I didn’t know much about Cyprus before going there. I knew it was an island, sunny, had beaches, and that people spoke both Greek and English. It was one of those destinations that pops up with a cheap flight and makes you say, “Why not?”
It was the end of March, and I was craving a quick escape from the lingering cold back home – something to remind me that summer was getting closer. I wanted to feel the sun on my skin and breathe in the salty air before the real tourist season began.
And that’s exactly how my journey began – with no big expectations, just an open heart ready for new impressions.
Warmth that comes from more than just the sun
The moment I stepped into Larnaca, I was greeted by the scent of salt in the air, the warmth of the breeze, and a strange sense that time moved slower – and more peacefully – here. The people were smiling, relaxed, and genuinely kind. It felt like they lived by a simpler, happier rulebook.
Coffee by the beach, a chat with a stranger, and a cat on my lap
One of the first things that surprised me: there are more cats than people in Cyprus. Seriously. Every corner belongs to them, and no one seems to mind.
I sat at a local café by the beach, ordered a freddo espresso (which quickly became my daily ritual), and a cat jumped onto my lap like we were old friends. That was the start of many small, heartwarming moments.
Unexpected beauty in simplicity
From the quiet backstreets of Larnaca to the sunsets in Paphos, Cyprus doesn’t try to impress you – and that’s exactly why it does. It doesn’t have the over-polished glamour of other Mediterranean spots, but it has soul.
And soul is something you feel – in the taste of halloumi, the smell of home-cooked food, and the smiles of grandmothers selling handmade souvenirs.
Love at first bite
I can’t skip the culinary experience. From pastitsio to souvlaki and endless meze… every dish tasted like it was made with love.
And when a foreign flavor makes you feel nostalgic, you know you’ve found something special.
Would I go back?
Absolutely. Not just because of the beauty, but because of how Cyprus made me feel.
It was more than a destination – it was a reset for my mind, nourishment for my soul, and a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you never see coming.
