Cyprus - An island divided - Which side do you prefer?
The Turkish or Greek side
Cyprus, an island divided, a bustling sort after tourist destination for holidaymakers, in the middle of the Mediterranian Sea, it also has a fascinating ancient and modern political history.
"Main Cyprus Map" by Cyprus Tourism CH is marked with CC BY 2.0.
I first heard about Cyprus when I was living in Antalya, Turkey. From my past newsletters, you probably know I love Turkey. There was a rough plan that we would visit Cyprus on one of our next vacations and I knew I wanted to visit Turkish Cyprus. I was already fascinated by divided states, after a previous visit to East Timor and living Kurdistan region of Iraq. Other divided islands include East/West Timor, Papua New Guinea/West Papua, Haiti, Borneo, and Ireland.
Split into two, there are two sides to Cyprus, divided along north-south lines. The north is under Turkish control, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, after the island was invaded by Turkey in 1974 and the northern districts annexed. The south, the more legitimate side, is known as the Republic of Cyprus.
Broadly speaking, people refer to Cyprus as being either Greek Cyprus or Turkish Cyprus, but it’s not quite accurate. The population is made up of Greek Cypriots, it’s not actually part of Greece and Turkish Cypriots. The population is unique to Cyprus.
As a result of the political divisions, the towns/cities have two names, which can be confusing an English/Greek name and a Turkish name. There are three different currencies in play, the Turkish lira in the north, Euros in the south, and dollars of course.
There is a UN-controlled border crossing and buffer zone dividing the capital.
Personally, I prefer the Turkish side of Cyprus, this is only my opinion but it’s less developed, more beautiful, and quieter. The south is more touristy, attracting package deal holidaymakers, and generally more built up and develop, but I may be a little biased.
What to do in Cyprus, I’ll give you a couple of things to do:
Decide where you would like to stay. Choose North or South Cyprus, which district do you prefer?
Northern Cyprus
Nicosia
Kyrenia/Girne
Famagusta
I stayed in Kyrenia/Girne, bear in mind it’s about a 1-hour drive from Larnaca Airport via bus. The scenery along the way is picturesque, it’s fairly sparse rolling plains and hills, green or dry depending on the season until you reach the sea.
Southern Cyprus
Larnaca
Limassol
Paphos
Book a nice hotel.
Check Bookings.com and choose a nice hotel. I personally like the Avenue Hotel. They have a pretty outdoor courtyard with seating and a cool cocktail bar. You can visit even if not staying in the hotel.
Go sightseeing
Visit Girne Kyrenia Harbour and Castle. There’s a shipwreck museum inside the Castle and you can eat at a seafood restaurant.
Take a boat trip from the harbour. Boat trips include BBQ lunch and some stops for swimming in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
Check out North Nicosia - it’s partly an administrative centre, but there is an old walled city with many historical sights. There is a handicrafts market in the bazaar.
Go shopping. Turkey, in general, has great shopping and that includes Turkish Cyprus. You can shop at the Round Tower too.
Cross the border through the UN-controlled buffer zone
Check out some art galleries and buy some art. I really like this little gallery, featuring local artists:
Cyprus sounds lovely Vanessa, and the Turkish side does sound the most interesting. I love your photos too, and i checked out the link to the local art gallery - so much beautiful art, that can also be purchased online.