Legend says the Greek goddess of love was born off Aphrodite's Beach. Waves breaking over the rock create pillars of foam that islanders say look just like the goddess herself.
Karen Bowerman/CNN
2. The tombs are rock solid —
Monumental and magnificent, according to the UN, these 4th-century tombs are carved from solid rock.
3. You can dive to the 1980s —
The Zenobia wreck off the Larnaca coast is often listed as one of the world's top 10 wreck dives. Decaying carpets and vending machines remain on the deck of the sunken 1980s vessel.
Courtesy ScubaCube
4. Cyprus's cheese is unique —
Haloumi from Cyprus is recognized as the true version of the cheese. Many Cypriots make it at home.
Karen Bowerman/CNN
5. One city, one World Heritage Site —
Fourth-century Roman ruins rich with mosaics, plus ancient tombs and palaces, make all of Paphos a world archeological treasure.
Karen Bowerman/CNN
6. Commanderia, world's oldest wine —
Possibly christened by crusading 13th-century knights, commanderia may have been made for 5,000 years.
Arion McNicoll/CNN
7. Sheep are a national symbol —
Think all sheep are the same? Cyprus's national symbol is a unique subspecies of the beast. Although it's very shy.
Courtesy St. Gerardi
8. Carnival is a wild blend —
Taking place every year in the city of Limassol, carnival in Cyprus melds Venetian and much older Greek traditions.
cyprus tourism organization
9. Hankies are powerful —
Tie a hanky, sock or any ex-love's belonging to the tree at top of the Paphos catacomb steps and he or she is more likely to return. Worth a try, anyway.
karen bowerman
10. The mosaics are astounding —
Discovered by accident in 1962, the mosaics of Paphos are "extremely rare and among the best examples in the world," says the UN.
