Cyprus!: Details, Tips, Ideas??

Just booked an exciting itinerary from Athens to Dubai with Oceania over 20 days, Nov. 16-Dec. 6, 2018, that includes stops for our first visits to Rhodes and Cyprus before we have our opportunities to do our initial visits to the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, etc.

Have heard great things about Rhodes and Cyprus. Correct? From the New York Times Travel Section earlier this year, they had this headline: “36 Hours in Cyprus” with these highlights: “Recovered from its economic woes, the mythological birthplace of Aphrodite is solvent again and undergoing a rebirth of its own.”

Our only previous visit to Greece was in 2006, including three days in Athens, plus Mykonos, Patmos, etc. Looking forward to seeing how the Greeks are re-bounding and have been able to focus on the future.

For Cyprus, the NY Times profile continued: "Welcome back, Cyprus. In 2013, the Greek-speaking part of the divided Mediterranean island teetered on the brink of financial collapse amid a banking crisis. But after four years and a painful European Union bailout, the mythological birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite is undergoing a rebirth of its own. In the coastal city of Limassol, a vast new waterfront gleams with boutiques, art galleries and glassy modernist buildings full of stylish seafood emporiums. In the nation’s capital city, Nicosia — divided by barbed wire and sandbags since a 1974 Turkish invasion that seized the northern part of Cyprus — skyscrapers and squares by celebrity architects are sprouting alongside a new world-class museum, upstart restaurants and buzzing night life. All the while, the sun-soaked island’s ancient ruins, medieval fortresses, powerful wines and clear waters remain as alluring as ever."

We will be dock Nov. 19, 2018, a Monday, at Limassol, Cyprus, from 10 am to 7 pm. Just starting our efforts in researching these areas. Also considering options for Pafos and Kourion while on Cyprus. Sounds like there are many very good potentials for Cyprus. What are your best tips, ideas, suggestions for this island with its unique history, sights, etc.? Looking forward to learning more and exploring there next year. Is this the best CC Board for posting to get added info on Cyprus?

Full NY Times story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/04/06/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-cyprus.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2F36-hours&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=27&pgtype=collection&_r=0

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Just finished June 2017 sailing from Portugal to France along the scenic Atlantic Coast, plus great pre- and post-cruise experiences. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Hi Terry, glad to hear you are coming back to the Med again. :D

I've had the opportunity to visit Cyprus twice, a few years apart, and really enjoyed it, especially the Roman ruins at Kourion and Paphos.

While the NYT waxes enthusiastic about Limassol itself, I would temper your expectations. It is certainly not the scenic place that Rhodes or Malta is... I can't speak to Nicosia as I haven't visited it.

Hi Terry

I find it interesting that Crete is listed under Greek ports because it is not part of Greece.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/facts-about-cyprus-1525697

:)

Hi Terry

 

I find it interesting that Crete is listed under Greek ports because it is not part of Greece.

 

https://www.tripsavvy.com/facts-about-cyprus-1525697

 

 

:)

Hi diane,

Now you've muddied the waters even more by inadvertently typing Crete, which of course is in Greece. ;p

No, Cyprus isn't in Greece altho ports visited by cruise ships are in the Republican part of Cyprus, which has very strong ties to Greece.

And there are plenty of other listings which are "inaccurate", such as Madeira, Lisbon & the Black Sea ports being listed under "Mediterranean", Monaco isn't actually part of France, etc.

But being truly accurate would add more obscure forums, of which there are perhaps too many on Cruise Critic anyway.

JB :)

Hi diane,

 

Now you've muddied the waters even more by inadvertently typing Crete, which of course is in Greece. ;p

 

No, Cyprus isn't in Greece altho ports visited by cruise ships are in the Republican part of Cyprus, which has very strong ties to Greece.

And there are plenty of other listings which are "inaccurate", such as Madeira, Lisbon & the Black Sea ports being listed under "Mediterranean", Monaco isn't actually part of France, etc.

But being truly accurate would add more obscure forums, of which there are perhaps too many on Cruise Critic anyway.

 

JB :)

OMG. I can't believe I did that. My only excuse is that I was recovering from a stomach bug yesterday and was not paying close attention to what I was doing.

Good thing I didn't have to sign any important papers yesterday. :D

No, Cyprus isn't in Greece altho ports visited by cruise ships are in the Republican part of Cyprus, which has very strong ties to Greece. JB :)

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from cruisemom42, John Bull and Lovetotrrravel. Yes, to Diane and others, there was some confusion in my mind as to whether I should post this originally on the Greek CC Board versus on the other Med site. Maybe it should be on both??!! I did read a little more on Wikipedia and got this short history summary: "Cyprus was part of the British Empire, as a Military occupation from 1914–1925, and a Crown colony from 1925–1960. Cyprus became an independent nation in 1960."

Our November 2018 cruise with Oceania would be docked at Limassol, Cyprus. That is clearly in the "Greek area" of influence and power". BUT, added details indicate that in the 21st century: "Cyprus joined the European Union in May 2004. Meanwhile, the negotiations about the status of the island grew. In December 2003, the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus, between the two nations on Cyprus, was partly opened." There are still questions on the ultimate "reunification of Cyprus as a bizonal federal state."

WOW!! The more you learn, it gets even more twisted, complex and confused. This has been a good background, history learning experience in preparation for visiting there next year. Keep up the great sharing, tips, insights, etc. Looking forward to learning more!!

