A Greek Tradition
Cyprus is an island with strong greek traditions, but to most of us simply know it as a great hotspot, which has made it a very popular destination for Europeans, with over 2.4 million visiting the republic. The island receives over 330 days of sunshine a year, which has given it the name The Island of the Sun. There is no shortage of travel companies able to arrange Cyprus holidays and low cost airlines such as Easyjet offering routes to Paphos and Larnaca, getting there is cheaper than ever.
Cyprus attracts tourists from all over the world, but the majority come from Europe. Affluent eastern Europeans and Russians have also joined the crowd in recent years. The British Armed Forces have long has a presence in Cyprus. The UK retains a military base in order to have a gateway for forces to the Middle East. As such the Brits are now almost as local and the locals, and in turn, now cater for the Brits. From English being spoken everywhere you go, to driving on the left side of the road. A major attraction for many Brit tourists is that the island offers all of the comforts and familiarities of home, but in a more favourable climate.
Much of olden Cyprus is giving away to culture that is more eclectic and less traditional. However, this side of Cyprus, that continues to attract millions of tourists year after year, is only one aspect of the island and is concentrated around the tourist hotspots of Paphos, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Fortunately as you venture off the beaten track, your are soon reminded of the character that has made this island a popular destination for millennia.
If your fancy cooling off, and seeing something different take a trip up to the Troodos Mountains. In the heart of the mountains you will find the Kykkos monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1998. Housing art and exhibits on ancient Greece, the monastery has the twin function of being a museum for visitors and a practising monastery lived in by worshiping monks. If you are a wine lover, there are treats in store for you. A daytrip to the Troodos Mountains can be a welcome change from the beach and with overnight accommodation available in many of the authentic villages dotted about; you might want to spend a few days here sampling another side of Cyprus.

