Amid all the tourist attractions in Cyprus, there's always something new to discover. It's one of the most unexplored islands in the entire Mediterranean, despite its status as a privileged natural enclave. Therefore, Cyprus is one of the best and most diverse destinations to discover this summer for those seeking experiences that combine beach, mountains, entertainment, culture, and gastronomy. Cyprus is a complete package. In addition to its heavenly beaches, gastronomy, and heritage, there are many stories, anecdotes, and curiosities that make the island a place full of charm. Here are ten, for example, that are of particular interest to those who dare to visit Cyprus:
MUSAN, the first underwater museum in the Mediterranean
South of Famagusta, 200 meters off the coast of Ayia Napa, lies the Mediterranean's first underwater museum. Opened recently—in July 2020—the original idea for the Underwater Sculpture Museum, also known as MUSAN, came from British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, who has already opened other museums around the world, such as in Lanzarote and the Antilles. In fact, deCaires is world-renowned for his underwater museums and exhibits. At depths of eight to ten meters, MUSAN features over 90 underwater sculptures, all respectful of the environment and made from pH-neutral materials to minimize impact while simultaneously ensuring the area ultimately becomes a haven for marine life.
Ayia Napa Open-Air Sculpture Museum
In addition to underwater statues, the coastal town of Ayia Napa also boasts a sculpture museum, this time an open-air one. Established in 2014 and located near Cape Greco, the Ayia Napa Sculpture Park gathers hundreds of sculptures created by local, Greek, and international artists across an area of over two hectares, with the aim of promoting Cypriot culture. On a steep, rocky hill, the descent to the sea offers a tranquil and pleasant panorama for tourists who dare to visit the park, which is open all day and admission is free.
Flamingos in Larnaca
It's as simple as it is impressive: visiting flamingos in certain areas of Cyprus is becoming increasingly popular on the island. In fact, the country is a mandatory stopover for thousands of birds that migrate from Africa to Europe each year, and the flamingos spend part of the winter in a sanctuary on this Mediterranean island, where they can be seen from November to December.
Cyprus, the island of Aphrodite
The entire island is shrouded in mythology, bearing, in particular, the name of Aphrodite. Thus, Cyprus is dotted with numerous sites whose histories are linked to the Greek goddess of beauty and love, whose birth determined the very creation of the island. The Greeks used mythology in this way to explain natural phenomena they could not otherwise explain.
Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world
With a population of approximately 300,000, Nicosia, known to Cypriots as Lefkosia, is not only the largest city and capital of Cyprus, but also one of its most fascinating. Its position as the world's last divided capital has become one of its main claims, and all this in a place where the fusion of cultures and their legacies has created a city rich in nuances, interests, and flavors.
Cyprus is full of cats
Cyprus is known to many as the island of cats. There is evidence that these cats have been domesticated for thousands of years. Legend has it that Saint Helena of Constantinople, Empress of the Roman Empire—other legends suggest she was Cleopatra—sent ships full of cats to the Mediterranean island to combat the snakes that were overpopulating the region at the time. The legacy of this story is such that today, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of cats live in Cyprus, roaming freely throughout the island and becoming a part of everyday Cypriot life. It's not unusual to see them even at the doors of the island's most luxurious hotels.
One of the countries with the largest number of blue flags in the world
Along with other countries such as Portugal, Israel, and Spain, Cyprus boasts one of the highest density of Blue Flag beaches per capita—Cyprus has a population of 960,000. This award is given annually by the European Foundation for Environmental Education, which bases its selection on criteria such as safety, water quality, conservation, accessibility, and cleanliness. Some of these beaches are also among the most popular, demonstrating that their high traffic levels don't hinder their ability to preserve their natural beauty. One such beach, without going into too much detail, is Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, with its turquoise, crystal-clear waters revealing a whole underwater world. Over time, it has become the island's most famous beach.
Painted churches of Troodos
Cyprus is home to one of the largest concentrations of Byzantine churches in the world, built between the 11th and 15th centuries during the Byzantine Empire's rule over the island. Known as the Ten Painted Churches of Troodos, they were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List between 1985 and 2001 and boast some of the most representative frescoes and murals of Byzantine culture. They are spread among small towns and villages along the Troodos mountain range, where hiking and walking trails offer opportunities to discover the best of Cyprus's interior.
British Heritage of Cyprus
Greeks, Ottomans, Romans, Venetians… Many different empires and dominions have left their mark on the island over the centuries, which can still be seen on the streets of its cities. More recently, Cyprus was also under the British Empire, from 1878 to 1960, first as a protectorate and then as a colony. Much remains in Cyprus from its British past, which is also important for any tourist planning to visit the island to know, such as driving on the left, three-pronged forks, and the fact that almost everyone speaks English.
Salad and potatoes are the basis of his gastronomy
Cypriot cuisine always begins with the same thing: every meal, both lunch and dinner, is accompanied by a salad, just as it is with bread in Spain or rice in some Asian countries. Whether simpler or more complex, all their salads are equally good, though not all are equally healthy. Similarly, many dishes are also typically accompanied by chips, which are not only a high-quality product on this Mediterranean island—an important part of its economy is based on this crop—but also one of its most widely exported products to international markets.