Welcome to Sancytours! Join us as we explore the breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Cyprus. Our tours are designed to offer you an unforgettable experience, from the bustling streets of its cities to the serene beauty of its natural reserves. Here are some top highlights you can expect on our tours:
Click on the button and find out more background information about the best places in Cyprus:
Cities:
- Experience the unique charm of Cyprus’s cities. Wander through historic old towns, marvel at ancient architecture, and enjoy the vibrant local culture. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets or enjoying a leisurely stroll along scenic promenades, the cities of Cyprus offer a rich blend of past and present.
Historical Sites:
- Cyprus is home to numerous historical sites that tell the story of its rich and diverse heritage. Explore ancient ruins, significant archaeological sites, and iconic landmarks that showcase the island’s long history.
Nature:
- Discover the natural beauty of Cyprus through its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. From majestic mountains and lush forests to pristine beaches and serene lakes, nature lovers will find plenty to explore and admire. Enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and photography in some of the most beautiful natural settings.
- Nature Reserves:
Visit Cyprus’s protected nature reserves, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna. These areas offer a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with nature. Observe wildlife in their natural habitat and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Cape Greco, also known as Cavo Greco, is a headland situated in the southeastern part of Cyprus, between the towns of Ayia Napa and Protaras. This area is renowned for its natural beauty, geological significance, and rich history.
Cape Greco’s geological history dates back millions of years. The limestone cliffs and formations seen today were created through a combination of tectonic activity and the erosive forces of the sea and wind. This area has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of Neolithic settlements and later, Greek and Roman influences.
In more recent history, Cape Greco has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Conservation efforts have been implemented to preserve the unique ecosystems and historical sites, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this remarkable region.
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The Troodos Mountains, formed millions of years ago through tectonic activity, are a geological wonder and the largest mountain range in Cyprus. Rising majestically in the heart of the island, these mountains offer a diverse landscape of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages. The Troodos range has been shaped by volcanic activity, erosion, and sedimentation over millennia, creating a rich tapestry of natural beauty and biodiversity.
Today, the Troodos Mountains are a haven for explorers and nature lovers. The region is home to an array of historical and cultural treasures, from ancient monasteries and medieval bridges to charming mountain villages. With its blend of stunning scenery and fascinating history, the Troodos Mountains provide endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Embark on a journey through the Troodos Mountains and uncover the hidden gems of Cyprus. From ancient monasteries to lush forests and charming villages, there’s so much to explore in this breathtaking region. Join our private and personalized tours for an unforgettable adventure.
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Perched high in the mountains of Northern Cyprus, Kantara Castle is one of the island’s most impressive medieval fortresses. With its strategic location offering panoramic views, the castle has played a significant role in the region’s history. This guide provides an in-depth look at the castle’s history, architectural features, and current status.
Kantara Castle stands as a testament to the rich and tumultuous history of Cyprus. Its strategic location, impressive architecture, and panoramic views make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
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Bellapais Monastery, located in the village of Bellapais near Kyrenia, Cyprus, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and a site rich in history. Known for its serene beauty and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, Bellapais Monastery is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those seeking tranquility.
Bellapais Monastery stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Cyprus. Its Gothic architecture, historical significance, and serene beauty make it a captivating destination for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring its architectural marvels, attending a cultural event, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, Bellapais Monastery offers a unique and enriching experience.
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Lefkara, a picturesque village nestled in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and traditional craftsmanship. Known for its intricate lace and exquisite silverwork, Lefkara has been a beacon of Cypriot culture for centuries.
Lefkara is a gem of Cyprus, where history, tradition, and culture intertwine to create a unique and enriching experience
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about Lefkara, from its ancient roots to its vibrant present.
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To know about Omodos
Nestled in the heart of the Troodos Mountains, Omodos Village is a picturesque gem in Cyprus known for its rich history, traditional crafts, and stunning natural beauty. This charming village offers visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.
Historical Significance
Omodos has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. The village played a significant role during the Byzantine and medieval periods and has preserved many of its historical structures and traditions. The Holy Cross Monastery, founded in the Byzantine era, stands as a testament to the village’s religious and cultural importance.
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Kyrenia is a coastal town in Cyprus, located in the middle of the north coast. It is located in the Turkish-occupied north of the island. Kyrenia is the smallest of the six towns on the island of Cyprus, but one of the oldest. Kyrenia has been inhabited since prehistoric times (around 1300 BC). According to Greek mythology, Kyrenia was founded by Kifeas and Praxandros, who returned to their homeland after the Trojan War.
