Cyprus

General

Cyprus is one of the most beautiful and most popular travel destinations of the Mediterranean, attracting more than 2.4 million visitors per year. It is the third biggest Island of the area and it is located south of Turkey, in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus combines a perfect climate with beautiful sunny beaches and relaxed environment, an indeed thrilling amalgamation. Moreover, hotels in Cyprus are among the most popuplar and luxurious hotels of the Mediterranean. Particularly, hotels in  Agia Napa, the most popular tourist part of the island and hotels in Larnaca comprise some of the most  fabulous holiday resorts of south Europe.   

History

Cyprus’ long history is marked by a number of wars, invasions and foreign rulers that tried to occupy this strategically located spot of the Mediterranean. The first Greeks came to the island after 1400 BC, a period where the Hellenisation of the island started.  By 1050 BC Cyprus can be considered part of Greece, having espoused the Greek language, culture and religion. Many years of turbulences and foreign invasions from Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians ended up in 333 BC, when Alexander the Great claimed Cyprus part of his empire. Cyprus will remain Greek till 58 BC, when Romans conquered it and made it part of Roman Empire and successively part of the Byzantium. From 1192 till 1489 Cyprus is ruled by a feudal system after its defeat by the crusader Richard the Lionheart. In more recent history nations that invaded and conquered Cyprus are the Venetians, the Ottomans and in the dawn of 20th century the British. Cyprus remained under British occupation till 1960, the date that the island granted its independence. In 1974 Turkey invaded the island and still occupies 37% of its territory, a fact that has divided Cyprus into two parts, the Cyprus-Greek side and the Cyprus-Turkish one.

Art and Culture

Throughout the centuries this great population exchange between Europe, Asia and Africa has amalgamated a unique tradition and culture in Cyprus, which is greatly depicted in its art as well. Some of the most important pieces of ancient Cypriot art are housed in the Cyprus Museum of Nicosia, where visitors can see unique art antiquities from the Neolithic period to the Roman times. Another important museum of the island is the Kyrenia Museum of Folk art, which also comprises a representative pre XVII century Cypriot building. Other important Folk art museums are those of Lefkara, Yeroskipou and Phikarhou. More than that, Cypriot museum of Kunsthistorisches containing more than 700 objects that date from the Bronze Age to the era of Roman Empire, houses two world famous masterpieces, namely the Amazonian Sarcophagus and the Artemis of Larnaca, a fact that renders it one of the largest and most important art museums of Europe. A number of local archeological museums can also be found in many small towns like the museums of Episkopi and Kouklia and the Medieval Museum of Limassol.

Gastronomy

The Cypriot cuisine can be regarded as a mixture of Greek and Eastern flavors reflecting to a great extend the country’s geographic location and historic heritage. Most dishes are cooked with fresh local ingredients and regional spices such as pepper, parsley, roka, oregano, thyme and of course the exceptional Cypriot olive oil. Some of the most famous local plates include the coriander-seasoned sausages known as Loukanika; Dolmadakia, which are grape leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat; the delicious Halloumi cheese; Sheftalia, one of the specialties of the Island made by grilled pork sausage and Afelia, which is also made by pork but it is marinated in wine and coriander. In an island like Cyprus seafood has its exceptional place as well. Next to delicious fresh fishes one can find in traditional “psarotavernas” along the seacoast, there are many Seafood specialties resembling the Greek culinary triumphs. Dishes like calamari and octopus marinated with red wine, the famous barbuni and the gauros marinatos constitute local delicacies that every visitor should taste.

Places to visit

One of the places you need to visit in Cyprus is Nicosia. The capital of the island is a very beautiful city that offers great diversities. It is a centre of art that combines an excheptional history with a very modern lifestyle, a fact that makes it a very appealing tourist destination. Especially the old city of Nicosia confesses the historical importance of the city and the mixture of cultures and civilizations throughout the centuries. The city walls and their eleven bastions for instance were built by the Venetians in 1570 and reveal the multicultural character of the city. Of course, this is not the only important monument of Nicosia, as there are many significant sites such as Laiki Yitoniak, a tourist quarter full of restaurants and small shops. Nicosia also hosts some of the best clubs and discos of the Island, promising a fantastic night life. Visit Nicosia and reserve a hotel or apartment to a destination that remains unique in all seasons. Hotels in Nicosia are known for their high quality services and relaxed atmosphere.   

One of most famous tourist destinations of the Mediterranean is Agia Napa. It is a part of Cyprus that contributes to a great extend to the tourist character of the island, as thousands of tourists from all over the world come every year to enjoy this splendid spot of the Mediterranean. Its beautiful beaches, fantastic bars and traditional tavernas make Agia Napa indisputably a unique destination. Hotels in Agia Napa offer some superb facilities too, as the majority of them has swimming pools and great sea view. Moreover, despite all this fun and noise in the heart of the town, travelers that need some relaxation and peace can easily visit the nearby city of Protaras , which is more family oriented. Hotels in Protaras are more family oriented too, with more quiet and relaxed environment.

Another must destination is Larnaca. It is the second biggest city of the Island and hosts some of the best clubs and restaurants of the area. Moreover, there are many kinds of hotels in Larnaca, varying  from cheap hotels and apartments to really luxurious rooms and holiday resorts. A place you have to visit in Larnaca is the Salt Lake and the site of the mosque or Tekke of Hala Sultan. Another interesting destination of the island is Paphos. Its extravagant harbor attracts thousands of tourists every year, who enjoy the superb sea view and the plenty of tavernas or cafes along the sea coast. Moreover, the mosaics of Paphos are a must for all visitors to Cyprus. Another place worth visiting is the Limassol area with the ancient Kourion and the castle of Kolossi to simply testify the richness of Cypriot history. For those that like history, a place to visit is also the famous Choirokitia, whose stone-age settlements are UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Finally, do not forget to visit the town of Lefkara, popular for its withstanding lace making tradition.

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