Cyprus – A Mosaic of Travel Options
July 12, 2010By Sandra Scott
The Republic of Cyprus has a lot in common with the mosaics found in the 2nd-century House of Dionysus, an archeological site near Paphos. Both are colorful with many intricate parts, and a pleasure to view. The mosaics have all the colors of Cyprus: the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, the greens of the Troodos Mountains, the browns of the sandy beaches, and warm colors of the setting sun, plus they represent Cypriot history that dates back to mythical times.
With its strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus has been the crossroads between three continents from the time of Aphrodite. Cyprus was the first country visited by the apostle Paul on his mission to spread Christianity and crusaders stopped on their way to Jerusalem. Today tourists enjoy the travel mosaic that is Cyprus marveling at the sites of antiquity, exploring traditional country villages and basking by the Mediterranean Sea.
A Historical Mosaic
People have been living the good life in Cyprus for centuries. The large, palatial House of Dionysus shows the level of wealth during the Roman era. It is so named because one of the many mosaics depicts Dionysus, the god of wine. At the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, dating back to 6800 B.C., there are reconstructed round stone huts that give evidence to a relatively sophisticated lifestyle at an even earlier time. Just as intriguing are the sites associated with Aphrodite, Venus in Roman mythology. At a breathtakingly beautiful spot on the Mediterranean coast between Lemesos and Paphos is where legend has it that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emerged from the sea. West of Polis is the grotto Aphrodite used for secret trysts with her many lovers. Cyprus is an open-air museum that will intrigue both the history buff and the causal tourist. The magnificent amphitheater at Kourion, the Tomb of Kings, St. Paul’s Pillar, medieval castles, and frescoed Byzantine churches are just part of the mosaic of the past. Currently Cyprus has three UNESCO World Heritage sites with other sites on the waitlist, plus new archeological discoveries being unearthed on a regular basis.
A Coastal Mosaic
Exploring the antiquities is a perfect diversion for sun worshipers, but the beaches are the main draw. With 400 miles of coastline, there is a beach for everyone. Forty-nine of the country’s beaches have been awarded the exclusive Blue Flag, an eco-label given to beaches that maintain high environmental standards. Visitors can chose from campsites on the beach to tourist resorts to temples of luxury that would please Aphrodite.
Resorts are truly full-service offering a plethora of water sports, golf, hiking, biking, diving, horse riding, tennis courts, spas and even skiing. At certain times of the year it is possible to ski in the morning, golf in the afternoon, and spend the night at the disco. All resorts are close to one of the coastal cities, which offer shopping, museums, dining, and theme parks. Keeping in mind that Aphrodite is the goddess of love and Cyprus is where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria in the 12th century, Cyprus ranks high on the list of the world’s most popular destinations for weddings and honeymoons. Luxury resorts like Aphrodite Hills, Le Meridien and Anassa have onsite chapels, plus there are a plethora of churches with exquisite Byzantine artwork that make a perfect setting for a wedding.
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