Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, is full of white-sand beaches, surrounded by warm water, enjoys year-round sunshine, and has one of the healthiest diets in the world.
It’s already a popular holiday spot for Europeans and is quickly becoming a retirement haven for expats from around the world.
Here are 8 things you probably didn’t know about Cyprus…
1. Over 80% Of Cypriots Speak English
The island’s official languages are Greek and Turkish, but English, though not an official language, is the lingua franca between these, and it’s very rare to meet someone who doesn’t speak it.
English was the official language from 1878 to 1960, when the island was ruled by the British, and it continued to be used in courts until 1989 and in legislation until 1996. (Bonus fact: they drive on the left because of the British, too!)
Not only is it widely spoken, even among locals, but lots of signs and ads are also in English.
Foreigners make up over 110,000 of the 1.2 million-person population.
Many of these are British, and English is the common language between residents of all nationalities.
When speaking in English, though, bear in mind that the American (or Canadian) accent is not well known to most Cypriots, who are much more familiar with the British or even Australian accent.
2. Home To Greek Gods
A lot of Greek mythology played out on and around the island of Cyprus, earning it the nickname ‘The Playground Of The Gods’.
Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love and beauty, was said to be born from the foam in the waters near Paphos, on the islands’ western coast.
Aphrodite’s Rock, where Aphrodite is believed to have emerged from the water, can be visited today.
Swim around the rock three times, and obtain fertility and true love.
Aphrodite is also storied in some myths to have met her lover Adonis here, at what are now called Aphrodite’s Baths on the Akamas Peninsula.
Underneath an old fig tree is a small natural pool where she would regularly bathe. As he stopped for a drink of water while hunting, Adonis and the goddess fell in love.
3. Cyprus Boasts Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
History is all around you in Cyprus.
For such a small island, it has an impressive amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Paphos is Cyprus’s first UNESCO site; this archaeological treasure-trove has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period.
There are endless ruins to discover… the remains of villas, palaces, theaters, castles, churches, and tombs.
The Paphos Mosaics are one of the finest examples of ancient mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean
The painted churches in the Troodos region are Cyprus’s second UNESCO heritage site.
This region has one of the largest collections of ruins from the Byzantine Empire.
Third is Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement that has been a critical discovery for archaeologists, shedding light on the evolution of human society as far back as the 7th century BC.
4. Home To The Oldest Wine In The World
Commandaria, made in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, is the oldest wine still in production in the world.
It’s an amber-colored, sweet dessert wine made with two specific kinds of grape native to Cyprus, the Xynisteri and Mavro grapes, which are sun-dried to increase sugar content before fermentation, giving the wine its distinctive sweetness.
Records of Commandaria wine date back to 800 BC, where the Greek poet Hesiod referenced a sweet, sun-dried wine.
Commandaria’s name and origin are now protected by the EU and can only be produced by 14 different villages in the Troodos region.
5. You Can Ski Here
Yes, this is a Mediterranean island with ski resorts. In winter, the Troodos mountains are high enough to offer 4 kms of ski slopes.
6. The Diet Is The Healthiest In The World
The Mediterranean diet is the scientifically proven healthiest diet in the world, and it’s the delicious way of eating here in Cyprus—believe me, you won’t go hungry or want for flavor eating here, though you might lose weight without trying.
The Med diet is great for joint health, stronger bones, a healthier heart, and longer life.
It reduces the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, memory loss, depression, and breast cancer. And it’s associated with fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brains of older adults.
The diet is based on simple, plant-based cooking, lots of leafy greens, with the majority of each meal focused on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and seeds, with a few nuts and lots of extra-virgin olive oil.
Red meat, eggs, dairy, and poultry are eaten in smaller quantities and not nearly as often as fish and seafood.
The most traditional dessert here is candied fruits and nuts. To enjoy them like a local, you should drop one in your glass of water, swirl it a few times, then fish the candy out to eat and drain the glass of sugary water.
But it’s also more of an eating style than just the foods themselves… Social interaction during meals and daily exercise are also cornerstones of the Mediterranean way of life.
Eating with friends and family and socializing over meals is the norm in Europe—no one eats alone, at their desk or on the go here, which promotes mindful eating.
Plus, walking and biking are a part of daily life more here, meaning you get lots of exercise without going to the gym.
7. Home To Some Of The Best-Rated Beaches In Europe
Blue flags are awarded to beaches and marinas with high levels of quality, safety, environmental education, and environmental management.
In 2023, 77 of Cyprus’ official 123 swimming beaches were awarded Blue Flags, along with two marinas. The bathing water areas are deemed of excellent quality by the EU.
8. They Have Their Own Trademarked Cheese
Halloumi, the often fried cheese that you may be familiar with from Greek restaurants, is a unique cheese that originates from the island.
It’s trademarked (except for those two years in 2018 when Cyprus forgot to renew the license, which they promptly got back in 2020 once they realized).
For more on Cyprus and other international havens, check out the details below.
Bonne route,
Kat Kalashian
Editor, In Focus: Europe
