The end of the Mediterranean, the meeting point between East and West, and a contested land. Cyprus is a fascinating island worth discovering slowly, in any season.
Cyprus, the island of Aphrodite, is indeed a magical land where mythology and history intertwine with a breathtaking landscape. A paradise for lovers of nature and the sea, it offers a unique combination of crystal-clear beaches, lush mountains, and a rich culture dating back thousands of years. It is also an ideal destination for those seeking a sustainable vacation. With a wide range of eco-friendly accommodations (ready to discover the most beautiful one?), you can live an authentic and environmentally harmonious experience.
Discovering Authentic Cyprus
The first thing that strikes visitors to Cyprus is its variety. It’s not just an island for sunbathing, but a destination rich in things to do and see. From the historic city of Paphos, with its UNESCO World Heritage mosaics, to the traditional villages dotting the countryside, every corner of Cyprus has something special to offer. Beyond the most touristy and populated areas, secret places are waiting to be explored and experienced.
As a starting point, we chose Polis. It’s a small town on the northwestern coast, nestled in a beautiful nature reserve and a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. It is here that we find Eco Stay Cyprus. A private villa, renovated with eco-friendly principles, that features an infinity pool, spacious outdoor areas, and comfortable bedrooms.
Untamed Nature and Trekking in the Troodos Mountains
Nature lovers will find Cyprus a true paradise. The Troodos Mountains, with their hiking trails, offer the chance to immerse yourself in pristine nature. Here, among fragrant pines and small stone villages, you can experience unforgettable trekking. The trails cater to all experience levels and offer spectacular views ranging from the sea to the mountain peaks. If you visit during the winter season, the snow-capped Troodos hills are perfect for skiing days. Troodos also features an Environmental Information Center where you can learn details about the region’s geology, flora, and fauna. One of Troodos’s major mountain locations is Pano Platres, where you can also enjoy breathtaking waterfalls.
The Troodos Mountains region is also a wine-growing area. Known as Krasohoria, meaning “wine villages,” the 20 villages located on the southern slopes of Troodos offer an irresistible charm you can’t miss. Taste the ancient sweet wine Commandaria, renowned worldwide, and conclude your experience with a visit to one of the best traditional taverns where you can savor authentic Cypriot cuisine.
Another fascinating is the Akamas Peninsula National Park, located near the eco-friendly accommodation we chose for this incredible green vacation. The park offers hiking trails winding through spectacular landscapes of cliffs overlooking the sea, sea caves, and lush forests.
The Sea of Cyprus: Beach Relaxation and Incredible Adventures
But Cyprus is also, and above all, synonymous with crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches. The island’s beaches offer something for everyone: from soft sands to rocky cliffs, each with its unique charm. Lara Beach, accessible via a rugged road, is an unspoiled and spectacular spot, while Agios Filon Beach combines sand and archaeological sites with an important turtle nesting area. Nissi Beach is undoubtedly the most famous beach on the island, known for its lively atmosphere and beach parties.
For divers, the island offers some of the best dive sites in the Mediterranean. The MV Zenobia wreck, sunk in 1980 off the coast of Larnaca, is one of the world’s most famous dive sites. Exploring this sunken giant is indeed a fascinating experience that attracts divers from all corners of the globe.
With its long coastline and a variety of winds and waves, Cyprus is also a perfect destination for windsurfing. So, Pissouri Bay, with its calm waters, is ideal for beginners. But once you’ve mastered the lighter winds, the strong breezes off Lady’s Mile Beach will offer the thrill of speeding across the waves.
Cyprus’s Fascinating Archaeological Heritage
Cyprus is an island rich in history and culture, with influences ranging from the ancient Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Each civilization has left its mark, and this is reflected in the numerous archaeological sites and museums on the island. A must-see example is the Kourion Archaeological Park, a Roman-era site featuring a spectacular theater and beautiful mosaics.
You can’t leave Cyprus without visiting its famous Aphrodite sanctuaries. According to legend, the goddess of love and beauty was born from the waters of Paphos, and many pilgrims came to Cyprus to honor her. The sanctuary of Kouklia, located near the city, is one of the most fascinating places to understand the cult of Aphrodite and its importance in antiquity.
Salamis, the heart of ancient Cyprus, was a thriving philosophical and literary center, famous for its coin production. Today, its remains tell the grandeur of a bygone era: majestic columns, well-preserved baths, frescoes, mosaics, and statues intertwine with a magnificent ancient theater, offering an enchanting view of its glorious past.
The Island’s Cities and Cuisine
Cyprus is an island that combines modernity and tradition through its charming cities, each with a unique character.
Nicosia is the last divided capital in Europe and is a treasure trove of timeless wonders. It offers an intriguing mix of cultures with its fortified old town and vibrant modern streets, reflecting centuries of history and conflict. The old city is a maze of ochre streets lined with cafes and traditional restaurants. The Makarios Cultural Foundation hosts precious Byzantine icons, while the Venetian walls with their five bastions offer an impressive historical view. A short distance from the Green Line, which divides the Republic of Cyprus from Northern Cyprus, is CVAR, the cultural center dedicated to the island’s modern history. Crossing the official checkpoint, you enter the Turkish-Cypriot area, where stone streets lead to the Selimiye Mosque, an ancient Gothic cathedral converted into a mosque, the old dervish monastery, the market, and the ancient caravanserai.
Limassol, on the other hand, is a lively coastal center, famous for its elegant marina, colorful festivals, and dynamic culinary scene. It is Cyprus’s second-largest city and is known for hosting the island’s most famous Carnival, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage. Each year, from February 24 to March 6, Limassol transforms into an open-air festival with parades, songs, floats, and gastronomic rites.
The cuisine
In both major cities and smaller villages, you’ll find taverns and eateries of all kinds where you can enjoy the best of Cypriot cuisine. This delicious blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors includes dishes ranging from traditional mezé to fava hummus. Don’t miss the chance to taste halloumi, the famous Cypriot cheese, grilled or served fresh with mint, or the sweet potatoes called Kalakasi.
It’s difficult to capture all the magic and richness of Cyprus. Every corner of the island has something to tell and offer to the most attentive travelers. Thus, every trip to Cyprus is an opportunity to discover something new, immersing yourself in an atmosphere that blends the ancient and the modern, the clearest seas, and the lushest greenery.
