8 fun facts you didn't know about Cyprus
Cyprus; the third largest island in the Mediterranean and a place steeped in natural beauty and mythology. It's the birthplace of Aphrodite and the home to Neolithic dwellings and Bronze Age tombs. Every year it welcomes around three million tourists with open arms and introduces them to the friendly Cypriot way of life, making Cyprus the 40th most popular tourist destination in the world. Maybe you are one of the people who has fallen in love with the island and every year you join the millions of tourists who enjoy its naturally diverse landscape. If so you may think you know everything there is to know about the island, but we've found eight little-known facts that may surprise you...
1. Cyprus is home to the oldest manufactured wine in the world.
Commandaria is a sweet dessert wine and you can trace its origins as far back as 2000BC. It’s listed in the Guinness World Records and it was once referred to by King Phillipe of France in 1223 as the “Apostle of Wines.” Commandaria has been named after the region it was produced in.
2. Cyprus enjoys around 320 days of sunshine a year
The Mediterranean island is famed for its sub-tropical climate, making it one of the best holiday destinations for topping up the vitamin D. Cyprus enjoys around eight months of sunny weather and even in the winter months the average maximum temperature is around 17–18 °C, particularly in January and February.
3. Cyprus was once a gift from Roman General Mark Antony to the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra
The pair are still remembered as ill-fated star-crossed lovers who were cut down in the prime of their lives in a dramatic and bloody battle. During their romantic beginnings, Mark Anthony made a gift of Cyprus to the Egyptian queen. It was a political and strategic spot for any king or queen and a wonderfully romantic gift.
4. First Olympic medal in 2012
During the London Olympic games in 2012, Cyprus won their first Olympic medal. Pavlos Kontides, a Cypriot sailor proudly won the silver medal in the Men’s Laser class behind Tom Slingsby, an Australian sailor.
5. Rare species of Orchid
Good news for any of you flower fans out there, Cyprus is home to around 20 rare species of orchid. If you wanted to see one of these wildflowers, the best time to visit is in the spring. Make sure you look around hillsides and wooded areas to find them.
6. An island of cats
It’s said there are more cats on the island of Cyprus than people. Legend has it an entire shipload of cats was sent to the island by St Helena, because of a severe snake problem. The plan was to have the furry felines eat the poisonous snakes. But apparently, they enjoyed Cyprus so much they didn't want to leave.
7. A royal wedding
Cyprus is the only foreign country to host a British royal wedding. The pair enjoyed a lavish affair at the Chapel of St. George. People enjoyed the wedding between Queen Joanna and King Richard on the 12th of May 1191.
8. Home to one of the most popular dive sites in the world
The Zenobia is one of the ten most important shipwrecks around the world. Every year divers make their way to the Larnaka sea to dive amongst the 1980 wreckage and meet the wildlife that now calls it home. Larnaka Tourist Board states that the wreck receives annually more than 40,000 visitors.