Islands are the stuff of fantasy and romance, places to find solitude and a sense of calm. The beautiful, sun-kissed Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a must-see, but what can you expect from its unique cuisine?

You may have heard rumors that Mediterranean people live long and healthy lives. It used to be said that Cyprus invented the art of living well and the island has developed a reputation for lavish lifestyles for both humans and gods. The fresh produce is a clear indication of why elderly Cypriots are still hopping the streets in their eighties!

global influences

Cypriot cuisine has many different influences due to its neighboring countries and location: Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. Such flavors inject a unique culinary experience for visitors. Herbs and spices are an ingredient within each dish, the most common being parsley, oregano, basil and mint. The hotel you could reside in could have its own herb garden! Therefore, your food at their restaurant will provide you with a fresh local taste every time.

Introduction to Meze

Meze, the ultimate Cyprus dish, meaning ‘delicacy’, is a great introduction to the cuisine on offer. You can order meat, fish or vegetarian variations of the dish. The meze arrives with a selection of 20 to 30 different dishes with a rich Mediterranean flavor. In your meat meze you can expect a choice of smoked hams, chicken, turkey or sheftalia (a sausage without the skin!). The fish alternative could include octopus, squid, prawns or the delicious red mullet called barbouni. All these dishes will be accompanied by a variety of fresh appetizers, such as different types of Greek/Cypriot cheeses such as halloumi and feta, olives, tomatoes, peppers, sliced ​​artichokes and koupepia (stuffed grape leaves). Fresh homemade bread can be used as a great sponge to soak up lemon juices and olive oil, as well as provided sauces like hummus, tahini, and tzatziki.

Is your mouth watering? It would probably be a good idea to start a meze on an empty stomach and have plenty of friends and family to share it with!

Traditional Moussaka

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous on your travels, then why not try traditional moussaka? This dish may have its origins in Greece, but nobody prepares individual portions in clay dishes like the Cypriots do. Consisting of minced lamb meat, the traditional meat of Cyprus and Greece, topped with potato and aubergine slices, tomato, onion and cinnamon, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce. There are a few variations of the recipe to try, so before you travel, why not try making one at home?

Fresh fish

Cyprus is surrounded by the lush Mediterranean Sea, filled with a wide variety of fresh fish. You’ll find a plethora of fish taverns in the coastal towns, each serving the freshest catch of the day. If you find yourself in Limassol on a beautiful summer’s eve, you must visit the award-winning fish restaurant Limanaki. Located on the beachfront with picturesque views of the Mediterranean, this restaurant offers an insight into the life of fishermen and a relaxing and indulgent experience.

fruits of the gods

If all of that sounds a bit too savory and you crave something a little sweeter, then you must try the fresh ambrosia fruits of the gods, including golden oranges, apples, ripe pars, luscious watermelons, luscious berries, strawberries and figs, all they cultivated. about Cyprus. Here is a little fig fact for you, there is a fig tree growing in Famagusta, Cyprus that is believed to be over 700 years old. It seems that it is not only the people of Cyprus who live a fruitful life!

Limassol Wine Festival

To accompany all these earthly pleasures you must try Cyprus wine. It is a well-known fact, confirmed by many historical references, that Cyprus has been producing wine for more than 4,000 years. The ancient worshipers and people chose the island to be the epicenter of the worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility and love, and Dionysus, the god of wine.

These traditions are still evident in Limassol, the largest coastal city on the south coast. Limassol hosts an annual wine festival held during the first week of September. The festival takes place in the Municipal Gardens which are situated on the east side of the city.

Upon arrival, you pay a nominal fee and then purchase a souvenir glass or bottle that will be your trusted container for the duration of the festival. You can taste so many wines from the different wineries for free! So put on your boots and join in the frivolity and fun that this now international festival has to offer. You may even come across the most entertaining sight: the traditional pressing of grapes.

If there is one wine in particular that you must try it is the famous sticky dessert wine commandaria from Cyprus. It represents an ancient style of wine dating back to 800 BC. C. and was traditionally drunk at festivals to celebrate the Goddess Aphrodite. If wine is your vice and you want to live this unique and pleasant party, then why not book one of the luxury hotels in Cyprus based in Limassol and enjoy your days by the sea drinking wine and then return to your 5-star hotel at relax. and relax

I hope you now have an idea of ​​the undeniably delicious island of Cyprus and the delicious food and wine it has to offer, it is where tradition and luxury combine to make for a memorable vacation.