Judging by the number of offers and demand, the most popular souvenirs from Cyprus, as well as from any other country, are fridge magnets and T-shirts with national symbols. However, in order to really please a relative, or a loved one, after returning from this amazing island - such consumer goods will obviously not be enough, which means that traditional Cypriot souvenirs should be looked into in more detail.
First of all, it is customary to pay attention to alcohol - the effect of ethanol is invariable, but the peculiarities of production and design, coupled with a variety of flavors, allow any country to assert that it is local alcohol that is the most unusual, tasty or historically important. The most famous wine in Cyprus, without fear of being mistaken, can be called Commandaria, a wine loved throughout the history of Cyprus by ancient rulers and medieval crusaders and Ottoman conquerors (there is a legend that the Turkish Sultan Selim, having tasted this wine, decided to conquer the island). The wine itself has its roots in ancient winemaking and has a number of properties characteristic of Byzantine wines - sweetness, strength and strong aroma of dried fruits. For lovers of stronger drinks, Cypriots produce a local moonshine - Zivania, which tastes like Georgian chacha or Italian grappa. Zivania is mainly made from grape pomace, but examples can also be found made from various fruits such as pears, plums or apples.
Continuing the theme of traditionally consumed souvenirs, Halloumi cheese is also worth mentioning - a very spicy cheese made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk. Fans of sweets also do not leave Cyprus empty-handed - centuries of Turkish rule on the island have left their mark in the form of a variety of oriental sweets - pistachio halva, Turkish delight and suzukos. Also, we must not forget about the Cypriot honey, parts of which are credited with the strongest medicinal properties.
Olive soap made in Cyprus can also be an excellent souvenir - such a soap is made by hand, if you try very hard, you can even watch the process of making the purchased soap right in the shop, in front of the buyer. Olive oil itself is also often a souvenir.
Popular souvenirs from Cyprus are also leather and silver products.Cyprus has long been famous for both its tanners and goldsmiths working with silver. The variety of leather and silver goods on offer in the Cypriot markets is captivating.
And, of course, the most popular souvenirs typical only for Cyprus are the figurines of Aphrodite, who, according to legend, came out of the sea to the coast of Cyprus, as well as figurines of donkeys, which are the national symbol of Cyprus.
