Troodos is the largest mountain range in Cyprus, located in roughly the center of the island. Troodos’ highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters, which hosts four ski slopes. The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus.…There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountains are villages clinging to terraced hill slopes. The area has been known since antiquity for its mines, which for centuries supplied copper to the entire Mediterranean. In the Byzantine period it became a great centre of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline. The Troodos mountains are known worldwide for their geology and the presence of an undisturbed ophiolite sequence, the Troodos Ophiolite. These mountains slowly rose from the sea due to the collision of the African and European tectonic plates, a process that eventually formed the island of Cyprus. The slowing and near-cessation of this process left the rock formations near intact, while subsequent erosion uncovered the magma chamber underneath the mountain, allowing a viewing of intact rocks and petrified pillow lava formed millions of years ago, an excellent example of ophiolite stratigraphy. The observations of the Troodos ophiolite by Ian Graham Gass and co-workers was one of the key points that led to the theory of sea floor spreading. Walk through the forests on one of the nature trails and take in the wonderful scents and aromas and enjoy looking at the waterfalls and surrounding views.

Limassol castle lies in the centre of the old city and above the old harbour. Based on local Cypriot tradition, Richard the Lion heart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England right here in 1191.…The fort has suffered damage throughout the years from the hands of many different invaders to the island, and from various destructive earthquakes. In 1590 the Ottomans rebuilt the castle as it stands today. The original fort was larger. The subsequent rebuild includes parts of the original fort, such as the two oblong halls of the ground floor. The basement contains cells which were used as a prison until 1950.

The Mesaoria region, scattered with small villages and ancient monasteries, lies west of Nicosia. If you’ve got your own means of transport, the area is ideal for a daily excursion. Visit Machairas Monastery (a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary), sitting in splendid isolation on a rugged mountain top…Or, take the journey to the Monastery of Agios Irakleidios and the archaeological site of Ancient Tamassos – an old copper-working town that dates back to the 6th century BC. The beautiful Kykkos Monastery, dedicated to Panagia (the Virgin Mary), boasts the Byzantine heritage of the island in all its glory.The inside walls covered with beautiful mosaic that tell stories from the old and new bible. Northwest of the Kykkos Monastery discover the majestic Throni. Perched up on a mountain top is a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary known as the Throne of Panagia. The temple was recently rebuilt combining Byzantine and modern architecture. Walk along the impressive pedestrian street decorated with mosaics, leading to the statue of the island’s first president l, Archbishop Makarios III. Just a few meters below discover the tomb of the first president. While exploring the area enjoy the magnificent views of the Pafos forest.