Cyprus

Cyprus is my home country and I have many beautiful memories from this island. Unfortunately I don’t know the North side well but there are lots of amazing things to do on the South side of Cyprus. If you are here in the summer you have to spend your days by the Mediterranean Sea. In Larnaca you can go to Mackenzie beach and enjoy a day under the sun or sit in one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants there. At night Mackenzie is full of life and music as people crowd the beach bars to enjoy a drink and dance by the sea. In Larnsca you can also take a walk in Finikoudes beach and go for a drink in Laiki Gitonia. My favorite beaches are in Protaras and Ayia Napa. The water is crystal clear and I’ve spent so many summers lounging by the shore there.

In Protaras visit Konnos Beach for a relaxing day surrounded by mountains and nature and enjoy a cold drink at the restaurant with the most beautiful view of the beach’s turquoise waters. Go to Sirina Bay for a more quiet atmosphere as this tiny and relatively secret beach is the perfect spot to spend a day relaxing with a book or with good company. Ayia Napa has a lively night life and people come from all over the world to enjoy a night of dancing at the many bars there. For a boat ride go to Blue Lagoon near Paphos and spend a day sailing in the sea and swimming in the gorgeous waters. Renting a boat is very easy there as there are many boats in the harbor that are available to rent for a day of sailing and relaxing.

You can also take a boat ride in Cavo Greco and sail around caves and mountains. If you are there you must visit Agioi Anargiroi church as this classic Greek church sitting alone on top of a mountain is a picturesque scene and a perfect spot to take pictures. Cavo Greco is also famous for cliff diving if you are brave enough to try it. For a unique experience go to the secret church Agioi Saranta in Protaras. This old hidden church is built inside a cave and although it is beautiful it is not a very well known church in Cyprus as it is complicated to get there and hidden well. You must also see some of the many cute traditional villages in Cyprus.

In the Larnaca district you must see Chirokitia village which is also my home. This village has one of the oldest Neolithic sites in all of Europe and is considered a treasure of Cypriot history. From Chirokitia take a ten minute drive to Lefkara, one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in Cyprus. Lefkara is a village full of color and you can buy traditional Lefkara lace from the many small shops. More villages to see in the area are Tochni, Agios Theorodoros and Zygi, and you must visit the monastery of Agio Mina in Vavla. In Paphos you can stay in one of the many beach hotels and spend your time relaxing by the sea. Spend a day in the Marina in Limassol where you can relax with a drink surrounded by the many boats parked in the harbor.

Cyprus is a beautiful and unique island and I’m very proud to be from here. It is a country you must visit at least once and I promise a summer vacation here will be unforgettable.