Exploring Cyprus I: Beyond the Beaches of Agia Napa
Most visitors to Cyprus come in search of the same combination of sun, beach and relaxation that pulls tourists to almost every corner of the Mediterranean. Few come in search of deeper cultural encounters and even fewer have a specific interest in Cyprus and its intriguing and complex history. And almost all visitors come as part of a package vacation combining flight, hotel and transportation and thus wind up restricted to their particular resort complex or vacation community. Yet Cyprus has much to offer for those wishing to look beyond tourist clichés and willing to take matters in their own hand by booking hotel accomodation separately from car rentals and flights.
A rental car is highly advisable, however, as it is the only way to properly explore the island, after all, the third largest in the entire Mediterranean. And the culture shock may start for some already, when renting a car and realising that as a former British colony, Cyprus has left-hand traffic. Particularly managing a stick-shift vehicle with the left hand may prove challenging for many a visitor at first. Yet add to the rental car adventure the chaotic driving pattern of the locals - Cyprus has among Europe's highest traffic accident and fatality rate - and the entire experience may turn outright frightening. Nonetheless, once over the initial culture shock regarding distances and driving, visitors will soon get to experience Cyprus at its best and at leisure - capable of exploring true treasures-off-the-beaten-track destinations beyond the reach of package deal tourists. And in the process, it is possible to learn to love and appreciate the island better and seek local treasures and well-kept secrets even in the touristically more developed areas of the island.
Articles on Cyprus for Euroquest SideTracks have long been overdue, and given the vast variety of fantastic destinations and opportunities at cultural immersion, encounter and exchange on the island, contributions on Cyprus will fill several weeks worth of Treasures off the Beaten Track blog posts. For starters, we shall focus on the touristically most developed area in the South, the resort town of Agia Napa and its spectacular beaches. Although the beaches in the South follow the stereotypical pattern of touristic overdevelopment, tasteless resorts and gruesome architectural eyesores, we shall explore the hidden side of the South to show even Agia Napa has remote corners of true local appeal.
Most international carriers fly into Larnaca in the South, which also happens to be a good base for exploring the entire island, as it is within short drives to the capital Nicosia, the beaches in the South around Agia Napa or the highlights further West such as Limassol and Paphos. Far from beautiful, Larnaca has its own charm, however, and spending some time in the inner city or port area may also prove worthwhile for morning coffee or evening entertainment. Particularly Mackenzie Beach offers several nice cafés and restaurants, although the beach area itself is hardly spectacular. For that reason, it is recommended to drive about 45-60 minutes east towards Agia Napa, Southern Cyprus' most popular resort area. Here we find among the island's most beautiful beaches, once we leave the overdeveloped resort quarter behind.
Between Nissi Beach and Agia Napa port area, we find among the nicest stretches of beach - one after another, but all relatively crowded and overdeveloped. It is possible, however, to find a secluded spot among the rocks in between the beach areas, and enjoy the color contrast between the blue sky, blue sea and beige rock formations.
Yet for even more solitude, it is advisable to drive further east of Agia Napa in the direction of Protaras and then turn right upon leaving town shortly before the Cape Greco turnoff and head towards rock formations adjacent to a military shooting range and adjacent farm area.
Here it is possible to enjoy true local Cypriot bliss amongst the rocks with easy access to the water and optimal sun conditions until dusk. It is here that most of the locals may be met also, thus attesting to the fact this is hidden gem and well-kept secret away from the tourist crowds. Protaras is also a far less crowded and more tasteful and dignified community than Agia Napa, equally featuring a stunning beach area and port. Upon nightfall it is then possible to opt for dinner in Agia Napa itself or return the 45 minutes to Larnaca for evening entertainment there. This by far ranks among our favorite itineraries for a more beach-oriented time on Cyprus, an itinerary that combines sun, sea and solitude with possible cultural encounter and exchange.
A rental car is highly advisable, however, as it is the only way to properly explore the island, after all, the third largest in the entire Mediterranean. And the culture shock may start for some already, when renting a car and realising that as a former British colony, Cyprus has left-hand traffic. Particularly managing a stick-shift vehicle with the left hand may prove challenging for many a visitor at first. Yet add to the rental car adventure the chaotic driving pattern of the locals - Cyprus has among Europe's highest traffic accident and fatality rate - and the entire experience may turn outright frightening. Nonetheless, once over the initial culture shock regarding distances and driving, visitors will soon get to experience Cyprus at its best and at leisure - capable of exploring true treasures-off-the-beaten-track destinations beyond the reach of package deal tourists. And in the process, it is possible to learn to love and appreciate the island better and seek local treasures and well-kept secrets even in the touristically more developed areas of the island.
Articles on Cyprus for Euroquest SideTracks have long been overdue, and given the vast variety of fantastic destinations and opportunities at cultural immersion, encounter and exchange on the island, contributions on Cyprus will fill several weeks worth of Treasures off the Beaten Track blog posts. For starters, we shall focus on the touristically most developed area in the South, the resort town of Agia Napa and its spectacular beaches. Although the beaches in the South follow the stereotypical pattern of touristic overdevelopment, tasteless resorts and gruesome architectural eyesores, we shall explore the hidden side of the South to show even Agia Napa has remote corners of true local appeal.
Most international carriers fly into Larnaca in the South, which also happens to be a good base for exploring the entire island, as it is within short drives to the capital Nicosia, the beaches in the South around Agia Napa or the highlights further West such as Limassol and Paphos. Far from beautiful, Larnaca has its own charm, however, and spending some time in the inner city or port area may also prove worthwhile for morning coffee or evening entertainment. Particularly Mackenzie Beach offers several nice cafés and restaurants, although the beach area itself is hardly spectacular. For that reason, it is recommended to drive about 45-60 minutes east towards Agia Napa, Southern Cyprus' most popular resort area. Here we find among the island's most beautiful beaches, once we leave the overdeveloped resort quarter behind.
Between Nissi Beach and Agia Napa port area, we find among the nicest stretches of beach - one after another, but all relatively crowded and overdeveloped. It is possible, however, to find a secluded spot among the rocks in between the beach areas, and enjoy the color contrast between the blue sky, blue sea and beige rock formations.
Yet for even more solitude, it is advisable to drive further east of Agia Napa in the direction of Protaras and then turn right upon leaving town shortly before the Cape Greco turnoff and head towards rock formations adjacent to a military shooting range and adjacent farm area.
Here it is possible to enjoy true local Cypriot bliss amongst the rocks with easy access to the water and optimal sun conditions until dusk. It is here that most of the locals may be met also, thus attesting to the fact this is hidden gem and well-kept secret away from the tourist crowds. Protaras is also a far less crowded and more tasteful and dignified community than Agia Napa, equally featuring a stunning beach area and port. Upon nightfall it is then possible to opt for dinner in Agia Napa itself or return the 45 minutes to Larnaca for evening entertainment there. This by far ranks among our favorite itineraries for a more beach-oriented time on Cyprus, an itinerary that combines sun, sea and solitude with possible cultural encounter and exchange.
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