HISTORIC CYPRUS FOR SUN, SEA, SNOW AND THE OLDEST WINES IN THE WORLD!
BY
CHRISTINE FAGG

Cyprus is the third largest island and the most southernmost in the Mediterranean, thus boasting the longest summers and warmest winters.  In fact, one could say a holiday there is virtually as good as a long haul stay in the Caribbean, but without the hassle and expense of a long flight!   Even in January and February, the sun shines for a minimum of 6 hours most days and temperatures rarely drop below 16 C.   
     

Konnos Bay, Ayia Napa

    As on most Mediterranean islands, the warm turquoise sea laps vast swathes of the coastline which is dotted with the occasional town and numerous villages.  In them, hotels, guest houses, villas and apartments welcome visitors year round.  A handful are luxurious 5 star hotels,  notably the magnificent Amadeus Hotel at Limassol and The Palm Beach Hotel at Larnaca.  Both are luxurious and situated on glorious sandy bays and offer just about everything any holidaymaker could possibly wish for.
   

The Palm Beach Hotel and grounds, Larnaca

     Over and above all else, this Island boasts the most amazing historical remains including three Unesco World Heritage Sites and ten Unesco churches.  The fact is, that virtually wherever you go on this Island, you will stumble across ancient treasures, some dating from an unbelievable 10,000 BC.  Believe me, I could fill this entire article with descriptions of the Island's antiquities that include prehistoric settlements, ancient Greek temples, Roman theatres, villas and early Christian basilicas.  On top of these you will find Byzantine churches and monasteries, mosques, crusader castles, Gothic churches and Venetian fortifications.  And virtually, every village boasts a historic church overflowing with carved wooden statues, ornate altars, painted frescoes and, above all, thought-provoking icons often covering an entire wall.
    
     Nevertheless, in complete contrast, many holidaymakers visit this island just to relax in the glorious sunshine, feast like a lord and idle the days away doing virtually nothing.  And why not? Cyprus is, without doubt, an ideal place in which to indulge in the 'lotus life', to forget about practice matters and other problems back home and allow yourself to be outrageously spoilt!   
     
     It is a great advantage to pick up a hired car from the Airport (driving is on the left) for the natural scenic delights as well as the ancient remains, are fascinating and really worth visiting. The Island comprises 3,572 square miles and, depending on where you stay, many places of interest will be easily accessible on a day trip.   Because Cyprus stands at the crossroads of three continents (Asia, Europe and Africa) it boasts 140 unique plant species and, in springtime, hundreds of wild flowers cover large swathes of the countryside.   Many nature lovers also head for one or more of the Island¹s eight National Forest Parks and Reserves to enjoy nature at its most bountiful.
     

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1.  Village scene, Troodos    2. Machairas monastery

    The long, sweeping coastlines are, of course, the main attraction on this Island but, undoubtedly, the most scenic region is the Troodos Mountains which rise to just under 2,000 metres.  They lie inland towards the west of the island and are so attractive that many visitors choose to spend their entire holiday there, staying in a small hotel or guest house.  Marked nature trails with picnic sites wind through whispering forests of pines and cedars and rustic villages with cobbled streets and squares cling to hillsides or lie deep in the valleys.   But most alluring of all, I thought, were the ancient monasteries where, to this day, monks live and carry out their age old rituals.  And, in ravishingly beautiful 'painted' churches, religious treasures include carved statues, ornate altars, icons of saints and exquisite frescoes, often covering an entire wall.    
    
     Because of their fragility most monasteries and churches are kept locked but, if you wish to see inside one or more of them, call at the nearest village coffee shop and ask for the key.  A local villager will be sent for who will  unlock the door and accompany you throughout your visit. Some churches and a few monasteries, however, ARE open to the public during certain hours, but check dates and times carefully beforehand at one of the Cyprus Tourist Offices found in all main towns.    
     
