Travel Cyprus Guide

Cyprus, like many Mediterranean countries, has a cultural heritage stretching through the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It was at one time an acquisition of the Roman Empire, a conquest of the British and remains of strategic interest today. The Turkish and Greek populations which altogether number fewer than one million have at times had contentious relations, although the island has enjoyed a long period of calm and harmonious living.

Like many places in Europe, the conflicts of the past have subsided, giving Cyprus an unprecedented opportunity to present its culture and people to the world. Induction into the European Union in 2004 has helped stabilize the island's political situation, and has made reaching this island's treasures easier than ever.

Visitors see Cyprus as an enchanting alternative to the bustle of Greek beaches and cities, enjoying the island's notably relaxed atmosphere. Despite having strong Greek culture and having passed through Egyptian and Italian hands in addition the empires mentioned above, the British have left the biggest footprint on the small island in terms of what the population sees fit to do with its bountiful vineyards.

The island produces plenty of red and white wines, through dessert wines and lighter tinted rose wines are more within Cyprus's area of specialty. But just because most people prefer to take a tipple of Cyprus wine after their meal doesn't mean that travelers won't find Cyprus to be a richly satisfying main course.

The small villages that lie away from the island's world-famous beaches retain much of life as it was lived hundreds of years ago, albeit with modern conveniences finding their way into traditional houses renovated for tourist use. The agrarian Mediterranean society born long ago remains startlingly intact, and visitors will be surprises by the warmth and relaxation that greets them as they see how rural Cyprus lives.

Cyprus's wine country gradually runs up against the mountains, but just because the plains run out of gas doesn't mean you have to. Keep your rental car topped up, because you won't want to miss out on mountain living in Cyprus. Cyprus offers visitors comfortable mountain resorts which in the winter months welcome adventurers for first-class skiing.

Although many of those heading to Cyprus are looking for markedly warmer fun, the mild and inviting Cyprus climate can turn up the heat enough during the high season to pique the interest of lizard-like sun-loving beach combers everywhere. But from the pine- and cedar-filled mountain passes to the emerald waters of Cyprus's beaches, you'll be constantly reminded of the depth and significance of Cyprus's culture. Ancient ruins dot the island, and it's not easy to forget that Mount Olympus calls Cyprus its home. The island looms large in the histories of a dozen civilizations, and taking in ancient ruins during a creamy, tranquil Mediterranean sunrise will certainly cast an Olympian shadow over other travel destinations.

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