Famagusta whispers tales of times gone by as its beaches stretch out under the Cypriot sun, untouched by the rush of the modern world. Here, mornings begin with the soothing warmth of lattes and the gentle hum of the sea, a daily ritual that feels as comforting as the soft sands underfoot. In this corner of paradise, history and leisure dance together, weaving stories of ancient allure with the casual joy of beach days spent under a sun that knows no haste. Join us on a journey through the heart of Cyprus, where dreams and reality converge in the serene landscapes of Famagusta.
I have always wondered if some people find it more difficult to dream than others. After extensive research, scientists believe that there are specific groups who dream far less than others, and although it’s rare, it’s still possible that there are individuals who can’t dream at all.
For myself, as one of the fortunate ones to wake up in paradise every morning on our beloved island, which is probably the best place on earth, dreams and reality almost meet somewhere in the middle of this thing called an incredibly blessed life. The amazing part about living here since childhood is one would think that the quality of Cyprus as a whole would eventually pass and fade much like that first love of youth—the one that people label as a “crush.” I suppose for those who may marry and spend the remainder of their lives together with the people most would have considered to be childhood sweethearts, sometimes it simply does not take long at all to realize the depth of possibilities and connections.
There is nothing like relaxing on one of the most incredible beaches in the Protaras, Ayia Napa region. You have to start off with plenty of latte (iced coffee) but let us not get distracted by my apparent craving which some might claim falls to the level of vile accusation of an obsession. I find it disheartening that in this time and age we might point little bony fingers and call a man a latte addict, especially in front of the dogs, but I have heard that this sort of thing does happen from time to time. I did just think of something which I would like to offer up as a defense exhibit since everyone seems to enjoy poking fun at my latte longing. If the water surrounding the island is just as lovely and beautiful every time we frequent the beach – then both the water and the latte are just as wet as ever – take a moment and let that powerful visual set in.
Seriously, those eyes are getting heavy, ready to close, when someone who knows and loves you might just gently splash you with cold water. Laugh, because one day when I’ve built a tolerance from being splashed so many times, you’re essentially saving my life in advance—I thank you for that. It’s equally shocking when you’re startled out of your reverie, which I hope will give me a boost, helping me keep my kidneys in check during those future frantic dashes to the bathroom.
If energy is motion, and much of that motion exists in microcosms that require us to use powerful magnifying lenses to view most of the action, does that still count as beautiful? Comparing that scientific observation to a day at the beaches of Protaras or Ayia Napa, which is more splendid? Are the countless shades of water from above, dancing gently across the surface in the lightest and most subtle blues and greys, going to get the vote for most lively, or does the best natural animation of the day go to the power of the wind as it rocks thousands of us Cypriots nearly napping, just the perfect way to drift off for a few precious moments of an island nap? The waters are beautiful, the beaches are breathtaking, but gently dozing in and out between the island breezes is as much a sense of loyalty and respect for the moment. We can always launch ourselves into the waters if we need to snap awake or stop the constant wrestling with those closing eyelids.
The Successor of Famagusta, Protaras, and Ayia Napa area, boasts the most beautiful beaches on the island. These areas remained obscure before the Turkish invasion in 1974, during which time the most popular destination for both Cypriots and tourists—including celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor—was the city of Famagusta, now a ghost town. If not for the events of 1974, these fantastic beaches might never have been discovered. I’ve spent countless days on these shores, still amazed by how the thick, comfortable sand envelops my feet.
These beaches are the classic type that seem timeless, without needing any time or date stamp in your passport. These excellent beaches have been my favorites for many years, so much so that we make time for a few after-work swims during the weeknights to enjoy the magic and avoid the crowds of sunbathers. Why do we use the term “sunbather” as opposed to just bather, swimmer, or beachgoer? I’ve always felt it’s the comfortable, warm water that truly defines the bathing part of the ritual.
The sun is either going to really warm things up, pushing you to seek water, or provide just enough warmth to make swimming an inviting option. This dynamic can render the interaction between sun and bather somewhat clumsy and awkward, making you feel almost like a third wheel. If you find yourself caught in a particularly scorching moment, you might end up sweating profusely or seizing the perfect opportunity to introduce water into the mix, cooling off just when it makes the most sense. Alternatively, one could resist the water entirely, coining the term ‘air-bather’ if seeking to avoid drama is paramount in their day at the beach.
