Beneath the timeless dance of the Mediterranean sun and the gentle caress of sea breezes lies Famagusta, a city woven from the very sands of history. "Sands of Time: My Intimate Chronicles of Famagusta’s Legendary Shores" is more than just a recounting of historical events; it is a personal journey through the heart and soul of Cyprus. Through my eyes, you will explore the golden era when Famagusta was the crown jewel of the Mediterranean, a playground for the world's elite, brimming with opulence and the whispers of the rich and famous. As the tides of history turned, so did the fortunes of this storied city—from the heights of luxury to the eerie quiet of abandonment. Through the intertwining tales of sunlit shores and shadowed ruins, this article delves deep into the resilience of both land and people. Famagusta's story is not just about places but about the spirits that inhabit them, echoing through time. Join me on a voyage across centuries, where the sands of these legendary shores reveal secrets of past glories and the enduring spirit of Cyprus.
With so many incredible beaches to choose from in Cyprus, one can quickly start a variety of exciting activities. For those who love to play volleyball, tennis, or engage in other beach-appropriate sports—our great island offers a circuit of non-stop sports and recreation, both in and out of the water. After living here for more than three decades, I have witnessed nearly every type of sport you can imagine being played on the spectacular beaches of our homeland.
The charm of Cyprus lies in its effortless transformation of even simple beach games—makeshift romps in the sand with little regulation, discipline, or formal talent—into thrilling and fun-filled experiences. The overwhelming natural beauty of our paradise-like sands and crystal-clear waters ensures a plethora of rewarding entertainment opportunities. After all, this grand island has long been a favored playground for the world’s wealthiest and most famous, hosting some of the largest social gatherings ever recorded. The array of activities extends from traditional sports like volleyball and tennis to more adventurous pursuits such as body surfing, diving, kite and windsurfing, as well as classic surfing. The evolution of games on the beach is a topic as vast as the coastline itself, continually reinvented by those who visit. Our wonderful island thrives on joy and excels at creating fun in countless ways, each more inventive than the last.
The natural charm and breathtaking surroundings are the perfect ingredients for the quintessential oceanfront chill-spots. Perhaps this is why so many of the world’s elite found it easy to blend in and unwind in Famagusta during the heyday of luxury travel in the 1960s and early ’70s. The ability to foster understanding and camaraderie among staff members and the elite, often dubbed the unofficial lifelong spoiled traveling club, made Famagusta a standout destination, thanks to the sheer volume of dedicated employees per guest and the magnificent natural backdrop. Beauty here has always offered a bit more leniency and forgiveness, smoothing over nearly any challenge with grace.
Today, in areas like Protaras and Ayia Napa, locals and visitors alike are treated to a level of luxury and pampering that surpasses that of many other tourist destinations. Following the occupation in 1974, these areas have emerged as modern suburbs of what were once the epicenters of convenience and luxury, like Varosha. Previously overshadowed by the more famous Famagusta beaches, these regions are now celebrated for their own unique offerings: the same crystal-clear waters and plush sandy beaches that once hosted the rich and famous continue to spoil us, decades later.
Even as a young child on the island, there was always a special sense of contentment and peace with our land, which seems like the best place on earth. This constant feeling of being nurtured by the natural surroundings and warmed by the combined fires of goodwill—burning brightly enough in the hearts and souls of my friends, relatives, and neighbors to be seen, and more importantly, gentle enough to form a perfect heartwarming temperature that we share together—was always felt but never visible to the mortal eye. This group heartbeat phenomenon is unique to a people who hail from the birthplace of Aphrodite. Our mystical island is a spot on the map, celebrated not only for its historical achievements but also for those spiritual and emotional qualities that are not standard human features.
Yes, the beaches here are unparalleled on the planet, and the views of the rising and setting sun into the waters rejuvenate all living things on our island. The connection between the land and the people goes beyond mere national pride; it is a profound bond of love and respect for Cyprus, which has shown remarkable resilience through various eras, empires, and administrations.
