Cyprus: Overview
Mix Cyprus has two countries and two cultures sharing one land; a third of the island is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while the two southern remaining thirds are the Republic of Cyprus, a EU member. This attractive island is locates in the Mediterranean Sea, west of Syria, east of Greece and south of Turkey.
Climate
Cyprus, as every Mediterranean country, enjoys a great amount of sunny days throughout the year. This makes it one of the world’s best destinations. Summers are long and dry; heat can be suffocating for those far from the coasts. During winter temperatures are pleasant, although it can snow and rain in the Troodos Mountains area. The best times of the year to visit the island are April-May and September-October.
Important information
Being divided in two entry requirements to the island vary according to the visitor's origin and the destination area. Nationals from Australia, Canada, USA, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the EU are allowed to stay three months without a visa in the Republic of Cyprus. It is not possible to move freely between the Greek-Cypriot and the Turk-Cypriot territories, since you are not allowed to cross the green line with luggage. Anyone coming from the Greek area will be able to travel north and return in the same day. However, if you are entering by the Turkish area, you will not be able to go into the Greek one. Besides this, if a passport has been marked with a Turk-Cypriot stamp, the traveller holding it will not be able to visit the Republic of Cyprus or Greece.
Since January 1 2008 the official currency is the euro (EUR); traveller’s checks and foreign currencies can be converted in banks. The main credit cards are accepted in most shops and ATMs are plenty.
Tipping in restaurants or hotels is not obligatory since they add 10% for service to their bills, although some small change will always be welcomed. Taxi drivers and doormen expect to be tipped.
As for health, there are no vaccination requirements. It is important to keep in mind that some cases of bird flu have been reported north of the island, so it is recommended to those who visit the Turkish area to avoid any contact with birds and to consume hot and well cooked any dish containing poultry or eggs. Medical facilities and medical care are very good in Cyprus; although consultations are cheap, supplies are expensive. Hiring medical insurance for the trip is recommended. Citizens from the United Kingdom will receive free emergency care if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Safety level is also high; terrorist threats are very few and attacks to tourists are not frequent.
Finally, there are some rules and customs you must know. It is forbidden to take pictures of military buildings. Religious customs of the Turkish area, as Ramadan, must be respected and women should dressed modesty.
Where to go
Nicosia city, in the centre of the island, is the only capital of the world that still remains divided in two. In the Greek part you can visit Old Nicosia, surrounded by Venetian walls of the 16th century, municipal gardens and the urban centre. There are also interesting museums to visit as Municipal Museum Leventis, in the south, you can start your city tour by visiting the Byzantine Museum in the Archbishop Palace or the Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis. It is also a good choice to visit the basements of Saint John’s Cathedral’s museums, where you can see restored frescos of the 13th century. In the Turk-Cypriot area you can go to Atatürk square and then walk down the main street to Girne’s door. In the surroundings you can visit the Turkish Museum, a monastery of the 12th which holds a collection of derviches dancers' objects. You can also go to the Gothic Selimiye mosque that dates from the 12th century and to the famous Turkish baths of Büyük Haman.
Located in the western coast, the city of Pafos is one of the few ones whose original identity has not been changed by the tourist industry; in spite of the transformations made to the external part of the city, the interior still has its charms. Some of the places worthwhile visiting is Saranta Kolones fortress which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th century. 2 km north of the city you can go to the big you Knock down of Reyes, dug in the rock of the cliff. You can also see the 3rd century mosaics dedicated to Dionysus.
Famagusta was the richest city in the world and scenario of Otelo’s story. Nowadays is nothing else than a decrepit walled city surrounded by an entire area of modern constructions. After being razed by the Ottoman empire in the 16th century only few constructions were left, among them some churches that can be visited in the historic centre. You can go to the Gothic Saint Nicholas’ church (Lala Mustafá) and Otelo’s tower where, according to the legend, Desdemona was murdered.
In the northern coast is the picturesque and old Kyrenia, considered one of most pleasant tourist centres. Besides enjoying outdoor cafes and the mediterranean atmosphere, you can visit Kyrenia castle, built in Venetian style during the Roman times. In the castle you can also see a naval discoveries museum and a Byzantine chapel.
South of the country are the incredible Troodros Mountains, the perfect place for hikers; it is also a great destination for skiing and escaping the heat. There you can visit many 15th century monasteries, see lovely frescos and vineyards or walk along beautiful paths; the most famous one is Kikko monastery, built in the 12th century and then restored. The most beautiful monastery is Asinou; although it is worth a visit, you should take into account that a long walk toward the South from Nikitari will be the only way to get there. The main tourist centre is Platres ski resort. In the western part is Pedoulas, where you can visit Mihail Archangel Church. To the north you can visit beautiful villages and monasteries or enjoy cycling in Solea district.
Festivals
Cypriot festivities have two different origins, those of the north are Turkish, while southern ones are Greek. The most important northern celebrations are Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, and Id al-Fitr, the feast that marks the end of the fast. On November 15 the Proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is celebrated.
The main Greek party is Easter, more important than Christmas to the Orthodox Church. This party, celebrated on the last Sunday of Lent, is characterized by its fireworks, processions, parties and candles. On October 1 Cyprus Independence Day takes place.
