For several years now, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry has seen increasing interest in the concept of “slow travel”, commonly identified as a desire for travelers to leisurely immerse themselves into a destination, connect with locals and fully experience its culture, foods, and traditions.
Cyprus is one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean with a long history that spans 11,000 years and a rich culture due to its unique geographic position at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa. Throughout the centuries, Cyprus has been home to Myceanian Greeks, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Romans, Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and the British, who have all left behind visible remnants of their passage (especially in their architecture) and created a mosaic of different cultures and periods on the island.
The Republic of Cyprus, with its relatively small geographic area of 3,572 square miles, is a model destination for the concept of slow travel. It boasts the advantage of being one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean. Steeped in history, the island’s soul can be found in its heartland – filled with hospitable people, enduring traditions, clear waters, diving opportunities, beaches, fresh produce, and ancient foodways.
To that end, the Heartland of Legends Routes, a project designed by the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism, invites visitors to explore the island’s hidden rural gems, immerse themselves in the mythology and traditions of the land, and enjoy the benefit of slow travel. With its temperate Mediterranean climate, long dry summers and mild winters, separated by short autumn and spring seasons, Cyprus is a destination ripe for discovery year-round!
Examples of some of the thematic Heartland of Legends routes celebrated are:
- The Divine Olive Oil Route – This route celebrates the cultivation and production of olive oil which has been a part of Cyprus’s tradition for centuries, with the Greek Orthodox church imbuing olive oil with divine properties. Typically a traditional olive harvest lasts from October to March and, among the heartland villages, visitors will come across a number of restored traditional olive oil presses and may even participate in the harvest. Purchase a bottle to take home – Cypriot extra virgin olive oil is known for its distinctive, fruity aroma and robust flavour.
- The Honey Taste Route – Since antiquity, man has associated bees with nature’s regenerative forces and honey has been appreciated for its nutritional value, used for both ceremonial as well as medical purposes. By the early twentieth century, a decline in bee hives prompted Cypriot authorities to introduce modern wooden beehives, with movable frames, to the island. The Honey Taste route visits nine villages in the southeast area of the Troodos mountainous range, where the majority of beekeeping on the island is done. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Cypriot honey harvesting, taste different varieties and even make their own beeswax candles.
- Weaving of Dreams Route – Embroidery in Cyprus, influenced by both Byzantine and Venetian patterns as well as new designs, is one of the most important contributions to the island’s intangible heritage. Today, women wanting to revive the interest of the younger generation and bring back to fashion the traditional embroidery have combined the beauty of Lefkaritika lace making and the geometrical and colorful designs of Fythkiotika to create new fashionable items. On the Weaving of Dreams Route, travelers can easily spend a day visiting six of the most picturesque and quaint villages, visiting traditional workshops or boutiques and admiring the collection of bags, dresses, cushions and accessories.
More information about the Heartland of Legends Routes can be found here: Heartland of Legends | Cyprus is the island of Legends & Stories
More information about travel to Cyprus can be found at: https://www.visitcyprus.com/
Photos courtesy of Visit Cyprus.
