There is a lot more to Cyprus Tourist Blog than resorts and sunshine. From historic sites to nature trails, the country has it all. Here, we'll explore some of the best ways to enjoy a vacation in Cyprus.
Explore The Ancient History Of The Country
Spend a few hours exploring the ancient history and mythology of Cyprus. The biggest cities on the island date back to the Roman era, with evidence of continuous inhabited since 5000 BC. In fact, Cyprus was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity. It was also one of the first to mint coins, publish newspapers, and conduct trade with the rest of the world. With so much history, it's no wonder that the country is now a popular getaway for Europeans.
Visit The Troodos And Kyrenia Mountain
One of the most popular attractions on a trip to Cyprus is the Troodos. This extinct volcano rises precipitously from the center of the island. The most exciting aspect of a visit to Troodos is the hike up the mountain, following in the footsteps of Hercules. Also in the area, you can visit the Kyrenia Mountain and catch a breathtaking view of the island. These two attractions offer a panoramic view of Cyprus for those who want to take a break from resort life for a while.
Explore The Sights And Sounds Of Limassol
Though it's a popular destination for visitors from all over the world, Cyprus is still considered a small island. That means there's a lot of hustle and bustle, and many more opportunities for adventures. The largest city, Limassol, is a hub of activity, with a cosmopolitan vibe that attracts tourists and residents alike. Of course, exploring the sights and sounds of Limassol is a great way to get an idea of what the country is like. One must-see spot in Limassol is the Ayia Napa fountains. The fountain show is touted as one of the biggest in the world. While there are no certainties in life, this may very well be true.
Hike The Beaches Of The Northeastern Coast
The northeast coast of Cyprus is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the island. There are incredible beaches, crystal clear waters, and isolated coves that are begging to be explored. The most popular beaches are those of Lefka, located near Limassol, and Pissouri, located near the Troodos. The biggest drawback to exploring this part of the island is getting to the beaches. There isn't any regular public transportation to these places, so you will have to find a way to get there by foot or boat. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation on the beach, the northeastern coast of Cyprus isn't the place you want to be. However, if you want to see some of the most beautiful churches and palaces in the whole country, this is your chance. There are many places of interest around Limassol. You can start exploring the city's historic district, which is filled with Roman ruins and old churches. You will also find the House of Saint Francis, which is where Saint Francis of Assisi is buried. This is a place you must visit.
Visit Famagusta
Though it was recently hit by tragedy, the once-thriving city of Famagusta still draws tourists to its winding streets and shops. This former Greek Cypriot capital city was under Turkish occupation until 1960. Since the partition of the island, it has undergone a revival, thanks to a mix of European and Turkish heritage. Its winding streets still bear the stamp of the Ottoman era, with overhanging balconies and carved wooden doors. Today, Famagusta is home to some of the finest restaurants in Cyprus. One of the must-dos in Famagusta is to get a pizza from the city's best pizza parlor, Apollonia. They are renowned for making the best Margherita pizza in the city. Though not exactly what you might call a traditional Cypriot meal, the meatballs with rice or the Cypriot chicken are also worth a try.
Add A Little Bit Of The Palace Life
Though most of the above suggestions focus on getting away from the bustle of everyday life, it wouldn't hurt to add a little bit of the palace life. After all, you are on vacation. It wouldn't hurt to take a call or two from time to time. Even if it's just to let someone know you're still alive. Life under the Ottoman empire was not easy, and it wasn't just about enjoying the sun and sand. It was a time when women were not allowed to speak in public, and torture and imprisonment were commonplace. The Ottomans were not a gentle people. If you're looking for a vacation that evokes the exotic palaces of the Ottoman empire, there are a few places you can go. The first is Istanbul, where the sultan's palaces and tekkes (mosques) still exude an air of the Ottoman empire. You can also visit the ruins of the Acropolis, tour the Hagia Sophia, and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of everyday Turkish life. Few places in the world can match the richness of culture that is Istanbul.
Visit The Remains Of The Ancient Cypriot Civilization
Though there are many attractions on a trip to Cyprus, the island's ancient Cypriot civilization is what the country is best known for. The biggest cities on the island date back to the Roman era, with evidence of continuous inhabited since 5000 BC. The most striking aspect of a visit to ancient Cyprus is the many remains of the Cypriot civilization. Every city and village has its own ruined monuments, mostly from the temples and palaces that dot the countryside and large cities. Most of the above suggestions will take you to places that are easily accessible. However, if you want to see the best of the island's ancient sites, you will have to go to the remotest parts, where the roads are probably not even passable, and definitely not built for cars. Few places in the world can match the richness of culture that is found in ancient Cyprus.
So, there you have it. A few ideas for the best way to enjoy a vacation in Cyprus. This is a small country with a lot to offer. Though it may not seem like a typical vacation destination due to the ongoing conflict, it is a place of incredible biodiversity. One and a half million species of plants have been identified on the island, along with 400 species of birds, 150 types of mammals, and reptiles. Though there is still some fighting between the Turkish Cypriots and the Greeks Cypriots, this has not stopped the country from attracting tourists. There is a lot more to Cyprus than meets the eye. Though the above suggestions will take you to the most popular locations, you should not limit yourself to these places. Instead, you should try and find the most interesting parts of the island, where you can get an idea of what the country is really like.