Cyprus is one of the most popular vacation destinations for the modern tourist. White beaches, endless blue sea and interesting culture of local residents are known in many parts of the world, and numerous legends and myths only fuel the interest of potential guests of this amazing place.
Let's go together on a journey through the most interesting pages of the history of the island, look into its most secret streets and alleys and supplement our knowledge with interesting events and facts.
How to get to Cyprus on your own - read our article.
The origin of the name and local "subtleties"
Even today, it has not been reliably established what exactly served such an original name for such an island. There are several opinions on this matter. Some historians believe that the name "Cyprus" comes from "cuprum", i.e. "copper". Since ancient times, large deposits of this most valuable metal for its time have been discovered on the island. From other sources it follows that the name of the island is associated with the local cypress tree, which occupies an impressive area.
If you believe the statistics, then it is in Cyprus that the most sunny days among all the islands and states of the Mediterranean basin.
The absolute majority of the indigenous population profess Christianity and are Orthodox believers. It is believed that this particular island became the first place visited by the apostles Paul and Barnabas when they went around the world on a Christian mission. Accordingly, Cyprus was among the first to fall under the influence of the Orthodox Church. Having visited the monastery "Stavrovuni", you can personally see a nail from the very cross on which Christ was crucified.
Even today, the role of the church in the life of ordinary Cypriots is significant. The church is not separated from the state and has taken upon itself many of the concerns of providing schools, and the children themselves are taught to faith and rituals from an early age.
Local traditions and preferences
Cypriots are indifferent to alcohol. Alcoholics are very rare here, and companies of young people prefer to drink all kinds of non-alcoholic cocktails, but smoking is very common on the island. Although this does not prevent local residents from living happily ever after.
Souvlaki (something similar to our kebab), as well as all kinds of culinary delights from legumes and seafood are considered the favorite dishes of the Cypriots. They are also not indifferent to all kinds of greens, salads, which are generously seasoned with olive oil.
Cyprus also boasts of its own culinary masterpieces. Among them is halloumi cheese, which was recently recognized as a national product. In addition, it was on the island that the first churchkhela was invented, which is better known here as "shuzhuko". At least that is how the Cypriots tend to think. This is a dish of nuts strung on ropes. After that, the nuts are poured abundantly with sweet syrup with grape juice.
Holiday season
In addition to the hot summer weather, which attracts millions of tourists to its many beaches, Cyprus also welcomes skiers.
As for the beaches, there are several good news for tourists at once. Firstly, 45 beaches of Cyprus at once are recognized as the safest and cleanest in the world, having received the Blue Flag mark. Secondly, access to even the most luxurious beach on the island is absolutely free; there are no private beaches on the island.
Education and relationships
Cypriots claim to be one of the most educated nations in the world. For example, textbooks and the entire education system are completely free. Children from remote areas are transported to school by a free bus. When a child enters high school, the school provides him with a check for the purchase of a computer, and children from poor families always get an extra portion of sandwiches. If a student graduates from school with honors, he is given the right to receive higher education at the expense of the state. At the same time, he is awarded a scholarship.
There is a somewhat prejudiced attitude towards women on the island. Muslim influence affects. For example, coffee shops are visited exclusively by men, and the difference in salary between a man and a woman who occupy the same positions is the largest in Europe.
We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the overview of hotels in Cyprus for families with children.
