Cyprus is an island country located on the island with the same name in the eastern Mediterranean. The area of island is 9251 square kilometers.
In 1974 Turkey invaded the northern part of Cyprus and since that time the island is divided into the Turkish-Cypriot (TRNC) and Greek-Cypriot part of the (the Republic of Cyprus). Nicosia city (the Cyprus capital) is also divided into two parts.
The main religions in the country is Orthodox Christianity and Islam.
Official languages are Greek and Turkish. English, French, German and Russian are widely used also.
How to get? There are about thirty direct flights linking Cyprus with most European countries and the Middle East. International airports are located in Larnaca and Paphos. Limassol and Larnaca are seaports. Bus transport connects between the main cities of Cyprus. There are many companies that rent cars at a price of 30 euros per day. Traffic on the streets of Cyprus is left-hand.
This brief bit of information will help you to understand what you will be dealing with when taken to Cyprus.
And now the top 5 places to visit on this island paradise.
Lara Beach
The beach at Lara Bay, on Cyprus’s north-west coast, is known as Lara Beach and is a near-deserted sandy strip that is home to loggerhead and green turtles.
This place is one of the most famous and most secluded beaches in Cyprus. This beach is half wild and very special. That is where the giant sail Mediterranean turtles lay eggs and continue their family. It is not allowed to use the beach umbrellas because of eggs laying. Here and there where the sand is fenced and place marked: “Do not bother. Turtle’s eggs are laying here. ”
Famagusta
There is the largest port city of Northern Cyprus in eastern Turkish part of the island – this is Famagusta. This city is famous for its historical heritage. It is rich in ancient ruins and ancient legends breathing.
Famagusta is surrounded by Venetian walls and inside walls you can see many medieval buildings and buildings of the Renaissance. The city is connected with the history of Richard the Lion Heart and numerous crusades to the Holy Land. Also one of the most interesting sights of the old fortified city is Othello Tower.
Along with the tourists, the 40,000-strong population enjoyed a life rich in culture, with art, music and theatre that was the best on the island. With the deepest port in Cyprus, Famagusta handled more than 80 per cent of the island’s cargo, much of which comprised a vast tonnage of citrus fruit picked from the local orchards.
The modern district, where the luxury hotels and apartments were situated, was inhabited mostly by Greek Cypriots, while the walled city that contained the historical treasures of Famagusta – including numerous Byzantine churches and a spectacular 14th-century cathedral from the Frankish period – was lived in by Turkish Cypriots.
But 40 years ago this month, Famagusta’s reign as a paradise for islanders and tourists came to an abrupt and untimely end.
Kyrenia
Kyrenia is picturesque seaside town which was a major resort in Northern Cyprus (the Turkish half of it) after division of the island in 1974. For many people it is known by its Turkish name – Kyrenia (Girne)
Kyrenia harbor has the shape of a horseshoe and it is one of the most beautiful to be found in North Cyprus and around the Mediterranean. The water in the harbor has a special blue color, there like swim turtle.There are many yachts, boats and even majestic ship caravel. The city has a rich history and ancient streets near the harbor will tell you a lot of interesting things.
Cape Greco
This cape is the eastern point of the Greek part of the island is located between the cities of Ayia Napa and Protaras – two popular resorts. Cape Greco was designated as a National Forest Park in 1993. It is a relatively unspoilt area with great natural beauty which changes and offerssomething different each season.
This place is called the Blue Lagoon and it is perfect for walking and very interesting for diving in blue water.
Nicosia
This city is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus and an interesting fact – it is the last divided capital in the world! In the middle of the city is the border that separates the Turkish part of the city from the Greek one.
It was very difficult to get from one part to another until recently, but now it is easier: you need only fill out a form with 3 points and show your passport. These are two different currencies, two different languages, religions, nationalities.
Visit this place you will be surprise with a lot of things not once.
Have a good Cyprus trip!