What springs to mind when you think of Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean? A vision of Grecian inspired white washed houses, ample olive groves, hilly villages and sparkling turquoise waters? Cyprus does indeed share many of Greece’s highlights but it remains an island with its own distinct identity and alluring charm. 

The landscape of Cyprus is endearingly varied, a result of its chequered past, having been occupied by the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Venetians, Ottomans and the British, amongst others, all of which influenced the make-up of the country. 

Despite its relatively compact size, Cyprus has a lot to offer visitors. In fact the ease of getting from place to place only adds to the attraction. 

What to do in Cyprus

So what might a typical sojourn in Cyprus look like? 

Staying in a small fishing or rural village with its rustic stone houses, where life moves at snail’s pace would be a charming start. Open the windows to breathe in the warm salty sea air or the smell of citrus orchards permeating the breeze. Listen to the good natured banter of the locals in a place where people have time to stop and discuss the day’s pleasures. The climate in Cyprus is year round warmth and puts you in that easy carefree mood as you dress in casual summer clothes day in day out, wandering along by the sea front or through the olive groves and dusty trails of rural farming areas. Simple pleasures and the gentle flow of everyday life are what give Cyprus its hugely appealing easy going nature. Nothing is rushed, as there is always time to do tomorrow what you didn’t get done today!

 

After a hearty and fulfilling breakfast (the Cypriots love to eat!), a great way to see the island is to explore by car. Winding passes and coastal roads, through pine forests and lemon citrus groves, past medieval castle ruins, always with stunning vistas either side, driving is the best way to discover the extraordinary island of Cyprus. Find your own special corners of the island – there are so many that you shouldn’t confine yourself to those pointed out in the guidebooks - that’s the beauty of Cyprus. Take in the rustic charm of blue painted doorways, clusters of women selling traditional crafts and making lace by the road side whilst street cats lay basking in the sun.

A word of warning, when you stop of for lunch, allow yourself a good couple of hours. Food is a big part of Cypriot life and is something to be made a meal of (excuse the pun!). Take the time to enjoy the simple but immensely wholesome and satisfying flavours, the lamb Kleftiko that drops effortlessly off the bone having been slowly cooked for hours, the tasty fresh baked breads and hummus, grilled halloumi and numerous other local dishes that whet the appetite.

Once you have digested and cogitated in the summer sun, hop back in the car, it’s time to sample a taste of cultural Cyprus. The cross cultured history has provided a melting pot of important archaeological sites from different ages, from the mind blowing Tomb of the Kings, to the mosaics of Paphos, from the Byzantine churches to ruined fortresses, all the wonders of different eras are here to astound you. As with many of the Middle Eastern countries, there are biblical connections abound. 

Close your eyes and visualise the decadent days of the Romans as you contemplate temples and call to mind the robe clad clergymen of Byzantium eras as you wonder through ornate churches and monasteries. 

Whilst on your exploratory road trip, you’re bound to have stumbled across beaches and coves. Cyprus is one of those places where it is still possible to discover coves untouched by tourists. The beauty of the bays is humbling. One of those stunning bays is Paphos, the mystical birthplace of the goddess of love, Aphrodite, who was said to have risen up out of the waves in all her gloriousness. Perhaps she cast a spell on the place as it seems always to be blessed with incredible blue skies. Paphos is dripping with historical treasures, so many of them in fact that UNESCO decided it would be best to add the whole town to its World Cultural Heritage list as opposed to individual sites. Those individual sites include the pillar where Saint Paul was allegedly tied in order to be lashed for converting so many to Christianity, as well as the incredible underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of the rock face. Paphos is also the site of the Odeon, now an amphitheatre where sultry summer evenings can be spent listening to the amazing acoustics of musical performances.

Something that occurs to you when you touch the shores of Cyprus is the subtle perfume that lingers wherever you are, a natural scent of some description, be it the salty air, the mellow scent of wildly growing lavender or rosemary, sharp citrus tang, or an unknown exotic fragrance. Evidence of perfume has been discovered dating back to 4000 years or more, to the days of Aphrodite, who in light of it all no doubt smelt as good as she looked!

Cypriots are happiest when eating so soak up the atmosphere of easy summer evenings whilst sampling the mezzo, a banquet of small dishes of local delicacies, Cypriot version of tapas. The food may be rustic but it never tasted so good – figs, dates, almonds, smoked ham, fresh herbs, artichokes and fresh fish – all taste their very best in this sun kissed island. Wash down with a local wine, which flows as freely in Cyprus as the conversation and finish with a sweet treat of freshly baked Baklava. Partake in a local game of backgammon in village or promenade cafes as the sun lowers and paints the skyline with muted rosy hues. You’ll soon feel all your troubles melting away. Cyprus has a gentle way of seducing you with its simplistic pleasures and reminders of bygone days.

If the simple life gets to be too much for you and you are craving the pulse of a big city then head to the clubbing capital of Cyprus, Ayia Napa, on the far eastern side of the south coast. Ayia Napa is the youthful face of Cyprus and all about modern hedonism. If bling is your thing, than Ayia Napa is your fantasy. The Cypriot Ibiza is heaven on earth for nightclub goers and party people. Awaken your senses with a locally brewed coffee, spend the day basking on the populated Ayia Napa beaches in the company of bronzed and bikini clad bodies, grab a siesta in the afternoon and then prepare yourself for a social frenzy that will last well into the early hours of the morning! Music is god here, all the best DJs make an annual pilgrimage to Ayia Napa and the beat goes on...and on...and on, satisfying clubber’s appetites and then some. 

If thumping nightclubs and scantily clad party goers are not for you then you will likely be better off basing yourself at one of the quieter bays or further inland in one of the more remote regions such as the Karpaz Peninsula in the north, an area that doesn’t see many tourists and where there are beautiful mountain trails to lose yourself in! The Karpaz Peninsula also hosts the magnificent ever changing white dunes of Golden Beach on the northern coast and without a soul around you can have them all to yourself. Or seek out solace in the west – the unspoilt villages of Polis and Latchi are right off the tourist trail and don’t even have traffic lights!

Water sports are available in abundance at some of the more populated beaches. Try your hand at kite surfing, para sailing, jet skiing and more.

Getting there and around

It is possible to arrive into Cyprus by ferry, however many routes have been suspended and by far the most popular way of entering the country is by international flight into Larnaca, Paphos or Ercan. 

The best way to travel around Cyprus is by car and hire cars are easily available. This gives you the freedom and flexibility of exploring at your own pace. However, if you are travelling on a tight budget then buses are a good mode of transport from town to town, with regular services every day except for Sundays when they don’t run at all. Service taxis are the next best thing if you need to travel on a Sunday. 

If you have time on your hands, Cyprus by bicycle is wonderful. 

Facts

Country Full Name: Republic of Cyprus
Population: Approx 800,000
Currency: Euro
Official Languages Spoken: Greek, Turkish
Country Dialling Code: 357