Sunny Escape to Cyprus

Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and the East, this sunny island offers a symphony of striking contrasts. Imagine strolling through picturesque villages where time seems to have stopped, before diving into turquoise waters, perfect for diving. History enthusiasts will be transported through the centuries by exploring fascinating archaeological sites, witnesses to a rich and diverse past. The island is a paradise for hikers with its scenic trails winding through lush forests and majestic mountains. The local cuisine is an invitation to a feast of Mediterranean flavors, with colorful mezzes that will delight your taste buds. In the evening, let yourself be enchanted by the warm atmosphere of taverns where music and dance create a festive ambiance. It's a destination that awakens all the senses and promises unforgettable memories.

While it is true that some people return disappointed by the small number of long sandy beaches (except in the north of the island), the coastline offers great diversity: sandy coasts, rocky shores, white cliffs between Limassol and Paphos, grey ones at Pomos, pebble or sandy beaches, crowded in most places or deserted at Akamas and in the north, built-up or wild. You can also explore landscapes of fertile plains covered with citrus and olive trees, hills and valleys where vineyards grow and picturesque villages cling. There are also mountains dominated by Mount Olympus with rich and varied forests, perfect for hiking and even skiing in winter.

Cyprus has an ancient and tumultuous history, with remnants of major historical periods concentrated on its territory. The local architecture has been influenced by multiple invasions and successive occupations. Thus, one can find ancient amphitheaters, Gothic cathedrals transformed into mosques, Byzantine monasteries, medieval castles, Venetian palaces, Ottoman caravanserais, and British colonial buildings. Although many elements remind us of the current division of the country, many others testify to its past unity, such as villages where the church and mosque surround the central square or Turkish neighborhoods in the South that have retained their charm. In Cyprus, it is easy to escape for a few hours into a maze of old stones and enrich your journey with an immersion in cultural heritage.

Since January 1, 2008, Cyprus has adopted the euro. In this country where the average standard of living was already rather high, this has led, as elsewhere, to price increases. However, it considerably simplifies life for tourists. Moreover, in the Turkish-occupied part, although the Turkish lira is the official currency, euros are still accepted and prices are often displayed in European currency. The accommodation offer in Cyprus is diverse and of good quality. There are guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, hotels ranging from simple to luxurious, renovated traditional houses or ultra-modern buildings, as well as fully equipped apartments. It is regrettable that the country does not have more campsites, with only five in the southern part.

Water sports and diving can be practiced along the entire coastline. One can also indulge in horse riding, bird watching, cycling, etc. In recent years, the Cyprus Tourism Office has particularly emphasized hiking with well-marked trails and thematic routes. Golf has also been developed with the recent construction of large courses around Paphos and Limassol.

Sharing a meal with family or friends is the number one pastime here. A village to visit or a beach for swimming is chosen based on the quality of the taverns found there. The meal lasts a long time, from noon to evening. Here, one quickly learns to appreciate the local cuisine which, in its form, invites conviviality. People pick from the multiple plates of meze, gather in the evening at taverns, as much to eat as to dance and sing together.