Northern Cyprus - Culture

If you visit the northern section of Cyprus you will find some of the most interesting biking and hiking trails on the island. Mountain bike lovers, for example, will want to head over to Ancient Amathous and check out the Governor's Beach Cycling Route. This route is a 15 kilometres excursion for mountain bike fanatics. It features rocky ground and dirt roads winding through hill country and then along the coast with great scenery all along the way.

If mountain biking isn't quite your cup of tea, the northern Cyprus region also offers plenty of historic sites and cultural tourism. Larnaka Fort is located on the northern shore. It was probably built during the reign of James I, around 1382. It most likely was constructed to protect the town's harbour. The fort was rebuilt in 1625 and now appears to have the form of a square tower. The shape of the original fort is unknown.

In 1625, the fort was used as a prison this was during the first years of British rule over the region. The present fort of Larnaka is a square building with a courtyard in the centre. At the entrance, is a two story building historic in its design and features. It is joined by a huge stone wall connecting it to earlier parts of the original fort in the south and the east. The rooms in the fort serve as a museum with exhibits and artifacts related to its long history. The courtyard of the fort is used for cultural events, especially during summer months. The fort is open year round with extended summer hours.

Visitors who appreciate mythology and ancient ruins will want to visit the nearby Idalion, an ancient town probably first founded by the Greeks around 1220 B.C. History also indicates many of the founders may have come from Laconia. The town was divided into three sections. The first inhabitants of Idalion most likely settled on the west acropolis, but the town later expanded northward and eastward. The population eventually grew to 10,000 inhabitants by about 500 B.C. Idalion was occupied by the Phoenicians around 450 B.C. Soon after, the town declined and eventually disappeared. A sanctuary dedicated to Aphrodite was located on the east acropolis. This town also was known for producing magnificent sculptures which can be found amidst the ruins.

A bit further south, visitors will enjoy touring some of the islands many wine gardens or taking a winery themed tour of the island. Each year, Cyprus's wine capital of Lemesos also hosts an annual wine festival. The event is in late August. The festival is held in the Municipal Gardens and has become one of the islands greatest highlights.

The Annual Wine Festival started in 1961 as a tribute to the island's long winemaking tradition. The Wine Festival was inspired by the ancient festivals dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, and Dionysis, the god of wine. The festival combines wine, food, entertainment and general festive fun. The Wine Festival also offers visitors ample opportunity to sample different local wines from large and small wineries, as well as traditional Cypriot food.