An island cornered in the northeast Mediterranean Sea. Geographically it is in Asia but culturally it reflects upon Europe. A hint of freshness pervades the air through out. An intense proximity with nature, Cyprus, fortunately, has escaped the ills of globalization. A scenic abundance, every sight makes for a prized click. Rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and afforested mountains make a spectacular landscape. Cyprus capital, Nicosia (Lefkosia), heart of the Messaoria plains is punctuated with quaint and antique shops. A hint of booze pervades the air, here, particularly in September when there is a wine festival. The skiing experience of Kakopetria and Platres, in winter makes tourists wait for the season.
Full country name: Republic of Cyprus
Area: 9,250 sq km
Currency: Greek Cypriot area: Cypriot pound (CYP); Turkish Cypriot area: Turkish lira (TRL)
Time Zone: GMT/UTC GMT +2
Language: Greek, Turkish, English
When to Go
Climatically, the most pleasant time to be in Cyprus is April/May and September/October.
Arts and Events
Easter (March/April); Cyprus Independence Day (1 October); Proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (15 November), The North observes Muslim festivals Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr.
Major Attractions
Spiritually healing architecturally Gothic with a French glimpse and historically speaking. This is St. Sophia cathedral. Kids World is amusing and a fun-feast. It has something for adults as well; the soothing sceneries and the nostalgia while watching the children enjoy themselves. For the studious ones, Cyprus has Achillios Municipal Library, tuning the moods is its conventional architecture. A comprehensive stock of books on various streams and a range of periodicals besides Educational Toys and Audiovisual Aids forget the tourists feel of time and place. The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia mirrors the capital’s evolution since the Chalcolithic period (3000B.C.). The exhibits are so chronologically arranged that it narrate a silent story.
The Monastery of St. Barnabas is an ancient memorial built in the setting times of the fifth century to commemorate the discovery of the saint’s body and his service to the Christianity. The marble columns bearing the domes make it artistically appreciable. An eye at Othello’s tower fascinates you and prompts a feeling of proximity with the place’s history. At last, you feel having covered the whole Cyprus when your eyes try their paths beyond the Kyrenia Gate, one of the city’s three entrances built by Venetians. It has endured endless modifications and is today identified by a panel reading the date of its building and a stone tablet inscribed with Koran verses.
Getting There and Away
Cyprus has airports at Larnaka and Pafos, receiving flights from most of Europe and the Middle East. Ercan, at north Cyprus, also has an international airport, but only Turkish airlines fly there.
There are ferries to and from Greece (Athens mainly, sometimes Rhodes, Patmos or Crete as well) and Israel.
Getting Around
Bus services are cheap, frequent and efficient means to get around. However, it is unavailable on Sunday. If you wish to travel on a Sunday, you will have to get a taxi or hire a car.
