Cyprus
Aphrodites divided island
Categories: Cyprus Mediterranean region Greece
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus lies on the Anatolian Plate and geographically belongs to Asia. Since 1974 the destination has been politically divided into a Cypriot part in the south and a Turkish island north. A narrow strip of land between the two parts of the country is known as the Green Line. The division also affects the capital Nicosia. With a total area of 9,200 square kilometers, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Two mountain ranges characterize the landscape. With 1,951 meters, Olympos in the Troodos Mountains is the highest mountain. 
© eunikas / Fotolia
Rivers like the Pedias often only carry water in winter.
One fifth of the sun island consists of pines, cedars, cypresses and dwarf oaks. Economically important for Cyprus is the southern part of Nicosia and the port cities of Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca. Cyprus is a member of the EU. The currency is the Euro. The national and official languages Greek and Turkish have equal rights. Many locals speak English. The Cypriots are considered hospitable and obliging. Where the island name comes from can only be guessed. The Latin name for copper or a henna plant is under discussion.
In the south of Cyprus live 715,000 inhabitants. The north is populated by 210,000 people.
Many British pensioners spend their old age here. In recent years, 30,000 Russians have joined them. The island shape is often compared to a pan or deer skin. While an administrative order is valid in the poorer north of Cyprus, the south has been divided into 6 counties. On the island there is left-hand traffic. Buses are the main means of transportation. There are airports in Larnaca and Paphos, as well as in northern Ercan. The best time to travel in Cyprus is spring and autumn.
The cultivation of wine is part of a millennium old tradition on the island. The grapes grow exclusively on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains.
From the olive variety Koroneiki on Cyprus for example in Oleastro an extra vergine oil in organic quality is won. Tavern and oil sales are located near Pancha. In the southwest of the island, between Paphos and Limassol, lies Aphrodite's birthplace. Especially romantic is the beach Petra tou Romiou at sunset. Especially in full moon nights it gets crowded at the legendary rock on Cyprus.
Whoever circles the stones of the Greeks as a couple three times will experience eternal love. Directly above the famous bay the golf course offers a great view. The island lures with diving, surfing, sailing, fishing, horse riding, hiking, bungee jumping and cycling.
Bathers are recommended to visit the fine sandy beaches of Nissi Beach or Coral Bay. An experience is the Avakas Gorge. Numerous water parks, as well as the Limassol Zoo await the little guests on Cyprus. The national park Cape Greco is considered the easternmost tip of the vacation island. 
© oleg_p_100 / Fotolia
The chapel Agioi Anargyroi is worth seeing there. Not far from there is the tourist center Agia Napa, a stronghold of nightlife. To the world cultural heritage of Cyprus belong the ruins of Paphos, the excavations of Chirokitia and painted churches in the Troodos mountains, where the monastery Kykkos is one of the highlights. On the west coast of Cyprus the royal tombs of Nea Paphos and the Archaeological Park can be visited. In Larnaca the famous Lazarus Church is worth a visit. Five kilometers away is the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque on the salt lake of the same name.
