Cyprus

CYPRUS

About Cyprus

Cyprus is internationally known as the island of hospitality. Demis Rent A Car always upholds this tradition.

Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus’ position makes it an ideal stepping stone between 3 continents, connecting the Western World with the Far East and Arab Worlds. The islands population totals approximately1/2 million which is boosted yearly by 2 ½ million tourists, the largest source of income to the country.

Although it’s a small country, it’s a large island, the third largest in the Mediterranean, running by road at just over 200 km from East to West. Most connecting roads are modern highways, skirting around cosmopolitan towns making sight seeing easy, although there are still the secondary routes and stone roads for the more adventurous.

In fact it’s possible to tour the island in just one day, but a two or three day round trip will capture the best sights of this beatiful country, whose history spans over 9000 years.

At Kakopetria Village there is plenty to see. From the spectacular Troodos Mountains with its highest point, Mount Olympus at 1952 mtrs, the culture and Mosaics of Paphos and of course Nicosia the only divided Capital in the World, to name but a few.

Enjoy the beauty of the unspoilt countryside with Pine clad mountains, the sun-kissed beaches and, depending on the time of year, where else could you swim in the morning and snow ski in the afternoon.

Paphos is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, sexual intercourse, and beauty, and the founding myth is interwoven with the goddess at every level.

In Greco-Roman times Paphos was the island’s capital, and it is famous for the remains of the Roman Governor’s palace, where extensive, fine mosaics are a major tourist attraction.

The Apostle Paul visited the town during the first century. After landing at Salamis, and proclaiming The Word of God in the synagogues, they traveled along the entire southern coast of the island of Cyprus until they reached Paphos. The Apostle Paul visited the town during the first century. After landing at Salamis, and proclaiming The Word of God in the synagogues, they traveled along the entire southern coast of the island of Cyprus until they reached Paphos.

There Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, was converted after Paul rebuked the evil Sorcerer Elymas. It was at that point that Paul effectively became the leader. He was from then on called Paul, rather than his former name, Saul. The town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world’s heritage.

LARNACA

About Larnaca

Larnaca was originally known as Kition, or Khittim, legend has it that it was established by one of Noah’s grandsons Khittim. The name Larnaca though is believed that it comes from the Greek word (Larnax) which means sarcophagus many of which have been unearthed in this area.

Birthplace of the stoic philosopher Zeno, Larnaca was also the second home of St. Lazarus, who arrived there after his resurrection and later became its first Bishop. Church of St. Lazaros – The Church of St Lazarus standing in the centre of the town is well worth a visit. The tomb of St Lazarus, who is still the patron saint of Larnaka, is under the sanctuary. After the construction of the International Airport and the Yacht-Harbour, Larnaca developed itself more and more into a lively town.

The small streets in the picturesque old city are filled with shops and many tavernas can be found along the seafront with its Palm-Tree-Promenade. The long sandy beach, with its modern hotels, the restaurants, bars and watersport facilities remind a little bit of the Côte-d’Azur and offer tourists a relaxing and variable holiday.

As home of the island’s main International Airport, Larnaca offers many visitors their first taste of Cyprus.

One of the first sights is the beautiful salt lake, home in the cooler months to colonies of graceful flamingos and other migratory birds. Beside the lake, in a tranquil setting crowned by lush palms, is the Hala Sultan Teke, built to the memory of Prophet Mohammed’s aunt.

Larnaca has always been an attraction for foreigners and visitors.
Many came as colonialists, like the Mycenaeans, others, like the Phoenicians from the nearby Lebanon as traders and furthermore the Persians, Romans, Arabs, Lusignans, Venetians and Turks as aggressors and in the end conquerors.

Stavrovouni Monastery Larnaca’s District Archaeological Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum exhibit particularly interesting antiquities. Also of interest is the Church of Ayia Faneromeni, built over a rock cave dating from the 8th century BC and the 18th century aquaduct on the outskirts of the town.

The delightful Palm Trees Promenade, its fort, and its old quarters give Larnaca its unique character.

The nearby salt lake is a favourite stop-over spot for thousands of migrant birds in winter, whilst on its edge in a tranquil settings stands a popular Muslim pilgrimage place. Much smaller than Nicosia or Limassol, Larnaca has a population of 62.000 and has managed to retain a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere. Its main shopping area is Zenon Kitieos Street, a typically busy road of small shops, with a wonderfully colourful fruit and vegetable market at the far end.