The Enchanting Cedar Valley of Cyprus

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [An-dio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Pa-ra-ka-lo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Ef-ha-ri-sto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Si-gno-mi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Ti ka-ne-te]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Ka-la. E-sis]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Mi-la-te An-gli-ka]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den ka-ta-la-ve-no]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha i-the-la na tho to me-noo, pa-ra-ka-lo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den tro-o kre-as]
• Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ!
  [Yi-a]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha i-the-la na pli-ro-so, pa-ra-ka-lo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Vo-i-thi-a]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fi-ge]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Ka-les-te tin As-ti-no-mia]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε ένα γιατρό!
  [Ka-les-te e-na gia-tro]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [E-ho cha-thi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [E-mai a-ro-stos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha i-the-la na a-gho-ra-so]
• I'm just lookingΑπλώς κοιτάω
  [Ap-los ki-ta-o]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Po-so kos-ti-zi]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Au-to i-ne po-li a-kri-vo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Bo-rei-te na mi-o-se-te tin ti-mi]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti o-ra i-ne]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [I-ne mia o-ra]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Mi-si (de-ka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Pro-i]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [A-po-gev-ma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vra-di]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Si-me-ra]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Au-rio]
• 1Ένα
  [E-na]
• 2Δύο
  [Thi-o]
• 3Τρία
  [Tri-a]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tes-se-ra]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pen-de]
• 6Έξι
  [E-xi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Ef-ta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Oh-to]
• 9Εννέα
  [En-ne-a]
• 10Δέκα
  [De-ka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou i-ne e-na/to]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia i-ne i di-ef-thin-si]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Bo-rei-te na mu thi-xe-te (sto har-ti)]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Po-te i-ne to e-po-me-no (le-o-fo-ri-o)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για...);
  [E-na i-si-ti-rio (gia)]

Cedar Valley, nestled in the Troodos Mountains, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by early settlers who were drawn to its fertile land and abundant natural resources. These early communities engaged in agriculture, herding, and small-scale mining, laying the groundwork for the valley's long-standing tradition of working with nature.

During the Byzantine period, Cedar Valley became a significant site for religious and cultural development. The region saw the establishment of several monasteries and churches, some of which still stand today as testaments to the valley's spiritual heritage. The Byzantine influence is evident in the architectural styles and religious artifacts that have been preserved in the area.

In the 15th century, Cyprus came under Venetian rule, and Cedar Valley was no exception. The Venetians were keen on exploiting the natural resources of the region, particularly its abundant cedar trees, which were highly prized for shipbuilding. This period saw an increase in the extraction and exportation of cedar wood, which played a crucial role in Venetian naval dominance.

The Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571 brought significant changes to Cedar Valley. The Ottomans introduced new agricultural practices and crops, such as tobacco and cotton, which flourished in the valley's climate. The population of the area grew as people migrated to Cedar Valley for its arable land and economic opportunities. Ottoman architectural influences can still be seen in some of the valley's older buildings.

Cedar Valley, like the rest of Cyprus, came under British control in 1878. The British administration focused on modernizing the infrastructure and improving the economic conditions of the region. Roads were built to connect the valley with other parts of the island, facilitating trade and travel. The British also promoted the cultivation of new crops and the conservation of the cedar forests, recognizing their ecological importance.

In recent decades, Cedar Valley has become a focal point for environmental conservation efforts. Recognizing the ecological significance of the endemic Cyprus cedar (Cedrus brevifolia), local and international organizations have worked to protect and preserve the valley's unique flora and fauna. These efforts have turned Cedar Valley into a haven for nature lovers and ecotourists, who come to experience its pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Cedar Valley is not just a place of natural beauty but also a hub of cultural traditions. The local communities celebrate various festivals throughout the year, showcasing traditional Cypriot music, dance, and cuisine. These events offer visitors a glimpse into the vibrant cultural life of the valley and the enduring customs that have been passed down through generations.

Cedar Valley is located in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. The nearest international airport is Paphos International Airport, approximately 60 kilometers away. From Paphos, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Cedar Valley. Alternatively, you can fly into Larnaca International Airport, which is about 120 kilometers away, and then take a bus or taxi to Cedar Valley. The drive from either airport typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Cedar Valley is best explored by car due to its mountainous terrain and the proximity of various points of interest. Car rental services are available at both Paphos and Larnaca airports. Public buses are limited in this area, so having your own vehicle will provide greater flexibility. Taxis are also available but can be expensive for long distances. For short trips within Cedar Valley, walking is a pleasant option given the scenic surroundings.

The official currency of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Cedar Valley. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas where card payment may not be possible. ATMs are available in nearby towns, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into the more remote areas of Cedar Valley.

Cedar Valley is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and be cautious when walking alone at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings will help ensure a safe visit.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Medical facilities are available in nearby towns such as Paphos and Limassol. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in nearby towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Make sure to carry a basic first-aid kit when exploring remote areas.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and in layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good Morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good Evening). A handshake is also commonly accepted. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cedar Valley like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cypriot goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Cedar Valley Forest Station to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region. For a unique experience, hike the nature trails that offer breathtaking views and serene settings.