Many people dream of taking an island paradise vacation. However, the stereotypical island vacation spots can often be overcrowded with tourists and expensive tourist traps. If you are looking for a more authentic island feel, consider visiting Cyprus. The alleged birth place of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, this small island in the Mediterranean Sea is a crossroads between three continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. Famous for its beautiful beaches as well as its multitude of mountain hiking trails, Cyprus offers more than the generic island destination does. And with online services, getting your United States passport is easier than ever before.

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Cyprus is an island with an incredibly long history, and evidence of this history can still be seen now. And because the history is so long, there is no shortage of things to see today. Human and archaeological evidence from as far back as the 10th millennium BC has been found on the island. And actually getting to see these testaments to Cyprus’ past can actually make you feel very small in the scheme of things. Choirokoitia is an archaeological site and an officially declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. It earned this special distinction because of its outstanding example of an extremely well-preserved prehistoric settlement.

The Tomb of the Kings is another ancient settlement on the island of Cyprus. The tombs in this archaeological site are carved right out of the solid rock. Created in the 4th millennium BC, these tombs still bear some of the markings of the times: frescoes and columns. Cyprus also has some of the oldest water wells in the world. In addition to this, Cyprus also shows the earliest evidence of cat domestication.

The natural setting of Cyprus is breathtaking. Because it is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, you can expect stretches of beautiful beaches, much of which is inhabited, meaning you can have your own private beach for a day or a week. The mountains of Cyprus also feature miles of hiking trails through the lush forests, as well as little mountain villages to explore. During the winter, the mountains are excellent places to ski. Also be sure to visit Akamas National Park. If you are lucky, you might encounter some of Cyprus’ famous animal residents: the mouflon, the long-eared hedgehog, the striped dolphin, and the flamingo.