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Mediterranean islands are generally related to seashore getaways, translucent, teal waters and breathtaking sunsets, and so they normally compete with one another for the title of main summer time vacation spot yearly. There’s simply too many to call, and we’re positive you’ve heard all about Ibiza, Santorini, Mallorca, Malta and the like…
But what concerning the Eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus? Cyprus is gaining reputation quick and vacationers could wish to get there quickly earlier than everybody else has the very same thought.
(*6*)Move over, Italy
We can already see our British and European readers rolling their eyes at this, with Cyprus having been a main vacay hotspot for years. We completely get it, it’s hardly Albania or a type of unheard-of, severely underrated international locations most individuals can’t even pinpoint on a map. It is, actually, one among Europe’s favourite summer time islands.
Unfortunately, from our aspect of the pond, Cyprus continues to be not almost as profitable as Greece or Spain: the U.S. didn’t rank anyplace within the high ten of vacationer arrivals into this nation back in 2019, with fewer Americans visiting than Romanians, Poles, Ukrainians – and even the blacklisted Russians.
After two years of Covid and strict border guidelines, which have solely just lately been dropped completely, we’ll take a wild guess right here and presume U.S. arrivals have dropped even decrease on the checklist. While this can be attributed to a scarcity of nonstop flights between the 2 international locations, this has by no means discouraged Americans from touring to faraway places earlier than.
Thailand has been a significant Asian vacation spot for years, and direct flights have solely returned just lately after 10 years of pause; to not point out the Pacific islands, the place connecting flights are the norm. No matter how far you go, you’ll find an American snoozing on the seashore, beer cup hanging from the basic neck strap, in locations as distant as Fiji.
So why have most Americans nonetheless not heard of Cyprus, one would possibly marvel? On this text, you’ll find out why, as a U.S. citizen, chances are you’ll be one of many few within the Western World nonetheless sleeping on this Mediterranean jewel – and naturally, why it ought to undoubtedly be as massive a summer time vacation spot as other Southern European countries:
Where is Cyprus to start with?
That’s a tough query, and there may be no easy reply. Let’s begin with a number of details: first, Cyprus is a Mediterranean island, and over the ten millennia it has been inhabited it has acquired a big inflow of immigration from neighboring kingdoms and Empires, similar to Greeks, Persians, Turks, Armenians and whatnot.
It is a member of the European Union, regardless that it’s positioned 226 miles from the closest Greek island. Regardless of the gap, Greece continues to be Cyprus’ nearest fellow EU member. Comparatively, Turkey’s southern coast is solely 50 miles away from the Northern Cypriot shore, and different nearer neighbors embody Lebanon, Syria and Israel.
While it’s indisputably culturally European, Cyprus could also be geographically positioned in both Europe or Western Asia, on account of its distant location within the East Mediterranean, solely a stone’s throw away from a number of Middle Eastern nations. But then once more, the road that divides the continents is blurry and has modified over time.
Today, regardless of surviving quite a few invasions and being topic to the rule of each single superpower you possibly can title, Cyprus has remained loyal to its Ancient Greek origins. The overwhelming majority of Cypriots communicate, and a few even establish purely as Greek, that means the island is Greek in (almost) all elements – regardless of being its personal nation.
Some takeaways from this:
- Cyprus is a Mediterranean island, and a rustic
- Although it’s technically in Western Asia, it’s a undoubtedly a European nation and an EU member*
- Its official foreign money is the Euro
- 1.2 million folks reside there
- The overwhelming majority of islanders communicate Greek, though some communicate Turkish (extra on that later)
*Think the Canary Islands, which can be an integral a part of Spain and have been for hundreds of years, however are geographically positioned in Africa
Ok, however what precisely are Americans lacking out on?
1. First of all, Cyprus is hotter than most of Europe all-year spherical
Cyprus is scorching. And we imply scorching scorching. In the phrases of the nation’s personal tourism board, it has an ‘intense’ Mediterranean local weather. The lengthy dry summer time extends from mid-May to mid-October, when temperatures can attain over 100 levels in lots of coastal cities. Luckily, the ocean isn’t too far-off for a refreshing dip.
