Cyprus is an ancient country, settled since prehistoric times, and with a long and stormy history. Almost every civilisation in the Mediterranean has had an influence on the island and left its lasting mark. No holiday to Cyprus, therefore, would be complete without paying tribute to some of its historical sites and soaking up some ancient culture. And there can be no better way to do this than in the comfort of your own transport, through car hire in Cyprus. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, so a car is really a necessity if you want to see as much of it as possible.
Starting with the national capital, Nicosia (local name: Lefkosia, meaning white city), you can trace the old Venetian walls and visit the various ethnological and Byzantine museums, including the Ledra Museum and Observatory. You should certainly visit the restored eighteenth century House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios (or the House of the Dragonman) which now houses a museum.
Drive west from Nicosia and within the hour you will reach the spectacular Troodos Mountain range dotted with Byzantine monasteries and churches and little old mountain villages. In the summer, the pine-scented woodland offers a welcome respite from the heat, while in winter it offers various winter sports and skiing. You really must take in the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, one of the earliest human settlements on the entire island, before heading south to Limassol to take in Ancient Curium and Kolossi Castle, dating from the second century and the thirteenth century respectively.
The village of Episkopi, close by, houses a museum and this incredible archaeological site is one of the major tourist attractions of Cyprus. You can then follow the coastal road to beautiful Paphos to visit the tombs of the kings which are carved from solid rock, and see the lovely Roman mosaics in the ruins of the Roman houses near Paphos harbour.
Another short drive of about 40 kilometres will take you to the Akamas Penisula and the baths of Aphrodite, the irresistible goddess of love, beauty and sexuality, where according to mythology, she used to bathe before Zeus had her married off to place her out of the reach of love-sick admirers.
You can spend as little or as long as you like visiting the wonders of Cyprus if you have the freedom of car hire. Cyprus is rich in ancient history and legend and has far more for you to discover than this short guide can possibly offer.
