Kyrenia, Cyprus | Photo by Walkerssk ()
Cyprus is unlike anywhere else in the world. Comfortably situated in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is awash in history and culture. The island's unparalleled natural beauty is sprinkled with ancient ruins and local stories of the beloved classical gods of old. From Paphos to Limassol, museums and what is left of classical Greek and Byzantine architecture is widely accessible to the public and absolutely breathtaking. Places such as the Old Harbor in Kyrenia, Byzantine Churches, the large Pafos Archeological site, Ancient Kourion, Venetian walls in Nicosia and St. Hilarion's Castle are just a few of the incredible historical sites to see on the island.
Ayia Napa, Cyprus | Photo by LSD for Society
The rumored birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the foaming sea surrounding Cyprus is highlighted gastronomically as well as culturally. The seafood in Cyprus is exactly what one would expect from a Mediterranean island — the freshest catches imaginable, elevated with local herbs and ancient cooking techniques. Halloumi is the national cheese of Cyprus, a textured white sheep and goats milk cheese that is not to be missed by cheese lovers. If dairy isn't your thing, Cyprus is renowned for a variety of other savory and sweet specialties that you can't find anywhere else. Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavors take on a unique twist in Cyprus with foods that are best sampled in large groups and with plenty of Cypriot wine. Followed, of course, by the famous Cypriot brandy that has been distilled on the island since 1871.
Cyprus is divided into two parts. The northernmost third of the island has been occupied by Turkey since 1983 and is separated from the Greek-influenced section of the island by a UN neutral buffer zone. According to the State Department at the time of publishing, travel to Cyprus is still safe for US citizens. There are further instructions about visiting the island as a US citizen at the State department's website.
