Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Welcome to Cyprus
Cyprus is far more than a lazy beach-time resort; the island is mul-
tilayered, like its history, with a compelling culture, lifestyle and land-
scape, overseen by warm, hospitable people.
Crossing the Line
Experiencing Cyprus' intrinsically different Greek and Turkish societies is increasingly
easy, with seven access points linking the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, includ-
ing two pedestrian crossings in Nicosia (Lefkosia). There is something evocatively appeal-
ing about dipping into two very different cultures so effortlessly. Even if you only have
time to visit the respective capitals, Nicosia or North Nicosia, be sure to cross the line, then
complete your experience by sampling the local cuisine, visiting the museums and shop-
ping for that one-off souvenir to impress the folks back home.
The Great Outdoors
The landscape and overall mild climate mean that outside is where it's at - and where you
should be. First, there are the beaches, from the wild and windswept to the family-friendly
and packed. Every conceivable water sport is also on offer, from scuba diving the watery
depths to skimming the surface on a kiteboard or windsurfer. And if you tire of all that
blue, just head to the interior where pine-clad mountains, sweeping valleys and densely
planted vineyards offer hiking, biking, wine tasting tours and, yes, even winter skiing.
A Sense of the Past
The story of Cyprus' tumultuous past is told through its historic sites, Roman ruins, multi-
faceted museums and dusty urban streets. This sense of living history is highlighted most
vividly in Pafos, with extraordinary archaeological sites like the Tombs of the Kings, which
sprawls like an ancient theme park next to a pack-in-the-punters tourist resort. Digging into
the island's past has unearthed fascinating relics, including neolithic dwellings, Bronze Age
and Phoenician tombs, and exquisite Roman mosaics, while, on the streets, keep your eyes
peeled for Venetian walls, Byzantine castles and churches, Roman monasteries and Islamic
mosques.
A Culinary Feast
