Interesting Things To Know About Cyprus That You Never Knew Before

I bet you didn't know these things about Cyprus...

Sun. Sand. Sea.

Cyprus is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations and rightly so, it meets all the criteria of a perfect beach holiday.

To an outsider it may be difficult to see Cyprus as anything other than one big holiday resort. After all, this is the image that is marketed to you by travel companies across the board.

So what if I told you that Cyprus is different from your generic, carbon-copy beach holiday destinations?

I ask you to look over the gate of your all-inclusive hotel, to put down your poolside margarita, to take off your shades for just a moment and see Cyprus as it really is: A unique country with an authentic history and culture, a place to go if you want a truly one-of-a-kind travel experience!

Here are nine interesting things to know about Cyprus and nine more reasons to love it more than you already do!

1. Birthplace of the Goddess of Love

Petra Tou Romiou, Paphos

The beauty of Cyprus is fit for a goddess!

According to legend Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was born in Cyprus. One version of the myth claims that the goddess was born out of the foam of the sea and that she was swept by the waves onto a rock off the coast of Paphos.

To this day Petra Tou Romiou, a coastal stack located on Paphos’ beach, is alleged to be the rock where Aphrodite was washed ashore.

Rumour has it that if you swim around Aphrodite’s Rock three times on the night of a full moon Aphrodite will endow you with gifts of fertility, eternal youth, beauty or true love! Not bad souvenirs to take home from your holiday.

2. A Divided Country

From left to right the Greek Flag, Byzantine Flag, Cypriot Flag

Cyprus is a country with a complicated history.

Since 1974 Cyprus has been split into two territories: the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus and The Republic of Cyprus, also known as Greek Cyprus. Subsequently, the national identity of people living in Cyprus is split between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot identities.

The linguistic identity of the country is also torn between the two cultures. Cyprus’ two national languages are Greek and Turkish but a large portion the Cypriot population speaks English following the British occupation of the island in the early 20th century.

Additionally, in 2004 Cyprus (both territories included) was granted EU status, another factor which plays into the identity of the country. Needless to say, the many influences on this small island make it distinct amongst its fellow EU countries!

3. Home of Halloumi

By prospectadevelopment

Millennials rejoice! Cyprus is the home of halloumi cheese!

If you are halloumi mad then Cyprus is the place for you. Halloumi is one of Cyprus’ most popular products and one of its largest exports. This traditional cheese, typically made from sheep and goats’ milk, is a versatile necessity in Cypriot cuisine.

Halloumi can be eaten hot or cold for any meal of the day. Cold halloumi and watermelon is a popular dish while hot halloumi is served in sandwiches, in soups or accompanying a traditional Cypriot meze platter.

Regardless of how it’s eaten, halloumi is a staple in the Cypriot diet and a source of national pride!

4. World Heritage Hotspot

One of the Painted Churches from the Troodos Region

Cyprus has no shortage of World Heritage sites. In fact, the island is home to not one, not two, but three UNESCO World Heritage sites. The three sites include Choirokoitia, the Painted Churches in the Troodos Region and the city of Paphos.

Choirokoitia is an extremely well-preserved village from the Neolithic era. Pay this site a visit if you are interested in learning more about the fascinating community which inhabited the village before mysteriously disappearing…

For art lovers and history enthusiasts the Painted Churches in the Troodos Region are worth a visit. Spectators can enjoy the remaining artwork of the once prominent Byzantine Empire in the ten different churches.

The most fascinating of the three properties is perhaps Paphos which is not a singular site, but an entire UNESCO protected town! Enjoy the Tomb of Kings, the Temple of Aphrodite and the House of Dionysus amongst the many other archaeologically significant sites that make up this rare gem of a town.

5. Flamingo Invasion!

By martafandres.photo

Cyprus’ warm climate and beautiful landscape attracts visitors from around the world. But there is one breed of seasonal tourist that you’d least expect…In the rainy winter months, Cyprus’ salt lakes become home to thousands of migrating flamingos!

Every year tens of thousands of these pink feathered fellows flock to Cyprus’ salt lakes in search of good food and a warmer climate (much like many other tourists). In particular the flamingos are after the tasty shrimp located in the lakes.

You can see these beautiful birds in Akrotiri Salt Lake and Larnaka Salt Lake depending on the time of year!

6. Home of the Ancient City of Salamis

Salamis Amphitheatre

If you are interested in hellenistic mythology, Salamis should be on your Cyprus bucket list. Homer claimed that at the end of the Trojan War Teucer founded the famous city of Salamis. Turn mythology into reality and go to see the ancient city for yourself!

You can visit the what’s left of the former capital of Cyprus in the Salamis archeological site and museum. To this day the remains of the agora, the amphitheatre and the Temple of Zeus are still intact amongst other forms of infrastructure and classical artwork.

7. Resting Place of the Zenobia Wreck

By diveinlarnaca

One of the most interesting things that Cyprus has to offer lies forty two metres under the sea…The shipwreck of the MS Zenobia is consistently named as one of the top ten best scuba dives in the world!

The MS Zenobia was a carrying 104 large trucks across the Mediterranean when it sank in 1979 just off the coast of Larnaka.

The final resting place of this 172 metre long ship, and the several trucks abandoned alongside her, can be explored by divers depending on the depth of the individual sites and the divers’ level of experience!

8. Naturally Beautiful Beyond the Beaches

The Troodos Mountains

Cyprus is typically known for its stunning beaches, crystal blue sea and coastal caves. But did you know that the island hosts areas of incredible natural beauty aside from its impressive coast?

The island’s formation as a result of an underwater volcanic eruption has left Cyprus with some jaw-dropping geographical landmarks.

Visitors can go hiking in the luscious forests and rocky mountains of Troodos National Park or explore the otherworldly Avakas Gorge.

Cyprus also has an array of impressive waterfalls. You can visit Caledonia Waterfalls, Millomeri Waterfalls, Chantara Falls and the majestic Adonis Baths Waterfalls which have natural pools for visitors to bathe in!

9. Boasts Amazing Hostels

Trip Yard Hostel Paphos

Although Cyprus is known for its beach resorts, its assortment of top-quality hostels are a fantastic alternative.

Not only will visitors guarantee themselves a more sociable and affordable trip to Cyprus by staying in a hostel, they will also experience the island with an authenticity that a trip to a resort cannot offer.

Hostelsclub has over 60 properties across Cyprus so if you want to journey across this beautiful island we have you covered.

Visit the quaint harbour town of Kyrenia to see its spectacular 16th century castle. Meanwhile you can stay in the cosy Sun Rays Hostel located just outside the hustle and bustle of Kyrenia's centre.

Or, if you prefer more of an urban environment, stay in the city of Limassol in the Lemongrass Hostel which is only a ten minute walk from the city's best nightclubs and bars.

If you want the best of both worlds, stay in the Trip Yard Hostel Paphos to enjoy the archeological attractions of Paphos as well as the touristic centre of Kato Paphos.

However you want to experience Cyprus, we have a hostel for you!