Cyprus is an island of beautiful contradictions. It is where East meets West, Europe meets the Middle East and Africa, and where stunning coastlines meet rugged mountain ranges.
It is an island brimming with passion and hospitality, which is evident from the warm welcome you will receive from the local housewife upon entering her home, to the eagerness of the elderly gentleman trying to explain the country's turbulent past to you over a coffee.
Commonly referred to as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, the island is steeped in culture, legends and history.
Cyprus has been a popular holiday destination for decades; turquoise blue sandy beaches, the mountain range of
Troodos, cosmopolitan cities and a history that can be traced back over 10,000 years mean that there is something for everyone to explore, enjoy and learn.
Sun lovers can rely on Cyprus to deliver over four months of uninterrupted summer; June through to September is the best time for those who want to take advantage
of the island's breathtaking coastline. Fig-Tree bay in Protaras on the east coast is described as one of the best beaches in Europe.
Snorkelling enthusiasts shouldn't miss the interesting sea-life at Konnos Bay, while water-sports fans should venture Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa and Mackenzie Beach in
Larnaca. During the summer, Cyprus is also known for its vibrant nightlife, when thousands of clubbers descend on the resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras to enjoy the 24-hour
party scene.
Nicosia, the capital of the island, offers a cosmopolitan infusion of culture, nightlife and shopping. For relatively unspoilt beauty, a venture to the historic town of Paphos
is a must, with a visit to some of the many archaeological sites, such as the Tomb of the Kings and Paphos Castle.
Cyprus is a popular skiing destination during the winter (from January to March), when winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy
the varying slopes and breathtaking views of the Troodos mountains. The true heart of Cyprus lies in the tiny villages that dot the island.
Here in these quiet and isolated regions is where culture
and tradition are kept alive; a walk down one of the narrow pebble-covered streets will unveil a world of activity.
During spring, the deliciously sweet and pungent smell
of almond blossoms fills the air. During winter, the smell of wood fires takes over. Each home's ‘avli' (yard) is a hub of lace making, basket weaving and other traditional crafts.
Here is also where housewives meet to catch up over Cypriot coffee and the ‘glyko' (traditional Cypriot preserve) of the season. The yard's ‘fourno' (outside oven) is an important part of the home. This is where the baking of traditional types of breads takes place, particularly around the time of religious festivals (Christmas and Easter).
The aromas of home cooking permeate the air, due
to food being a big part of Cypriot culture. The ‘kafenia' (coffee shops) are always at the heart of the village, which you can normally locate from afar by the loud and animated voices of gentlemen arguing over a game of ‘tavli' (Greek backgammon).
These villages are also relatively untouched by modern life, meaning that the children are more likely to be found outside playing traditional street games and sports than at home playing on a games console.
Each Sunday most people attend church, and the sounds of the religious hymns can be heard all over the village. During the olive picking season, which takes place between November and March, the fields come alive with three generations of families harvesting the fruit.
Cyprus offers many ‘agrotourism' packages, and it's worth considering spending some of your holiday exploring this other side of the island. Cypriot cuisine is a mouth-watering
amalgamation of Greek, Turkish, Middle Eastern and Arabic influences. ‘Mezze' is the island's most best-known food, which is a selection of small dishes that range from Greek salad to dips like taramosalata and hummus, and main courses such as stuffed vine leaves and grilled meat.
Cypriots love their meat, so attend a barbeque to try
out lamb, pork and chicken souvla (meat on the spit), which is always accompanied by salads, roast potatoes and pitta bread. A somewhat undiscovered treasure is the sleepy fishing village of Zygi, which serves the best fresh seafood mezze in the country, and is a popular hotspot for locals.
Grilled halloumi (Cyprus cheese), calamari (fried squid), souvlaki (Cypriot lamb kebabs) and the under rated Cypriot red wine should not be missed.
Cyprus Airways and Emirates both offer direct flights daily from Dubai to Larnaca International Airport, the south's main travel port. Gulf Air also offers flights via Bahrain. Direct flights are three and a half hours long. Economy prices range from Dh1,300 to Dh3,000 depending on the time of year.