Temperatures can simply attain triple digits as early as late April, although, and winters stay fairly gentle, to say the least: the coldest it normally will get on the coast is a mean 16 degrees. We’re in fact not making an allowance for the island’s towering mountains, the place snow falls profusely and snowboarding actions are extensively promoted over winter.
The level is: Cyprus is the final paradise island. For those that grew up dealing with the cruel Northeastern American winter, even January in Cyprus will really feel like a summer time break. It enjoys between 300 to 340 sunny days per yr, and the ocean stays significantly hotter than most different Mediterranean hubs, even within the off-season.
If you’d nonetheless reasonably expertise that basic Mediterranean summer time, be sure you deliver sufficient sunscreen to keep away from burns, restrict your time on the seashore, particularly throughout peak solar hours, and drink loads of water, possibly double the quantity you’d usually at house. Trust us, the Cypriot warmth is no joke.
2. 402 miles of shoreline with turquoise waters
Unlike most Southern European international locations which can be solely partially on the Mediterranean – Spain, France, Croatia, Turkey and others – Cyprus is absolutely surrounded by it. More exactly, it has 402 miles of both sandy seashores or scenic coastal rides the place the turquoise glow of the ocean dominates the panorama for miles on finish.
This means Cyprus is among the few European nations with simply sufficient seashores to counter overtourism. Don’t get us unsuitable, we’re undoubtedly not saying it doesn’t get crowded. Many of the preferred seashores within the nation like Ayia Napa and Protaras are completely packed in summer time, however in the event you’re on the lookout for quieter spots, it gained’t be too exhausting to seek out them.
With so many seashores and different bathing areas inland obtainable, together with calm water rivers and waterfalls, you can be stunned at what number of unblemished pure websites Cyprus nonetheless hides. Some of the most effective ones are located on the island’s Northern coast, and they don’t obtain half as many vacationers because the South.
We will clarify why that’s additional under, however most of the seaside cities and sandy seashores on Cyprus’ Karpas Peninsula, that one crooked finger stretching out on the map that offers the island its distinct geography, are nearly unspoiled by mass tourism. The identical can’t be stated about different Medi opponents like Italy.
Before merchandise No. 3, the shortest History lesson attainable
So why is the North not as common amongst vacationers? In sum, Cyprus has been a divided island from 1974 onward, when an try to unite the island with Greece was violently hampered by a Turkish invasion. Due to its proximity to Turkey – the Cypriot coast may be seen from the Turkish mainland with the bare eye – the North was seized by the latter’s troops.
Prior to that, each of Cyprus’ Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking populations lived considerably peacefully in combined communities. After the invasion, Turkish Cypriots had been compelled to maneuver to the North, and the Greeks dwelling within the North needed to flee South. Fast ahead a number of many years, and a second de facto nation now claims 36% of the island: the TRNC.
TRNC is an acronym for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a ‘country’ whose independence has solely been acknowledged by – tee-hee – Turkey! The total worldwide neighborhood, together with the United States, considers the North to be an integral a part of the Republic of Cyprus (the South) that has been below an unlawful occupation for the reason that division occurred.
For that purpose, Turkish-speaking Cyprus has not loved the identical financial growth the Greek aspect has, sustaining official diplomatic relations solely with Turkey and being below harsh financial sanctions. Even although guests are welcome, and the Northern Cypriot administration strongly encourages tourism, only a few truly enterprise far North.
Off path journey, anybody?
3. Here you’ll find the final divided capital on the planet
Curiously, the UN-established Buffer Zone separating the internationally acknowledged Republic of Cyprus from the self-proclaimed TRNC runs alongside the center of Nicosia, the island’s capital, dividing it between each states. Greek Cypriots declare the complete metropolis – on the identical time, Turkish Cypriots take into account Northern Nicosia their capital.
Due to this complicated state of affairs, checkpoints have been put in within the metropolis, together with on the primary road, successfully functioning like worldwide borders. Because of that, with a purpose to cross from the Greek half into the Turkish, you have to to current your passport, regardless that the Cypriot Government considers the TRNC part of Cyprus.
Much like Berlin within the Nineteen Eighties, previous to fall of the wall, Nicosia is a metropolis stricken by division. Sad because it could be, and we’re positive this isn’t straightforward for Cypriots raised there, it’s the barbed wire-protected streets, the political murals lining up the Buffer Zone, and the fixed conflict between the Greek and Turkish worlds that make it such a distinctive, fascinating metropolis break.
