Island of Two Lands: Traveling To Cyprus
Cyprus is a divided island nation in the Mediterranean, the alleged birthplace of Aphrodite, a favorite retreat of Europeans, and an exotic destination for vacationers of all ages. In this guide are online resources to help you plan a vacation to Cyprus and learn more about the culture and sights this picturesque island has to offer.
Cyprus is blessed with year-round sunshine, dozens of beaches, a mountain range with ski areas, and some of the oldest collections of art, architecture, and ruins in the world. In this section are sites that showcase the wealth of culture and vacation ideas available on the island.
- The island is a family-oriented, sociable, outdoor-loving culture with a generally friendly attitude toward tourists and a high regard for European culture. A unique blend of cafés, bars, meze (Greek and Turkish tapas) restaurants, and nightclubs comprises the typical Cypriot's social life, making the island an excellent place to mingle and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Because Cyprus is warm year-round, with temperatures peaking around 104 degrees F in July and August, and at a low in the high 40s in February, you can take advantage of travel deals in the off-season: March, April, September, and October are great times to go. Often in the winter months you'll find snow in the Troodos Mountains and sun on the beaches of Paphos in the south, Famagusta in the north, or the popular clubber's destination of Agia Napa to the east.
- To escape the July and August heat, retreat to the Troodos Mountains, where temperatures fall to the 60s and 70s and many hotels have heated pools.
- Cyprus has 400 miles of coastline and is an ideal location for water sports, including surfing, diving, and windsurfing, and is also known for mountain biking tours, jeep safaris, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
- Learn more about the water sport opportunities from AngloInfo, which gives a basic rundown of where these sports are practiced, Cyprus' rules, and organizations to contact.
For a geographical introduction ...
Hotel Travel
is a travel resource with an interactive map of Cyprus that provides profiles of the major tourist areas on the island. Consult this map for ideas of where to travel and a quick background on what makes areas unique.
For an historical background ...
CypNet
is a simple site dedicated to teaching readers about Cyprus. A clear timeline explains the island's history, and the links to the left navigate you through topics such as "People & Life," "Arts and Culture," and "News." Explore the site to get quick facts on the island.
Turkish Cyprus
is a portal to the north of the island, and its introduction page will inform you of what makes this part of the island special. Learn about the political structure, flora and fauna, public holidays, economy, religion, and more. Check out the site's "
Travel Tips" section for advice on traveling to the north.
For an online travel guide ...
Travel Mail
is a site of destination guides brought to you by the United Kingdom's Daily Mail. You'll find a simple guide to Cyprus with practical information and a summary of interesting places to shop, eat, and tour.
For other travelers' opinions ...
TravelPod
is a travel blog network featuring photo galleries and written entries by vacationers around the world. On the Cyprus results page linked above, read entries and browse the photo collections of travelers to Cyprus to get a taste of the experience.
Real Travel
is more of an advice-based travel blog site dependent on user input. The format is similar to TravelPod, though the design and navigation is easier. Browse the Cyprus page to read recent anecdotes and browse travelers' photos.
For multimedia ...
The Cyprus Directory
hosts a high-quality slideshow of over 60 photos of Cyprus that will entice you to the island's beauty. Browse images of the Troodos Mountains, home to a dormant volcano, the Aphrodite Baths and Temple, the resort of Coral Bay in Paphos, and more.
Searchforvideo
has a few inspiring videos of North Cyprus. Type in "North Cyprus" to the search engine, and click on "Spring in Mediteranean." This promotional video for the Turkish Republic of Cyprus showcases the crystal clear waters, spectacular ruins, and art available to see on this unspoiled side of the island. Hilltop mosques, untouched beaches, and Byzantine relics are some of the features the north is known for.
In this section are insights and resources to prepare you for a trip to Cyprus, including ... read more »
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To smooth your journey to Cyprus, consult the sites and insight below. Airlines and cruise ... read more »
Accommodation options in Cyprus are many and varied. If you plan to travel on a shoestring, you'll ... read more »
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