Wednesday 27 March 2013

10 reasons why I love Cyprus that money can’t buy

Cyprus has so much to offer. We are all blessed to be here and enjoy Cyprus and no political games will ever change that. Think positive people!

10 reasons why I love Cyprus that money can’t buy

  1. Sun. Cyprus has 340 sunny days per year. Do you know why the sunlight is good for you? Sunlight stimulates synthesis of endorphins (good-feeling hormones) meaning - no depression, sunshine vitamin D production, exposure to the sun helps your immune system, metabolism, cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys functioning. Summer all year round is everyone’s dream.
  2. Sea. In Cyprus we have 54 BlueFlag (eco-label) beaches, placing Cyprus in top 5 countries worldwide with the highest ratio of Blue Flag beaches per km of coastline. While the rest of Europe is googling “beautiful beaches wallpaper” to set as desktop background, Cyprus is surrounded by amazing, clean beaches and we can enjoy them anytime we want.
  3. Rich culture and history of Cyprus is among the oldest in the World. Archaeological sites, museums, churches, private art collections, UNESCO World heritage sites. I will include in this point breathtaking views and awesome scenery. The list is endless.
  4. Low crime. The crime rate in Cyprus is still very – very low. I found some stats online, quoting: “Cyprus is the most Crime-free E.U. country. According to European Union statistics, the crime rate in Cyprus is only 16% of that in the average European Country. This contributes to make Cyprus one of the safest places to live in Europe.”
  5. Cyprus is a great Family Friendly destination with lots to do for kids and families.  Majority of Cyprus hotels cater for families with children. The family is the centre of the social structure in Cyprus. Elders are respected and parents have strong bonds with their children. Typical Cypriot family may consist of 30-50 members.  Did you watch “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”? Exactly.
  6. Small Island, short distances. I am located in Limassol and I need 40 min to get to any international airport, 1 hr drive can get you to Troodos Mountains or crystal clean waters of Konnos Bay (depending on the turn you will take on a highway). Imagine, so simple. No traffic.
  7. Cypriots are fun loving people with a great sense of humour. Must be because of many sunny days. They know how to party and they dance like there's nobody watching whether it is traditional "the dance of Zorba" or progressive trance beat.  
  8. Cyprus food. Everything in Cyprus goes around the food. It is so good that there are books & songs devoted to Cyprus Kitchen (checkout this one) I am going to highlight my favourites: shevtalia, koupepkia, keftedes, flaunes, kleftiko, loukoumades (yummy!!!) and, of course, souvla. Let’s not take for granted fresh fish and seafood.
  9. Famous Cypriot hospitality. Cypriot people are friendly and welcoming, very talkative and loving. They always smile and treat you as a family, it is amazing!  From the first moment you will be invited to their home (for food), wedding of second cousin (food again) and lunch with grandma (!). My friend from Spain, on her second (or even first) day in Cyprus, got invited to a wedding when she asked for directions! Much people speak English and they will do their best to help you no matter what the situation.
  10. Island of Love. Use your imagination here :)

I am sure there are more reasons to love Cyprus and I encourage you to continue my list and promote Cyprus. We have something special here. I ♥ Cyprus. Do you?

Konnos Bay beach - must see in Cyprus in 2014
Konnos Bay Beach - photo by Aneta Waszak

Agios Mamas Village in Cyprus - old house
Agios Mamas Village - Cyprus

Cavo Greco Protaras Cyprus - amazing view to the sea
Cavo Greco, Protaras Cyprus - photo by Ioanna Markidou

The sun is always bigger in Cyprus - Curium beach, my favourite
The sun is always bigger in Cyprus - Curium beach, my favourite
Blooming almond tree in Cyprus village - spring 2014
Blooming almond tree in Cyprus village spring 2014