Legend has it that Aphrodite, goddess of love and fertility, came into being in the Aegean Sea southwest of Cyprus. And there are plenty of good reasons to follow in her graceful footsteps to this island nation, a dreamy place for a relaxing Mediterranean break. Worlds apart from the boisterous tourist resort of Ayia Napa (Agia Napa), further east, the southwestern countryside around Pafos (Paphos), Lemesós (Limassol) and Larnaca is pleasantly traditional, with crinkled shores lapped by waters of deepest indigo and turquoise. Inland, organic vegetables, pomegranate trees, olive groves and grape vines flourish, and there are characterful towns and villages to explore.
Make like Aphrodite
Cyprus is steeped in ancient legends and peppered with archaeological sites. Before becoming part of the British Empire in the 1870s, the island was shaped by everyone from the Ottomans and Venetians to the Romans and Egyptians. But more than 3,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks – worshippers of goddess of love Aphrodite - left their mark. Places that still bear her name include Aphrodite’s Rock, jutting out of the enticingly blue sea around 25km southeast of Pafos. At the nearby
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The benefits of waking up early
I can almost feel my daughters rolling their eyes at the thought of me writing about the joys of waking up early.
'Rylan makes me MILLIONS!
The presenter talks about his love life, professional success and his alter ego
GATSBY
He needed a home, but was Maria barking to even consider taking him in?
My mindset MAKEOVER
After losing 4st, the future is bright for Hazel James
Eat more WEIGH LESS
Feel fuller while losing weight with our exclusive plan from Slimming World
Autumn tricks YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stop cold, dark nights disturbing your sleep with these expert cheats
'HARRY WILL NOT BE BACK'
Reports of Prince Harry wanting to return to the UK and royal duties are, I’m told, ‘completely wrong’.
'I'M HONOURED to still be part of Strictly'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke on the hit show and why he'll never retire
Would you keep CANCER A SECRET?
Model Elle Macpherson revealed she kept her battle with the disease hidden - we find out why many others choose to do the same
'Ruth has handled the split WITH DIGNITY'
Coleen Nolan on grief, supporting Ruth Langsford through divorce and moving in with boyfriend Michael Jones