Cyprus
Cyprus Guide du pays
Cyprus is an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, north of Egypt and south of Turkey. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia. It has a population of around 1.3 million people.
The island is divided into two main political entities- the Republic of Cyprus in the south, which is a member of the European Union, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, which is only recognized by Turkey.
Things To Know Before Visiting Cyprus
- Cyprus is divided into two main political entities
- Nicosia, the capital city, is the only divided capital in the world
- Cyprus is home to the oldest manufactured wine in the world - commanders, which dates back to 2000 BC
- There are more stray cats on the island than people
- The island is known for its rare species of orchids, with around 20 different varieties found there
- Cyprus has the cleanest beaches in Europe
Why is Cyprus Divided Into Two?
Cyprus’ division stems from a long history of tension between the two main populations on the island: Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
Greek Cypriots, the majority, desired a union with Greece. Turkish Cypriots, fearing marginalization, wanted partition to protect their identity.
Can tourists travel Between North And South Cyprus?
Yes, tourists can travel between the northern Turkish-controlled region and the southern Republic of Cyprus. The easiest way to visit both sides is to enter Cyprus through an airport or port in the south and then cross the “Green Line” border checkpoint to visit the north.
Is Cyprus Expensive To Visit?
Cyprus can be a relatively modest budget, but costs can add up for luxury accommodations, flights, and activities. The northern Turkish-controlled part of Cyprus is generally cheaper than the southern Republic of Cyprus, which is part of the EU.
Is Going To Visting Cyprus Worth It?
Yes, visiting Cyprus can be well worth it for several reasons:
- Cyprus has a warm, sunny climate with an average of 320 days of sunshine per year
- The island offers a blend of interesting history, culture, great beaches, and relaxation.
- The island’s cuisine is delicious and is known for its local wines.
- Northern Cyprus offers stunning beaches, panoramic views, and charming towns like Kyrenia.
Is Cyprus Good For a Honeymoon?
Yes, Cyprus offers a blend of romance, relaxation, and adventure that is ideal for honeymooners. The island has luxury resorts, stunning coastal scenery, and opportunities to explore ancient ruins and picturesque villages together.
Is Cyprus Safe?
Yes, Cyprus is considered a safe destination for travelers. The crime rate on the island is low, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur. Cyprus is divided into two parts, however there is no violence between the two sides, but it is important to be aware of the political situation.
Are Cyprus People Friendly?
Yes, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are known for their warm and friendly nature, hospitality, and willingness to help visitors. Hospitality is an important part of the Cypriot culture.
Best Cities In Cyprus
City | Side | Best For | Top Attractions |
Nicosia(Lefkoşa) | Both | History, Culture, Business | Venetian Walls, Buyuk Han, Selimiye Mosque, Ledra Street Crossing |
Limassol (Limasol) | South | Beaches, Nightlife, Marinas | Limassol Castle, Kolossi Castle, Kourion Archaeological Site |
Paphos | South | Archaeology, Beaches | Tombs of the Kings, Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, Aphrodite's Rock |
Larnaca (Larnaka) | South | Beaches, Watersports | Larnaca Salt Lake, Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, Pierides Museum |
Kyrenia (Girne) | North | Harbors, Castles, Beaches | Kyrenia Castle, Bellapais Abbey, Shipwreck Museum |
Famagusta (Gazimağusa) | North | Archaeology, Beaches | Othello Castle, Salamis Ancient City, Varosha Ghost Town |
Cyprus Attractions
Northern Turkish Cypriot Side Attractions:
- Kyrenia (Girne) Castle: This impressive medieval castle dates back to the 10th century and offers stunning views of the harbor.
- Bellapais Abbey: The ruins of this 13th-century Gothic abbey in the village of Bellapais are a highlight of northern Cyprus.
- Salamis Ancient City: This extensive archaeological site near Famagusta features the remains of an ancient Greek and Roman city.
- Varosha Ghost Town: The abandoned seaside resort town of Varosha, frozen in time since the 1974 invasion, is a haunting and eerie place to visit.
- Kantara Castle: The ruins of this Byzantine castle offer panoramic views over the Kyrenia mountain range.
Southern Greek Cypriot Side Attractions:
- Paphos Archaeological Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring impressive Roman mosaics and ruins.
- Kourion Archaeological Site: An ancient Greek and Roman city with a magnificent Greco-Roman amphitheater.
- Limassol Castle: This medieval castle in the coastal city of Limassol houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum.
- Larnaca Salt Lake: A unique wetland habitat that attracts flocks of flamingos during the winter months.
- Nicosia Old Town: The historic walled city center of the divided capital, with its Venetian architecture and museums.
Best Time To Visit Cyprus
The best times to visit Cyprus are Spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) are ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the beaches without the extreme heat and crowds of peak summer.
The summer months of July-August can be sweltering and humid. winter (December-February) is mild but can be rainy
and windy.
Where Is Cyprus
Cyprus is an island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and west of Syria. It is geographically part of Asia but has strong cultural ties to Europe.
What is The Capital City Of Cyprus
Nicosia is the capital and largest city of Cyprus. It is situated in the center of the island and has been the capital of Cyprus since the 10th century.
What Languages Are Spoken In Cyprus?
The main languages spoken in Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. The majority Greek Cypriot population speaks Greek in the south, while the Turkish Cypriot population speaks Turkish in the north.
Armenian and Cypriot Arabia are minority languages spoken by small communities on the island. English is widely spoken as a Second Language, especially in business and tourism.
Time Zone In Cyprus
Cyprus is located in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is UTC+2 hours during standard time.
Currency Of Cyprus
the currency of Cyprus is the euro. Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish lira as its official currency.
Cyprus’s Flag
The flag of Cyprus consists of a copper-colored map of the entire island on a white background, with two green olive branches below the map.
- The withe background symbolizes peace and neutrality
- The copper color of the map represents the island’s historical association with copper mining
- The two police beaches below the map are symbols of peace between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Population Of Cyprus
The population of Cyprus is approximately 1.27 million people (2024). The population is split between the southern Republic of Cyprus, which has around 875,000 people, and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which has around 375,000 people.
Unusual Laws In Cyprus
- Eating or drinking while drinking is illegal even water or a quick bite.
- Pepper spray is banned
- Feeding pigeons is prohibited in some areas like Larnaca
- Entering the Forbidden Zone is illegal without a permit
- Buying bottled gas on Sundays is illegal