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The Beaches of Cyprus
#travel #inspiration #experience #challenge #cyprus
You only live once. But if you live in Cyprus, once is enough.
While most of the Northern hemisphere is starting to prepare itself for the upcoming summer, wouldn’t you like to hear about a destination that is more than worth everybody’s while? Typically a summer holiday destination, full of golden-sanded beaches and crystal clear sea water – despite the fact it experiences around 330 sunny days every year. Another in my series of destinations where cultures collide, yet full of love and acceptance for everyone. And maybe one of my favorite pieces (not the food this time) – cats everywhere! Welcome to Cyprus, I wish you a pleasant stay!
In this island country, the people drive on the left side of the road. Remember any other island nations in Europe with this phenomenon? Exactly, Malta. You can see a colonial influence from the British, as well as their obsession with islands. But apart from this occurrence, as well as most people being able to speak clearly in English, this is where the resemblance ends. But it shares a similar backstory with Malta. Namely, remember how countless people would ask me “Is Malta in Italy”? Just like that, everyone kept asking me which of the Greek islands Cyprus is. Let me break that illusion immediately! Geographically, Cyprus is incomparably closer to Syria, than to Greece. Culturally, on the other hand, as well as historically, you can see a high Greek influence on this island. It flows through shared language, music, food, and many other aspects of day-to-day life.
Although Greece consists of an endless mass of islands, multiple seas, and a mainland, Cyprus is but one island. Due to existing political conflict, there are admin lines within the territory, and a part of it is controlled by the British. Other than that, Cyprus has no mainland, and is thus 100% surrounded by the sea. A fairly warm one. Yet, for those of you out there, who are not fans of deserts, this land will come as more soothing and appealing to you, than some others mentioned in my previous posts. Be that as it may, I’m still encouraging you to visit them all! When we talk about the culture, nowadays, people from all around the world can be found in this area. Oddly, the prices are more than appealing and even normal, when compared to the rest of Europe (especially those countries, deemed as “cheap” or “not expensive” – only in people’s imagination). Many locals gladly rent out their apartments and housing to tourists and will be more than welcoming to new guests.
I was situated in Ayia Napa. This means I had to fly to Larnaca and drive for about an hour to my final destination. I was extremely content to find out that in most families here, every member has a car. Still the streets resembled a ghost town, even during rush hour. Of course, in bigger cities, such as the mentioned Larnaca or the capital of Nicosia, the situation is utterly uneven. Not sure if anyone was aware, but Cyprus in general is a hot destination for buying housing and settling down. The tap water cannot be drunk, and its bottled counterpart is reasonable in pricing. When we talk about the food, being situated in the Middle East, you can find endless doner and kebab options. Likewise, being Greek in culture, you can encounter gyros shops everywhere. And as a popular tourist destination, you will be able to find burgers, ribs, and generally all that most international restaurant franchises have to offer.
The most ridiculous thing I’ve eaten in Cyprus is (drum roll) ice-cream burek. I know, read that again. Remember from my post about Sarajevo what burek is supposed to be? And how every pie with any ingredient other than ground meat is not a burek, but a pie? And how people in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be offended if you call any other type of pie a burek? Well, don’t stare daggers at me for this, I’m only reporting what I read and heard in the bakery. This ice-cream delight is quite rich in flavor, soothing for both the tongue and the stomach alike. The ice-cream is more of a combination with pudding – otherwise it would melt and moist the crust, making the dessert inedible. I, for one, really liked it, and would eat it again. Of course, without telling my Bosnian friends what the name of the dish was.
In the case of Ayia Napa, the town is not overly spacious, and, of course, is water-oriented. You will be able to walk to quite a number of beaches, wherever your lodging is located. One day, I went to Nissi, the main beach in Ayia Napa. It was the beginning of September, and I was expecting the children to be at school, and thus their parents at work. Wrong! The whole world was on that beach. Luckily, only minutes away, there is Vathia Gonia (Sandy Bay) Beach – my favorite. Apart from that one day, repenting I ran into such a huge crowd, all the others were spent at this very place. The beach is situated between two small peninsulas, giving its visitors enough comfort to be able to swim far, yet stay sheltered, in case of unexpected emergencies. Each sun-bed and umbrella cost EUR 2.5 / $3, at every beach, which is more than a bearable price. Apart from that, every sun-bed comes with a designated Wi-Fi password – for those of you who consider working from a beach, or hanging on social media all day long. In this case, I can approve of both – why not post real-time stories, while your friends in more continental areas are wearing jackets.
