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Cyprus is a Mediterranean island where multiple cultures are buried under the sands of time from Greek to British. After Greek culture, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian cultures have existed in Cyprus and the influence of each culture is still living in this island. If you intend to feel and experience this multiculturalism, their present food culture keeps doors open for that. If your wish is to spend a vacation with great hospitality, a culinary gateway, a journey through time with a dream climate where summer never ends, Cyprus is waiting for you.
The beautiful island of Cyprus is one of the sunniest islands in Europe. This country with a Mediterranean climate offers mild winters with an average of 17°C and hot, dry summers of up to 35°C. However, the sea breeze somewhat moderates these strong hearts. As for the water, count at least 17°c in winter and up to 28°c in summer.
But visiting Cyprus only for its climate would be a shame. Indeed, the island populated by cats offers many things to visit, discover and taste. From the Troodos Mountains to the turquoise waters of Ayia Napa to charming villages like Omodos, there’s something for everyone.
Culinary getaway in Cyprus
Speaking of taste, let’s start with a little culinary tour of what to discover or rediscover. There is of course the famous Moussaka, made with aubergines, tomatoes, onions and minced meat. But it is not only about that.
One of the most interesting specialties in their food culture is the Cypriot dishes, known as mezes. This culinary specialty of Cyprus (and the Levant region as a whole) is a set of appetisers that can range from 15 to 30 different dishes. This is served in the most of the taverns in the island in abundance. As a “starter”, you will find halloumi, the local cheese, often cooked, grilled or fried yet it can also be eaten plain. Pita bread which contains low content of sodium compared to the other types of bread and Tahini, a refreshing condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame, is a precious combination worth tasting. Hummus, tarama or the famous Tzatzíki are also famous dishes in Cypriot cuisine. Then comes the even more substantial part: souvlaki, these grilled meat skewers are very popular on the island. It is complemented with potatoes, cucumber-tomato-feta salads, koupepia (stuffed vine leaves) but also, snails !!! Yes yes, you do not dream. The French are not the only ones to eat them and you will often find these snail dishes during Mezze. You can enjoy a perfect combo over a night in total immersion, all for about twenty euros.
If you are looking for a quick meal in Cyprus, Gyros would be an ideal choice. You Can often get it flavoured with pork, lamb, chicken or veal wrapped in pita bread. When you enjoy a bite of Gyros in this mediterranean island, in the Cypriot formula, you will even find halloumi in it.
A good meal is nothing without good wine. Cyprus can boast of having the oldest appellation in the world with Commandaria, known since antiquity and considered the best wine in the world throughout the Middle Ages. It is a sweet wine blended together with a white grape variety and a red grape variety. It is enjoyed as a dessert, often with chocolate dishes, but you can also sip it as an appetiser. It is most often served between 12 and 14°C. Their wine is located in the district of Limassol, north of the city, usually recognized as the wine capital of the country.
Another signature alcoholic drink of Cyprus is Zivania; a grape brandy made on the island. Generally tilted at 45 degrees, it is characterised by its colourless appearance. It is drunk very cold, in a small glass, with an ice cube. It is appreciated for its absence of sugar and acidity as well as its slight grape aroma.
For the rest, I’ll let you stroll through the many cafes on the island to refresh yourself with a keo, their local beer, a glass of wine, or simply enjoy a Cypriot coffee strongly brewed.
Travel over time
If the food is so rich and varied in a country, so is their cultural background too. This island has been occupied by multifarious cultures and their influence has directly impacted the rich and diverse food culture that we experience in this island today.
Cypriot food culture has been culturally influenced in the course of the time presenting a priceless gastronomic experience worth trying at least once in lifetime. As a result, there are plenty of dishes with multiple varieties for any visitor who arrives in Cyprus.
The landscapes of Cyprus
Apart from food and architecture, Cyprus has so much to offer with her breathtaking scenery. When it’s hot, there’s nothing better than going for a swim in the turquoise waters of Ayia Napa. If you want to find yourself a little away from the hustle and bustle which invade the beaches, you can go to Cape Greco; a small corner of tranquil nature. This site is preserved by the classification as a natural park and This is the unmissable photo spot.
Cape Greko
Are you in search of biodiversity? Then you must come and discover the salt lake of Alyki in Larnaka and that of Akrotiri in Limassol. In winter, these lakes fill with water and are home to migrant birds, including thousands of flamingos, who reside there between November and March. On the other hand wild ducks and many other aquatic and shore birds find refuge here on the golden dunes on their migratory journeys. When the lakes run out of the little prawns that satiate the hunger of the birds, they leave to continue their journey to Africa.
Always near the turquoise waters, lies Paphos, a site with historical significance. It is believed that the Goddess Aphrodite was born in this city. In accordance with the legend, she was born from the form of the waves which came crashing down on Petra tou Romiou, the colossal rock in the middle of the waters. At the beach which offers a panoramic sea view, you can enjoy mind blowing sunsets and relaxing sea breeze. An adage goes that once you have a bath here at midnight, you can be bestowed with eternal youth, love and beauty. Anyway, swimming in this place cannot be recommended due to the roughness of the sea at night.
Aphrodite Rock in Paphos
If you are retreating to the mountains away from the beach, you can enter a different zone with a different vibe. It is a gift of nature that these mountains are both green and snowy. It has also been the very reason for why these mountains have been quite touristy. Apart from some picturesque villages nestled in the mountains, there is also a monastery and nine churches which have also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Timios Stavros Monastery in Omodos is an Orthodox place considered to have the skull of the Apostle Philip, part of the Holy Cross and above all, a piece of the Holy Rope. The pristine beauty of the landscape in Cyprus is manifested by having a walk in a typical village with steep streets, with a charming square and stunning views of the mountains. You can also have a perfect opportunity to eat locally in one of the local taverns and of course to drink a glass of Commandaria, a local wine while contemplating Mount Olympus; the highest point 1952 metres elevated from the sea level. In winter, you can also ski here giving the opportunity for you to have the both experiences of sea and snow on the same day. The beauty of Cyprus is that this Mediterranean island, 70 times smaller than France, allows you to travel anywhere to enjoy your favourite climate in just a few hours.
Omodos Village
You need a car to access this village. This part of the island remains more nature friendly and thus the development of transportation is still on a tedious tract with no railway system nor buses. The cities are not very big and you can visit almost every nook and corner on foot. However, you must definitely get a car to get from point A to point B. Therefore it is recommended to look for vehicle renting services if you intend to visit Omodos village during your tour in Cyprus. Another point is the heat. If the edges of the coasts remain cool thanks to the wind, watch out for the sun which can hit hard inland.
When thinking along these lines you should get the feeling how exciting it is to travel in Cyprus with this unparalleled food culture with multifaceted varieties and breathtaking landscape. This is a country worth visiting at least once if you love to try many kinds of dishes at the same spot. Cyprus is exactly what you are looking for. So visit this wonderful Mediterranean island and get a rewarding travel experience.
Featured Image Credit: leoks
