Culture and Romance in Cyprus
Cyprus is supposedly the birthplace of the goddess of love and passion, the beautiful Aphrodite. According to legend the goddess emerged fully grown from the sea.
The legendary site of Aphrodite's birth is at 'Aphrodite's Rock', a large stack in the sea close to the coastal cliffs near Paphos.
Picture: Aphrodite's Birthplace
Lifestyle & Culture
Everywhere you go in Cyprus you will be aware of the echoes of its fascinating and varied past, with Greek temples, Roman mosaics and 15th-century frescoes found all over the island.
Craft workers keep up the traditional crafts, often adding interesting contemporary twists, and good buys include pottery, silver and copperware, tapestry and the justly famous lacework produced around the town of Lefkara.
The Cypriot lifestyle is relaxed and easygoing, with most evenings spent outdoors, either just sitting watching the world go by or at one of the many outdoor bars and restaurants. You will find the local people friendly and welcoming and English is very widely spoken.
Festivals and Dance
Cyprus has a rich and distinctive tradition of music and dance. Folk dances are accompanied by the violin and 'laouto', a type of lute traditionally played with the quill of an eagle or vulture.
You will see plenty of dancers in traditional costumes at the annual Carnivals which take place before the beginning of Lent - the most colourful and famous carnival takes place in Limassol.
Many traditional dances have a theme of courtship rituals and are thus often performed at weddings.