By Kenya Barrett
The island nation of Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, just off the coast of Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon in the Middle East.
Originally inhabited by ancient Greeks, it later became a British colony, was subsequently a subject of military conflict with Turkey, and is now a popular European escape. Cyprus has a fascinating history.
Experience the beauty of this country with our holiday packages to Cyprus.
A Fascinating Capital City
Since the 1970s, Nicosia – the capital of Cyprus – has been a split capital (the one of its kind in the world). It is split between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north by the UN-controlled Green Line. Additionally, there are two small areas in the south of the country operated by the UK, called Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
Local Life in Cyprus
Most citizens speak English, making Cyprus a comfortable warm-weather destination for many UK travellers.
They drive on the same side of the road as in the UK, which makes hiring a car easier for British visitors.
Ties to Greek Mythology
According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, emerged from the foam of a wave at Petra tou Romiou, an impressive rock formation on the west coast, south of the city of Paphos. The cult of Aphrodite flourished on the island beginning in the 12th century with the Mycenaeans, and all manner of sacred, innocence-shedding rituals took place at the Sanctuary of Aphrodite.
Cyprus Cuisine
Cypriot cuisine is a unique blend of Greek and Turkish flavours. Both Turkey and Greece are renowned for their cuisine, so having them both combined is like a dream come true for a culinary holiday. While fresh seafood is abundant, perhaps their most famous local product is halloumi – a cheese made from sheep and goat’s milk that holds its shape when grilled.
Cyprus has also been a wine-producing region since 2300 BC, so you owe it to yourself to sample some of the local vintages. The country is also home to Commandaria, the world’s oldest named wine still in production. It dates back over 5,000 years and was once described as the “wine of kings and the king of wines” by Richard the Lionheart.
Cyrus Nature & Wildlife
If you are a lover of animals (particularly cats) Cyprus is known for its large population of cats. According to legend, cats were introduced to the island in the 4th century by Saint Helena, who brought them to help control the island’s snake population. Today, they’re everywhere! Unlike many Mediterranean destinations, Cyprus is free from dangerous wildlife. There are no venomous snakes or animals that pose a significant threat to people, making it a safe place to explore its natural beauty.
