Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and attracts nearly 2.5 million tourists a year. It is a popular destination for Britons and was a Brittish colony up until 1960, when it gained independence from the UK. The following year it became officially known as The Republic of Cyprus.

In 1974 it was invaded by Turkey who took control of about 1/3 of the island in the North. To this day the north of the island is under military control of the Turks and the country is effectively seperated by a ‘Green Line’ border that cuts through the capital, Nicosia, the only remaining divided capital in the Europe.

Cyprus has a steep history. Legend has it that the goddess of love, Aphrodite, rose out the waters.

Weather

Cyprus has over 300 days of sunshine a year. The hot Mediterranean climate peaks in the summer months with long hot days and warm nights.

Average temperatures in degrees celcius

January 13.6
February 16.0
March 18.4
April 22.8
May 27.2
June 30.5
July 33.3
August 33.6
September 30.8
October 27.3
November 22.9
December 19.2

Culture

The religion in Cyprus is split. Northerners are mostly Sunni Muslim where Southerners are Greek Orthodox. Cypriots are very proud of their 9000 year old cultural heritage, but they do tend to be more concerned by events of the last 20 years!

With a history so long, Cyprus is remarkably rich in culture and nine of the Islands Byzantine mountain churhces and the entire town of Kata Pafos have been honoured by UNESCO in its World Cultural Heritage List. No matter which town or village that you visit, you are reminded of a strong Cyprus tradition that is kept alive from generation to generation through many events which are celebrated. The biggest event which takes place is in Larnaka which involves a joyful procession to the sea where people sprinkle each other with water. No one is sure whether this is in memory of Noah’s survival of the flood, the coming ashore of resurrected St. Lazarus or a celebration of the birth of Aphrodite, but no one can argue that this is not a spirited and uniquely Cypriot Festival.

Food and Drink

The north/south divide is also reflected in the food, with cuisine in the north being typically Turkish and in the republic, Greek. These are however, some of the popular dishes from all over Cyprus:

Kleftiko – Oven baked lamb

Mezedes – Dips, salads and other appetizers (there can be 20-30 dishes included)

Fruit – Cyprus is famous for its fruit (the government bans imported products) which include strawberries, stone fruit, melons, prickly pear, citrus and grapes.

Drinks include:

Brandy Sour – made with Cyprus and brandy and local lemon juice

Greek Coffee – always served with a glass of cold water.

Beaches

The beaches in Cyprus are beautiful with many having white sand and lovely blue sea. You could even find a secluded strech of sand that you can have all to yourself. Water sports are very popular and you won’t be far from a water sports centre where you can have a go at snorkelling, water ski-ing, and many more!

Shopping

There are plenty of shops in Cyprus and if you take a visit to the capital Nicosia, there are are British chain stores such as Woolworths and Marks & Spencer.

Some of the things to look out for are:

Handicrafts (ceramics, basketry, weaving, wood carving, silver and copper products.

Although there is rather less on offer in the North, the visitors can find extensive range of consumer goods and services available here.

Many of the popular imported brand names are readily available and can be found in local supermarkets.

Things to do in Cyprus

Visit the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos

Visit the 10 UNESCO listed Byzantine churches in Troodos mountains - most famous is Agios Nikolas tis Stegis at Kakopetria

Go to Famagusta Gate - Nicosia. One of 3 restored gates of entry through the ancient city walls built by the Venetians

Take a trip to the ghost town of Varosha, Famagusta which was invaded in August 1974, and to this day stands empty with cars still standing in car salesrooms, washing left hanging on the line and breakfast pots still laid on the table.

Swim around Aphrodite’s Rock - between Paphos and Limassol

Attend the summer opera held at Paphos mediaeval fort

Take a boat trip along the Akamas peninsula

Get high! - Visit Mount Olympus at the top of the Troodos mountain: You can’t get to the summit as it is an army restricted zone but the views from just below it are spectacular

Visit the Baths of Aphrodite on the Akamas peninsula

Beaches at Ayia Napa and Protaras - wonderful sandy beaches