Islands are the stuff of fantasy and romance, places to find solitude and a sense of calm. The beautiful, sun-drenched Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a must-see, but what do 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 good living and the island has developed a reputation for lavish lifestyles for humans and gods alike. The fresh produce is a clear indication why Cypriot elders are still skipping the streets in their eighties!

global influences

Cypriot cuisine has many different influences due to its neighboring countries and its location: Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. Such flavors inject a unique culinary experience for the visitors. Herbs and spices are an ingredient in 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 in their restaurant will give you a fresh local flavor every time.

Introduction to Meze

The definitive Cypriot dish, meaning ‘delicacy’, Meze 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 flavour. In your meat meze you can expect a choice of smoked hams, chicken, turkey or sheftalia (a skinless sausage!). 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 vine leaves). Fresh homemade bread can be used as a great sponge to soak up the lemon juices and olive oil, as well as the provided dips 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 originated in Greece, but no one prepares individual servings in earthenware dishes quite like Cypriots do. Consisting of minced lamb, the traditional meat of Cyprus and Greece, topped with potato and aubergine slices, tomato, onion and cinnamon, topped with a creamy béchamel 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 plenty of fish taverns in the coastal towns, each serving up 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 tasty for you and you’re craving something a bit sweeter, then you must try the fresh ragweed fruits of the gods, including golden oranges, apples, ripe pairs, 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 which 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 over 4,000 years. Worshipers and ancient 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 seaside city on the south coast. Limassol hosts an annual wine festival that takes place during the first week of September. The festival takes place in the Municipal Gardens which are located on the eastern side of the city.

Upon arrival, you pay a minimal fee and then purchase a souvenir glass or bottle that will be your trusted vessel 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 can offer. You may even stumble upon the most entertaining sight: the traditional pressing of the grapes.

If there is one wine in particular that you must try, it is the famous sticky commandaria dessert wine 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 a taste 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 a holiday to remember.