Cyprus

Cyprus is an island situated in the Mediterranean sea, about 110km from the south coast of Turkey and 120km west of Syria. Geographically it belongs to Asia, but culturally to Europe.


On the border
Cyprus is part of the European Union, so EU citizens only require their passport.


Climate
The climate in Cyprus is Mediterranean with some continental influences. The sea around Cyprus is the warmest in the Mediterranean. In March the average water temperature is about 17 ° C, rising to 28 ° C in August.

Between December and April it often rains. For the rest of the year it is generally hot and dry, especially in the interior of the country. In the summer the maximum air temperature is
around 37 ° C , only 2 degrees less than Dubai and 8 degrees more than Majorca. At night the temperature cools slightly.

Currency
Euro

Language
Greek, Turkish

Cyprus is dived into 2 main areas. In the south by Greeks and by the Turks in the Turkish republic in the North. In 1960 Cyprus gained independence from Great Britain. However there is still a large British community living there on British and international military bases.

Conflicts have erupted between the two parts of the island ever since.
An attempted military coup in the south in 1974 resulted in Cyprus becoming part of Greece. In the same year there was an invasion in the north part of the Island that resulted in a breakaway state. It declared independence in 1983.

The issue should be added that, although from a historical perspective, Cyprus was mainly inhabited by Greeks; the Turks are beginning to settle there in the 16th century. It is therefore not a modern immigration wave, as is common in other parts of the world.
The border is marked by barbed wire in urban areas. Transition between areas is possible but care must be taken. For example in the border zone it is illegal to photograph or record.
 

Ethnic Structure
Turks - 23%, Greeks - 74%


Religion
Orthodox Christianity (77%) Islam (22%)

Airport/Car rental
 
The island can be reached by plane or by boat. The main international airports in the south are Larnaca and Paphos. If you want to fly to the North it is best to fly from Turkey.
Create is easily accessible by boat form Greece, its islands, Egypt, Israel and Lebanon.
Like in the UK, people drive on the left side of the road in Create. The network of global and local car rental companies in Cyprus is quite wide, so it is with the distribution of petrol. In remote areas petrol stations are closed on Sundays. You pay fees to drive on the highways.
You can drive right across the island in less than a day. In the elevated areas, expect windy roads, your speed will rarely exceed 50km/H.


Public Transport
This is the most convenient way to travel. Much faster and more reliable than renting a car. There is also a railway network on the island.

Things available to buy in Create are very similar to those in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. Wine, ceramics, cheese, olives, etc.

Music has strong roots in Cyprus. One of the most popular musical instruments, bouzouki, a tool very similar to a mandolin. The traditional style of music is Rebetika. In addition to this Cypriots love the sound of their own voices so you will often hear them singing.

Top tourist destinations

Nicosia - the capital of Cyprus, due to its location in the middle of the island is easily accessible. The city is divided into two parts. The city has unique architecture and preserved fortifications in the Turkish part. Gothic sanctuaries converted into mosques in the southern part and the cathedral. The city is also home to the national Architecture Museum.

Famagusta - is located in the northeast of the island, the setting of the Shakespeare tragedy Othello. Also enclosed by city walls. The most visited attraction is the Citadel.

Larnaca - the city's port and airport. Located near the UNESCO site, Kition Hirokitia
 

Larnaca Salt Lake – home to thousands of flamingos.

Limassol - the largest port on the island.
 

Lara Beach – about 25km on dirt roads from Paphos, you fill find this beach were turtles nest each year.