Travel Ideas: Cyprus

Few countries share the distinction of being a crossroad to three continents.  For Cyprus, that distinction has provided a History of more considerable significance relative to its size. Great civilizations have coveted the small Island for millenniums, and even today, this remains the case.

Troodos mountain range once rich in Copper (used for Bronze) and depleted of it since the 80s. The word Copper comes from the Greek name of the Island Kupros.

Reading about the rulers of the Island, one can’t help thinking that you have an official list of the who’s who in the last thousands of years: Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, English, Templars, French, Venetians, Ottomans, the British again. The long list is climaxed by Cypriot independence in 1960, only to be disturbed by the Cold War that ultimately led to the partition of the country between North(Turkish influence) and South(Greek influence).

5th-century artifact in Limassol Castle…incidentally, Limassol castle is the only place outside of U.K. where an English Royal Wedding took place (Richard Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre)

In this partition, you can hear the whisper of History, but talk to the people, and you will hear a cry of hope that one day the country will be united.

Nicosia, the last divided capital

Walk the streets of Ayia Nap, sunbath on its glorious beach and party all night at the Square, and you’ll notice that aside from Greek, it would seem that English and Russian are de facto secondary languages of the Island. The wheel of History is turning again, the Powers that be still have a great interest on the Island.

The beautiful Nissi beach of Ayia Napa

Russians partying on the streets of Ayia Napa

The Square, Party Central of Cyprus, the Mecca of U.K. Garage scene in Summer

For religious historians, Cyprus is also an important Christian center, the apostle’s Paul and Barnabas’ first Missionary Journey was the city of Salamis(45 A.D.), where Saul came to be known as Paul and where he converted the Roman  Pro-consul (Governor) of the Island to Christianity. We could argue that “Cyprus” is the first country governed by a Christian.

Wall-Paintings of the Church of Panagia of Asinou(UNESCO Heritage) on the foot of the Troodos Mountains range

Border crossing is now easy between North(Only recognized by Turkey) and South,  make sure that you read the entry requirements carefully: www.mfa.gov.cy.

On the Northern side, it is cheaper and less developed tourism-wise, and this could be an excellent reason to choose it rather than the South.  You can stay at Kyrenia and Famagusta, the former is the most tourist-oriented city in the North, and the latter is close by the border and  Salamis(Location of the ancient Greek city-state).  Parts of Famagusta have been fenced off by the Turkish Army; it is a source of contention in the current peace deal negotiations. Read more about it with this article from the Guardian.

The beautiful harbor of Kyrenia

Small section of the Famagusta Ghost town

But maybe, you’d be more interested in staying in a tranquil village along the Troodos Mountain range. Lania, which is just a 30 minutes drive from Limassol, is one such village. All the houses there are built using stone, and it is in the heart of vine-growing and winemaking Cyprus, the country has 6,000 years of History of winemaking! Check out this article for more about wine in Cyprus (EG Commandaria).

Lania, a charming village of the Southern slopes of Troodos Mountain range

Another good reason to visit Cyprus is, of course, their cuisine! I will let  Wiki, speak for this.  But a word of warning about the Meze, make sure that you are hungry when you order it as there is simply too much food offered.

Meze the meat version (this is just half of it )

Fish Mezezpp

Of all Greek Gods and Goddesses,  I do not wonder why  Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty,  has come to be associated with Cyprus. It truly a unique and beautiful island. I will revisit it; four days is truly not enough to visit this country. I would recommend at least two weeks to see most of its sights.