Discover Cyprus
There is a great deal packed into a small space on the island of Cyprus in
the eastern Mediterranean. Not only does it abound with good beaches and
holiday resorts, but its relatively tiny landmass is riddled with the relics
of ancient history, from the beehive huts of primitive man to classical
Greek and Roman ruins, and everything imaginable in-between.
A thousand years is but a blip in time in the long history of Cyprus, but
it was that long ago that the city of Nicosia (also known as Lefkosia)
became its capital. Today Nicosia is unique in Europe because it is divided
by the 'green line' that bisects the whole island, dividing north from
south. The line, which serves as a United Nations peacekeeping buffer, was
drawn in 1974, when the Turks invaded and took over the north. Most of the
tourism development since then has taken place in the southern
Government-controlled sector, and the political divide, even in Nicosia
itself, has not dampened the island’s appeal as a holiday mecca.
Cyprus is an island of beauty and a country of contrasts. Cool, pine-clad
mountain are a complete scene-change after golden sun-kissed beaches;
tranquil, timeless villages are in striking contrast to modern cosmopolitan
towns; luxurious beachside hotels can be exchanged for large areas of
natural unsploit countryside; yet in cyprus all distances are easily
manageable, mostly on modern roads and highways - with a secondary route or
two for the more adventurous. Most important of all, the island offers peace
of mind. At a time when holidays are clouded by safety consciousness, a
feeling of security prevails everywhere since the crime level is so low as
to be practically non-existent
The charms of Cyprus are many and varied. For a start the weather is sunny
and dry for most of the year, and the encircling sea is blue, clear and
enticing. There are modern luxury hotels in the coastal resort towns,
historic restored city precincts to explore, tavernas and nightlife aplenty.
Cyprus has remote picturesque mountain villages and monasteries, beautiful
churches, Crusader castles and fascinating museums. The local people are
extremely welcoming of tourists, happy to share with them their innate love
of life and camaraderie. In Cyprus it is possible to mingle with crowds, or
seek isolation off the beaten track as the mood takes, even in peak holiday
season. For this reason the island is also a favoured destination for
honeymooners, a reputation enhanced by the fact that legend has it that
Cyprus was where Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea.
Getting There
By Air
Over 38 airlines, including Cyprus Airways (CY), the national airline of
Cyprus, operate scheduled flights within, to and from Cyprus. International
Airport : Larnaca (LCA) is 5km (3 miles) south of the city. Buses to the
city centre depart every hour (travel time 15 minutes). Taxis are
also available (journey time 15 minutes). Airport facilities include
outgoing duty-free shop, tourist information, car hire, bank/bureau de
change (available 24 hours), bars and restaurants (open 24 hours), Cyprus
Hotel Information and Reservation Office, car hire and post office
(0730-1430).
By Sea
Passenger ships from the ports of Limassol and Larnaca connect Cyprus with
various Greek and Middle Eastern ports, including Piraeus, Rhodes,
Heraklion, Haifa, Port Said, Jounieh and many Greek islands. Services are
reduced during the winter months. For detailed information on ferry boats
and shipping lines contact the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