Let’s not delve into the debate over the label ‘surfer’. Windsurfing, body surfing, and even the newest trend of minimal surfing, where participants merely sit and sweat away from conventional labels, showcase the rich diversity of beach activities. Being spoiled by such a magnificent homeland allows us to humorously question what to name an activity that elsewhere, people might eagerly line up for days to experience. These beaches are little snapshots of heaven, and no matter how you define your beach activities—strikes, swims, or simple relaxation—this locale consistently hits a home run every single time, regardless of how you engage or keep score.
Now that we’ve touched on that topic, who’s ready for a quick recap?
It’s always prudent to consult experts or check forecasts before planning a day at the beach, particularly with Cyprus’s variable winds and surf conditions. Understanding the risks of undertows and keeping an eye out for large gatherings of marine wildlife like jellyfish or dolphins can help mitigate surprises. Adhering to safety guidelines often means being mindful of weather changes and avoiding potentially dangerous currents. Fortunately, Cyprus is blessed with relatively few hazardous marine elements, making it safer for beachgoers most of the time. Following these precautions ensures that everyone can enjoy the beautiful coasts safely and make the most out of every beach day.
When you’re trying out new equipment or potentially increasing risks by accelerating speed, extending swimming distances, or introducing changes that deviate from a typical beach day, you heighten the potential for danger. While it’s wise to heed traditional wisdom about eating, resting, and swimming, it’s crucial not to accept every old tale at face value, especially when it comes to safety. Each piece of equipment and each piece of advice should be evaluated with a critical eye, ensuring they fit the specific conditions and your personal capabilities on that day.
Pushing yourself past the limits of your current physical condition is a common phenomenon that can occur due to the enticing surroundings. You are in some of the world’s most beautiful areas, and you may find that you don’t have as much time as you’d like to explore them fully. There are two ways to approach this challenge. One way is to rush and push yourself to the point where you’re engaging in every possible activity non-stop. Why take any breaks at all? You could spend hours shopping in the heat, sightseeing, grabbing a quick snack, and then rushing to swim as far and as fast as possible. While the rush is exhilarating, it might be more sensible to pace yourself and save some experiences for a future visit.
Getting very hot and not drinking enough water is one of those things that just sounds like you have to be stupid to get caught up in – absolutely not – your body is most likely in a significantly different climate than it is used to. Those extra few steps shopping or sightseeing add up just like every single one of those punches to a boxer in the ring. It is almost never one shot that knocks someone out. It is usually that last little bit of beer and then jumping straight into water that gives the tired body already under stress the extra jolt that is needed to flip off the lights for a few seconds. Luck has everything to do with who happens to be near you and what the outcome will be if you happen to be one who does not establish themselves in the proximity to potential rescuers.
If a day is scheduled for 3 or 4 activities, it is best to start early in the cooler part of the day and ease the pace to reduce the evening rush. Gazing at a beautiful night sky with brilliant stars as far as the eye can see may sound like an ordeal, but it compares favorably to rushing full tilt to complete extra hours in the heat of the day, which can be much more taxing on the human body. One of the best parts of vacationing on our island, where there are so many delightful surprises in terms of things to do and see, is that the willingness to slow down usually pays off with plenty of bonus activities.
About a year ago, I was in the Troodos mountains, compiling a video shoot with my drone. I narrated one nature hike after another, exploring areas I had been too busy to truly discover. Darting around in traffic and moving quickly from one hike to another without fully completing any of them, I stumbled upon a breathtaking scene on a mountainside that I had never realized existed. My drone ascended above this new discovery, which I had unknowingly passed just a few hundred meters from many times but had never taken the time to explore fully. It was a revelation, prompting me to resolve from that moment to spend more quality time uncovering the places I should have already known.
I may have spent three decades rushing, but during this past year, I’ve discovered a great treasure by choosing to spend more time exploring as much as I can with my love Katerina and our two lovely Akitas. On weekends when it rains, we have a choice between the faster route or the one that takes us to the places we love most – we choose wisely. We’ve stumbled upon more blessings, discovering places and meeting people we would never have encountered otherwise. For myself, our loyal family, and friends of the Cyprus Project, we adore this island and are committed to sharing its wonders with the world. I’ve learned to slow down, look around in all directions, and listen to my heart – this island is my family, encapsulates my childhood memories, and defines who I am and will always be.
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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