What to know before going to Cyprus

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 turned into a British colony, later a subject of military conflict with Turkey, and now current warm European escape for Russians, Cyprus has a fascinating history.

Since the 1970s, Cyprus is split into the southern Greek Cypriot side and the northern Turkish Cypriot side by a demilitarized 180km line from Paralimni to Kato Pyrgos known as ‘UN Buffer Zone’; which have 7 checkpoints to go through. There are also two small areas in the South of the country operated by the UK called Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, arrived on 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.

Most of the citizens can speak English. This makes it a comfortable warm weather destination for many UK passengers.

They drive on the same side of the road as in the UK. This makes it easier when you are getting a car for hire.

Cypriot cuisine is a unique blend of Greek and Turkish foods. Both Turkey and Greece are famous for their cuisine, so having them both blended is like a dream come true for a culinary holiday. While fresh seafood can be found everywhere, probably their most famous local product is halloumi – which is a cheese made out of sheep and goat milk that manages to keep its shape when grilled. Cyprus has also been a wine producing area since 2300 BC. You owe it to yourself to sample some of the local vintages.