You may very well be having a luxurious Turkish breakfast within the morning on the Northern aspect, as you hearken to the Quran being recited out of the closest minaret, after which cross to the South within the afternoon to strive some conventional Greek pastries and go to museums the place you’ll study concerning the island’s Greek origins. Quite actually, Nicosia presents the most effective of each worlds.
4. Wine excursions. Yes, in Cyprus.
Those coming to Europe with their hearts set on a vineyard tour will hardly consider Cyprus as their first choose. After all, how might Cyprus even compete when France has Bordeaux, Champagne and the Loire Valley, proper? That’s when Cyprus turns into massively underestimated – even amongst Europeans which were visiting for years.
It has the preferrred local weather for rising grapes, and Cypriot wine is among the many very best quality wine in the entire of Europe, rating 50th in the world by way of complete manufacturing. A majority of holiday makers could wish to head straight to the closest seashore straight out of the airplane, however little do they know Cyprus has an entire wine trade that’s but to be found.
An off the trail factor to do within the nation – we love these – goes wine tasting in any of the inland villages, notably these on the slopes of Troodos Mountains. This vary sits on the precise heart of the island and options the very best Cypriot peak: the aptly titled Mount Olympus, evocative of the Ancient Greek mythology.
As for the wine produced right here… It is the drink of the gods. Among among the finest wine-producing villages, now we have Lofou, the place the busy seaside life is changed by mountainside city views, with cobblestone streets and a extra laid-back really feel. Other obligatory stops embody the picturesque Omodos and Pera Pedi, just a few miles north of town of Limassol.
5. Cyprus is far more reasonably priced than different Medi holidays
Minimum wages are a robust indication of a rustic’s buy energy and how costly issues are. In Spain, the minimum wage is roughly $1,068.84, crushed by France’s whopping $1,566.62, and each of those international locations anticipate vacationers to provide proof of no less than $101 in spending cash per day at some point of their keep.
Even although Cyprus does not have a minimal wage, the common Cypriot makes about $940 a month, proving dwelling prices are far much less exorbitant than France’s, the place the naked minimal a employee is paid continues to be 60% increased. Naturally, these figures have a direct affect on the worth of fundamental objects (meals, a bottle of nonetheless water, sunblock, insect repellent and so on).
We gained’t misinform you: Cyprus shouldn’t be an extremely low cost summer time vacation spot. It is definitely no obscure Balkan nation the place vacationers can go by with $`100 {dollars} an entire week, or the budget-friendly Central America, that has even overtaken Europe these days in complete hostel bookings. But it is cheaper than the Western Mediterranean.
Paphos, a metropolis on the nation’s West Coast, has been named this yr the fourth most affordable summer time vacation spot in Europe, the place vacationers can reside comfortably off of $72.78 on common per day. Needless to say, Paphos beats outdated summer time favorites like Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Spain’s Costa del Sol and France’s Côte d’Azur by way of affordability.
6. Oh, and Cyprus shouldn’t be that far-off
There could also be no direct flight connections between the U.S./Canada and Cyprus, however North Americans can simply attain this summer time dreamland by way of brief stopovers in various European international locations. An Austrian Airlines flight leaving from JFK, closing vacation spot Larnaca (Cyprus), with an air-side transit in Vienna solely takes about 12 hours.
In addition to Austrian Airlines, different European carriers like AirSerbia (Serbia), Swiss Airlines (Switzerland), and Lufthansa (Germany) provide non-direct hyperlinks to Cyprus, with transfers normally lasting lower than two hours. But hey, even in case you have an extended layover forward, this isn’t essentially a foul factor, no less than on certain routes.
Plus, Cyprus simply wants that much-needed U.S. tourism increase. Prior to HBO’s Game of Thrones, that launched Croatia to a wider American public, there have been no direct flights between the Balkan nation and the States. Now, United has a successful summer route connecting Newark and Dubrovnik. Who is aware of… Maybe Cyprus will observe go well with someday?
