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Rising from the sea like a goddess itself, the island nation of Cyprus combines the more recent presence of Turkey with a strong and pure Greek culture. The roots of this conflict are varied, but while political arguments and tensions are divisive, they rarely trouble visitors. However, travelers to the Greek portion of the island will generally not be able to legally cross into the Turkish-controlled portion. The infamous "Green Line" separates the areas.

Cyprus is proudly reclaiming its ancient honor of being the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, and even is offering a tasteful re-creation of her ancient rites. The supreme goddess of love and beauty knew what she was doing when she chose the lovely Cyprus as the site of her emergence from the seafoam. Specifically, locals believe she chose Aphrodite's Rock near Paphos (Pafos) as the perfect spot to enter the mortal world. Mortals still find it an ideal spot to escape the usual world. One of those "mortals" has achieved virtually immortal status herself - Cleopatra ruled Cyprus for a time and visited the island.

Visitors today can still visit the Fontana Amorosa, which is either just another spring or the most fluid form of Aphrodite's love potion. Was this Cleopatra's secret weapon?

At Pentecost, a celebration called "Kataklismos" allegedly offers reverence to the story of Noah and the Ark, but some say that the plunge into the sea actually is a survival of a rite in honor of Aphrodite.