#10 Cyprus
Island Livin’ with all the cats. Cyprus can rightfully be called not just the island of Aphrodite, but also the island of cats. There are more of them here than people!
As some of you may or may not know, I am an animal lover but I especially love cats.
“There is a legend that Cleopatra brought cats to Cyprus to exterminate snakes. However, the Christian version states that it was Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, and not the ruler of Egypt who brought the cats to the island. Moreover, according to the second version, cats were brought to the island only in 326. Today, near the place where the ship with the so-called snake fighters docked, there is the monastery of Saint Nicholas – the patron saint of cats.”
There is more to Cyprus than kitties though. The island of Aphrodite holds so much beauty and peace. It is the third-largest island in the Meditterain and has a great mixture of nature, history, and beaches. Let’s dive deeper into all 3!
During our time in Cyprus, we explored the Avakus Gorge. It is very much off the beaten track but once you find it, you will be so excited. This in-and-out hiking adventure is 6.5 miles and covered with diverse flora. This gorge was carved by a stream raging over the limestone thousands and thousands of years ago. This caused it to cut into the rock and wear it down, leaving walls up to 30 meters high and incredible rock formations.
We also explored the Akamas Peninsula National Park and found the infamous Blue Lagoon. We took a picnic basket and sat watching the sea. Such a beautiful and peaceful end of the day. This beach is one of the most isolated beaches on the island. It is really difficult to get there by car so Michael and I walked the 4 miles to find it. My favorite part was that although there are a lot of people coming and going because many paid tour companies visit this area, the people don’t stay for very long so there were so many long stretches of them when Michael and I were the only ones there, enjoying the sound of the sea.
Tomb of The Kings is a Hellenistic necropolis in Paphos in Cyprus containing a series of eight well-preserved tombs. In 1980 it became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“Given that the Tombs of the Kings is a 3rd century BC site and the monarchy was abolished in 312 BC, the name is somewhat of a misnomer, but this does not detract from its significance. The name is said to derive from the impressive nature of the site.
Built for nearby Nea Pafos, the Tombs of the Kings was the cemetery for the elite, including prominent figures and high-ranking officials. It continued to be used throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods up to the fourth century, possibly even by early Christians. However, as with many sites of this kind, the Tomb of the Kings was subject to looting and used to quarry materials. Furthermore, in medieval times, the Tomb of the Kings was damaged by squatters, some of whom apparently made changes to the tombs. The tombs are actually quite unusual for the area, being more Macedonian in architecture than local styles.”
Last but not least, Aphroditie’s Rock. According to one legend, this rock is the site of the birth of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. Another legend associates the place with the exploits of the hero Basil whose epithet Digenes Akritas. Digenis Akritas, half Greek (Romios) and half Arabic, the ideal Medieval Greek hero, is a bold warrior who hurled the huge rock from Troodos Mountains to keep off the invading Saracens.
I will leave it up to you to decide which legend you will choose!
More adventures included eating yummy meze, exploring Pafos town, and suba diving!
Do you specially look for the traditinoal food when you travel? It makesit more fun for us when we are trying to find places to eat!
Until next time…
Explore more. Adventure Awaits!
