Paphos in Cyprus
I love Cyprus and always have, ever since I was first stationed there as a soldier in the early 1980s. I was based in Akrotiri then, but used to explore the island by motorbike in my free time. The climate is the thing that strikes me, every time I visit the island. Cyprus has an average temperature of seventy-two degrees and more sunny days than any other Mediterranean holiday destination. That is probably why I always think of it as a place of warmth and light, especially in July when there is usually between twelve and thirteen hours of sunshine each day. It is also the third largest island in the Mediterranean and has a fascinating history.
The island’s strategic location made it a sought-after prize for a series of empires, and in more recent times for many who wish to find Cyprus holidays online. Ancient Greece, the latter Byzantine Empire, the Ottomans and the Venetians all once ruled the island, not to forget Richard the Lionheart and the Knights Templar. Each left their own mark on the island, its people and their culture. Cyprus is the ancient mixing ground of Europe, Asia and Africa, a vibrant blend of traditions and a delight to visit.
To be technically accurate, there are four unique parts of the island. The Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union, the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey, and the British Overseas Territories of Akrotiri and Dhekhelia, the former of which I was stationed all those years ago. The island is peaceful though and has been for decades, a fact that the thousands of UK tourists who visit it each year can quite happily vouch for. Cyprus is also one of the few places in Europe where they drive on the right-hand side of the road, a leftover from the days of British rule.
As you would expect from such a popular holiday venue, the islanders, wherever they live, enjoy a high standard of living and earn decent wages. They are also very friendly people and I have never yet found otherwise. I find it a perfect place to take a holiday, at virtually any time of the year, especially as the summer is eight months long with average temperatures of seventy-five degrees.
The diversity of the islands’ inhabitants has been nurtured under its sunny skies. Wherever you go Greek and Turkish will be spoken as well as Arabic dialects and an increasing amount of Russian. For those of us from the UK, or the English-speaking world, a reassuring seventy-five percent of the population also speaks English.
Whatever type of sun-filled holiday you could possibly wish for can also be found on the island. From getaway breaks in the pine forests and high mountains, to traditional beach holidays, to partying the night away in chicresorts, Cyprus has something for everyone, as I have been discovering for over thirty years.
Author Bio:
Greg Whitaker likes find Cyprus holidays online as he travels there frequently.