Cyprus Travel Guide

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily and Sardinia), and lies at its north-eastern end, closer to the Middle East and North Africa than it is to Europe. If you could sneak your way past the Green Line, Cyprus would be two countries for the price of one. Unfortunately, this really is a country divided - since 1974, visitors have had to choose between the Turkish experience of the north and the Greek experience of the south. 

Politics aside, the landmass of Cyprus is home to great beaches and popular holiday resorts. It is also full of relics and ruins of ancient history, from the beehive style huts of primitive man to some classical Greek and Roman ruins.

The country capital, Nicosia, is the dividing point of the north from the south (and vice versa). The line, enforced by the United Nations is a peacekeeping buffer. Despite the obvious tourist problems associated with this location, Nicosia itself, has not dampened the appeal of Cyprus as a holiday mecca.

Cyprus has wide appeal as a holiday destination. The weather is sunny and dry for the majority of the year and the beaches washed by the turquoise waters befit the modern luxury hotels in the coastal resort towns. There are also historic restored city precincts, tavernas and the nightlife (depending on where you stay) can be amongst the liveliest in all of Europe. Cyprus also holds an appeal due to its remote picturesque monasteries and mountain villages, quaint churches, Crusader castles and intriguing museums. All of this added to the legend of Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love who rose from the sea here) means that Cyprus is also a popular honeymoon destination.