There are not many cities in Cyprus, so don’t be in a rush to explore them all—take your time and do it slowly. The towns are evolving fast, and each time you visit, for example, Nicosia or Limassol, you’ll find another place to eat or, if you’re lucky, another bunch of trees and a shaded spot to relax in.
Nicosia (Λευκωσία)
Population: Approximately 240,000
Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia, is the capital and largest city of Cyprus. It holds the unique distinction of being the last divided capital in Europe, split between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north by the Green Line, a United Nations buffer zone.
Read “Exploring Cyprus: historical events, conflicts, and important dates”.
Geography: Located in the central part of the island, Nicosia is situated along the Pedieos River.
Historical Background: Nicosia has been continuously inhabited for over 4,500 years. It became the capital of Cyprus in the 10th century AD. The city is known for its ancient city walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century.
Economy: Nicosia is the financial and business hub of Cyprus, hosting the headquarters of many national and international companies.
Key Attractions: Venetian Walls, Ledra Street, Cyprus Museum.
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Limassol (Λεμεσός)
Population: Approximately 185,000
Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus, located on the southern coast. It is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, extensive port, and beautiful beaches.
Geography: Limassol lies on Akrotiri Bay, on the island’s southern coast.
Historical Background: The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with significant development during the Byzantine and medieval periods. It was an important trade center and continues to be a major port.
Economy: Limassol is a significant center for trade, tourism, and the services industry. The Limassol Marina is a key development, boosting the city’s economic profile, and Limassol is now also growing as an IT hub.
Read “Essential guide to Cyprus: government, demography, religion, climate, and more”.
Key Attractions: Limassol Marina, Ancient Kourion, Limassol Castle.
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Larnaca (Λάρνακα)
Population: Approximately 85,000
Larnaca is a city on the southeastern coast of Cyprus, known for its picturesque seafront and historical sites.
Geography: It is located on the southern coast, on Larnaca Bay.
Historical Background: Larnaca’s history spans over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was originally known as Kition in ancient times.
Economy: Larnaca’s economy is driven by tourism, the services sector, and its international airport, which is the primary gateway to Cyprus.
Key Attractions: Finikoudes Beach, Hala Sultan Tekke, St. Lazarus Church.
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Paphos (Πάφος)
Population: Approximately 35,000
Paphos is located on the southwestern coast of Cyprus and is famous for its archaeological sites and connection to Greek mythology.
Geography: The city is on the southwest coast, along the Mediterranean Sea.
Historical Background: Paphos has a rich history that dates back to the Neolithic period. It is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its significant ancient ruins.
Economy: Tourism is a major economic driver, supported by its historical sites and mild climate.
Key Attractions: Paphos Archaeological Park, Tombs of the Kings, Aphrodite’s Rock.
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Read “Cyprus villages: a journey through history and culture.”
Famagusta (Αμμόχωστος)
Population: Approximately 40,000
Famagusta, known as Gazimağusa in Turkish, is located in the northeastern part of Cyprus. It is noted for its medieval architecture and the ghost town of Varosha.
Geography: Situated on the east coast of Cyprus, Famagusta lies by the Mediterranean Sea.
Historical Background: Famagusta was a prosperous city in the medieval period, known for its fortified city walls and Gothic churches. The city experienced a significant decline after the Turkish invasion in 1974, leading to the abandonment of Varosha.
Economy: Historically, it was a major port city. The economy today is primarily driven by trade, education (Eastern Mediterranean University), and tourism.
Key Attractions: Othello’s Tower, Salamis Ruins, Varosha.
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Polis (Πόλις Χρυσοχούς)
Population: Approximately 3,500
Polis, or Polis Chrysochous, is a small town located in the northwestern part of Cyprus, near the Akamas Peninsula and the Chrysochous Bay.
Geography: The town is situated near the Akamas Peninsula and the Chrysochous Bay.
Historical Background: The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, and Polis itself developed near the ancient city of Marion, an important city-kingdom in antiquity.
Economy: The economy of Polis is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. It is known for its tranquil environment and natural beauty.
Key Attractions: Latchi Harbour, Aphrodite’s Baths, Akamas Peninsula National Park.
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Useful words and phrases in Greek
| Greek Word | English Translation | Russian Translation |
|---|---|---|
| πόλη | City | Город |
| ιστορία | History | История |
| γεωγραφία | Geography | География |
| στατιστικά | Statistics | Статистика |
| πληθυσμός | Population | Население |
| έτος ίδρυσης | Year of Founding | Год основания |
| αξιοθέατα | Attractions | Достопримечательности |
| αρχαιολογικός χώρος | Archaeological Site | Археологический памятник |
| πολιτισμός | Culture | Культура |
| οικονομία | Economy | Экономика |
| βιομηχανία | Industry | Промышленность |
| τουρισμός | Tourism | Туризм |
| λιμάνι | Port | Порт |
| πρωτεύουσα | Capital | Столица |
| νησί | Island | Остров |
| παραλία | Beach | Пляж |
| κλίμα | Climate | Климат |
| ιστορικό κέντρο | Historic Center | Исторический центр |
| εκκλησία | Church | Церковь |
| μουσείο | Museum | Музей |
| φρούριο | Fortress | Крепость |
| μοναστήρι | Monastery | Монастырь |
| πλατεία | Square | Площадь |
| κτίριο | Building | Здание |
| σύγχρονος | Modern | Современный |
| παραδοσιακός | Traditional | Традиционный |
| διαδρομή | Route | Маршрут |
| τουριστικός οδηγός | Tourist Guide | Туристический гид |
| πολιτιστική κληρονομιά | Cultural Heritage | Культурное наследие |
| εκδηλώσεις | Events | События |
| συνέδριο | Conference | Конференция |
| έκθεση | Exhibition | Выставка |
| αριθμός κατοίκων | Number of Inhabitants | Численность населения |
| εκπαίδευση | Education | Образование |
| υγεία | Health | Здравоохранение |
| μεταφορές | Transport | Транспорт |
| υποδομές | Infrastructure | Инфраструктура |
| επένδυση | Investment | Инвестиция |
| ανάπτυξη | Development | Развитие |
| ιστορική περίοδος | Historical Period | Исторический период |
| αξιοσημείωτα γεγονότα | Notable Events | Значимые события |
| κατοικία | Residence | Резиденция |
| περιφέρεια | Region | Регион |
| ιστορική αναδρομή | Historical Overview | Исторический обзор |
| κοινωνία | Society | Общество |
| δημαρχείο | Town Hall | Ратуша |
| δήμαρχος | Mayor | Мэр |
| κάτοικοι | Residents | Жители |
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