    Tavernas abound in Cyprus and if you visit the Troodos Mountains, do call in at the Ampelothea Taverna in the village of Omodhos.  Mouth watering traditional Cypriot food is invariably cooked on the premises with local, home grown ingredients, as is the case in many Cyprus tavernas.  Take it from me, these local dishes are absolutely delicious and many housewives grow and use their own produce and keep animals (fowls, pigs, sheep, goats, ducks, etc.).  Everywhere, it seems,  open-air markets flourish and are well worth visiting if only to see the incredible variety of fruit and vegetables that grow on this Island.   
     
    The most popular meal in Cyprus is Meze, a combination of some 20 or more dishes ranging from dips, salads and vegetable to small helpings of local fish, poultry and meat.  A Fish Meze may include kalamari, octopus, red mullet, swordfish and sea bream, while a Meat Meze often consists of small portions of chicken, lamb chops, pork, lamb stew, rabbit and so on.  Moussaka is also popular as is Kleftiko and Pastitsio, which are mainly meat dishes cooked slowly with pasta and vegetables in cheese sauce.  But - be warned.  Wear a loose fitting elasticated skirt or trousers when eating out, as portions are rather on the generous side!  
      
    Wineries proliferate on the Troodos Mountain slopes and some of these wines have been produced since biblical times and are even mentioned in the Bible.  The most outstanding, I thought, was their beautiful sweet, red dessert wine - Commandaria - one of the most ancient in the world.  A number of these colourful vineyards welcome the public on free tours and tastings and one of them, the Olymphus, lies just outside Omodhos .     
      
    The main towns in Cyprus (Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and Famagusta) literally overflow with ancient monuments, museums and mosques.   In Nicosia the Capital, there are actually 50 churches along with a stunning Museum containing Cypriot treasures dating from the Neolithic Age to the early Byzantine period.  And, in Larnaca, it is claimed that Lazarus lived for 30 years and was ordained a bishop of this town.  The 10th century Church of  St Lazarus in the town centre was erected over his tomb which remains accessible to visitors to this day.  After visiting this historic  monument you can stroll along the town¹s lively palm-lined waterfront and enjoy people - watching from one of its numerous cafes and restaurants.   
     

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1.  House of Dionysos mosaic      2.  Leda mosaic, Pafos

    The richest area of antiquity in Cyprus lies in and around Paphos on the west coast.  In fact, the entire town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO List of Cultural and Natural Treasures.  In the House of Dionysos there is a string of noblemen¹s villas with exquisite colourful mosaic floors.  They depict scenes from Greek mythology, dating from the 3rd to the 5th centuries AD.
    
     Also in this area lies the Birthplace of Aphrodite.  It is said that this Island¹s ancient Greek mythological Goddess of Love and Beauty rose here from the waves.  There is a cultural route linked to nature sites and museums where artifacts relating to her life in this area are displayed.    
     
    Last, but not least, among this Island¹s attractions are a number of splendid locations which are ideal for active and sports minded holidaymakers.  You can swim, wind surf, snorkel, sail, hire a canoe and take lessons in diving. Others prefer to climb mountains, horse ride, hire a bicycle or just walk along one or more of the scores of glorious nature trails that have been marked out throughout the entire Island.       
     
    On top of all this, there are three golf courses (18 holes, par 72) that rank among the best in the Mediterranean.  Tsada Golf Club lies 20 minutes drive from Paphos, Secret Valley Golf Club is 18 km from Limassol and Aphrodite Hills Golf Club lies south east of Paphos.  Full details of these courses and accommodation available in first class hotels close by, are all available from the address below.   

Snow scene, Troodos

    Cyprus has yet one more trump card up its sleeve. Snow skiing is popular on the slopes of Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains from the beginning of January to the end of March.  With careful planning you can achieve Nirvana!  Ski in the morning then spin down to the coast for a swim!  You can¹t beat that - even in the Caribbean!     `        
 

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