Cyprus it’s a beautiful, picturesque island with a fantastic climate and golden sand beaches, but there’s a lot more than that.
What do you know about Cyprus? You probably know it’s a beautiful, picturesque island with a fantastic climate and golden sand beaches, but there’s a lot more to Cyprus than that. Here are 10 interesting facts about this amazing island that you probably don’t know…
1. The oldest wine in the world is made in Cyprus
On a visit to Cyprus, you must try the local wine Commandaria. It dates back to before 2000BC and was a favourite of King Richard the Lionheart. It’s a delicious sweet with a high alcohol content.
2. Mark Anthony once gave Cyprus as a gift to Cleopatra
If you want to impress a lady, what do you give her? Flowers, chocolates, or… an island? Due to its ideal location, this strategic spot was certainly a generous gift.
3. Lefkara village was thought to have been visited by Leonardo da Vinci
It is said that Leonardo da Vinci visited the village of Lefkara in the 15th century to buy lace for the alter of Milan Cathedral. We’re sure picturesque Lefkara was truly inspirational for him.
4. Cyprus is home to the world’s oldest perfumes
Due to its rich history, there have been many successful archaeological excavations in Cyprus, and evidence of perfume manufacture dating back to the Bronze Age was just one of the many fascinating finds.
5. The famous Cypriot Halloumi cheese dates back to the Medieval Byzantine period
Delicious halloumi cheese is certainly no recent invention, it was mentioned in an Egyptian cookery book dating back to the 14th century!
6. Cyprus was the first country in the world to put its map on its flag
Before Cyprus included its map on its flag, no other country had ever done this.
7. Cyprus has the cleanest beaches in all of Europe
It’s official, the beaches of Cyprus are the cleanest in all of Europe and have held this title for over a decade. 99.1% of all bathing waters on the island have been classed as ‘excellent quality’.
8. Cyprus is home to more stray cats than actual people
Cyprus is a cat lovers paradise, with stray cats outnumbering residents. If you’d like to help, there are several cat shelters that will happily take donations to help cover vet bills and keep the cats of Cyprus happy and healthy.
9. Nicosia is the only divided administrative capital in the world
With the northern part being under Turkish occupation, Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the only administratively divided capital in the world.
10. Cyprus is the 3rd largest Mediterranean island
Following behind Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus is ranks 3rd in terms of both size and population of all the Mediterranean islands.
Looking for a beautiful home on a beautiful island?
One fact you simply can’t deny though, is that Cyprus is a wonderful place to live or to own a holiday home. If you’d like to find your dream home here in paradise, then check out our website to discover a wide selection of high-quality properties available right now.