00:00Stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant traditions, Cyprus is an island nation in the
00:12eastern Mediterranean where they speak Greek but have a uniquely Cypriot culture that dates back
00:19thousands of years. Legend has it that the ancient Roman general Mark Anthony once gave
00:25Cyprus as a gift to the queen of Egypt Cleopatra. That's just one of the legendary tales. Cyprus
00:34is deeply connected with ancient Greek stories and legends but today it's the beautiful beaches
00:41along the coastline that draw in nearly four million visitors every year as you'd expect
00:47from islands in the Mediterranean. Located on the southeast coast of the island is
00:55Ayanapa. It's said that travelers looking for an Ibiza-like vibe love it because of the golden
01:01sands and crystal clear waters to sunbathe during the day and the energetic scene from the bars to
01:08the clubs and restaurants at night. But beyond the beaches the landscape lends to a fantastic
01:15opportunity for hikers to take in the most sensational views of the glittering Mediterranean.
01:21It's worth it to venture into the island's interior making stops at the charming villages. Here you
01:30can explore the traditional way of life, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality that define the heart
01:38of Cyprus. Like Lefkara, a place where Cypriot folk needlecraft art was born. And it's said that Leonardo da
01:48Vinci visited this village in the 15th century to buy some lace for the altar of the Milan Cathedral.
01:56Walking through the narrow winding village streets you can still see some of the ladies working that art
02:02making lace with the reputation that is known as the best in the world. The village exudes a timeless
02:10charm offering a glimpse into what life was like in the old world.
02:18Cyprus is where some of the oldest known wines are dating back to around 2000 BC.
02:26The Comandaria was enjoyed by ancient Greeks and served at the wedding of Richard the Lionheart during
02:32the Crusades. So plan a visit to one of the vineyards where you can taste the blends from winemakers who have
02:38preserved and perfected their craft through generations. The roots of craftsmanship from bread
02:46making to beekeeping learned from ancient practices continue to thrive today through the work of historians
02:54and artisans. They are the culture keepers.
02:57Cypriots always they had in their culture the donkey for a thousand years not just now.
03:05Every family if you go in the mountain you can see the house of the family and near the house of the
03:10donkeys always. Understanding the historic relationship between the Cypriots and the donkeys,
03:15Pieris founded this donkey preserve when in the year 2000 there were only 300 donkeys left on the island.
03:23So here we make a life of the donkeys. We start with three donkeys and today 221.
03:37But the easiest way to immerse in Cypriot culture is to have a meal but friends when it's time to eat
03:43make sure you have an empty stomach. When it's time to dine prepare for the meze.
03:52Dish after dish will be presented and each flavor is a representation of the island's blend of Greek,
03:59Turkish, Middle Eastern and Italian flavors. Food is really important for the Cypriots.
04:06For them it's a part of their social life and of the family life.
04:10A favorite is halloumi. It's no surprise. It's the pride of the island. The famous Cypriot halloumi
04:18cheese dates back to the medieval Byzantine period and at almost every stop you'll get a taste of your
04:24host's special recipe. We make the homemade one and we use fresh goat's milk fresh, complete fresh from our
04:33animals. Then after the meal comes the time to work it off dancing and singing and enjoying performances
04:40that put Cypriot culture on display. Cyprus is that island nation often mistaken for others but a trip
04:47here will show you that from the stunning coastlines to the ancient ruins you're sure to get an authentic
04:54taste of an island's heart and heritage. We've been cleared for landing.
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