The Island of the Sun
Cyprus is and island that is well know for many centuries of great traditions, but its great all year round sun is what attracts most of us, which has made it a very popular destination for Europeans, with over 2.4 million visiting its many resorts. The island receives over 330 days of sunshine a year, which has given it the name The Island of the Sun. There is no shortage of travel companies providing Cyprus holidays and low cost airlines such as Easyjet offering routes to Paphos and Larnaca, it has never been easier to get there.
While attracting visitors from around the world, most of them tend to be Europeans. Affluent eastern Europeans and Russians have also joined the crowd in recent years. The British Armed Forces have long has a presence in Cyprus. The UK retains a military base in order to have a gateway for forces to the Middle East. The impact of this on the surrounding area is that Cypriots have grown used to, and this has in turned resulted in areas that are less traditional and more contemporary in culture. From English being spoken everywhere you go, to driving on the left side of the road. No doubt the similarity to the UK makes us Brits feel more at home, but in a more favourable climate.
Much of olden Cyprus is giving away to culture that is more eclectic and less traditional. However, this side of Cyprus, that continues to attract millions of tourists year after year, is only one aspect of the island and is concentrated around the tourist hotspots of Paphos, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Fortunately as you venture off the beaten track, your are soon reminded of the character that has made this island a popular destination for millennia.
A trip well worth taking is into Cyprus largest mountain range, the Troodos Mountains. In the heart of the mountains you will find the Kykkos monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1998. Housing art and exhibits on ancient Greece, the monastery has the twin function of being a museum for visitors and a practising monastery lived in by worshiping monks. If you are a wine lover, there are treats in store for you. A daytrip to the Troodos Mountains can be a welcome change from the beach and with overnight accommodation available in many of the authentic villages dotted about; you might want to spend a few days here sampling another side of Cyprus.
