7 REASONS YOU MUST VISIT CYPRUS!

Cyprus is the place to visit this summer!

Cyprus, an island with clear blue beaches, gorgeous mountain tops, great night life and warm weather almost all year round, it just has so much to offer!

Why should you visit Cyprus you say? Well if not for the above mentioned then I am sure I can find you many more reasons for you to visit this magical island I call home.

This island has all the wonders of the Mediterranean culture and location, and has a holiday vibe all year round.  Even though Cyprus is one of the furthest countries in Europe it is truly magnificent. Once you get here you will wonder why you didn’t come sooner! It is a hidden gem that not many people know about. Most people have never even heard of Cyprus.

As I have mentioned in a past post (read here), Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and has so much history and culture.  The locals are friendly and helpful and the island in easy to navigate.

So enough about me going on and on about my home country, let’s get into the reasons YOU should visit Cyprus!

1. CRYSTAL CLEAR BEACHES

All the beaches here in Cyprus are very crystal clear with a magnificent blue colour that draws you in. My favourite beach is in Larnaca area is known as Cesar from the restaurant that is there (it is actually located in the British base) however the most popular beaches are in Ayia Napa and Aphrodite’s Rock (Πέτρα του Ρωμιού) which is in Paphos.  

A few of the beaches in Ayia Napa that are most famous is

1. Fig Tree Bay
2. Konnos Bay
3. Capo Greco
4. Nissi Beach

 

 

 

2. MOUNTAINS HIKES AND NATURE RESERVES

Such a small island you would not think that it would have too much to offer but it will pleasantly surprise you with the mountains trails up in Troodos Mountains.

There are also amazing waterfalls all over Cyprus. There is one in Troodos Mountains called Kalidonia Falls, another one in Platres called Milomeri and also another in Pafos called Adonis Waterfall. These are only the 3 most popular waterfalls, there are more though.

As for hikes, there are so many nature trails to choose from whether it’s along the beach or sea fronts or mountains and forests. Some are: Aphrodite’s Circular Trail (Akamas), Kalidonia (Waterfall in Troodos Mountains) and also Saint George Botanical trail. There are literally so many to choose from.

3. CULTURE

Cypriot culture is enchanting with many legends and wonderful history. Like the beautiful goddess Aphrodite, who is said to have been born in the area of Pafos at the Rock hence the name Aphrodite’s Rock.

Cypriots are very hospitable people. They are loud and usually also use hand gestures when talking. They are very respectful of their elders and always offer food and drink to their visitors. It is considered rude not to accept what is being offered even though you do not want it or like it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. FOOD AND DRINKS

Mediterranean food is just so tasty that your taste buds will be having a party. Souvlaki, Souvla and Gyros and all those herbs and spices that are smothered on while this type of cooking makes for a delicious meal with a Greek salad, tahini, humus and Cypriot potatoes.

As for those who are vegan or vegetarian, well there are many dishes to eat. So many fresh veggies and pulses which are very tasty and there are so many organic food here too.

You will have to try the Cypriot Halloumi and also other food like Moussaka, Pastitsio, Koupepia and Koupes. I could write all day long about the food but I will just end it with: whatever we make that has meat usually can be made without meat and in its place we put veggies. As a very religious place (Greek Orthodox) we have periods of fasting which we do not eat meat and various other foods, therefore we have many vegetarian dishes too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. RICH HISTORY

Cyprus is such a small island but yet it holds such a rich history! From historical monuments to ancient Greek ruins. Every city and most villages and towns also have either monument or ruins for you to see.  

Some of the popular ruins or monuments are:

Limassol – Kourion, Kollosi and Amathus

Larnaca – Kamares, Larnaca Fort and Choirokoitia Archeological site

Nicosia – Monument of the first president of Cyprus, Famagusta gate

Ammochostos – Agia Napa Monastery,

Paphos – Tombs of the Kings, Kato Paphos Archeological site

 

 

 

 

6. WEATHER

The weather here is mostly sunny and warm. Only a few months out of the year it gets cold and still it is not as cold as other places.

While sunshine is 365 days a year, we also have snow up in the mountains during the winter months. So anyone interested in skiing they can do so during December, January and February. The best month however is said to be February.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

This tiny island has something for everyone to do. Whether you are traveling alone or with friends or with your family and children there is something for everyone to do and see.

Families can relax and take their children to sites that are kid-friendly like the Paphos Zoo or the beach where there are lifeguards and games in the water.

Those alone or with friends who want to see the night life well you will not go wrong with Agia Napa night clubs and night life in all the major cities. However I do highly suggest a beach party as they are the coolest.

As you can see with my 7 reasons why you should visit Cyprus, it is well worth your trip here. When you come to visit you will truly fall in love with this amazing natural beauty this place along with the people and culture. You can also see the top 10 things to do in Larnaca here.

I can’t wait for you all to see this gorgeous place.

What would you want to do or see first?

Another idea is to visit the Haunted Hotel that once thrived (read more here). Or you could visit the Visit Cyprus website too for more ideas on what to see and do here in Cyprus.