Now that you understand all about Cyprus, and what makes it a severe contender for the most effective Mediterranean summer time ever, how about reserving these tickets straight away? Just just remember to additionally get insured for flight delays and cancellations: in case you haven’t heard, U.S. travel is in turmoil and we don’t need your dreamy Cyprus journey to show nightmarish.
One very last thing… and that is VERY necessary
In case this piece of knowledge has already slipped your thoughts – we forgive you, because the wonders of Cyprus do take priority over the rest – the island is cut up in two. To the South, you could have the Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus, a UN member. To the North, lies the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which occupies the territory illegally.
The island of Cyprus has three airports, although solely two of these are below the management of the Republic of Cyprus. Those are the airports within the cities of Larnaca (Southeast Coast) and Paphos (West Coast), the place most worldwide flights arrive. The third airport, Ercan, served the capital of Nicosia till it was cut up in half.
Now, it’s below the management of the TRNC. As a results of a world embargo, all flights to Ercan have a layover in Turkey, the one different UN member that has acknowledged the TRNC as an unbiased state. If you’re planning on visiting Nicosia in your journey to Cyprus, make a psychological observe to NEVER e book flights by Ercan.
Foreigners arriving within the island by way of the North shall be turned away on the border when making an attempt to cross into the South afterwards, because the Republic of Cyprus considers any entry into the territory by Ercan, or any of the ocean ports within the Turkish-controlled North, to be unlawful. Cypriot and European residents are exempt from this restriction.
If you’re an American, with a purpose to keep away from issues, simply fly into Larnaca or Paphos as an alternative. There are a number of shuttle buses, in addition to public transport, linking the capital to the Republic’s airports, although Larnaca is the closest hub to Nicosia (33.6 miles away). Oh, and please: don’t let this discourage you from visiting the North!
This rule doesn’t go each methods: Americans who land within the South, after which enter the North are allowed again within the South any time, with none points, irrespective of what number of instances they cross in a single journey. Just bear in mind to at all times hold your passport on you in the event you’re visiting the TRNC – or, within the case of Europeans touring with out their passports, a nationwide ID card.
A Quick Recap
- Always use Larnaca or Paphos as your level of entry into Cyprus
- The Euro is the official foreign money within the South
- The Turkish Lira is the foreign money in use within the North*
- Never enter army, no-go zones with out permission
*Euros could also be accepted in North Nicosia, however not different cities within the Turkish-controlled North
Main Sights In Cyprus
- The Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca, the oldest in all of Cyprus courting again to the ninth century
- Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, on the shores of the Larnaca Salt Lake, one of many holiest websites in Islam
- Cape Greco for scenic views of the Mediterranean and sea caves
- Ayia Napa and Protaras, the place among the clearest waters within the island may be discovered
- Nicosia, the final divided capital metropolis on the planet
- The Kyrenia medieval fort in Kyrenia/Girne (Northern Cyprus)
- The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta (Northern Cyprus)
- Varosha, a ghosttown within the North left in ruins within the aftermath of the Turkish Invasion (Northern Cyprus)
- Limassol, Cyprus’ second largest and most trendy metropolis
- Lofou, a standard inland Cypriot village
- Mount Olympus
- Nea Paphos, an archaeological web site housing the ruins of an historical Greek metropolis in Paphos
- The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
- The Akamas National Park
- The Adonis Baths
- The Blue Lagoon
What Are Cyprus’ Entry Requirements?
Since May 28, 2022, Cyprus has no Covid entry requirements. In different phrases, Americans can enter the nation no matter vaccination standing, with out testing and quarantine. Visiting is so simple as it was previous to the pandemic, although different necessities, similar to indoor masks carrying as soon as contained in the nation, could still apply.
Americans (and Canadians) can keep in Cyprus – each the South and the Turkish-occupied North – as much as 90 days out of each 180 day interval. As the nation shouldn’t be but a member of Europe’s Schengen Area, any visits to different EU international locations, or Schengen-associated states, don’t rely in direction of your visa restrict in Cyprus.
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Disclaimer: Current journey guidelines and restrictions can change with out discover. The determination to journey is finally your accountability. Contact your consulate and/or native authorities to verify your nationality’s entry and/or any adjustments to journey necessities earlier than touring. Travel Off Path doesn’t endorse touring towards authorities advisories
