Cyprus the island of Aphrodite
Cyprus, the island where, according to legend, Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of beauty and love, was born, is an idyllic destination.
Cyprus is only a small country, but it’s the third largest in the Mediterranean. A friendly island with a big smile and a bigger heart – Cyprus and its people offers its visitors a genuine welcome and you soon become friends and part of their extended family. This is one of the reasons why most visitors return again, again and again. Whether for a holiday, retirement or re-location, Cyprus has a lot to offer.
It is a land whose history and culture goes back 10,000 years so there is something for everyone – Neolithic settlements, ancient burial chambers, Greco-Roman temples and amphitheatres, Roman villas with mosaic floors, old Christian basilicas, Byzantine churches and monasteries with beautiful wall-paintings, mediaeval castles, Islamic monuments, to name but a few.
With its spectacular rugged and unspoilt scenery and enviable climate, Cyprus is an island not only for its natural beauty but also a country of contrasts. Whether you choose to relax in the cool, pine-clad mountains, laze on the golden sun-kissed beaches or simply strolling through the timeless villages scattered on the hills. The contrast in Cyprus between the modern cosmopolitan towns and luxurious beachside hotels can be exchanged for large areas of natural, unspoilt countryside.
In Cyprus all distances are easily manageable, with modern roads and highways. For the more adventurous, choose a secondary route or two and discovery the real Cyprus.
You will certainly never grow hungry in Cyprus as when touring the villages someone is sure to offer you a Greek coffee, some fruit, cheese, wine or even a shot of “Zivania” a local spirit with fire in its heart.
Dotted around are several simple taverna’s, serving tasty traditional food. They usually don’t have menus as they serve fresh produce of the day, this is called a “Meze” This is a selection of several dishes both cold and hot. It will give a novice to Cypriot cooking the opportunity to taste many flavours and textures. This is a process that definitely must not be hurried as these little dishes ( over 20) are served one after the other, giving you a chance to savour your meal while washing it down with the locally made wine.
Most important of all, the island offers peace of mind. It is comforting to know that you can take a walk at any time or hour and feel secure in the knowledge that safety prevails everywhere since the crime level is so low as to be practically non-existent.
Cyprus is nature’s island, from the highest point of Mount Olympus down to the coast with sweeping plains covered with grapevines. There are many exquisite wild flowers that are indigenous to Cyprus growing in splendid profusion in the spring. Bright vivid coloured bougainvillea grows in profusion against white walls. Palm trees, shrubs and plants bask in the Mediterranean sunshine all year round.
Due to the wonderful climate and variety of scenery, the island offers endless opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor sports fans. Activities such as angling, mountain-hiking, cycling, gliding, golf, diving, sea sports and yachting are but a few of the special activity holidays that the island offers.
This eastern Mediterranean island is rich in natural beauty, has a wide variety of rare endemic species both in flora and fauna, magnificent ancient sites, as well as a healthy climate. The traditional hospitality of the inhabitants and a high level of services all make it attractive to the visitor.
Cyprus is also prized for its bird life, and the migratory birds that use it as a stopover, are eagerly awaited between seasons. Cyprus is a bird watcher’s paradise. The shimmering salt lakes with the flamingos are a sight to be seen with the sun setting in the background, a photographer’s dream.