitol city of Nicosia on Ledra Street, which requires valid passport/ID checks.
For detailed, official, and up-to-date information on the Cyprus issue, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus: www.mfa.gov.cy
*information partially taken from the website www.VisitCyprus.com
Our adventure in Cyprus starts at Limassol’s new marina where we will be docking. A shuttle bus will take us to the New Port. For those of you who want to explore historic Limassol for a couple of hours, we will walk through the historic part of the city to the nearby 14th century Kolossi Castle and museum. Limassol has nice sandy and rocky beaches within easy reach, including the main beach Akti Olympion. There will be plenty of opportunity for our group to go further afield than Limassol, if desired. Note that anyone who wants to visit the walled city of Nicosia will need to go on a pre-organized tour, given the distance from Limassol (2 ½ hour driving time). Assistance will be given to find a tour, if requested.
Highlights in and around the four cities of the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cyprus)
Limassol Highlights
– Kourion Architectural sites-and-monuments (vast site – need tour) – remote –
– Limassol Castle w/midevil Museum of Cyprus
– Marina & waterfront – good for hanging out on waterfront (ice cream)
– Old Town & food court – good shopping
Lanarka Highlights
– Kebir Mosque
– Old Turkish quarter & waterfront
– Church square with St. Lazarus Church & Byzantine Museum
– Lanarka Castle – divides new part of town with older Turkish part
– Beach and boardwalk
– Lanarca Archaeological Museum
– Jewish museum & synagogue
– Kilima ruins (suggest skipping this if you visit Kourion)
– Get-on get-off bus tour (2 hours)
Paphos Highlights
– Kato Paphos Archaeological Park w/amazing roman floors is accessed from waterfront of Paphos – Kings Tombs is just north of the Archaeological Park – need transportation to do both
-Waterfront of Paphos is delightful to walk along
– Water sports and boat trips abound
– Upper Old town w/Municipal Market (need to take bus or taxi to get there from waterfront)
– Archaeological Museum – small but good
Nicosia Highlights
– Walk in the dry moat at the base of the 16th century Venetian walls that encircle the old city
– Walk the Green Line
– Lidra Street – historic, shopping street on Greek and Turkish side crossing the Green Line (need passport)
– Famagusta Gate
– Omeriye Mosque
– Cyprus Museum
– National Struggle Museum (severing the yoke of Great Britain for 150 years)
– Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus
– Do a structured walking tour – free from the tourist office or do on your own
Famagusta
– Beach trips
A couple of recommended excursions in the Republic of Cyprus which are being offered by our cruise ship
– Paphos, UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes a visit to Aphrodites Rock and the Old port– 5 hours 45 minutes
– Ancient Kourion and Kolossi Castle, Limassol – 3 hours
Helpful links
Pafos water sports and boat trips: http://www.Pafoswatersports.com
Famagusta beach trips: http://www.getyourguide.com (search “Famagusta”)
Lonely Planet Guide books (excellent travel book on Cyprus): https://www.lonelyplanet.com
Cyprus Department of Antiquities:
www.culture.gov.cy/dmculture/da/da.nsf/All/CB2E60AEDED0A248C225719B0038B505?OpenDocument
Free walking tours: www.Guru.com
Finding a local guide, suggestions of where to go, what to do: http://www.GetYourGuide.com
Best beaches of Cyprus: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh1S81SVotU
Diving: www.travel.padi.com
For the other stopovers on our cruise visit separate postings, which are listed in the column to the right.
