Where to go and what to visit in Cyprus

Cyprus is a quaint little island of the sort that has created a unique identity for itself by crafting together elements from various cultures. Throughout history, it has been under Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Turkish and British rule, and in combination with the original culture of the native population, all these influences produced something pretty much spectacular, contradictory and stereotypical at the same time. Whether you’re going to Cyprus for the nightlife, the beaches or the historical heritage, you will definitely have a trip that you won’t forget soon.

When it comes to Cyprus, depending on what they’re interested in, people either talk about a so-called island of Aphrodite, an island of sin or the country whose one half is in the EU and the other is not. Granted, Cyprus can seem a bit unusual when you visit it for the first time. You can expect to hear Greek, Turkish, English, French or German spoken in the street, and sometimes in the same sentence.

Visit some of the more popular tourist spots and you’ll feel like you’re somewhere at a beach resort in Western Europe. But take a trip to the country side and you’ll discover medieval castles, fetching little villages, ruins, orange groves and fields of wildflowers.

The cities of Cyprus have a rich history, and they are not afraid to flaunt it. Parts of Nicosia, the capital, are surrounded by beautifully preserved Venetian walls, let over from the times of the 16the century Venetian occupation. Perhaps because Nicosia is the last divided capital of the world (a so called Green Line separates the parts belonging to the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus respectively), and because there aren’t as many archaeological sites and beaches as in other locations, the city is not exactly crowded with tourists.

And that’s the reason why it might just be more genuinely Cypriot than the other, more resort-y cities. But the Old City, with its narrow streets, museums, cafes, taverns and historical buildings.

The coasts of Cyprus are really quite beautiful, and some parts of them are unspoiled, so you can explore them without seeing anyone around. Local authorities and various organizations focus a great deal on the preservation of the island’s natural sites and rare indigenous species of plants and animals, so tourists are advised to be careful, for the sake of the environment, as well as their own safety (you never know what’s living under a rock, or a piece of wood).

If you’re set on exploring, use common sense and don’t get caught in the wilderness without enough water – the sun in Cyprus can get really scorching!

The small villages and coastal communities of Cyprus are possibly the best asset of this island. Many of them are made up mostly of traditional buildings, and are surrounded by pleasant countryside. You can get accommodation at small hotels or even privately rented houses, and go down to the village taverna for a delicious traditional meal, nibble some meze (similar to the Spanish tapas) and some excellent Cypriot wine (don’t leave without trying the Commandaria). Villages of interest: Argaka, Mazotos, Kinousa, Kouklia, Lofou.

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