After a wonderful two weeks with Mum, culminating in a birthday celebration the night before her departure, we faced the choice of exploring Nicosia, Cyprus’s capital, or heading north to the remote Karpaz Peninsula to visit the Karpaz National Park and its famed “Donkey Sanctuary.” Having visited many cities on our travels, but not many donkey sanctuaries, we opted for the latter and set off toward the northernmost point of the island, excited for the scenic coastal drive ahead.
Our route allowed for a stop at the Monastery of Apostolos Andreas, a legendary site with spiritual significance. According to local lore, Saint Andreas caused a miraculous spring to emerge, and its waters were said to cure blindness. This “holy well” still flows in the crypt beneath the church, and was once known as the “Lourdes of Cyprus.” Revered by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, many pilgrims come to collect its water. Walking around the old monastery, there was a distinct aura, almost as though the place held centuries of quiet reverence—a sentiment that Rach, in particular, felt deeply.
From there, we continued north on less-traveled roads. With the rough terrain threatening our tires, Rachel wisely suggested a slower pace. As we neared the Karpaz National Park, we were greeted by donkeys, who had mastered a playful “toll” system. Standing firmly in the middle of the road, these clever animals made it clear they wouldn’t move without a bribe—usually in the form of food. Prepared for their antics, we had stocked up on a large bag of carrots, steering clear of any junk food (not on my watch!). At first, Rach was a bit hesitant as the donkeys weren’t shy, but soon we both were charmed by their personalities. The donkeys looked strong and healthy, roaming freely in large numbers. Known for their resilience, the Cypriot donkey—a smaller, sturdy breed—was introduced to the island around 4,000 years ago and was a mainstay in agriculture until Turkish rule.
After our time with these lovable animals, we turned back and decided to visit Golden Beach. This two-mile stretch of untouched, beautiful sand was the perfect end to our day. With the soft sound of the waves and the tranquility of the remote beach, we reflected on the day as we strolled up and down the shore, feeling grateful for another unique experience on this island.
Dream Chasers 