Cyprus

Information and Tourism

The Republic of Cyprus is a large island country in Euroasia and is to be found within the eastern Mediterranean region. Cyprus is a European country and lies directly to the south of Turkey, with Levant being to the east, Greece to the west and Egypt to the south.

Cyprus is actually the third-biggest of all the islands within the Mediterranean Sea, after only Sardinia and Sicily, and is particularly close to the Middle East. The island is roughly divided into a number of prominent districts, including Famagusta, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos. All of these destinations have become popular spots for Cyprus holidays, although it is those closest to the beaches that remain the biggest tourist magnets, with the most popular choices being Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos, while the quieter waterfront villages of Kouklia and Pissouri offer a very pleasant alternative.


For many, Cyprus is the birthplace of famous Greeks gods, such as Adonis and Aphrodite, and offers a number of spectacular archaeological remains, some of which date back more than 10,000 years. Early-Neolithic sites are located within Kastros, Khirokitia and Shillourokambos. Also of note is the Temple to Apollon Ilatis, which is close to Limassol, and the ancient city of Salamis, situated on the eastern shore of Cyprus and to the north of Famagusta.

Nicosia serves as the capital of Cyprus and enjoys a fairly central location on the island, where it is also the largest city, by far. Larnaca is another prominent city and the oldest on the island, with many beachfront hotels and attractions, while both Limassol and Paphos are also significant tourist destinations, offering plenty in the way of water sports, dining and shopping. However, for Cyprus holidays and nightlife, the party town of Ayia Napa is almost legendary, as are its Mediterranean beaches.

Since this a large and sprawling island, many holidaymakers favour car hire in Cyprus over public transport, as it allows them to easily hop between the many coastal resorts and beaches at their own pace. Most rental cars come with air conditioning as standard, which is something of a necessity during the hot Cypriot summer months.

	WORLD GUIDES TO CYPRUS
	World Guide to Ayia Napa, Cyprus Following many years as a simple Cypriot fishing village, Ayia Napa has grown to become a major tourist resort. Holidaymakers flock to Ayia Napa each year for its Mediterranean beaches and exciting nightspots.
	World Guide to Famagusta, Cyprus A sizeable walled city with a troubled history, Famagusta (Gazimagusa) offers something quite different in Cyprus. Once a thriving resort, Famagusta still has an undeniable tourist appeal, particularly within its Old Town.
	World Guide to Kyrenia, Cyprus With a curving harbourfront and a series of beautiful sandy beaches, the resort of Kyrenia resides on the coastline of northern Cyprus. Waterfront bars, cruises, diving and water sports are complemented by a rich heritage.
	World Guide to Larnaca, Cyprus Tourism has long been a friend of Larnaca, due to its stunning Mediterranean beaches and undeniable holiday vibe. The historic streets of the Turkish Quarter offer something quite different to the wealth of nightspots.
	World Guide to Limassol, Cyprus If you are a history buff in Cyprus and looking for ancient archaeological ruins, then the Limassol area is the place to come. However, many tourists simply holiday in Limassol to soak up the sun on its Mediterranean beachfront.
	World Guide to Nicosia, Cyprus Both the island capital and the largest city, Nicosia lies slightly to the north of central Cyprus and is divided into separate North and South regions. Nicosia has steadily grown and now encompasses many of the surrounding villages.
	World Guide to Paphos, Cyprus South-western Cyprus is where you will discover the leading Mediterranean resort of Paphos. Ktima (Upper Pafos) functions as the colonial centre, while nightclubs are in good supply within the Kato Pafos (Lower Pafos) area.

Cyprus Information and Fast Facts

• Country: the Republic of Cyprus / Kibris Cumhuriyeti (Europe / Eastern Mediterranean)
• Population: approximately 800,000
• Capital city: Nicosia (population 50,000)
• Language: Greek and Turkish
• Area: 3,570 square miles / 9,250 square kilometres
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: EET (UTC + 2 / summer UTC + 3)
• Country dialling code: +357
• Religion: Greek Orthodox Church and Muslim

Map of Cyprus