Cyprus coastline by Anton S.

If there’s one thing above all else that Cypriots are proud of, it surely has to be the warmth of the welcome they offer to visitors. Wherever you have been in the past, the chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by how pleased the locals are to show you just how friendly they can be. This is one of the reasons why a great number of visitors from all over the world return to Cyprus on an annual basis.

The climate on this beautiful Mediterranean island is the envy of a great many other holiday destinations. In the summer, the days are warm, long and wonderfully sunny, yet even on the hottest days it rarely becomes uncomfortable because of a cooling breeze that’s often in the air. And when the winter months come along, the temperatures are still high enough to make life comfortable for everyone.

Get a proper taste of Cyprus

In most restaurants on the island, especially around the tourist resorts, you’ll find a wonderful selection of local and international options on the menu. Although you may want to try something a little familiar on some occasions, be sure to choose something typically Mediterranean at least one or twice on your vacation. As you might expect from an island nation, fish dishes feature prominently, so try the gilt-head bream or the delicious calamari.

For most people, a holiday to Cyprus offers a much-needed opportunity to relax, if only because modern life seems so hectic nowadays. Because we are always rushing from one place to another in our daily lives, the restorative effects of an annual summer vacation should never be underestimated. A cool drink, a comfortable sunbed, a good book and a beautiful view of the ocean – what more could we ever need?

Needless to say, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for those who are in the mood for something a little less sedentary. Cyprus has a number of golf courses to offer, for example, as well as some stunning cycling routes. Another favourite option is to hire a car for a few days in order to explore the island. With a rich heritage all around you, you’ll find plenty of fascinating places to visit.

David Showell has visited Cyprus on several occasions. He works for http:/www.carrentals.co.uk.

The post Soak up all that Cyprus has to Offer appeared first on Europe Explored.

A lot of people to day, both young and old, are slowly discovering the benefits and joys of a vegetarian diet. Exploring vegetarianism means living a healthier lifestyle and keeping diseases at bay.

Samâdhi – vegetarian restaurant in Berlin, Germany by Olivier Bruchez

European Vegetarianism

If you’re right smack in Europe because you are vacationing or are there for any other reason, it is imperative to know where to get the best vegetarian meals. Countries in Europe are known to easily provide a pound or more of flesh as Spain, Portugal and most of Eastern Europe are famous meat eaters.

So where should you go if you’re aching to eat salad?

Ghent – Why It is the World’s Vegetarian Capital

Normally, cooking courses and food tours are activities that are not easy for vegetarians but in the City of Ghent in Belgium, there are hordes of vegetarian food tours. Vegetarians can hop from one food destination to the next without saying no to local specialties.

Neuzeke or Tiny Nose is a homemade, sweet, conical cherry candy which you need to try. Augustine beer and the local Gruut beer are beverages that you and your friends should sample. Roomer, on the other hand, is an alcoholic drink made from Elderflowers – it is highly refreshing during the hottest days in that city.

There are many vegetarian desserts in Ghent. Try Belgian waffles but say no to the square ones as the toppings can be really fattening. Look for the oval-shaped Liege waffle which is best eaten plain.

Ghent is a place where you don’t need to buy a vegetarian food map. Just walk around and you can do your own vegetarian tour. Avalon is a famous organic restaurant there with ample servings of vegetable meals. Tasty offers smoothies and 11 vegetarian and vegan hamburgers. Mosquito Coast may not be strictly vegetarian but they have the most diverse vegetable menus to offer.

Say No to Meat at Sicily

Sicily comprises a huge portion of Italy. Look forward to quality produce which comes out of this place. Even meat-eating folks will be enticed to eat their greens once they see the fresh vegetables from this area. Get your fill of caponata, arancine and manicotti, three of the most sought-after recipes in Sicily.

Amsterdam – It’s Time to Try Dutch Vegetarianism

Amsterdam in Netherlands is an ever-progressive city. Liberal-mindedness abounds on this place which is no surprise that vegetarianism has been embraced. There is a huge percentage of vegetable eaters on this city which is why there are strings of restaurants which cater to this growing population of vegetable eaters.

Berlin – A Grander Version of Amsterdam

Berlin is quite similar to Amsterdam in terms of vegetarian lifestyle. The only difference is that, it offers vegetarianism on a bigger scale. The big metro areas are peppered with restaurants which now cater to the vegetable-eating public. So who says Deutschland is all about sauerbraten and wurst?

About the Author: Mary Jean is a writer for MyFood, a company that provides healthy meals via delivery in the UK.

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