Having only been to Cyprus once in my early twenties for a week, I can’t exactly say I’ve fully experienced the country or discovered its hidden gems. Here, my friend Catherine writes about why she loves the home of the Greek goddess of love and why we should all look past the mainstream tourist spots.
Think of Cyprus and you might picture scenes of foam parties in non-stop Ayia Napa, or bronzing bodies lined up on golden sands, basking under the sizzling Mediterranean sun. However, peel away the layers of sun cream, pedaloes and wild parties, and you’ll find a quite different side to Cyprus altogether.
As legend would have it, the goddess Aphrodite emerged from foaming waves at Paphos in Cyprus, dripping and beautiful on a seashell. Cyprus is said to be her birthplace and if myth is to be believed, she certainly left her mark here. Vast craggy mountain ranges, charming whitewashed villages, hidden hillside monasteries and secluded honey-coloured coves and bays pepper the island landscape, making Cyprus one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. It’s no wonder the Ancients made the link with the goddess of love and beauty.
It goes without saying that there are more than a dainty handful of sights to explore in Cyprus, and everyone has their favourite. To help you get to know this island of all things loveliness, here are a few of our must-see suggestions:
• Aphrodite’s Beach: There’s a lovely description of this gorgeous spot on Lonely Planet. We particularly like this bit: “The two upright rocks look as if they might just walk out of the water” – which is a fitting eulogy, given that Aphrodite herself was said to have done the same thing in this very spot. Myths aside, the little bay here is beautiful, as is the view from the old winding road leading up to it. A definite must-go.
• Troodos Mountains: Home of soaring craggy peaks, pine-clad hillsides and hidden monasteries, the wide open spaces of the Troodos Mountains are like fuel for the soul. It’s home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the famous Kykkos Monastery, a lavish affair perched high on a mountainous peak.
• Akamas Peninsula: This sprawling and unspoilt corner of Cyprus is named after a Greek warrior, Acamas, who is said to have a love of faraway, beautiful places. Expect deep cutting valleys, undulating trails and a raw, natural beauty that’s worlds away from the busy beaches and holiday resorts along the coast.
• Nicosia: The capital, Nicosia, is a town of two halves. The famous and imposing ‘Green Line’ divides north from south, a persistent reminder of the island’s unresolved conflicts. But step away from the politics and you’ll experience a beautiful Old Town with Venetian walls, churches and museums. Stop for a rocket-fuelled coffee on a pavement terrace or melt some plastic in the many charming shops and boutiques that line the streets.
There is plenty to see and do in this castaway island, and we haven’t even mentioned the popular beach resorts and tourist haunts like Limassol, Coral Bay or Paphos. We’ll leave you to discover those gems for yourself. In the meantime, check out Cyprus flights from various UK airports, which depart regularly to Larnaca and Paphos throughout the summer.
Whether you’re after up-all-night parties in Ayia Napa or a hiking adventure across the mountains, we’re pretty sure one visit is all it takes to fall in love with Cyprus.
Photo credit: troodos mountains
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