An ancient wreck of a Greek merchant ship from the 4th century BC was found in the middle of the sea area just outside the city, which was raised and restored in 1967. Since then it has been on display in the fortress of Kyrenia.
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Salamis was an Iron Age city-kingdom and ancient city at the mouth of the Pediaios River in Cyprus. It lies on the long bay of Famagusta, only 6 km north of Famagusta.
According to legend, the founder of Salamis was Teukros, son of Telamon, king of the Greek island of Salamis of the same name. He is said to have landed in Cyprus after the destruction of Troy, built a temple to Zeus and married Eune, the daughter of Kinyras. His father-in-law, Kinyras, was the father of Adonis.
Discover this place or combine it with Famagusta or Varosha Ghosttown
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Nicosia is located in the interior of the island of Cyprus and is therefore less suitable for a typical beach holiday on the coast. But the city, which is over 2,500 years old, has a rich cultural heritage. This applies to the Greek-influenced south as well as the Turkish-influenced north.
Because of its strategic location between Europe, Asia Minor and the Levant, Cyprus has always been a point of contention. Many ruled here: Greeks and Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders and Genoese, but also the Ottoman Empire, which ceded Cyprus to Great Britain.
It was not until 1960 that Cyprus became independent and Nicosia became the capital of the young state. In the following decades, however, there was repeated unrest between Greek and Turkish nationalists. This led to the division of the city, which continues to this day.
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Larnaca has an eventful history. With its palm-lined promenade, it is a popular tourist destination on the south coast of the island. Old and new mix in the town, which, despite its many hotels, is not purely a tourist centre.
With the handover of Cyprus by the Ottomans to the British, Larnaca was rapidly upgraded from an Ottoman provincial town after their arrival; in line with European standards, the British renewed roads and infrastructure, began draining the salt marshes and established a town parliament headed by a mayor. With the end of British colonial rule, the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island and the loss of Famagusta, Larnaca experienced an upswing as a port, business and tourism location and, after the closure of Nicosia airport in the demilitarised zone, was given the most important airport on the island.
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St Hilarion Castle stands at 732m and is very well preserved. Walls and towers seem to grow randomly out of the rock, giving the castle a fairytale appearance. It is even said that Walt Disney used it as a model for the castle in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The castle is named after a hermit who fled Palestine in the 7th century to live up here and rid the mountain of pagan demons. The story goes that the hermit was deaf and so easily resisted the seductive calls of the demons that haunted the mountain. Eventually the demons gave in and left Hilarion and the mountain alone. A Byzantine monastery and later a fortress were built around his tomb.
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Bellapais Abbey is now the ruins of a monastery built in the 13th century on the northern outskirts of the small village of Bellapais in northern Cyprus, about five kilometres from the town of Kyrenia. The monastery is situated at an altitude of 220 metres above sea level and offers a wide view of Kyrenia and the Mediterranean Sea.
The site was once the residence of the Bishop of Kyrenia and a refuge from Arab attacks in the 7th and 8th centuries. The first inhabitants known to have settled here or nearby were the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre, who fled after Saladin’s conquest of Jerusalem in 1187. The Canons were the guardians of the Holy Sepulchre.
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The city was founded around 274 BC by Ptolemy II after Salamis had been severely damaged by an earthquake. Arsinoe was described in the first century BC by Strabon in his Geographica as a „fishing town“. It remained a small fishing village for a long time. Later, when Salamis was gradually cleared during the Arab invasion under Muawiyah I, it developed into a small port.
The turning point for Famagusta from a small village to a town came in 1192 with the onset of Lusignan rule. It was during this period that Famagusta developed into a fully fledged town. It became increasingly important in the Eastern Mediterranean because of its natural harbour and the walls that protected its inner city. Its population began to grow.
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After the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571, Christians were expelled from Famagusta and forced to build new homes outside the walls. After independence from Great Britain, Varosha developed into a well-known tourist resort in the 1960s and 1970s. Large hotel complexes were built near the beach.
A year before the civil war and the Turkish invasion, Varosha was generating more than 50% of the island’s total income from tourism. There were now 45 hotels with more than 10,000 beds, 60 apartment hotels, almost 100 recreation centres, 21 banks, 24 theatres and cinemas and around 3,000 large and small shops. The population was just under 32,000.
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