The sunny Mediterranean island of Cyprus has something to offer for everybody. For those interested in history, there are many impressive ancient sites to explore. The versatile landscape of Cyprus with beautiful coastline and untouched beaches is ideal for beach holidays and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and surfing. Golf in Cyprus is available throughout the year, the scenic Trodos Mountains offer good trekking possibilities, and even skiing in Cyprus is possible in the wintertime.
Divided island. In the picturesque Cypriot villages you can still sense the traditional way of life in Cyprus. Thanks to the hospitable Cypriots, a visitor in Cyprus is always warmly welcomed to this beautiful and versatile Mediterranean island that has an ideal weather for sightseeing as well as for sunbathing and water sports activities all year round. Divided into Greek and Turkish sides, the Greek Republic of Cyprus in the south of the island receives the bulk of tourism in Cyprus.
Seaside towns. The city of Pafos (Paphos) in Southern Cyprus offers pleasant weather, beautiful beaches with good water sports activities, historical sites, good shopping possibilities and more. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known as a mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. One of the best water parks in the world, Fasouri Watermania with its 30 slides in provides fun for the whole family in Cyprus. Historical attractions, deep blue sea, sandy beaches and water sports are also the main attractions in the sunny Larnaca, the oldest city in Cyprus. The beautiful palm-fringed beach promenade of Larnaca is dotted with cafes, taverns, shops and bars.
More Cypriot destinations. The nightlife capital of Cyprus, Agia Napa is home to stunning golden beaches great for sunbathing, beach parties, swimming and water sports. The Agia Napa Central Square of the town is packed with taverns, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops. While visiting Cyprus, you can also visit the historical seaside city of Limassol, the magnificent Trodos Mountains with outdoor sports possibilities, or the Akamas Peninsula with Cypriot nature and wildlife to admire.
Divided island. In the picturesque Cypriot villages you can still sense the traditional way of life in Cyprus. Thanks to the hospitable Cypriots, a visitor in Cyprus is always warmly welcomed to this beautiful and versatile Mediterranean island that has an ideal weather for sightseeing as well as for sunbathing and water sports activities all year round. Divided into Greek and Turkish sides, the Greek Republic of Cyprus in the south of the island receives the bulk of tourism in Cyprus.
Lively cities and beautiful beaches by the Mediterranean Sea - Destinations in Cyprus
While beaches and beach holidays are the main reason to visit Cyprus, the island hosts also other attractions. Situated at the centre of the island, Nicosia is the largest city of Cyprus and the center of administration, trade, culture, religion and education in the country. With Greek and Turkish sides, Nicosia is also the last divided city in Europe. Old Venetian walls surround the city which has many interesting historical sites, museums and art galleries. Nicosia is a cosmopolitan city offering modern facilities like world-class restaurants, luxurious hotels and good shopping opportunities.Seaside towns. The city of Pafos (Paphos) in Southern Cyprus offers pleasant weather, beautiful beaches with good water sports activities, historical sites, good shopping possibilities and more. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known as a mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. One of the best water parks in the world, Fasouri Watermania with its 30 slides in provides fun for the whole family in Cyprus. Historical attractions, deep blue sea, sandy beaches and water sports are also the main attractions in the sunny Larnaca, the oldest city in Cyprus. The beautiful palm-fringed beach promenade of Larnaca is dotted with cafes, taverns, shops and bars.
More Cypriot destinations. The nightlife capital of Cyprus, Agia Napa is home to stunning golden beaches great for sunbathing, beach parties, swimming and water sports. The Agia Napa Central Square of the town is packed with taverns, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops. While visiting Cyprus, you can also visit the historical seaside city of Limassol, the magnificent Trodos Mountains with outdoor sports possibilities, or the Akamas Peninsula with Cypriot nature and wildlife to admire.
Practical information for your trip to sunny Cyprus
The third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is situated in the eastern corner of the Mediterranean close to the Middle East. However, it is a European country and a member of the European Union. There are mountains in the south and north and plains inland and along the southern coast. Cyprus enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Cyprus is in spring from April to May when the nature comes into bloom, prices are affordable, and the beaches are less crowded.
Photo: greenacre8, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
During the summer months the weather in Cyprus can be quite hot. Autumn from September to October is also a good season to visit the country.
Traveling to Cyprus is easiest by plane, as there are regular flights to Cyprus from major European and Middle Eastern cities. The main airport of Cyprus is Larnaca International Airport located on the outskirts of Larnaca town. The country can also be accessed by boat from the neighboring countries. English is commonly spoken in Cyprus.
Public transportation connections in Cyprus consist of local buses and are not very good. Therefore, a car rental is recommended if you want to explore the country on your own. However, it must be noted that the roads in Cyprus are in poor condition and the drivers often ignore the traffic regulations. Remember that Cypriots drive on the left side of the road.
Safety. Travelling in Cyprus is quite safe, although visitors should keep an eye on their belongings. Violent crimes against tourists are rare, but you should watch out for pickpockets in crowded places. Some minor earthquakes have been reported annually but the Cypriot officials have good security plans against earthquakes.
History and culture of Cyprus
The island of Cyprus has been inhabited since 6,000 BC. As a relatively small country, Cyprus has been conquered by bigger countries like the Phoenicians, the Greek, the Romans, the Turkish, and latest, the British. Even today there are many interesting historic sites in Cyprus dating from the Stone Age through to the Roman Empire. Cyprus became independent from British rule in 1960.Since 1974 the island has been divided into two: the southern part of the island forms the Greek Republic of Cyprus. The Northern part forms the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which declared independence in 1983. However, this is recognized by Turkey only, while all other countries and the United Nations recognize the whole island as the government of the Republic of Cyprus. The UN has worked hard to make peace between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority. Today, Cyprus remains divided but the two ethnic groups have lately become closer to each other.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Nicosia, Pafos (Paphos), Larnaca, Agia Napa (Ayia Napa)
