Cyprus: Island Birthplace of Aphrodite
Cyprus, probably named for its copper, smelted since Neolithic times, is the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. Two impressive mountain ranges surround a huge fertile plain and lovely beaches circle the coastline. Its climate has long attracted visitors, it is now renowned as a place for retirement – or partying.
Lying close to the Middle East and always strategically important, it was taken by many great powers including Greece. Rome and Egypt. The long reign of the French Lusignan dynasty brought prosperity and Roman Catholicism. In 1570 the Turks took the island.
It became a UK Crown Colony after World War II Independence came in 1960, but intercommunal strife increased and in 1974 an unsuccessful Greek coup prompted a Turkish invasion. The island was divided. It is now possible to cross the border, but violence and negotiation alternate and rules can change overnight.
However, north or south, the islanders are warmly welcoming and Cyprus has many attractions. The southeast with its raucous resorts also has archaeological sites and sunsets from Aphrodite’s ‘birthplace’ at the Rock of Remios. Pafos, though surrounded by development, remains a charming town. To the northwest is the remote Akanas Peninsula, with further isolated regions along the coastal hinterland, the magnificent Troodos region has forested mountains, lost villages, painted churches, unique wildlife and winegrowing.
In the North, small resorts cluster around the beautiful harbour town of Kyrenia. Famagusta is full of ruined Gothic churches inside its golden stone walls; outside lies a haunted, wired-off modern town, The rocky coast and bristling Kyrenia range hold unspoilt beaches and villages, classical sites, monasteries and Crusader castles.
Lefkosia (Nicosia) is the world’s only divided capital, Inside the massive Venetian fortifications, both sides – the cosmopolitan south and the north with its dusty lanes – are fascinating. Both have streets which end in a wall fluttering with defiant flags.
For all your travel needs both international and domestic talk to Flight Centre. We have cheap flights to Sydney, cheap flights to Melbourne and cheap flights to Perth, call or visit today.
Related posts:
- Book Cheap Cyprus Holidays Abroad The following article includes pertinent information about cheap cyprus holidays abroad that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important...
- Cheap Last Minute Holidays Do you ever feel like you know just enough about cheap last minute holidays abroad to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in...
- Finding Glasgow Flights You can fly on a Glasgow flight to many world destinations and arrive in Glasgow from many cities around the world. There are two airports...
- Cheap Package Holidays Imagine the next time you join a discussion about cheap package holidays abroad. When you start sharing the fascinating all inclusive package holiday facts below,...
- Get The Best Holiday Deal For Your Holiday Two of the essential components of a holiday are the flight seats and the accommodation. Depending on your destination the price of the flight seats...
- Save Money On Cheap Holidays And Cruises When most people think of cheap spain holidays, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a...
- Bangkok Travel Guide Bangkok may be the most vibrant city in South-East Asia. Its charm is accessible to anyone who is not put off by its busy atmosphere....
- Apartments Magaluf – Mallorca, The Island Of Sun And Night-life The closest neighbor to Magaluf, is the Mallorcan resort of Palma Nova. Together, both these resorts are a haven for holiday makers and you will...