Cyprus birthplace of Aphrodite (or Venus), the god of love. What could be a more romantic place to holiday? I was raised for 12 years of my life in Cyprus, and miss it desperately.

The History:
The island's history is incredibly diverse; originally Greek, there is evidence of this all over the island. There is an amphitheatre near Paphos and excellently well-preserved Roman ruins everywhere containing mosaics of intricate detail. As a child I played on these mosaics but they are now protected . All over the country are monastries, castles and churches of roman and Greek origin, everywhere you turn are items of historical interest that are centuries old and breathtaking in their beauty and preservation.
The Turkish occupation of 1571 began a centuries-long struggle for control of the country. This saw the intentional destruction of many monuments and artefacts, which explain why the pillars and statues no longer have heads. It is a brutal sight however is an illustration of Cypriot history.
The island has been bitterly split following the Turkish invasion, thus the presence of the United Nations. Cut almost exactly in half, Cyprus southern half is Greek and the northern half is Turkish. The Turkish half is restricted for obvious reasons, but if you can get across the Cathedral in Famagusta (meaning pride of Augusta) is breathtaking. Interestingly, the island's capital, Nicosia, is split straight down the centre.
Quick note respect the side that you are visiting and be aware that the countrys divide is a very sore point and also very real. It is not history and technically Cyprus is currently at war, although the most you are likely to see of this is at the border where the widowed Greek women will try and attack the Turkish border guards! Be aware that areas around the border is restricted in access and there are notices to that affect, do not ignore them, armed guards patrol these areas.
On a lighter note Aphrodites rock at Petra tou Romiou is a must you are visiting her island after all! She was born just off the coast of Paphos and is the Greek god of fertility and love, the most peaceful god of all.

The Food:
The food in Cyprus is Greek and very good for you. It is worth your while getting a hire car and getting away from the tourist strips of Limassol and Ayia Napa.
I would recommend The Orange Grove outside Ayous Nikalious (A British base just next to Famagusta) owned by Michael and his son and a great favourite of forces families. Or you can head to the outskirts of Akrotiri (British base). You generally find that restaurants near bases or away from tourists serve excellent local food because it is made for the Greeks and their friends, whereas tourist food is pretty sub-standard. The difference if you frequent family restaurants is hospitality; Greek and Turkish alike give their guests the warmest of welcomes. You should expect to sit and chat with the locals if you get on and they have unbelievable memories. For example; my family used to go to the Orange Grove for a meal virtually every night we lived there, and after a 6 year gap, (I aged from 12 to 18), we revisited. As soon as I walked through the door Michael recognised me immediately and brought out the Brandy!! This happened everywhere and it made the holiday perfect.
Right, the dishes? If you are more adventurous (and hungry!) then you could opt for the meze. A meze is a huge meal that consists of many small portions of Greek dishes and delicacies such as bits of moussaka, squid rings and so much more. It is well worth the money, but be warned as it will take you a long time to get through it, so put aside an evening for this meal. The bread is divine, and watermelon and grapes are flowing like water in Cyprus! (Watch the signs for slippy roads due to grape and melon juice! Excellent photo opportunities!) Brandy is the spirit of choice and Keo beer is excellent.