Introducing Cyprus
Floating on the waters of the European Mediterranean, but pointing longingly towards the shores of Syria, Turkey and Lebanon, Cyprus is an odd mixture. It is a kaleidoscopic blend: its cultural influences are dominated by Western Europe, but its geographic proximity to Asia and Africa gives it more than just a hint of the East. Long coveted by mainland Greece and Turkey, this small island has its own definite and beguiling character.
Advertisement
Whether you know it as the ‘island of sin’ (or ‘fun’) thanks to wild stories from Agia Napa; the country that entered the EU only as a half; or, as the tourist brochures love to point out, ‘the island of Aphrodite’, Cyprus both confirms and confounds the stereotype. Parts of Cyprus have been overrun by keen developers who (depending on who you’re talking to) have either ‘sold the country’s soul’ or ‘are bringing great wealth to the island’. Whatever the truth, in the tourist centres of places like Pafos, Agia Napa or Lemesos (Limasol), you might feel as if you’ve entered a sunny, scorching Essex suburb with lobster-red Brits letting it all hang loose with a lukewarm can of Foster’s in tow. But if curiosity draws you out of the cities, you’ll discover the small villages of the Akamas Peninsula and the heavenly golden beaches of the Karpas (Kırpaşa) Peninsula. Walk the gorgeous Troödos and Kyrenia (Girne) & the Northcoast and inhale the scent of the citrus groves of Morfou (Güzelyurt), or climb to the medieval castles with their shimmering island views. Wander through the sea of wildflowers covering the island in spring, and Cyprus will take your breath away. With good walking shoes, a swimsuit and some sunscreen in your bag, you can have a trip you’ll remember for years.
Last updated: Mar 11, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Ask Lonely Planet: where can I find an unusual cookery course?
4 July 2012
Travel and food are the happiest combination there is, and Lonely Planet Magazine‘s experts know exactly where to find the...
-
Mediterranean Europe: travel books to read before you go
20 June 2012
This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Mediterranean Europe guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the mood...
-
Europe’s six surprise islands
24 February 2011
Europe’s most popular holiday islands draw major tourist crowds to its well-known charms – everyone knows Ibiza as Party Central...
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Cyprus
Browse more cities in CyprusFeatured property
See all hotels and hostels in Cyprus
Advertisement
Cyprus
Things to do
- All things to do (341)
- Activities (26)
- Entertainment (58)
- Restaurants (101)
- Shopping (26)
- Sights (127)
- Tours (3)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Cyprus
-
1 Gothic Castles
Admire Cyprus from Buffavento and Kantara castles, the Gothic guards of the island
-
2 Karpas Peninsula
The island’s last wild paradise, perfect for lovers of nature and flawless beaches
-
3 Ancient Salamis
The astonishing archaeological site of one of Ancient Cyprus’ city kingdoms
-
4 Agia Napa & Around
Sea, sand and sun at Protaras and Pernera, drink, drink and dance at Agia Napa
-
5 Lefkosia/North Nicosia
A fascinating walled city, unspoilt by tourism, and the last divided capital in the world
Fast Facts about Cyprus
- Fast geographical fact
Cyprus is one of Europe’s most southerly ski resorts
- Fast geological fact
Cyprus is an ophiolite – it rose out of the sea (some 20 million years ago)
- Inflation
Republic of Cyprus 3.9%; Northern Cyprus 9.4%
- Population
792,604
- GDP per capita
Republic of Cyprus US$27,100; Northern Cyprus US$13,133
- Third most important industry
cement production and export (after tourism, and food and beverage production). Could this explain the detrimental building frenzy across the island?