Ancient Amathous, Limassol, Cyprus

The foundations of ancient temples, city walls and Byzantine churches mark this evocative hillside archaeological site just outside Limassol. Founded more than 3,000 years ago, Amathous was rediscovered during the 19th century, but archaeologists continue to uncover new finds here every year. Once on the waterfront, Amathous’s harbour silted up centuries ago and the site is now some distance from the sea.

To cool off after walking around the site, head for the sea at Agios Georgios Alamanou. The beach is pebbly, but the water is clean and there’s a good, basic taverna, the Paraliako Kentro.

LOCATION: Coast road, 11 km (7 miles) east of Limassol
OPEN: 9am–6pm daily (until 7:30pm Jun–Aug)
ADMISSION: CY£0.75

Machairas Monastery, Nicosia, Cyprus

About 40km southwest of Nicosia on top of the Machairas mountain (1423 m), stands the secluded monastery of Machairas. Machairas is a popular place for excursions, not only because of the quiet atmosphere of the monastery, but also due to the museum of Giorgios Afxentiou. Giorgios was a Cypriot freedom fighter who fought against the British colonial power and died in a nearby hideout.

The monastery has a rectangular layout and a red-tiled timber roof. The main aisle of the church is lined with an attractive row of columns. It is covered by a dome and the large tiled roof. The interior of the church is decorated with religious icons, chandeliers, stone floors and wall frescoes. As expected, the icon of the Virgin Mary takes a prominent position. Currently the monastery holds 20-30 orthodox 25 monks which live of agricultural activities.

The monastery holds festivals in the name of the Virgin Mary twice a year: 20-21 of November and 14-15 of August.

Location: Nicosia District - Cyprus

Ayios Heraklidhios Monastery, Nicosia, Cyprus

The monastery of Ayios Heraklidhios, near the archaelogical site of Tamassos (about 20 km west of Nicosia), was founded about 400 AD on the grave of the holy Heraklidhios. Nowadays a convent of nuns lives in the old monastery.

Tamassos is an ancient city-state of great archaeological significance in the central vicinity of Cyprus, located approximately 21 kilometeres south-west of the capital city of Nicosia.

Location: Tamassos - Nicosia District - Cyprus

Ayia Napa Monastery, Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Just in the centre of Ayia Napa you will find a spectacular Venetian decorated monastery with a 600-year-old Sycamore tree by the entrance. It is one of the best known landmarks of the Agia Napa area. The monastery has a charm and charisma that represents a time when Ayia Napa was just a tranquil fishing village. It also occurs that in ancient times, the location where the monastery and the village exists today, was covered with a thick forest, visited only by hunters from the neighbouring villages.

Ayia Napa lies near Cape Greco at the eastern part of Cyprus, just south of Famagusta and forms part of a larger area known as Kokkinochoria (a name derived from the red colour of its soil).


Location: Sepheris Square - Ayia Napa - Cyprus
Opening Hours
winter: 09:30 - 15:00
summer: 09:30 - 21:00

Ayios Neophytos Monastery, Paphos, Cyprus

The monastery of Ayios Neophytos is 9 km north of Paphos. Founded at the end of the 12th Century by Cypriot hermit and writer Neofytos, carved a home for himself inside of the mountain rock. The Monastery is located below the grottoes and is home to only a handful of monks. The Monastery also contains a collection of icons and the remains of some 16th century frescoes. Every January the monastery hosts a two day fair where you can buy Cypriot crafts, foods, and monastic goods. There is also live music too.

Located only 20 minutes from Paphos the first thing you will notice on arrival to Ayios Neophytos Monastery is cats. There are around 30 cats that will meet you in the car park. The next thing you will notice are the spectacular views. The site of Ayios Neophytos Monastery is 1694 feet high and the views over Paphos from here are amazing.

Ayios Neophytos Monastery is the perfect location for those looking for peace and quiet and maybe some solitude and time to reflect on life.

Stavrovouni Monastery, Larnaca, Cyprus

Near the Nicosia-Limassol highway at junction number 11, Kornos, there is the monastery of Stavrovouni . Standing at the peak of a conical mountain (688 m), which has the same name as the monastery itself. This is probably the most traditional and strictest monastery in Cyprus. Even today women are not permitted to enter.

As legend says, a piece of wood of from the holy cross of Christ has been saved in the monastery and is held in a silver cross. It is the oldest monastery in Cyprus, founded in the 4th century by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great.

Opening time: Daily
8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm (September to March);
8am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm (April to August). Men only

Ayios Minas Monastery, Lefkara, Cyprus

Location: Lefkara village - Larnaca District - Cyprus

About halfway between Larnaka and Limassol, near the famous village of Lefkara, there is the monastery of Ayios Minas. This convent has existed since 1670. Nowadays the nuns run the monastery painting and selling religious icons, fruit preserves, and pure honey. Lefkara is one of the most picturesque villages in Cyprus. Its population is roughly 1,500 and it has plenty of small cosy restaurants, tavernas, cafes and handcrafts shops to offer. It takes only 1 h. and 20 min. to drive from Paphos airport to Lefkara, and about 40 min. from Larnaca.