| The island of Cyprus is one of the most popular | | | | plays are also popular tourist destinations. |
| vacation destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, | | | | Be sure to view some of the beautiful Byzantine |
| attracting nearly two and a half million tourists a | | | | churches of Cyprus. Their colorful paintings and |
| year. Whether tourists are eager to experience | | | | adornments date back thousands of years. |
| the culture of the island or just want to relax on | | | | Cyprian museums feature many other ancient |
| a pristine Cyprian beach, the island has something | | | | artifacts from the island nation's rich history. |
| for everyone. | | | | Another big reason that Cyprus is such a popular |
| A former British colony, the Republic of Cyprus | | | | travel destination is its cuisine. Cyprian food is |
| gained its independence in 1960. Its nearest | | | | made from some of the freshest ingredients in |
| neighbors are Turkey, Greece, Israel, Lebanon | | | | the world, based on culinary traditions almost as |
| and Syria. It is the crossroads of three continents, | | | | ancient as civilization itself. |
| the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Historically, | | | | Imagine fresh Greek herbs and spices combining |
| many different cultures have influenced and | | | | with a hint of citrus and a splash of olive oil and |
| controlled the island nation. | | | | throw in some of the flavors of Africa and Asia |
| The island was the mythical birthplace of the | | | | Minor. Sun ripened fresh vegetables will delight the |
| goddess Aphrodite, which helps to explain the | | | | palate of every person that visits Cyprian shores. |
| sheer beauty of the island. Rocky coves, sandy | | | | Start your dining adventure by ordering a |
| beaches and some of the best resorts in the | | | | "mezedes" at a Cyprian restaurant. But be sure to |
| world decorate the Cyprian shores. | | | | come hungry, for 20 or more dishes will soon be |
| There are also championship golf courses and | | | | taking you on a culinary trip through the flavors |
| beautiful hiking trails across Cyprus. Snorkeling, | | | | of the island. |
| windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing and deep sea | | | | The island is also credited with creating halloumi |
| fishing are all popular pastimes. The crystal clear | | | | cheese, made with both sheep and goat milk. It's |
| water and gorgeous weather make Cyprus the | | | | unique flavor is delicious with watermelon in the |
| perfect destination for a beach holiday. | | | | summer. It is also served battered and fried, as |
| The island nation is as rich with culture as it is with | | | | well as grilled. Enjoy it with some artisan bread |
| natural beauty. A trip to Cyprus must include a | | | | and cracked green olives. |
| visit to Choirokoitia. It is one of the best | | | | Cyprian wine is some of the finest in the world. |
| preserved examples in the Mediterranean of a | | | | Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians coveted |
| settlement from the dawn of civilization. | | | | wine from Cyprus for its delicious flavor. Thanks |
| Also, be sure to enjoy the beautiful floors of the | | | | to the sunny weather and mountainous landscape, |
| Roman villas with their mosaic tiles that depict the | | | | Cyprian grapes make outstanding and distinctive |
| ancient gods and goddesses. The Tombs of the | | | | wine. Be sure to sample some of the local |
| Kings, carved out of rock and Roman | | | | varieties. |
| amphitheaters that still feature ancient Greek | | | | |