Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Akrotiri Peninsula
Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area
Cyprus' past is full of stories of colonisers, raiders and armies generally coveting the
small island's strategic position. So when Cyprus finally and belatedly received its inde-
pendence from colonial administration in 1960, Britain negotiated terms that saw the
newly formed Republic of Cyprus ceding 158 sq km (99 sq miles) of its territory to its
former colonial master. This territory, now known as the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs), is
used for military purposes by the British.
The only indication that you are on 'foreign soil' is the odd sight of British SBA police,
who patrol the territory in special police vehicles. To the immediate west of the peninsula,
along the old Lemesos-Pafos road (beyond Episkopi), you'll come across green playing
fields, cricket pitches and housing estates more reminiscent of Leicester than Lemesos.
The most southerly portion of the peninsula is out of bounds since it's a closed
military
base
, complete with its own large airfield. The village of
Akrotiri
itself is the only true
settlement within the SBA (borders were set in order to exclude most settlements). British
military personnel often eat here at the several tavernas; they may be seen on their days
off riding flashy mountain bikes and tackling the dirt tracks surrounding the large salt lake
in the middle of the peninsula.
They also have easy access to one of the region's best restaurants:
Il Gusto
(
%
2529 2638;
Akrotiri Vasilissis Elisavel 11; mains €10-15;
h
11.30am-11pm)
, definitely something to write home
about, with superb cuisine that's an innovative twist on classic Italian cooking. Reserva-
tions are essential. Easy to find, it is situated among the strip of restaurants on the main
street here, wedged in between Chinese, Indian and fish-and-chips restaurants, but vastly
superior to them all.
Akrotiri's salt lake is an important habitat for migratory birds including flamingos,
cranes and ibis. Just south of Akrotiri village you can stop in at the
Akrotiri Environ-
ment Centre
(
%
2582 6562;
http://english.akrotirienvironment.com
; Akrotiri Village;
h
8am-3pm Mon-Sat )
,
which has exhibits on the area's flora and fauna, a wildlife observation kiosk and a short
cultural trail.
The area is also known for its
Fasouri plantations
, a swathe of citrus groves across the
north of the peninsula, interwoven with long, straight stretches of road overhung by tall
cypress trees. They create wonderfully cool and refreshing corridors after the aridity of
the southern peninsula.
Holy Monastery of St Nicholas of the Cats
