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.
Expand All Guide SectionsCyprus Travel Basics
Cyprus is blessed with year-round sunshine, dozens of beaches, a mountain range with ski areas, and ... read more »
Cyprus Travel Requirements
In this section are insights and resources to prepare you for a trip to Cyprus, including logistical information on what to pack, immigration details, and information on the island's political situation, an important part of the island's culture.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The island is divided between the nations of Greece and Turkey following a long history of Roman and Ottoman occupation, British administration, Greek sovereignty, and most recently, an invasion by Turkey in 1973.
- While the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus is not a recognized nation, the current situation on the island is peaceful, with mutual border crossing permitted.
- The southern Greek half of the island, the Republic of Cyprus, is a recognized nation and member of the European Union, which in recent years has brought much economic prosperity to the south of the island. But the country has thrived off its tourism industry for decades, and the unspoiled north of the island is now also seeing the fruits of this.
- You will not come across many people in Cyprus who are not well versed, if not fluent, in English. But basic Greek and Turkish are handy to know, especially if you are staying in a more remote location. A portable phrase book will get you started.
- The Turkish Republic uses the Turkish lira as currency, and the Republic uses the Cyprus pound. The Euro will be replacing the Cyprus pound on the south side of the island at the end of 2007. In the meantime check OANDA for the current exchange rate.
- Use journalism to get familiar with social goings-on and cultural perspectives on the island. Two of Cyprus's major newspapers are listed in the following section.
Dulcinea's Picks
For essential information ...
Cyprus Hotel Link
provides a country guide to the island, outlining some basic information for travelers, such as customs, embassy locations, weather and climate, electrical information, and even basic Greek expressions useful on the south of the island.
For resources on local events and attractions ...
What's on When
is one of the best sites on the Web for event listings, simply because it includes dozens of countries and cities. Visit the Cyprus section for articles and listings on interesting activities year-round, including village festivals, the nightclub season, museums, fairs, and churches.
CyprusTourism
has gathered a collection of images and information on dozens of tourist spots on Cyprus, including castles, Byzantine ruins, beaches, churches, and temples. Consult this list for ideas of places to visit while in Cyprus.
The Cyprus Weekly
is the main English-language newspaper of Greek Cyprus, and its "Coming Events" section features listings of upcoming films, concerts, exhibits, and more. Explore the rest of the newspaper for a taste of Greek Cypriot culture, news, and opinion.
The Cyprus Observer
is one of the chief English-language newspapers in the north of Cyprus. Check out its "Culture & Art" section for the latest articles and listings on goings-on in the north, such as film festivals and art exhibits.
Cyprus Forums
, an offshoot of Cyprus Net, is a widely used online message board covering topics that interest Cyprus residents as well as visitors and prospective tourists. Chat with natives of the country, find out what events are happening on the island, get tips on travel, and check out the classifieds section.
For travel books on Cyprus ...
"Top 10 Cyprus: Eyewitness Travel Guides"
, according to one Amazon.com reviewer, is "packed with a wide range of info, from water sports, eating and family fun to the best of art, history and beauty," with unique suggestions that some guide books might not cover. But another reader advises supplementing it with a larger book from a series like Globe Trotter or the Rough Guide to Cyprus.
"Bitter Lemons of Cyprus"
, by Lawrence Durrell, is a memoir about Durrell's stay on what is now the Turkish Republic during the years 1953-56, some 20 years before the Turkish invasion. This book provides some moving insight into the beauty and tranquility of this half of the island, so long off-limits and overlooked.
For dining options ...
Cyprus Eat Out
is a great database of restaurants in Cyprus, though it only covers the Greek half of the island. Search by type of cuisine, see pictures, read reviews, and get contact information.
Cyprus Restaurants
is another part of the Cyprus Net collection of sites. You'll find contact information for many types of restaurants around the island, including familiar American chains, local taverns, foreign cuisine, and more.
Cyprus Vacation Packages
To simplify your planning, you might consider booking a vacation package, including your desired ... read more »
Getting to Cyprus
To smooth your journey to Cyprus, consult the sites and insight below. Airlines and cruise ... read more »
Cyprus Hotels
Accommodation options in Cyprus are many and varied. If you plan to travel on a shoestring, you'll ... read more »
Getting Around in Cyprus
Getting acclimated to a foreign country and finding your way from place to place can be a tough ... read more »
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
