Cyprus

The ancient Greeks thought Cyprus to be so beautiful that it was considered the playground of the gods. Legend claims that Aphrodite and Adonis were born off the coast of Cyprus – explaining why it’s known as the Island of Love. Outside of its role in the Ancient Greek world, Cyprus has had a long and storied history thanks to its strategic location, playing a crucial role for the Crusaders and, after the fall of Constantinople, the Venetians who used the island of Cyprus as a military base to stave off the rising Ottoman Empire. Even today, you can see evidence everywhere of a land that has been at the crossroads of civilisations for thousands of years. Cyprus has a warm climate and over 160 beaches - ideal for people who want to kick back and enjoy the sunshine. It’s not just a destination to chill on the beach though, as the island has a whole range of activities for visitors of every age to enjoy. During the cooler months, visitors can hike one of the many incredible trails through the Troodos Mountains, visit Omodos village, or explore archaeological sites like Kourion and Paphos which house several ancient spots related to the cult of Aphrodite. Another standout feature of Cyprus? The food and drink. While France and Italy have a global reputation for being stellar wine producers, Cyprus has some of the oldest wines and wineries in the world thanks to its ideal grape-growing climate. Commandaria, a native Cypriot wine, is an amber-coloured sweet dessert wine that dates to the 12th century and has the distinction of being the oldest named wine still in production.

When it comes to food, the Cypriot cuisine is a flavourful blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences characterised by its use of fresh ingredients - particularly olive oil and seafood. One of the most famous examples of Cypriot food is Halloumi, which today remains one of the country’s most popular dishes. Similar to its Mediterranean neighbours, Cyprus offers a warm and relaxed vibe for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient sites, indulging in delicious food, or simply soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches, Cyprus offers a little something for everyone. And with the help of dnata Travel, going smarter to Cyprus has never been easier.