NotNapoleon's Tourism Bureau - Cyprus

What is Cyprus?

Cyprus is an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Geographically considered part of Asia, but culturally part of Europe (especially as it is a member of the European Union), so some sources list Cyprus as a transcontinental country.

Cyprus' political divide

The island of Cyprus has a history of conflict, which still exists today. In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and established the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", a de-facto state only recognised by Turkey itself. Under International Law, the whole island belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, and the UN runs a buffer zone which separates the TRNC from the rest of Cyprus.

The UK also has two sovereign military bases on the island (Akrotiri and Dhekelia), which residents in the Republic of Cyprus can pass through without a passport. For the sake of this article, I'm talking about the Republic of Cyprus unless I specify otherwise.

Must knows for travelling

• The Republic of Cyprus is part of the EU, but not the Schengen Area. So you will need a passport to enter.
• During the summer, Cyprus can be very hot. Stay hydrated and wear sun cream to avoid getting sunburnt!
• Unlike Mainland Europe, Cyprus drives on the left.
• Unlike Mainland Europe, Cyprus uses the Type G plug outlet (the same used in the UK and Ireland).
• The currency is the Euro (€).

Getting to Cyprus

Cyprus has two International Airports, Larnaca Airport in the East, and Paphos Airport (where I went) in the West. There is a third airport in Northern Cyprus (Ercan Airport), but due to the TRNC's lack of international recognition, all the flights from Ercan Airport only go to Turkey, and flying there from anywhere else will usually involve a stop in Istanbul.

Languages

On paper, Cyprus has two official languages (Greek and Turkish), but in practice, Greek is spoken in the South while Turkish is spoken in the North. However, most people also speak English (especially in touristy areas).

Interestingly, I remember Paphos having a lot of Russian and even a few Israeli tourists when I visited back in 2019, an interesting contrast compared to places like Tenerife and Benidorm where you only really see British and Irish tourists.

Interesting things about Cyprus

• Ayia Napa is arguably the most well-known/touristy place in Cyprus - it has a lot of night clubs and it wouldn't surprise me if I was the only Brit in Cyprus who hasn't been there
• Just a stone's throw away from Ayia Napa is Famagusta/Varosha (Gazimagusa in Turkish). Which was one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus, but has become a ghost town since coming under TRNC occupation in 1974. Despite its status, tourists still visit the area.
• Just outside Nicosia (Cyprus' capital) is the abandoned Nicosia Airport. Today, it is located in the UN buffer zone.
• The Tombs of The Kings is an ancient UNESCO world heritage site in Paphos. It's not super busy and it's only 2.50 EUR to enter.
• Mount Olympus is the tallest mountain in Cyprus with a height of 1,952 metres (6404 feet). Despite Cyprus' Mediterranean climate, a lot of people ski here in the winter. The tallest mountain in Greece is also named Mount Olympus.
• There is a lot to do in Cyprus.

Verdict

You should visit Cyprus. Thanks for reading!