The lazy holiday really helped me recharge my batteries and get ready for a new challenge in life. In fact, I will be looking at the option of a Cypriot summer in September or October again this year, for a truly fantastical experience is to be had. This place is certainly awesome for the main three things anyone should do near the sea – eat, sleep and sunbathe/swim (whichever rocks your boat). As I was honestly not visiting any localities or landmarks, just enjoying the life in this wonderful, tropical vibe, I cannot give you more input now on what to see, or what to avoid. On the other hand, I can give you insights on what many people (can) do in Cyprus, and perhaps one of them will work out for you just fine.
1. Relocate
I mentioned already it is a hot destination for relocation, with 330 sunny days per year. That means it is cloudy or rainy for only 36 days every year, on average three whole times per month. Although I personally would not like to have this many cloudy days, it still beats any continental country away from the Equator. Many celebrities have been known to shop for housing in this area, and the area is generally not overpriced, especially when compared to (mostly) mainland countries. If you need more sunshine in your life, and you have a $100k or more to spare – don’t go around without considering Cyprus for your new home.
2. Create (music) videos
I’m aware nobody does this anymore. But I grew up in the 00’s. My notion of music is that any good number must be followed with an adequate, high-budget video. Or, if you’re a youtuber, a travel vlogger, or any sort of video-artist, this is the right place for you. Wake up, get some great local food, be up and about and ready to record some sunshine and crystal water in the background. If you’re up for nightlife music videos, Ayia Napa per se will be even more of a blessing.
3. Reimagine your life
Don’t you just love to be near the water and think about everything you feel like changing in your life? Or is it just me? If water relaxes you and brings you inspiration, why not opt for looking at it, while inhaling new ideas, in the physical form of salty sea air? Simply being there, knowing that everywhere around you is water, and nothing but water – would that not bring a feeling of Heaven to your mindfulness? If you’re not like me in this sense, feel free to skip this point. You’ll have several other ones to pick from.
4. Eat with the Flintstones, in the jungle, etc.
There are endless options of themed restaurants in Ayia Napa, for example. I cannot say they are necessarily cheap, but the quantity of food you get is more than worth the money paid. Normally, one would need to spend between 15 and 20 EUR / $18 and $23 for a meal (drinks included). But how much food you will receive says a lot about the dietary habits and and laid-back lifestyle of the locals. Overall, this is what you can expect from Cyprus – pay up, but it will be a valuable investment.
5. Party!
What is the one thing most people love to do around water? And what is the one reason I know my retirement near the sea will be awesome? Parties, of course! There’s one wherever you look around. Countless young people, not even necessarily in age, but in mentality, dancing to the music, drinking and having fun? At night. In broad daylight. On boats. On the beach. In clubs. Whenever, wherever, it’s just simply a lot of fun to be present, and to celebrate any given occasion. And now this point flows back into the one about relocation.
I’m looking at summer destinations right now, especially the ones outside of the summer season. Is there a better feeling than going to an almost empty beach, knowing that all the children are at school, so their parents are working? Having the whole beach for yourself. I love this feeling, and this is why I choose to leave the best places for after the summer, Q3/Q4 as the corporate world likes to call it. Any good recommendation will get a story on my blog, and a special little something from me. See you in the water!
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[…] A story that inspired me to write about adulthood and retirement. You’ve probably noticed my Cyprus post mentioning how I am looking forward to not having to work anymore, so I can spend my days […]
[…] A story that inspired me to write about adulthood and retirement. You’ve probably noticed my Cyprus post mentioning how I am looking forward to not having to work anymore, so I can spend my days […]
[…] Reasons why it’s good to visit Cyprus can be found at the linked post. […]
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