Cyprus: A Mediterranean Jewel

Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans colonized this 140-mile-long island called "Kypros" or Cyprus. It was one of Marc Anthony's gifts to Cleopatra. The Byzantine Empire ruled the island from 395 AD until 1191, when Richard the Lionheart (yes, the same one from Robin Hood ) took it, making it a Crusader's haven.

Later, the Venetians invaded and rang in the capitol, Nicosia with arrow-shaped bastions. Then the Turks came and ruled for more than three centuries, when finally the Brits took over and administered the island from 1878 until 1960.

As you can tell, this tiny island in the Mediterranean saw more than its fair share of war and invading armies. However, it is because of all these foreign invaders that Cyprus has become a cosmopolitan jewel in a vast sea.

zest for life

The spirit of the people of Cyprus is undeniably free. Cypriots are warm, hearty, and hospitable people who, on occasion, invite total strangers to share a "metrios," or black coffee with them while eating some "halloumi" (grilled cheese) and olives on the porch.

English is widely spoken in the big cities; therefore you don't have to worry about any language barriers. Cypriots also appreciate when foreigners try their best to speak Greek (or Turkish, depending on which part of the island you visit). You will usually receive a friendly greeting of "kalimera" (good morning) or "kalispera" (good evening) when you pass them by.

The food of Cyprus is exceptionally simple, yet tasty. The Cypriot mothers cook enough for a whole army, while only a handful of people have been invited for dinner. For the Cypriot, the amount of food present on the table shows the amount of happiness they share with their friends and family. Hospitality is never short of hand on the island. And this is what makes this place so memorable.

nicosia: the capital

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, a status it has enjoyed since the 10th century, though its beginnings date back 5000 years to the Bronze Age. It lies roughly in the center of the island, flanked by the beautiful northern range of Kyrenia Mountains.

Seat of Government, diplomatic headquarters and cultural center of Cyprus, the capital presents two distinct faces: the old, original part of the city, surrounded by sturdy Venetian walls over 400 years old, and a busy modern metropolis that has a population of 171,000 together with the suburbs.

Within the large area encircled by the strong bastion walls that served to protect the town for centuries are many places of great historic interest. The central Eleftheria Square links old Nicosia with the elegant modern city that has grown outside the walls, where hotels, offices, restaurants, and gardens blend happily with the fine old houses and colonial buildings of this cosmopolitan city.

limassol: port of interest

The south coast town of Limassol is the island's largest seaside resort. Acting as a magnificent backdrop to the city that spreads for ten miles along the coast are the Troodos Mountains, where most of the country's grapes are grown. Since the Middle Ages, Limassol has been renowned for its wine and sugar cane. Now, this second largest city of Cyprus, with a population of 135,000, is the center of its winemaking industry and an important commercial and tourist center.

The town's carefree holiday atmosphere, with wide seafront promenade and bustling little shopping streets, is matched by the lively character of its people. With its fun-loving reputation and the best nightlife on the island, it is fitting that only Limassol stages some of the island's best-known festivals: the annual Wine Festival in September, when the various wineries offer free samples of their products for ten days; the ten-day pre-Lenten Carnival with masquerade balls and grand parades; the Limassol Festival in summer; and the ancient Drama Festival at Kourion. Recently, this bustling seaside resort has even been compared to the nightlife and energy of Mykonos and Ibiza.

pafos: aphrodite's birthplace

Pafos is entwined with Greek mythology, and the legendary birth of Aphrodite on its shores brought fame and worshippers there to follow the cult of the Goddess. Landmarks associated with Aphrodite are the chunky, rugged rocks of her beautiful birthshore known as the Aphrodite Rocks; the evocative sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia Village, one-time shrine and scene of pagan festivals for thousands; the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis, supposed source of fertility; and the Fountain of Love, or Fontana Amorosa. Even the town's name is linked to the Goddess: Pafos was the name of the mythological daughter of Venus and Pygmalion.

hungry?

aphrodite rocks
This city is worth the visit if you are a seafood lover. Its beaches are dotted with quays and open-air restaurants that serve fresh fish on command. How fresh? While I was waiting for my appetizer of grilled octopus to arrive, I witnessed the creature being killed on the quay, and about 45 minutes later, I had the tastiest grilled octopus I had ever eaten.

travel tips

  • Driving is on the left side of the road.
  • From May to September, between 1pm and 4pm, it's siesta time (nap time).
  • Voltage: 240V AC throughout the island. Socket outlets and sockets of flat 3-pin type are used.
  • The population of Cyprus is approximately 706,000.
  • Small tips in restaurants, taxis, etc., are always welcome.
  • It is forbidden to remove antiquities from the bottom of the sea.
  • In Cyprus, there are 127 endemic flower varieties that only grow in Cyprus.
  • Cyprus is a member of the Commonwealth.
  • No vaccination is required for any International traveler.
  • The shops are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
  • Avoid shorts and wear suitable clothing when you are visiting churches and monasteries.
  • The town of Pafos is included in the official UNESCO list of Cultural Heritage.
  • The tap water is drinkable.
  • The average day temperature in summer is 90 F and 60 F in winter.
  • Easter is the biggest religious feast in Cyprus.
  • A Greek drama in an ancient theater is a memorable experience.
  • The Cypriots wear summer clothes (short sleeves and sandals) from May until October.
  • The most important museums of the island are in Nicosia.
  • Citizens from most of the European countries -- USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc. -- can enter Cyprus with a valid passport and do not require a visa.
  • There is no limit on bringing in checks, travelers checks and other negotiable documents.
  • Amount of foreign exchange in excess of the equivalent of $1000 USD should be declared at customs.
  • "Parakalo" means please.
  • "Kalimera" means good morning.
  • "Metrios" is the local coffee with sugar.
  • "Efharisto" means thank you.

  • *Source: Cyprus Tourism Organization

    Cyprus has a numerous amount of interesting villages and landmarks to visit, however, make the effort to see the following: Larnaca (City of Kimon, or the grandson of Noah), Famagusta and Aya Napa (famous for their golden beaches, water sports, and a haven for nudists), and the Troodos Mountains (ski and indulge in food and wine).

    With such a historic and legendary background, it is hardly surprising that Cyprus has developed a character that is quite unique. It is blessed with a natural beauty that ranges from golden beaches and rugged coastlines to rolling hills and forest-clad mountains dotted with picturesque villages. It is, in my humble opinion, a paradise on earth, and a vacation of a lifetime.

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