Take a Mediterranean break in sunny Cyprus
 Image via Wikimedia Commons.
Cyprus is an island nation, offering sun-soaked beaches lapped by the Mediterranean Sea. However, it is also an island of fascinating culture, landscapes, myths and history. The island is split in two, between the South and the North, with two different communities – Greet Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot. While both are vastly different, they also have strong similarities. Both have strong ties to family life and both have fascinating histories. However, wherever you go on the island, you can enjoy the same, warm Cypriot hospitality.
Exploring the great outdoors
With its warm Mediterranean climate, Cyprus offers a great outdoor life. This includes the endless, sun-soaked beaches, varying from family-friendly to wild and empty. This means a beach holiday in Cyprus offers something suit everyone, along with all the popular water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, kite boarding and surfing.
However, heading inland away from the water, visitors can enjoy beautiful valleys lined with vineyards and pretty meadows filled with wild flowers. Popular sports inland include hiking and biking in the summer months. Surprisingly, the winter months offer skiing too.
Experiencing the past of Cyprus
With its Greek and Turkish Cypriot populations, Cyprus is steeped in myth and full of fascinating history. The island is strewn with fascinating relics and remnants from its past. Explorers can see Neolithic dwellings and Phoenician tombs. Evidence is also found of the once-mighty city-kingdoms of Cyprus, including mountaintop castles, Byzantine churches and Roman ampitheatres and mosaics.
The cities of Cyprus reveal the architectural legacy of the Lusignan, Venetian and Ottoman periods. In fact, an exploration into the island’s past will reveal the entire history of the Mediterranean.
Wining and Dining
Cyprus has an equivalent of Spain’s famous tapas, in meze, tasty small dishes, including kebabs or afelia, creamy hummus, and so much more. The cuisine throughout the island is heavily influenced by Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern food cultures, making for a delicious dining experience. Diners can experience haloumi, sheftalia kebab, and mouth-watering desserts. Sweet treats are flavored with rose water, pistachios and almonds, and include rice puddings and the famous and sticky dish, baklava.
Cities of Cyprus
The following are just some of the most well-known and popular city destinations in Cyprus.
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and nestles in the north-central area of the island. It is considered to be the cultural heart of the country. The city offers beach resorts and a vibrant street life. The Old City offers a lively café and bar scene, as well as narrow streets lined with museums, colonial-era buildings, churches and mosques.
Lemesos is still known to many as Limassol and is one of the most underrated cities in Cyprus. The city’s core is full of character, with its historic center spreading out from the castle. In its narrow lanes, modern boutiques stand next to old, shuttered homes, while the area buzzes with bars, cafes and restaurants, popular with both locals and visitors. Lemesos has a glamorous marina, standing in a scruffier area of the city, but also has lovely beaches for swimming and sunbathing.
This coastal city has a beautiful beach promenade, known as the Finikoudes, which is the perfect place for strolling or people watching, enjoying morning coffee or an evening drink. The promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars, ideal for any taste. Inland, the city has a modern downtown area, ideal for shopping. However, the old Turkish quarter of Skala is a quaint and historic place to visit with its beautiful whitewashed homes. Other attractions include the fort and the Byzantine church of Agios Lazaros.
Cyprus also offers quaint, smaller towns and villages, ideal for exploring and experiencing the true life of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot people.
Take time out for a Mediterranean holiday in Cyprus. You will be so glad you did!
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