Explore Experience and Enjoy Sunny Cyprus
Cyprus is an excellent holiday destination, with many unspoilt beaches and quiet countryside paths to explore. It doesn’t take long to get off the beaten track and the rural villages are easy-going places, where people live life at a gentle pace. Family, great food and faith are the three most important factors of traditional Cypriot life and once you escape from the tourist spots, there are some real treasures to be enjoyed in this sunny island.
Favourite Places
Northern Cyprus is under Turkish rule and tends to have slightly milder winters and very hot summers, whereas the south of Cyprus is just a little more temperate although still very hot in the summer. It’s easy to get to, with airports at Paphos and Larnaca. There is a lot to do – so do your research before you go, to ensure you see as much as possible. Although there is an airport at Paphos, it’s also home to the Tomb of the Kings. This is a massive site, and the entrance is carved out of the rock face, a major engineering achievement. It’s decorated in mosaic work, and you can still pick out the delicate frescoes. There is also a restored Roman Amphitheatre where live music and theatre performances are held – very atmospheric!
If you enjoy history, the island is full of archeologically interesting sites, and there are some unusual museums too, such as the Shipwreck Museum, or the Folk Art Museum. Nicosia, which is the capital City, is a thriving, busy place, with a wide range of restaurants, taverna’s and shops. The Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory has superb views across the city and it’s easy to spend a few days in the capital, strolling through the covered markets, the old streets and keeping your strength up with some delicious mezze, (small dishes of roasted meats, dips, vegetables and freshly cooked sea food.).
The Easy Life
Although Cyprus is known for its action packed nightlife, there is a hidden side to this island and you’ll get to know the people and the place better if you head for the hills. Visit some of the little villages, where cooking is central to daily life – fast food in traditional villages and homes just doesn’t happen. Sitting down, in a shady town square, with a glass of chilled wine, a plate of freshly grilled Halloumi and warm bread is so tasty and a great pick-me-up. Other traditional foods are Souvla, which is a marinated roast lamb dish, or Fasolada, also known as Sailors Bean Soup.
Traditional Mountain Food
In the Troodos Mountains, found in the centre of the island, there are lots of small family run vineyards and the majority offer visitors a chance look around and sample the wine with a bowl of salty olives. You also might encounter a Cypriot dish called Trachanas. The recipe is handed on from each family down the generations, but the basis is cracked wheat and soured goat’s milk. It is cooked into porridge, spooned out and dried in the sun on reeds, and stored until needed. A block of it, is then ground into a powder, added to chicken broth and served with boiled chicken.  It’s packed with carbohydrates and was an essential diet booster during winter months.  Trachanas is made once a year, by the women in the family during September and October. To western palates, used to easy food, it may seem a little harsh, but the preparation of Trachanas still plays a role in village life, both in terms of a diet supplement, and an age old custom, linking the local people to their land. If thats a little too traditional for you, there are many classy restuarants and simple eateries serving fresh food, at an affordable price. No-one on your holiday will go hungry!
Enjoy a trip to Cyprus, with good food, great hiking and glorious swimming. There is so much to explore, and there is plenty of choice for all ages. With some great holiday deals now available, Cyprus will suit your budget and your taste buds!