Cyprus – is the island of love and beauty, no doubt about it. That is why thousands of tourists from all over the world wants to come here. But what stereotypes do they take with them on vacation? In this article we will try to debunk or confirm the most popular myths about Cyprus!
1. The myth that Cyprus is dominated by summer
Myth!
The sun really shines in Cyprus for 300 days a year, but the change of seasons is still very obvious. In winter, snow falls in the mountains, and Cyprus turns to the southernmost ski resort in Europe. Thus, after skiing down the mountains, you can reach the coastal areas, and take a well earned break whilst eating a ripe orange fresh of the tree.
2. Cyprus – is the birthplace of winemaking
Fact!
Italian archaeologists have confirmed that 6000 years ago the Cyprus became the first place in the Mediterranean, to produce wine. And the wine capital of Cyprus is Limassol where the wine festival is celebrated every year in September. Here You can taste the most famous wines of the island.
3. The local population in Cyprus speak Russian
Myth!
Despite the abundance of Russian tourists, most Cypriots only know a few standard phrases in Russian. However, the use of English is quite commonl. This is due to the fact they were taught it as a second language in school and also due to the long-term presence of British military bases, and also the large amount of British citizens living on the island.
4. Cypriots – are laid- back people
Fact!
The mentality of the people can be understood by studying its language. In Greek, for example, the Greek expression «SigA-SigA», which can be translated into as “Take your time – or literally slowly slowly!” Or “Work is not a wolf – the forest will not escape.” This proverb is the credo for many Cypriots.
5. Expensive communication
Myth!
If You buy a local sim-card, calls charges are much lover to other countries, which is certainly more profitable than expensive roaming.
6. Cyprus – is in Europe
Myth 50% 50 Fact!
t argued that Cyprus is a part of Europe – it is so, from a political point of view. Geographically Cyprus belongs to the Eastern Mediterranean.
7. If Cyprus is an island, there must be a lot of fish
Myth!
In fact, because of the peculiarities of sea currents, the fish in Cyprus are not as plentiful as they could be. Therefore meat Souvla is more popular than fish meze.
8. In Cyprus, there is no place for pedestrians
Myth 50 The fact that 50%!
The infrastructure in the cities and towns did not contribute to the movement of pedestrians, crossings and sidewalks are very few. On the other hand, across the whole island runs a walking trail E4, from Larnaca Airport to Paphos Airport. It originates on the Atlantic coast, in Spain, passing through France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria, and ends near the Mediterranean Sea.
9. Cyprus has the most healthy climate
Fact!
The climate in Cyprus is the most healthy and temperate climate in the world, and the clear sea and fresh air help to maintain good health. As proof, the average life expectancy in Cyprus is more than 77 years.
10. And finally, the most popular myth of Cyprus – the legend of the origin of the name of the island
There are several versions, all of which are hae a ring of truth about them. Here are some of them.
- Merchant Version
In the texts, dating from the Mycenaean period of Cyprus, archaeologists discovered the word ku-pi-ri-jo, which was used to refer to the Cyprus merchants or a personal name in Cyprus.
- Copper version
Some historians think that the origin of the name “Cyprus” came about from the name of copper aes сyprium, as Cyprus was one of the first excavators of this precious metal.
- Name of the city
Other scientists have linked the island with the name of an ancient settlement Kipros, a city located in the area which was quite influential and independent.
Since researchers cannot determine the true history of the Island’s name origin, it’s up to you to choose your own version, and decide which is a myth, and which is a fact!
