CYPRUS
Cyprus the legendary birth place of Aphrodite is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Ruled by Greeks, Romans, Turks, Phoenicians, Lusignans, Venetians, British and the Ottoman empires, Cyprus today stands as an independent nation that’s captivating for any trivial traveler. Conquered by different invaders who left indelible marks everywhere, Cyprus is prized by many archeological treasures. Its geographical location that makes it closer to the Middle East, this attracted the Greeks, Americans, Turks and Soviets to fight over the control of Cyprus. Originally called the Republic of Cyprus, this pint size country has the highest standard of living in the whole Mediterranean region. A traveler to this country gets the chance to discover the wealth of architectural sites, experience the Turkish and Greek influence and notice the cultural heritage in the Roman mosaics. All this is possible with mountain biking, trekking and skiing all over the island, so Cyprus comes as a complete package of relaxation and a place of cultural heritage. The turquoise seas and beaches provide ground for sun bathing, water sports and kite surfing next to the beautiful resorts. One falls short of words for the charm of varied sites with favorable climatic conditions in the picturesque island. Variety of pompous hotels, coastal resorts, and the accommodation in the inner city lures any visitor. Not to forget about the legend related to Cyprus the birthplace of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love who rose from the sea, makes this country the best place for newly married and comes as blessing for the honeymooners. One won’t regret of the decision to spend quite evenings along the coastal resorts or enjoying the natural history around the town. Spring or summer anytime the year presents Cyprus as beautiful spot to spend your honeymoon. Be it the warmth of Mediterranean sunlight or the natural beauty of the coastlines Cyprus leaves any kind of tourist spellbound and why not when there are sites like the Blue lagoon, the Garden of Eden, and the St. George’s Island all contributing to the reputation of Cyprus as an ideal place of tourism.
CULTURE
Cyprus has a multicultural society comprising of the Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites, and other Europeans. Of these sects the Greek Cypriots are treated as the native Cypriots and make up a total of 78 percent of population. The Greek and Turkish Cypriots are the main communities in the country out of which Greek Cypriots love to remain aligned towards the Greek culture whereas the Turkish practice Islam and speak Turkish. All the main and cities epitomize the cultural heritage of every invader in the ancient times on Cyprus, right from Byzantine churches that were fortified by the Lusignan, Venetians and the Ottoman Turks to the colonial buildings displaying the entire architectural legacy. To get clear picture of these various cultures the Island’s museum is the best source exhibiting the jewelry, statuary and ceramics standing as the cultural epochs of ancient times. If you happen to plan your travel anywhere around festive occasions of Cyprus you will get the chance to see the ethnic wear of the Cypriots.
GEOGRAPHY
Cyprus located to the east of Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus shares its border with Turkey in the south and Syria in the west. Popular for being the third largest Island of the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily, this country lures visitors because of its favorable climatic conditions and the sandy beaches. Topographically, Cyprus is divided into four regions- the Kyrenia Mountains to the north, High Troodos, Troodos Mountains to the south and west, and the Mesaoria Plain between the Kyrenia and Troodos. These two different mountain ranges are result of different formations, Troodos evolved from the molten rock beneath the ocean whereas Kyrenia is part of Alpine Himalayan Chain. The low lying Mesaoria Plain is flat physically and spread across the city of Famagusta to the Morphou Bay. Measuring a total of 3572 sq. km the country boasts of 768 sq. km coastline with the combination of rolling hills and sandy beaches. Important rivers of Cyprus start from the Troodos region that are major source of water and provide rich flora and fauna to the country.
