After a cold and dark winter season, the first thing you want to do when summer rolls around is to be in a sunny area, have some excellent food, sit back and enjoy the sun in all its glory. For some people, it is enough to just visit the local beach or even a different part of the country, and spend a day or two there. For others, who really want to get the best experience, visiting a place that’s well-known for summer vacations is the best option. On the list of top summer locations, Cyprus is easily in the top 3, if not claiming the number one spot. It is a very well-known place and has historic value as well.

Since it is located close to the equator and in a region that is the crossroads between the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia, it has always been of strategic value to the superpowers of the time. In fact, it’s only been a few decades since it has gained independence. Yet, the Northern part of Cyprus continues to be governed by Turkey. Nonetheless, it is a fantastic destination. In fact, many well-known celebrities are regular visitors. Since it offers such an excellent experience, many people choose to visit Cyprus every year, rather than go somewhere else. Here are some of the things that make Cyprus stand out from any other location on the planet.

Weather

Cyprus is a small island located south of Italy, West of Turkey, and north of Egypt. Being so close to the equator, it is no surprise that the island is also home to warm weather throughout the year. Whether you are visiting at the peak of the summer season or towards the end, you will nearly always find sunny beaches, fresh air, and clear blue water. For anyone that wants to enjoy beaches, the weather plays a huge role. However, the sunlight isn’t as harsh as it is in other parts of the world. The climate is very comfortable and is quite similar all across the island.

Food

Due to its incredible location and extremely diverse history, Cyprus is also home to some of the best food in the world. There are countless main courses to enjoy in Cyprus. It is known for the hearty meat dishes and also the many lentils, grains, and vegetable-based dishes. Like the Greeks, Cypriots love olives, vegetables, and cheese. One of the most iconic food items from this region is  Halloumi cheese which is now getting famous all over the world. A little known fact is that, unlike the halloumi available in the west which is made of cow’s milk, traditional halloumi is made from either goat milk or sheep milk. This traditional version has a slightly denser smell than the version made from cow’s milk. It is enjoyed on its own or it is used as an ingredient in other dishes. Of course, being an island, Cyprus also has some fantastic seafood options for anyone who enjoys aquatic items.

History

Cyprus has been the center of attention of a lot of different countries. In the past, it has been occupied by the British, the French, the Turkish, the Persians, and many other empires. Due to this interaction with many different cultures, there is a lot of history concentrated in this region and it is a melting pot of all kinds of religions, races, and cultures. One of the oldest regions is Famagusta Cyprus which is located in the north of the island and has a history dating back to nearly 200 BC. This has been a very important part of the country because it is home to one of the deepest and biggest ports in the region. Here you will find a lot of churches and mosques and many big buildings. In the past, wealthy ship owners and merchants built these huge buildings to show their wealth and power. Today, many are still operational. They have been well-kept, renovated, and repurposed for different tasks. Many of the religious buildings still maintain their original purpose. 

Beaches

When you are on an island the main attraction is the beach, and there is no shortage of that in Cyprus. Unlike other island countries such as England, Cyprus has beautiful sandy beaches all around it. There aren’t any cliffs or beaches with huge rocks and freezing cold water. It is all very open, spacious, warm, and sandy. The best part is that Cypriots love their water sports and there is much to do on the beach. You could spend an entire vacation just participating in various beach activities. One of the best things to do in Cyprus is to go scuba diving. Since the water is so crystal clear, and in some areas, it is quite shallow even hundreds of feet off the beach, it is an excellent place for beginners to start scuba diving and explore aquatic life. If you like to stay dry, you can always get a ticket for a luxury cruise and explore the water that way.

Convenience

Cyprus is not a very big island, and it is connected from north to south and east to west through excellent road infrastructure. You don’t have to fly to any part of it since you can travel just a few hours by road. There is an efficient local transport system so you don’t need to worry about a car either. For tourists, this means they can experience the entire country in just a matter of days. If you are looking for a spot where you won’t have to spend a lot of time and you will get excellent value for your money, this is the place to visit.’

Cyprus has been the focus of many tourists for decades, and the country has evolved into a flourishing tourist destination. No matter where you come from or what your interests are, you will definitely find something to your liking in Cyprus. Overall, Cyprus is a reasonably priced location, and for the amenities and natural attractions that it offers, it is a bargain. Food, accommodation, and entertainment are all very reasonably priced so you don’t have to have a huge budget to enjoy this country.