What's the first thing that crosses your mind when you think of Cyprus? Probably the gorgeous blue shores and the breathtaking/endless sunshine. However, this small piece of paradise mostly attracting Lebanese visitors who wish to spend a nice and short vacation away from their busy overwhelmed lifestyle, is a lot more than that. We had the chance to visit it, and we will tell you all about it!
We headed to Larnaca all the way from Beirut, on board of a beautiful plane provided by AEGEAN company, which is a member of Star Alliance. The airline has collaborated with Cyprus Tourism Organization, both aiming to make this trip fast, comfortable, and smooth (and it worked!!).
Multiple activities were awaiting and the schedule was fully booked for us to explore every inch of the mini paradise, during a tour from Limassol to Larnaca, passing by Agia Napa, Pafos, and Nicosia. The group was engaged in workshops with municipalities and mayors of Agia Napa, Sotira, and Paralimni.
We've gathered some facts that you might have never known about the Island Of Love:
Agia Napa:
Agia Napa was a historical fishermen village back in history, and is now one of the most visited sites from youth around the world, aiming to spend a vacation together and meet new people.
Paphos:
Paphos is one of the most romantic sites in Cyprus. Maybe because Legend says Goddess of Love Aphrodite was born there on a rock that is called now "The Rock Of Aphrodite". Therefore the surname "Island Of Love" was born and you cannot visit Cyprus and not explore the ancient castle (A Byzantine Fort located on the picturesque Paphos Harbor), and the historical mosaics discovered by a farmer in 1952 in the house of Dionysus. The site is now protected by UNESCO and is one of the most visited in the country.
Larnaca:
Larnaca is by far the oldest city in Cyprus, and was inhabited 4000 years ago. The city's most cherished and visited site is the Saint Lazare monument. It's strategically located in the middle, and holds an airport that allows citizens and visitors to travel from a region to another.
Limassol:
Either for a quiet vacation or a field trip, Limassol is by all one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Attracting a high number of visitors, Limassol was the site where "Richard Coeur De Lion" got married, as well as a legendary destination for ancient gods celebrations and festivities, and modern celebrations such as the wine festival. Its harbor and marina are perfect to spend a tranquil afternoon while overlooking the endless horizon and the breathtaking blue waters.
Nicosia:
Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, as part of it is occupied by the Turkish. Citizens would not advise you to spend an overnight at the Turkish part of Nicosia, but the city remains one of the highly attracting city in the country. It has been Cuyprus's capital since the Byzantine era, and you can fall in love easily with the charm of its ancient buildings and neighborhoods. 16th century walls surround the city, that holds beautiful museums, old churches, and medieval monuments. The modern and contemporary city is situated outside the walls, and if you fly over it, it looks like a pizza!
What you didn't know about Cyprus:
- Cyprus citizens are called Chypriotes
- Marriage after the pass of 15 days from the couple registration in the municipality costs 128 Euros.
- A wedding couple and their two witnesses Civil Ceremonies are performed in any authorized wedding venue for 170 Euros.
-Chypriotes invite everybody (2000-10000 people) to their weddings
-Parents pay for the weddings
-Queue for congratulating can go up to 1h long
-Guests give their presents while congratulating the bride and groom with an envelope full of money
- Protaras is just next to Agia Napa, but it suits more families than youth and holds the same beautiful sandy beaches. It has no water, so it imports water from other cities.
All in all, we have proven above that Cyprus is much more than a vacation destination. It's a landmark and a whole book of history! Stay tuned as Beiruting.com flies around the world!!