WHEN TO VISIT
Most of the tourist love to visit Cyprus in spring time as it is the time when the Cyrus’ wild flowers are in full blossom and the days are moist at this time of the year. The spring occurs during the late autumn in the months of October and November. Overall the climate of Cyprus all year round is categorized by hot summers and mild winters. The western coastal regions mark slightly cooler summers with short rainfalls. The best visited months are from June to September when the accommodation prices are at its peak. Therefore many visitors who keep low profile prefer visiting in the months of April to May and October to November. Plan according to the budget and visit in the spring for silent walks along the full blooms, summer time for water sports in the pristine beaches and ski in the Troodos in winter.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Undoubtedly Cyprus is not less than a paradise that has been visited by thousand of visitors in the recent past making it a rapidly growing popular tourist destination. One stop solution for fun, sun and sand at the beaches, resorts, and food that is best in the world. Thanks to its tourism industry that takes keen interest in organizing excursions that are easily accessible and affordable to any tourist class. The Troodos Mountains are on UNESCO world heritage list with nine frescoed Byzantine Churches. With a huge list of attractions one is unsure of the which ones to pick bit your must do’s should include the castles of Kyrenia, all nine Byzantine frescoes in the churches of Troodos, the Karpa Peninsula, skin diving at the Cape Greco, Hiking the Troodos, late night dinning at the tavernas, swimming in the warm waters of various beaches and bicycle riding around the island. All these can be done in different cities of Cyprus, namely Nicosia, Larnaka, Limassol, Pafos, and of course the Troodos Mountains.
Nicosia
The capital city of Cyprus popular for being the world’s only divided city, being spilt by green line that divides the Turkish controlled north from the southern most part of Cyprus. While the old city has been restored by renovation, epitomizes Venetian architectural intelligence and splurges with Frankish ruins in every corner. On the other hand the modern city is home to marvelous suburbs with extensive sightseeing opportunities. The favorite spots are the Archbishops palace, Folk Art Museum, a storehouse for archaeological treasures, the Byzantine museum, Omeriye mosque and the Cyprus Museum. Lookout special excursions to the royal tombs the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church, and the five dome church.
Pafos
Though geographically backwaters of Cyprus this city has to its credit the place on UNESCO world heritage list because of the Greek ruins and Roman mosaics. Popular for its mosaics that date back to 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, some of these are the house of Dionysos, house of Orpheus, house of Four Seasons, house of Aion and others. Your not to miss should include the Akamas Peninsula, Tombs of the Kings, Aroudes, Drouseia and Kritou villages. Also the main attraction is the Panagia Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery with beautiful surroundings. For couples who want to feel the Aphrodite you can visit the Akarmas Peninsula where the Baths of Aphrodite is situated. The best place for resorts in Pafos is the Coral bay from where you can gorge on the Agios Georgios with ancient tombs and excavated Christian basilica. There’s also infinite number of turtles nesting at the reserve of Lara Bay. The tombs of Kings which actually have no kings buried but was a place of relax for the Ptolemaic Aristocrats.
Larnaka
This is the second largest port of Cyprus with an international airport located in the southeastern flank of the Country. The highlights of the town are the two great monuments namely the Angeloktisti and the Hala Sultan, the former being the mosaic byzantine church and later a Muslim shrine. Other attractions are the ancient kition, church of Ayios Lazaros, Larnaka Medieval Museum and the district museum. The ancient kition is a place of five shrines epitomizing the particular ancient age. The Church of Ayios Lazaros is an epitome of St Lazarus who is believed to have lived in Kition for about thirty years even after his resurrection by the great Jesus Christ. Special excursions are available for Choirokitia, Lefkara and the Stavrovouni Monastery.
Limassol
The modern city of Cyprus and popular joint for catching the vibrant nightlife and low altitude hilly villages. There are few attractions in this city as it hasn’t preserved any of its historical past but few on the list can be the Omodhos, Vouni, Lofou, Ayia Mavra and the Arakapas. Being the country’s main industrial point Limassol is always busy with a large scale wine industry. So don’t forget to pick up your favorites wine when you return. Other attractions are the Dassoudi beach, Limassol Castle, Art Museum, and the Limassol District Archaeological Museum.
GETTING HERE
The international airports in Cyprus are at Larnaka and Pafos and mostly served year round flights. As word of caution the airfare of the scheduled flights generally are expensive so flying via Europe can make your travel cheap. So tourist visiting Greece can plan for budget airline to visit Cyprus. From the airports you can take a bus or taxi service to reach your destination. Also travel through water is feasible and affordable for those doing the European tour.