A Dream Come True
Most Americans dream of going to Europe. To us it is exotic, far away and untouchable. Europeans may laugh at that, but really, it’s a big and almost romantic deal to us. When I was younger I dated a girl because I was so impressed that she had been to Cyprus. Needless to say that relationship didn’t last long and I have grown up a little since then.
These days I am fortunate enough to be able to call myself well-traveled and am a little harder to impress with tales of traveling; even from a pretty girl. Work has taken me to many corners of the globe, but Europe and funnily enough Cyprus, has a very special place in my heart. It has a peaceful atmosphere unlike anywhere else I have encountered. So, if you are seeking an inexpensive European holiday off the beaten track then Cyprus could well be the place for you.
Normally thought of a busy tourist destination with a host of famous golf courses, Cyprus may not be the first place you associate with peace and quiet. However if you try to go in June or July when the Mediterranean climate is still gloriously warm but there are less tourists, you have a much higher chance of experiencing the island at its best there are a few special areas to explore that will not leave a nature lover disappointed.
Head For The Mountains
If you want to truly relax in Cyprus then head for the Troodos National Park. The Troodos mountains are spectacular with the highest being Mount Olympus.If you make it to the top of Mount Olympus you will be astounded by the views. If getting to the top of a mountain is not in your relaxing agenda-and I don’t blame you if it isn’t- there are over 10km of nature trails to amble along. On the way you can expect fresh pine forests, 12th to 15th century frescoed churches to gaze at and if you are lucky you may see a rare eagle or a Cyprus mouflon, a type of wild sheep only found in the western forests of Troodos. As for flora, there are 750 species of plants found in the area so there is plenty for an enthusiastic botanist to explore.
If like me you prefer a bit of mountain biking rather than hiking then you will be pleased to hear it is perfect biking terrain too. Just watch out for the picturesque wine making villages along the way as giving into a little drinking temptation can lead to unsteady wheels to say the least!
Beach And Beyond - Karpaz Peninsula
Villas to rent in Cyprus are easy to find, but if you really want to experience something different then forget the Villa and go camping in Northern Cyprus. There are no restrictions as such on camping in Northern Cyprus, but if you are spotted by the military they may ask you a few questions so it may be best to try a registered campsite. If you do go wild camping just be sensible and don’t go lighting fires in forested areas and if you camp on the beaches remember to be tidy and respectful. Turtles can often be seen on the beaches and seeing one hatch from an egg is a mesmerizing experience to say the least.
On the whole, visiting the Karpaz Peninsula feels like you have gone back in time. You can walk along empty, wind-swept sandy beaches with a whole diversity of flora and you won’t see one person. Perhaps a donkey or two but no people! The villages in the area are very rural and traditional and mostly live off the land.
There are a whole host of ancient tombs and buildings to be explored especially around the village of Dipkarpaz. For those with a real taste for historic architecture then a visit to the Apostolos Andreas monastery, once known as the ‘Lourdes Of Cyprus’, should definitely be top of the list.
Image Resources
Image 1 - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Cape_Apostolos_Andrea_at_Cyprus_2006_%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%8F%D0%B1%D1%80%D1%8C.jpgImage 2 - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Wild_vegetation_Troodos_Mountains_forest_in_Republic_of_Cyprus.jpg
Image 3 - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/Golden_beach_at_sunset.jpg
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