Cyprus Travel Guide


Cyprus

  • About Cyprus

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    In Cyprus you will find breathtaking beaches, pretty vineyards and pine forests as well as 9,000 years of arts, crafts and conflict. Cyprus is a vibrant island drawing on a fascinating history of culture clashes from Europe and the Middle East. Cyprus has castles galore, beautiful monasteries, mosques and churches and also some first-rate hotels and other forms of holiday accommodation. Despite its sometimes turbulent past Cyprus is a very friendly holiday island which many visitors find themselves returning to year after year.

  • Attractions

    Nicosia

    The only capital in the world which is divided. This lively city houses many cultural attractions including museums such as the Byzantine Museum, which features impressive collections of religious icons and mosaics.

    Kyrenia Castle

    Vast castle overlooking the sea in northern Cyprus was the scene of a famous battle in 1191 AD when English King Richard the Lion Heart conquered the island on his way to the Crusades.

    Salamis

    Ruins of the ancient Roman City of Salamis which was the capital of the island in 1100 BC. Includes reminders of the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians and Romans. The main excavation of this ancient site covers one square mile.

    Pafos

    Lively tourist town Paphos has many interesting attractions including the Saranta Kolones fortress and the Tombs of the Kings, fascinating tombs cut into the rocks of the cliffs.

  • Did You Know?

    Cyprus is the legendary birthplace of the goddess of beauty and love - Aphrodite.

  • Geography

    Cyprus is near the Middle East although is more closely aligned in terms of culture with Europe, especially Greece and Turkey. The central plain is called Mesaoria and there are the Kyrenia and Pentadactylos mountains to the north. The Troodos mountain range is to the south and west. Capital city Nicosia is at the north east of the centre of the island. All other major cities are situated around the coast including Paphos in the south west and Limassol in the south.

  • Weather

    Climate is temperate and in keeping with the Mediterranean - hot, dry summers and cool often rain drenched winters.

  • Divided Cyprus

    Visiting Cyprus offers the choice between south and north. You need to make a decision about that because the island is divided between Turkish and Greek influence with UN soldiers patrolling the border. The majority of the people who visit Cyprus visit the Greek southern end although an equally pleasant experience awaits wherever you decide to go.

  • Recent History

    Cyprus is a former British colony which received independence in 1960. In 1983 the Turkish area declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but this is still only recognized by Turkey. The entire island entered the EU in 2004 although the southern areas under direct Republic of Cyprus control have benefited more from this. The question whether the island will ever be unified is a big issue as Turkey attempts to join the European Union.

  • Safety

    Because of the history of conflict many people have concerns about safety in Cyprus but the threat of terrorism or violence is very low. Crimes against tourists are extremely rare but follow sensible precautions as you should do in any foreign country.

  • Key Facts

    • Capital City - Nicosia
    • Time Zone - GMT +2
    • Languages - Turkish (North) Greek (South) English (widely spoken)
    • Population - 772,000 (167,256 Turkish Cypriots)