island of aphrodite
Cyprus, a somewhat-kept secret of the Mediterranean, waits with open arms for your paycheck. Hey, after six months of winter hell, we all deserve some fun in the sun. If its beaches were good enough for the Goddess of Love, they’re good enough for you.
PHOTOS AND TEXT ALESIA GEORGIOU feedback
Perhaps my surname discloses the fact that I have a slight bias in favor of Hellenic culture. Visit Cyprus and you’ll find it’s a breathtakingly ideal place for a holiday full of sun sand and fresh seafood, with no ancestral predilection required. It’s known as the Island of Aphrodite because Greek myth has it that the goddess was born on one of its beaches. This island has had quite a colorful history, and was a British colony for almost 100 years until 1960, when Cyprus claimed its own independence. In 1974 the army of Turkey invaded after many political disagreements, and now close to 40% of the island is occupied territory, with the UN keeping a peaceful boundary known as the “green line.” Although Cyprus has been bisected in this manner for over 30 years, recent European Union negotiations have helped ease the border policy so that tourists can now pass freely between both sides. Cyprus is undoubtedly the only place in the world where you’ll find menu’s printed in Greek, Russian, and English, due to the one and a half million tourists it sees every year. Nearly every permanent resident speaks English, so put that Greek phrasebook away after you’ve learned how to say “Please” and “Thank you.” The best ways to see the places of interest in Cyprus is via Jeep Safari. Rather than spending half the day on a huge tour bus, these sightseeing tours give you more control over where you choose to spend the bulk of your time. Merely a ferry ride away from Egypt and Israel, you’re sure to remain entertained no matter what kind of itinerary you choose. If you stay in the sleepy beach town of Kato Pafos, walk down to the castle on the harbor or take a bus to the Baths of Aphrodite to see where Greeks got those god-like good genes. In the city of Limassol you can choose to stay on the beach or wander through the streets of the old town. If you tire of city life, go to a traditional village such as Lefkara which is famous for its handmade lace and tapestries. Nature lovers and those looking to get in touch with their spiritual side will enjoy a trip to Troodos mountain. Kykkos Monastery is situated at the top, in the middle of a dense forest. Built in the 11th Century, it has been destroyed four times by fire but has been carefully restored and houses a museum full of ancient religious artifacts. Wander around the woods for awhile and you just may find a mouflon, one of the rare wild sheep which Cyprus Airways has adopted as it’s emblem for some unknown reason. There is no evidence that this animal can fly, but if you see one it’s a sign of good luck. When you’ve had enough of the beach or the other tourists, the capital Nicosia (aka “Lefkosia” in Greek) has a lot to offer. Once enclosed by star-shaped 16th century Venetian walls, the UN’s green line now runs through half of city. The Leventis Municipal museum traces Nicosia’s development from prehistoric times through the current internet-age. If you’re interested in crossing the border to see the occupied side, Nicosia is the place to do it. Make sure to bring your passport, and not to throw away the temporary visa until you’ve crossed back over. Photography is not allowed in many areas because it is a military zone, so try to avoid being the poster child for tourism by wearing the camera around your neck. Cyprus is rife with culture and nightlife, and an evening in any city is never boring. Boasting some of the world’s best hookah bars and clubs, Ayia Napa is a youthful beach town that frequently pulls in famous DJs from the UK who spin their tracks as you dance off the ouzo on the beach. Zifania, the Cypriot equivalent of vodka, is also 40 proof, so try to keep track of how many shots you take per hour. After you sleep off your hangover, choose from any of the dockside companies which offer paragliding, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. The average winter temperature is around 18 C, and in summer the heat can soar to 32 to 35 degrees above zero. Cyprus sees about 340 days of sunshine per year, a welcome respite from the weather Muscovites endured this past winter. |
