Cyprus (latitude 34º, 33' to 35º North - Longitude 32º, 16' to 34º, 37' East)

Cyprus may be a small country, (with a population of 750,000) but it's a large island - the third largest in the Mediterranean. And it's an island with a big heart, an island that gives its visitors a genuine welcome and treats them as friends.

With its spectacular scenery and enviable climate, it's no wonder that Aphrodite choose the island as her playground, and since then, mere mortals have been discovering this land "fit for gods" for themselves.

The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, (Lefkosia) lies roughly in the center of the island, within easy reach of the other towns and a day in Nicosia will be a day well spent.

The choice of sailing destinations begin from Larnaca, with its line of mature palms and the town's 17th century fort nearby the Marina, a meeting point for yachtsmen from all over the world.

Sailing eastern you can reach Ayia Napa a tourist resort with calm bays and sandy beaches and sailing further eastern you touch Cape Greco, on the very tip, with its crystal clear waters and coves where you can settle for the night into the safe bay of Konnos. In the next morning you may set you sails for Protaras, the resort with the golden beaches, a big draw for sun seekers.

Of course you can choose to sail western from Larnaca Marina towards Limassol (Lemesos), the second largest city, the island's main port, a bustling holiday resort and cosmopolitan seaside town. On your way to Limassol you will pass by Cape Kition and you may anchor in Governor's Beach or at St. Raphael's Marina just before Limassol.

Leaving the town of Limassol sailing westerly after Capes Gata and Zevgari you can sail to Pissouri Bay, where you can rest for the night before setting your course to Paphos.

On your route to Paphos you will see the Venus Rock (Petra tou Romiou), the place where, as the legend unveils, goddess Aphrodite was born.

Paphos, capital of the west and positively teeming with history, a resort town has as its focal point a charming fishing harbor by Paphos medieval fort, lined with open-air cafes and tavernas that serve a tempting menu of the day's catch.

Leaving Paphos, setting a north course you will pass by Coral Bay, a tourist resort, and you will "enter" Akamas peninsula, the easternmost point of the three major flora zones of Europe. The number of plant species found here runs up to 600; the variety of fauna is also impressive: 1678 bird species, 12 mammals, 20 reptiles and butterfly species.

Akamas is situated at the westernmost point of Cyprus. According to one version, the area took its name from the Greek mythological hero Akamas, son of Theseus who came to the island after the Trojan War and founded Akamantis. Akamas was also the place where Aphrodite and Adonis had their love trysts. It is an area of incomparable natural beauty, ideal for walking in its natural trails, cycling, swimming, diving, fishing, exploring, cruising, and bird watching.

Sailing around Cape Arnaoutis you will find yourself in the north part of the island, in the Chrysochou Bay and on your way to the fishing refuge of Latchi you will be tempted to anchor at the Fontana Amoroza bay, and furthermore at the Hamili bay, the blue lagoon, an ideal place to swim, dive, snorkel and rest staring at the starriest sky of Akamas peninsula.

Safe Anchorage in Cyprus