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 190,126 views for this posting.

Watching this as Cyprus has been our our list for some time. We just might combine it with an independent Greece and Turkey trip (we do not travel with US passports) this fall.

Watching this as Cyprus has been our our list for some time. We just might combine it with an independent Greece and Turkey trip (we do not travel with US passports) this fall.

Appreciate your follow-up and glad to know of your interest in Cyprus. Keep researching and planning!! Hopefully as you gain added info, you will post and share here.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 221,110 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

House of Dionysus near Paphos has some great mosaics. Nicosia is OK for a day.

We were in N Cyprus (the Turkish bit) last week - cheap but full of litter. Southern Cyprus is much cleaner and more prosperous (and friendlier in our opinion).

Cyprus is full of monasteries and other old stuff as well as loads of beaches and resort hotels.

House of Dionysus near Paphos has some great mosaics. Nicosia is OK for a day. We were in N Cyprus (the Turkish bit) last week - cheap but full of litter. Southern Cyprus is much cleaner and more prosperous (and friendlier in our opinion). Cyprus is full of monasteries and other old stuff as well as loads of beaches and resort hotels.

Great added information on Cyprus. Yes, this is very helpful and really is building up our excitement for visiting there for the first time late next year.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from this live/blog at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 36,171 views for this visual sharing including Cape Town, along South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

From CNN, the cable news network, in late July, they had this headline: “Best things to see and do in Cyprus” with these highlights: “Aphrodite's Rock jutting from the Mediterranean Sea along the coast of Paphos is probably the most iconic view in Cyprus. According to legend, this is where the goddess of love and beauty was born, before floating to shore on a clamshell. The sea stack is one of many outstanding natural attractions in the Eastern Mediterranean island country, which has been divided since Turkey invaded in 1974. From soaking up the sun on its beautiful beaches, trekking to the Troodos Mountains, hiking and biking in the gorgeous Akamas Peninsula, to bathing in sulfur spas, here are some of the best things to do and see in Cyprus."

Our ship excursion will include stops at Pafos, Kourion, etc. Any other tips, suggestions, ideas, etc., from those who have visited Cyprus previously??

This profile also shares: "With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and there's no better place to soak up the sun on the island than one of its fine beaches. The most beautiful beaches for swimming, all with fine white sand and crystal clear water, are situated to the east of Larnaca."

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cyprus-best-things/index.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 212,963 views for this posting.

From this CNN profile, they have twenty different visuals. Here are a few samples, starting with Aphrodite's Rock where legend has it the Greek goddess of love and beauty floated to the shore of Cyprus on a clam shell. Second is Paphos as home to archaeological treasures like the Tombs of the Kings. Finally, the story suggests food and wine sampling with foodie delights include fresh grilled sea bass, sea bream and octopus. Look interesting for these breads and this seaside setting??:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

Kourion is OK - amphitheatre (restored) and some ruins.

Aphrodite's rock does what it says on the tin - it's a rock!

Paphos has some good stuff - as I mentioned there are some good mosaics; tombs of the kings and some interesting coastal stuff (a blow hole IIRC). Food in Cyprus is lovely - go for a mezes (a bit of everything) - Keo beer is good.

Kourion is OK amphitheatre (restored) and some ruins. Aphrodite's rock does what it says on the tin - it's a rock! Paphos has some good stuff - as I mentioned there are some good mosaics; tombs of the kings and some interesting coastal stuff (a blow hole IIRC). Food in Cyprus is lovely - go for a mezes (a bit of everything) - Keo beer is good.

Appreciate this excellent follow-up from Steve in the UK. Great added info items. Will copy to my file and also share on our roll-call to benefit others on our cruise. Keep it coming!!! Always like to sample some of the local beer and food.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 241,123 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Daily Mail two days ago, they had this headline: “Islands where you can soak up the last of the summer sunshine” with these highlights about ten potential "hot spots" to visit before winter sets in: “It won't be long before the cold temperatures set in and winter takes hold. But there is still time for a short island break to soak up the last of the summer sunshine.”

One of the top ten islands highlighted within flight-time of the UK was Cyprus. Good news!! Glad we will be there for the first time next month. Among the commentary on Cyprus is: "Green-cloaked mountains full of picture-postcard villages, seaside towns with striking fortifications, white-sand beaches licked by turquoise waves – Cyprus is very beautiful. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with enough sunshine to toast your skin and warm the bones but nothing too ferocious for sun-starved Britons at this time of year. A shared history also means you’ll feel right at home. Best for watersports."

Their suggestion for where and what to eat?: In Plakota, the old area of Lanarca, is Art Cafe 1900, a family-run restaurant serving Greek specialities.

As a part of this story, they have a colorful and interesting two-minute video from the Cyprus tourism agency. Below are some visuals from their production. Looking great and fun??

Full story and video at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-6221427/The-10-short-hop-islands-soak-summer-sunshine-winter-sets-in.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.! Completed a Jan. 21-Feb. 20, 2018, first adventure through Southeast Asia with stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before traveling all over Vietnam and Cambodia. This includes seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 36,518 views. Lots of fun, interesting pictures!! See more at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

Here are some "screen shot" samples from this video about Cyprus. Lots of waterside potentials, historic sites, shopping/dining locations, etc., are there to see and enjoy.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)