Menu
About Cyprus
Situated at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region, with an area of 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles). Population in the Republic of Cyprus: 918.000 (October 2021). Greek Cypriots (690.900), foreign residents (193.300), Turkish Cypriots (1,128 in 2011).
Situated at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region, with an area of 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles). Population in the Republic of Cyprus: 918.000 (October 2021). Greek Cypriots (690.900), foreign residents (193.300), Turkish Cypriots (1,128 in 2011).
Flying to Cyprus
There are two airports which are controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, the Larnaka and the Pafos international airports (airports website). There is a variety of airlines either with direct or indirect routes to Cyprus. Being an EU member means that Cyprus allows EU citizens to travel using either their passport or their national ID card. Schengen visa holders are allowed to enter Cyprus. For a list of countries whose citizens do not need a visa, click here.
Transportation to and from the airport
In order to get to Nicosia from the Larnaka or Pafos airport (and vice versa) you have two options: either a bus or a taxi. Bus is the cheapest option. If you prefer the bus, please visit these websites for the schedule and fares: Kapnos Airport Shuttle and Intercity buses. Alternatively, you can get a taxi. The taxi fares you should expect from each airport are listed on the Hermes Airports website.
Climate
Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid–May to mid–October, and mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. June is a great month to visit the country! Midday temperature climbs up to 28°C on the west coast, 30°C-31°C on the eastern-south coast and might soar towards 34°C inland. On the mountains it is pleasantly cooler with average maximum temperature of 25°C. The evenings in June, especially in the beginning of the month could still be a little chilly with temperatures reaching 18°C on the west coast, 20°C on the eastern-south coast and 19°C inland. For weather forecast, click here.
Currency
On January 01, 2008, the Republic of Cyprus introduced the Euro (€) as its official currency. Hotels, large shops and restaurants accept credit cards, travellers' cheques, eurocheques and banknotes of major foreign currencies. All banks offer foreign currency exchange services and are open for the public: Monday-Friday 08:00 – 13:30. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at hotels, while you can find Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) outside most branches of banks and in the main tourist resorts.
Languages
The official languages of the island are Greek and Turkish, whilst English is widely spoken. French, German and Russian are also spoken within the tourism industry.
Religion
Cyprus enjoys an exceedingly high level of freedom of worship. While the majority of Greek-Cypriots are Greek Orthodox Christians, other denominations are represented on the island, including Armenians, Maronites and Roman Catholics. The Turkish-Cypriot community is predominantly Muslim.
About Nicosia
Nicosia is the largest city in Cyprus with a population of approximately 250.000. Nicosia is a city that will reward visitors in search of ‘something different’. As a result of the various architectural influences that are visible throughout the city, one cannot help but be charmed by the manner in which past and present, traditional and contemporary have seamlessly fused together. The modern city centre will capture your imagination from the start, with its melting pot of influences that give the city a unique image. The city’s landmarks, museums, theatres, musical events and galleries both inspire and fascinate. The streets of Makariou, Ledras, Onasagorou, Stassikratous and Mnasiadou offer shopping options that are comparable to many European countries. Nicosia also offers Cypriot and international culinary temptations in the many luxury restaurants that line its streets.
Cyprus’ diminutive size is greatly disproportionate to the wealth of treasures that you will discover during your visit to its capital. Dating back to the Bronze Age, Nicosia is perhaps the only area of Cyprus that has been continuously inhabited since the Chalcolithic Era (3000 B.C until present day), with its first inhabitants settling in the fertile Mesaoria Valley. Nicosia’s illustrious history and geographical uniqueness have made it a crossroads for some of history’s most important civilizations. Imprints left by greats such as the Ptolemies, Romans and the Byzantines, the Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and finally the British may be encountered in one’s travails through the Old Town area of Nicosia.
Do not forget to take a walk through Laiki Geitonia, where you have the opportunity to see some remarkable examples of traditional urban architecture as well as other small art workshops. In the same area, one will also encounter the Leventio Museum with its collections of architectural findings, medieval armours and other documentation of Nicosia’s evolution. Seek out Trypiotis Church that dates back to 1695, Phaneromeni Church and the Cross of Missirikos, an old Byzantine church with gothic Italian elements that was converted into Araplar Mosque in 1571. Also noteworthy is the Armenian Church and Monastery (Notre Dame de Tyre) that was originally a nunnery during the 13th century. While you are in Laiki Geitonia, stop by the Nicosia Local Market which is located next to the Arts Centre and the old inns.
Information from https://www.visitcyprus.com
Information about Nicosia and photo from https://www.visitnicosia.com.cy