Explore Cyprus with Our Interactive Map

Explore our top stories and discover ideas worth your time.

Cyprus Travel Safety And Awareness

Cyprus Travel Safety And Awareness

Cyprus is a safe Mediterranean destination with a crime rate lower than many European countries. The island ranks 70th globally on the Global Peace Index and has a homicide rate of just 0.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest in Europe.  Violent crime is extremely rare, and most safety concerns for visitors involve traffic accidents and petty theft. Understanding the local driving culture, transport options, and basic precautions helps ensure a smooth trip.  Cyprus offers excellent road infrastructure and modern public services, but some unique challenges require attention, particularly for first-time visitors. The Reality of Road Safety in Cyprus Cyprus has a concerning road safety record. The country records 54 road fatalities per million inhabitants, which exceeds the EU average of 42. Between 2008 and 2020, Cyprus documented over 10,500 road accidents resulting in more than 15,000 injuries. Males account for 77 percent of all road fatalities, and young people aged 18 to 25 represent 21 percent of deaths, higher than the EU average of 12 percent. Alcohol contributes to 26 percent of all road accidents, while careless driving causes 22 percent and speeding accounts for 12 percent. In fatal accidents specifically, speed plays a role in one-third of cases. The motorcyclist fatality rate in Cyprus is significantly higher than the EU average, and 57 percent of motorcyclists who…

Read more
Cyprus Hidden Treasure Legends

Cyprus Hidden Treasure Legends

Cyprus has built a rich collection of folklore around hidden treasures and lost riches. These stories come from centuries of different civilizations ruling the island, from the Byzantines and Crusaders to the Venetians and Ottomans. Each culture left behind tales of buried gold, secret chambers, and enchanted wealth that still capture imaginations today. The treasure legends of Cyprus blend historical facts with supernatural elements, creating stories that reflect both real events and the hopes of people through the ages. Historical Background The origins of Cypriot treasure folklore trace back to the island's position at the crossroads of trade routes between East and West. Throughout history, Cyprus attracted wealthy rulers, merchants, and invaders who accumulated riches. When conflicts forced people to flee or hide their wealth, stories naturally emerged about buried treasures waiting to be found. The mountainous terrain and numerous castles provided perfect settings for these legends. The Pentadaktylos mountain range became particularly famous for treasure tales, with its three mountaintop castles, Buffavento, Kantara, and St. Hilarion, all linked to stories of hidden wealth. The legendary Queen Rigaina and her treasures The most enduring figure in Cypriot treasure folklore is Queen Rigaina, a mysterious woman whose identity remains debated. According to various legends, she owned immense wealth and built castles and towers across Cyprus. The most famous tale involves a…

Read more
Salamis City, Cyprus

Salamis City, Cyprus

Salamis stands as one of the most important archaeological sites on the island of Cyprus. Located on the eastern coast near modern Famagusta, this ancient city flourished for over 1,800 years before nature forced its abandonment. The ruins spread across one square mile along the coast, offering visitors a remarkable glimpse into ancient Mediterranean civilization. cyprusparadise.com According to Greek legend, Salamis was founded by Teucer, son of King Telamon. After the Trojan War ended, Teucer could not return home because he failed to avenge his brother Ajax. Banished by his father, Teucer sailed to Cyprus and established a new city named after his birthplace, the island of Salamis near Athens. Archaeological evidence dates the earliest settlement to the 11th century BC during the Late Bronze Age. The city likely emerged as a replacement for nearby Enkomi, which was abandoned when its harbor silted up. Cyprus held immense strategic value due to its rich copper deposits, and Salamis became a crucial hub in Mediterranean trade networks. From Kingdom to Capital By the 6th century BC, Salamis had grown into the most powerful city on Cyprus. King Euelthon, who ruled from 560 to 525 BC, claimed authority over the entire island and became the first Cypriot king to mint coins. The city came under Persian control in 525 BC but maintained considerable…

Read more