Cyprus’s geography made it vulnerable to military conquest due to the layout of the land and the size of the island. As wealth from copper and other resources accumulated, Cyprus became like a primeval ATM for neighboring nations to extract riches and impose their rules. The island struggled under high taxation, a lack of essential infrastructure, and lagged in modernization necessary for true freedom.
This pattern persisted in a relentless cycle until the British developed sufficient infrastructure for Cyprus to evolve adequately. Once matured, the country experimented with independence. Having hosted the most famous and wealthy people in the world for over a decade during holidays and vacations, Cyprus had pioneered mass luxury travel on an unprecedented scale. However, the 1974 invasion by Turkey curtailed this aspect of its economy. Despite these challenges, Cyprus has maintained enough resilience and wisdom to provide a quality life for its people, earning the love and admiration of all parties involved in its historical conflicts.
The warmth of the morning sun brings with it light and beauty, bestowing its gifts equally across the island without restriction or exception. There is no ‘special of the week’ where more sunshine and flowers are allocated to a particular location based on political or any other preferences—the sun’s bounty is distributed solely by the whims of the winds.
This impartial generosity enriches the lives of those in Protaras, Ayia Napa, providing them with some of the most stunning beaches and clearest waters. By acknowledging and celebrating these natural blessings, the residents enhance their appreciation of our island, which is undoubtedly one of the best places on earth.
In a country adorned with mountainsides dotted with painted churches and monasteries, and magnificent mosques offering breathtaking views, there has never been a shortage of faith. Each historic site tells stories of a people who have built and rebuilt, time and time again, in their quest to provide sacred spaces for their communities. Faith complements hope, and the relationship between the two is too profound for mortals to fully grasp, let alone communicate effectively. There is no perfect definition or prescribed amount for how either should be applied. When a new place of worship was established thousands of years ago, it was hope that initiated its creation, and faith that saw its completion. After repeated restorations of structures damaged by time or conflict, these concepts have become more than words—they symbolize a resilient bond, held together by deep conviction.
Peace is likened to a delicate bird that chooses whether to stay or flee amidst the tumult of life—hammering nails, murmuring prayers, shedding tears, and celebrating births and deaths. Peace is the ultimate prize, yet it is perennially tested within an environment of organized chaos. Journey to our revered beaches, where chapels still preside over wedding ceremonies just as they have for millennia. Here, you can see the faith and hope visibly etched on the faces of those gathered. While the elusive bird of peace might remain unseen, its essence is recognized and cherished by all.
From every corner of the island emanates the love fostered by our careful stewardship of our most precious resource—each other. This enduring blend of unwavering faith and hope fortifies the bonds among all who share this blessed land, fostering a mutual respect that extends to the soil we walk upon and the family with whom we share our lives.
This island has imparted wisdom through patience, teaching us that love prevails without the need for conflict. The tales passed down by our ancestors, rich with loving detail, are like threads weaving the tapestry of our identity. Cyprus cradles us between the embracing arms of the sea; as she is lulled gently to sleep each night, so too are we, comforted by her nurturing spirit. Here, dreams are born from the bosom of our homeland, where we have been cherished uniformly as a community for thousands of years. Cyprus has never concerned itself with the colors of our tribes; it has embraced us all, as only a true mother nature can.
Snow evokes in us a sense of childlike wonder. It paints white over the scenery, using a thick brush and wide strokes. The snowy blanket snuggles everything and puts life itself to a cozy nap. That blanket is woven out of many snowflakes, each of which is unique, landing right where it did for a reason. We know the reason but can’t explain it except — it’s there to create a winter wonderland
The Troodos mountains are a sight to behold in the winter, when snow covers the peaks and valleys like a white sheet. The road winds through the hills, providing stunning views at every turn. If you’re looking for an escape to a winter wonderland, take a drive through the Troodos mountains!
Mighty trees proudly jut out from under their snowy makeover and nod their heads as we drive along. Their entourage of shrubs looks like silhouettes of a crowd, standing by with dignified grace. They cherish the snow too and invite you to come out of the car and join in on the fun.
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