One look at the charming Mediterranean island of Cyprus and it is easy to imagine why Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty would have chosen this place to make her earthly home. Somewhere along the southwest coastline of this island is a rock stack called the 'Petra tou Romiou' or the Rock of the Greek. According to legend, it is also the rock where Aphrodite emerged from water and set her feet on land blessing the entire island with a beauty that is as ephemeral as it is ancient. And if you can for a moment forget the ethnic differences that have caused a rift in the island nation, the stunning vistas and the balmy climate make for an ideal vacation and tourist spot that no one should miss out on.
A Kaleidoscope of Contradictions
Cyprus is an amalgam of contradictions and confusions. Straddling the seas between Greece and Turkey, the country has both a European heritage and a Middle Eastern tradition. The old architecture wonders of Paphos for instance remind you of the grandeur of the pan-Hellenic world what with ionic columns and whitewashed Greco-Roman buildings dominating your sight. And then, you have the traditional cuisine that shares abundant similarities with Lebanese cooking, in contrast to the cold-water washed shores of the Mediterranean where fish is the main meal. Such contradictions make for a rich culture and a people proud and aware of their ancient traditions. The political problems may have scarred the country geographically, but as a community the Cypriots have a very strong sense of tradition and a heightened respect for old values.
Cyprus is an amalgam of contradictions and confusions. Straddling the seas between Greece and Turkey, the country has both a European heritage and a Middle Eastern tradition. The old architecture wonders of Paphos for instance remind you of the grandeur of the pan-Hellenic world what with ionic columns and whitewashed Greco-Roman buildings dominating your sight. And then, you have the traditional cuisine that shares abundant similarities with Lebanese cooking, in contrast to the cold-water washed shores of the Mediterranean where fish is the main meal. Such contradictions make for a rich culture and a people proud and aware of their ancient traditions. The political problems may have scarred the country geographically, but as a community the Cypriots have a very strong sense of tradition and a heightened respect for old values.
Unspoiled Riches and a Treasure Trove of Experiences
Cyprus is a treasure trove of experiences. Whether your interest is in exploring the yet unspoiled coastline of the country with its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, or diving deep into the history of the nation, Cyprus will never stop to amaze you. Many tourists also make this island a base to discover more of the Hellenic world, and to understand the cultural Diaspora that inhibits this region. The island of love is also a famous honeymooners' paradise and, the many beach-side resorts and five-stars hotels are testimony to the fact that Aphrodite's followers still reign supreme here. Of the many famous five and four star hotels and resorts in this country, is the Golden Tulip group of five-stars hotels in Nicosia and Larnaca. Suitable for all groups of travelers, these hotels are the perfect embodiments of the generosity and hospitality of a country that traces its roots into antiquity.
