AMMAN — Cyprus, the island nation just
northwest of the Levant, is a popular spot for Jordanians to visit. The island
paradise is just a short flight away — making it convenient and affordable for
visitors from the Kingdom. Additionally, Cyprus has opened its borders
completely for visitors, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, from Jordan — with
no need to complete a
PCR test or self-isolate after arrival. However, visitors
should complete the “
Cyprus Flight Pass” 48 hours prior to departure.
اضافة اعلان
Though small, the country is rich in history
and has a lot to offer every tourist. Here are five reasons why you should
visit Cyprus this summer.
Ancient ruins
Cyprus is home to the relics of more than 10,000
years of history.
Archaeological evidence has demonstrated that the island has
been inhabited since prehistoric times.
Neolithic people left behind the
single-room huts where they lived, as well as stone tools and pottery. After
receiving an influx of mainland Greeks, the island was also occupied by the
Persian Empire and the Ottomans.
The Kourion Archaeological Site in Cyprus is picture in this undated photo. (Photo: Handout from the Cypriot Ministry of Tourism)
As a tourist, you can take a glimpse into this
history by visiting the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia, the largest archaeological
museum in the country. The museum features thousands of Bronze Age terracotta
figures, ancient gold coins, and other relics of bygone eras. But there are
also ruins spread throughout the city.
The Kourion Archaeological Site, for instance,
features a theater, four
Greco-Roman villas, and public baths. The Tomb of
Kings in Paphos is a huge and well-preserved necropolis. Another favorite draw are
the mosaics in Paphos, considered some of the best-preserved ancient mosaics in
the eastern Mediterranean.
Whether you’re a history buff or just
interested in some sight-seeing during the day, the ancient ruins in Cyprus are
a great option to visit.
Beaches
Whereas in Jordan it might take a few hours to
drive to the beach, in Cyprus the sparkling coastline is always at hand. There
are both densely-populated beaches and more secluded spots. Several of the
island’s beaches have also been awarded the EU Blue Flag, a certificate that
testifies to the environmental quality and cleanliness of the water.
Cyprus’ Coral Bay its umbrella strewn beach is seen in this
undated photo. (Photo: Handout from the Cypriot Ministry of Tourism)
Some popular beaches include Makronissos
Beach, Coral Bay, Nissi Beach, and Fig Tree Bay. The golden sands of
Makronissos Beach are especially popular among families; the beach is perfect
for water skiing, paddle boarding, diving, and other exhilarating water sports.
The Makronissos Necropolis, featuring 19 tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman
eras, is also only a stone’s throw away from the beach.
Hiking
Though it’s popular for its nightlife, Cyprus
is also a great spot for any lover of the outdoors. Two main areas popular with
hikers are Troodos Mountains and the Akamas Peninsula. The mountains cover most
of the western side of the island, providing a paradise for hikers hoping to
get lost — in a good way. The mountains are dotted with hiking trails, some
more maintained than others. They’re also full of monasteries and painted
medieval churches. Unique spots to put on your itinerary include Fikardou, a
carefully preserved mountain village, and Geopark Visitor Center.
Akamas Peninsula, a popular hiking spot, is seen in this
undated photo. (Photo: Handout from the Cypriot Ministry of Tourism)
Like most parts of the island, the Akamas
peninsula also has a rich history. In the 20th century, the Akamas was used for
military exercises. The peninsula itself was named after a son of Theseus, a
hero from the Trojan War. The area, relatively protected and isolated from the
rest of the island, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including
monk seals, foxes, fruit bats, and sea turtles. Even if you don’t love hiking,
Akamas also features a loggerhead turtle sanctuary and Baths of Aphrodite.
Wherever you decide to go adventuring in
Cyprus, there are plenty of trails and information available online. Make sure
to bring water and sunscreen and have fun on your trip.
Food
Cyprus’s unique cultural history has produced
a distinctive national cuisine introduced by Arab, Greek, and Turkish food
traditions. Jordanians visiting the country can look forward to some familiar
ingredients, such as
halloumi cheese, hummus, and yogurt.
(Photo: Handout from the Cypriot Ministry of Tourism)
With influences from nearby Italy, visitors to
Cyprus can enjoy plates of pasta, too. Distinctive Cypriot pasta dishes include
pastitsio (a baked dish with ground meat and bechamel sauce).
As an island, Cyprus also offers a range of
delectable seafood dishes incorporating elements like calamari, octopus,
cuttlefish, and sea bass. Salted cod is also a popular choice. Fish souffle,
croquettes, and roe dip are other unique dishes that incorporate seafood.
Cypriot desserts include loukoumia, a group of
sweets made with lemon, rose water, chopped dates, and assorted nuts.
Nightlife
After you’re done sight-seeing, hiking, and
trying out Cypriot dishes, your day still won’t be over. Cyprus is known for
its vibrant nightlife. All of the cities on the island have a range of bars,
live music venues, and nightclubs where you can dance the night away on your
vacation.
(Photo: Handout from the Cypriot Ministry of Tourism)
Ayia Napa, on the eastern end of the southern
coast, is known as the country’s main party locale. The resort has 27 beaches,
an amusement park and a water park, and a medieval monastery, so it isn’t all
nightlife either.
Other urban centers known for their nightlife
include Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras, and Nicosia.
As the world begins to open up after a year of
COVID-19 lockdowns, it’s a great opportunity to travel and explore all that the
Mediterranean region has to offer. Cyprus, with its wide range of activities
and convenient location, is a fantastic choice to visit this summer.
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