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Protaras Beach

Protaras Beach

Protaras sits on the southeastern coast of Cyprus in the Famagusta District, approximately 70 kilometers from Larnaca International Airport. This coastal resort developed specifically for tourism offers 10 kilometers of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches here feature fine golden sand and exceptionally clear waters that earned international recognition. Fig Tree Bay was named Europe's third best beach by TripAdvisor in 2011, though rankings shifted in following years. Unlike the party atmosphere of nearby Ayia Napa, Protaras built its reputation as a quieter alternative better suited to families and domestic Cypriot tourism. Historical Context In ancient times, the area now known as Protaras was home to the old city-state of Leukolla, which had a small, safe harbor where Demetrius Poliorketes sought refuge in 306 BC. For centuries afterward, the coast remained sparsely populated due to pirate threats that made settlement dangerous. The area earned the nickname "the land of windmills" from agricultural equipment that once dotted the landscape. The first windmills appeared in Paralimni in the early 20th century and were imported from Chicago, Toronto, and later Great Britain. Tourism development began in earnest during the late 20th century following the 1974 events that closed Famagusta to Greek Cypriot tourism. Protaras transformed from agricultural land into a major resort destination. The population of the broader Paralimni area grew from…

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Teaching Traditional Crafts in Cyprus Villages

Teaching Traditional Crafts in Cyprus Villages

"Learn a craft even if you don't need to and if you get hungry, practice it." This old Cypriot folk saying reflects the pragmatic wisdom of village life where craftsmen held backup skills to supplement income during agricultural hardship. Not so long ago people living at Cyprus villages were either farmers or shepherds and at the same time handcrafters. People had to be creative and multi-talented, able to supplement their income if they faced difficulties, and a craft always came in handy. They engaged in basket weaving, icon painting for rich churches and landlords, silversmithing, wood carving, ceramic and pottery making, mosaic making, embroidery, wine and Commandaria making, and many more. The Cyprus Handicraft Service System In 1975 the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism undertook the responsibility for the preservation of Cyprus Folk Art, its development and encouragement into modern cottage industry and handicrafts. Specialised members of staff made studies and started projects initially funded by the High Commission for Refugees with the main target of offering employment to refugees and other affected persons and in parallel, the long-term development of cottage industry and handicrafts. For the implementation of these goals the Cyprus Handicraft Service created the Handicraft Centre in Nicosia in 1979 with experimental workshops such as Embroidery, Weaving, Woodcarving, Pottery, Metalwork, Basketry and General Handicrafts, Leatherwork, and…

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Wild Caper Plant

Wild Caper Plant

Imagine wandering along Cyprus sun-baked cliffs, where a humble shrub clings to life amid rocks and sea spray, offering buds that burst with bitter and tangy flavor. This is the wild caper plant, a resilient survivor of the Mediterranean wilds, cherished for centuries in Cypriot kitchens and folklore. Join me as we explore its secrets, and discover why this thorny delight might just prick your curiosity. Getting to Know the Caper: Nature's Tangy Survivor The wild caper is a low-growing shrub that thrives in harsh, dry environments, producing edible flower buds and berries that add a zesty punch to meals. Known scientifically as Capparis spinosa, it's not a tree or herb but a hardy perennial, perfectly adapted to Cyprus' rugged landscapes. Think of it as nature's way of turning adversity into abundance, providing food and medicine from seemingly barren spots. What many foragers notice, though, is the constant company of ants marching across it. These insects aren’t pests – they’re part of an ancient partnership that helps the plant survive in harsh, rocky places. Ants are drawn in two main ways. First, the flowers produce plenty of accessible nectar that ants sip directly (they sneak in without pollinating, earning the label “nectar thieves”). Second – and this is where the crowds really gather – the ripe, red berries split open…

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