Cyprus is a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea. As a historical ‘cross roads’ it has been overrun by invaders, defenders and settlers since time immorial. The latest flood of invaders is more benign -tourists come in their droves to experience the beauty of the Island, the seas, the historical sites and in the South, the Greek Culture and Cuisine. The disputed Turkish North has converted or demolished most of the old medieval structures and Coptic Christian Churches, and redeveloped villages. Although cross border visits are not officially encouraged, it is possible to cross for a day visit and to find the border guards on both sides quite friendly and accommodating to tourists. (After all why not be proud of your country!).
Cyprus is famous for its Christian history pertaining to the visits by Apostles Paul and Barnabas and accompanied by Mark, who converted the then Roman Consul, thereby becoming the first country to governed by Christian in 45 AD and leaving a strong Coptic Christian cultural heritage still overlaying the ancient Greek and Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman occupations. Further back in time, some twelve centuries BC, is the famous ‘love cult’ of Aphrodite’s. Cypriots still consider their Island State, “The Love Island” – the ideal island for a romantic visit, weddings and honeymoons.
The capital of Nicosia (Lefkosia) despite being a ‘divided city’ between Turkish occupied north and Greek south still retains the magical Old City, museums, ancient churches and buildings that preserve the atmosphere of medieval days on the one hand and a rapidly expanding modern European capital, business hub and cultural center, on the other.
Larnaka has the major International Airport and secondary sea port as well as the remains of the ancient city-kingdom of Kiton, Mycenaean Greek fort, Castle, Museums and ecologically important Salt Lake- stopover for thousands if migratory birds, and delightful promenade of shady palms. Close to the north-eastern border of Turkish occupied territory lie the premier resort towns of Agia Napa and Protaras – with miles of golden sandy beaches and a paradise of safe, shallow, and crystal clear waters and charming rural villages.
Lemesos (Limassol), “the city of merriment” derives it s sobriquet from its surrounding vineyards and famous wine festivals in September and carnival parades before Easter. As an important business and tourism center it has world class hotels and entertainment venues and many historic sites and museums to visit. (Where King Richard 1st married Berengaria of Navarre, in 1191)
Pafos on the south-western seaboard with its natural beauty, modern infrastructure and International Airport, is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Where the cult of Aphrodite (Goddess of love) flourished and with so many ancient sites it’s included in UNESCO’s list of ‘cultural and natural treasures’ list.
The spectacular Troodos Mountains in the center of the island bulges up to 1,952 meters peaking at Mount Olympos. The area is famous for its natural beauty, vineyards; charming villages, ancient churches and ‘cool, pine scented air’ and many hiking trails.
Exploring and getting around is best done by rented car or motor cycle; – there are daily busses between major towns, rural busses connecting villages to towns and ‘urban busses’ operate in summer, in certain tourist areas, and intercity shared-taxis connecting all major towns every half hour.(Weekends and Sundays may be limited).
Virtually every city, town or village has an archaeological site, monastery, medieval churches, and museums filled with ancient artifacts and mind boggling collections, some modern and most dating back many millennia. Overshadowing all this is the main attraction of the magnificent Mediterranean climate; sunny skies, sparkling seas, natural beauty and dozens of sun soaked beaches. All this encourages water sports from swimming, fishing, diving to boating, sailing and cruising around the island. On land area plethora of touring routes, hiking and biking trail off road experience, rock climbing to light aircraft flips and naturally, golf courses and other organized sporting activities.
Of course no visitor can resist the mouth watering culinary experiences on offer and wine tastings of some of the most ancient and modern cultivars available. There are cosmopolitan foods from all over the world and then there are the special local delights from the gourmet to the plain and simply delicious fresh produce of olives, salads, cheeses, meats, citrus fruits and succulent sea foods. From the street stall and some restaurants come the local, juicy ‘gyros’, ‘souvlakia’ and ‘sheftalia’ served in hot pita bread, or the traditional feast of ‘Meze’ – a huge gastronomic experience with a huge menu of traditional foods, best shared with family and friends. For the family and kids are many entertainment Theme Parks at the major cities. Adult entertainment with nightlife from the traditional to the most modern music and live shows expected anywhere, and local festivals fill the calendar.
- Summer Festivals from June to September fill the daily calendar of events but to highlight some of the most traditionally famous are as follows;
- January 6th, Epiphany – The first major religious celebration of the year, held in all Greek Orthodox churches, throughout the island. Ceremonially on the coast – a large cross is thrown in the water, to bless it.
- Akamas Festival, early in the year – (Paphos Aphrodite Festival) – a series of musical events, from classical to jazz, with musicians in concert, from all over Europe.
- Carnival Fests take place in towns across the Island, with colorful and extravagant floats.
- Green Monday – the beginning of lent – 50 days before Easter – where popularly, families picnic in the country on meatless and dairy free, vegetables and sea foods.
- Anthestiria – Flower Festival, to celebrate the onset of spring, with lavishly flower decorated floats in some major towns and villages.
- Greek Orthodox Easter – Festivities begin Friday and enact Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, traditionally followed by a family bowl of soup at home.
- Kataklysmos – (Pentacost) ‘Festival of the Flood’ – celebrating Noah’s deliverance – with traditional dancing, games, fun and entertainment in all seaside towns.
- Shakespearean Festival – June is the time when ‘the Bards’ works are enjoyed for three consecutive days, in the ancient, outdoors theatre of Kourion, under the stars.
- Ancient Greek Drama Festivals are celebrated in July and August in Kourion, Pafos, Agai Napa, Lanaka and Paralimni.
- September in Cyprus is time for the (Lemesos) two week extravaganza Wine Festival – with every evening to enjoy music, dance, snacks and ‘barrels of free wine’!
- Pafos Aphrodite Festival –where opera is performed in the open air at the harbor.
- Kypria International Festivals – from September to November and are major cultural events of music, dance, drama and art, held in all the major towns.
- Christmas and New Year – like elsewhere in the world, is celebrated in style, with church services, lavish meals, presents and all night New Year celebrations.
To corrupt a phrase, “So much to do, so little time” sums up a visit to Cyprus, an ‘Everlasting Island’.
