1. Fairy Tale Museum, Nicosia, Cyprus
Meanwhile, throughout the museum, hidden doors lead to secret rooms that display objects from some of the most treasured fairy tales. Here, stories such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Cinderella and Aladdin come to life. Visitors are encouraged to explore the rooms, opening doors, turning gears and tinkering with objects to find out more about the stories. Even better, the “magic library” features books standing more than nine feet in height, all dedicated to folk researchers and fairy tale writers. Find out more about this magical and whimsical museum here. Also, take a brief tour in the YouTube video below.
2. The Donkeys of Dipkarpaz National Park
Located in an unspoiled area of Cyprus, Dipkarpaz National Park is home to wild black donkeys who wander around freely. The national park is in the northeast of the island and is only accessible by car.
Meanwhile, the reason for the donkeys being there is part of Cyprus’ complicated history. Back in 1974, tensions escalated between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. This led to a military coup by the Greek Cypriot military followed by attacks on the Turkish Cypriot community. Moreover, the Turkish army entered the island and formed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Meanwhile, to enter Dipkarpaz National Park, you first have to pass through Karpasia National Park, where a curling road takes people to Dipkarpaz. On arrival, black donkeys are usually waiting near the entrance for visitors. At the top of that road is the long and beautiful Golden Beach. The donkeys may be wild, but they are friendly and usually looking for food.
3. Zenobia Shipwreck, Larnaca, Cyprus
It turns out the ferry sank during a voyage with a load of trucks from Malmö in Sweden to Tartus in Syria. Apparently, the ship began listing to port due to a computer malfunction pumping excess water into the ballast tanks. While the captain seemed to have the problem under control, the ship continued towards Cyprus. However, while in Larnaca Harbor, the listing happened again and the captain was ordered to take the ferry out to sea, in case it sank and became a hazard.
Anchored offshore, the list increased and the captain ordered the crew off the ship. In the early hours of June 7, 1980, the Zenobia capsized and sank. According to the locals, many of the crew calmly watched this happen from a harbor-side bar. Visitors can book diving and snorkeling in Larnaca, or organize a guided tour in a glass-bottomed boat from Larnaca Harbor.
Have fun exploring these and many more fascinating locations in Cyprus on your next vacation.
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