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Cyprus is undoubtedly a beautiful island paradise brimming with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. However, for most tourists, the only parts of Cyprus they can visit are the main tourist centers and places that organized tours visit. As you can imagine, there is much more to this beautiful country and it will certainly benefit from a scratch below the surface. Cyprus has had a turbulent history dating back to ancient times up to the 1970s. In fact, the country remains divided between north and south even as I write this article.

For those prepared to look a little further than the main coastal resorts of North West Cyprus, there are some real gems to be found. For example, only a few will have heard of the town of Kapparis. This small resort about 5 km north of the busy seaside resort of Protaras is located opposite the border with Northern Cyprus. The main street through this small town was once the main road from the coast to Famagusta. Famagusta, now a “ghost town”, lies in a dilapidated derelict just across the border in the Turkish-occupied north. Until the Invasion of 1976, the city was the main port and possibly the most prestigious vacation spot in the Mediterranean. With its miles of white sand and safe beaches, Famagusta was the jewel in the crown of Cyprus.

All towns and villages from Kapparis to Ayia Napa are still known as the Famagusta or Famagusta area or municipality and many Greek Cypriots who fled in the conflict still consider themselves refugees. Many of the shops and businesses in the area will proudly display large photographs of the homes or premises they were forced to leave behind. Most of these people left with only what they could carry, and the pain of loss has not lessened over time. When you talk to some of these people about the flight from Northern Cyprus, you can’t help but feel their sense of loss and the mention of Famagusta still breaks their hearts to this day. Many still dream of the moment when they will be able to recover the homes they have lost. Houses where families had lived for generations, past Farther to Son in the traditional Greek way.

A few minutes on land is the bustling town of Paralimini with its beautiful piazza and its main church. The square is a hive of activity with trendy cafes and traditional Cypriot taverns where locals spend warm afternoons socializing over a Cypriot coffee. There are plenty of shops if you prefer to satisfy your need for retail therapy or you can just relax in the square and enjoy the atmosphere. Remember that on Wednesday it closes for half a day, so don’t go there on that day expecting somewhere else to be open apart from the bars and cafes.

Kapparis itself has developed into a lovely little resort in recent years due to continued development on the island. Many of the new houses that have been built around the village are now permanent homes for English people who love to retire in Cyprus. With long summers and low cost of living, the island is becoming a top destination for retirees from all over Europe. The irony is that although one of the smaller and lesser known resorts, Kapparis is also becoming the hub of activity in the Famagusta area during the winter months. In fact, there are more shops and restaurants open year-round at Kapparis than at all other resorts combined.

If Kapparis sounds like the type of place you’d like to spend your Cyprus holiday, there are plenty of accommodations available. With the rapidly growing property market in Cyprus, you will have no problem finding a luxury villa or apartment to rent. There are also some good hotels in the village and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants to enjoy. The beach is only a 3 minute walk from the main street and there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained, so enjoy Cyprus!