From where is Cyprus to other 14 Cyprus facts you should be aware of before visiting this destination, we have you covered.
Ah, Cyprus. It’s the beautiful island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that you may have heard about. But, have you ever wondered exactly where it is located? Or who it’s neighbored by? Don’t worry, we are here to give you a brief rundown of this gorgeous nation and its surroundings.
So, if you’re someone who loves traveling, culture, and Mediterranean cuisine, then this article is sure to be your friend. You’ll learn all the basics of Cyprus, like its neighbors, how to get there, what to do, and more. So, let’s get to it!
Where is Cyprus?
First things first, where exactly is this Mediterranean gem?
The island nation of Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean sea just off the coast of Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon in the Middle East. Looking at an image of Cyprus country for the sky, it is visible the island is quite small (third largest in the Mediterranean sea), arid, and has a pointy tail towards its North East.
The exact coordinates of Larnaca, Cyprus are 34.9190° N, 33.6265° E.
However, looking at a political map, you’ll realize Cyprus isn’t as straightforward as it seems. In fact, since the 70s, Cyprus is split into the – slightly larger – southern Greek Cypriot side and the northern Turkish Cypriot side by a demilitarized 180km line from Paralimni to Kato Pyrgos known as ‘UN Buffer Zone’; which have 7 checkpoints to go through. And then there are two little areas in the South of the country operated by the UK called Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
Who Are Cyprus’ Neighbors?
Cyprus’ neighbors are Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. All of these countries are considered part of the wider Middle East. To the east of Cyprus, you’ll find Turkey, a country renowned for its cultural history, great food, and vibrant cities.
To the south is Syria, a country that’s experienced a lot of turmoil over the past few years but is still home to some of the most spectacular historical sites in the world. Lebanon is also to the south and offers travelers a unique mix of both modern and ancient culture.
Finally, to the west is Israel. This country is chock full of fascinating sites and culture, as well as a thriving modern culture. There’s plenty to do, see, and experience in Israel, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re ever in the area.
How many districts are there in Cyprus today?
On top of that, the country is divided into six districts (Kyrenia, Famagusta, Nicosia, Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca), with two of them overlapping the Buffer Zone, which makes Cyprus political geography even trickier.
Is Cyprus safe?
Don’t be fooled: Cyprus crime rate is very low, which makes it very safe and a perfect tourist destination in the sunny Mediterranean sea.
How many people live in Cyprus?
The country’s population is a bit over a million people.
What’s the capital city of Cyprus?
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus for both its northern and southern parts. However, given that Nicosia’s airport was abandoned; if you want to fly to Cyprus today, you can use Ercan airport for Northern Cyprus or Larnaca and Paphos airports in Southern Cyprus.
Why is Cyprus so diverse?
Known as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite – love and beauty goddess – Cyprus has many interesting things to do and see as it was populated and influenced by Greeks, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, French, Italians, Ottomans, and British (which ultimately left most of Cyprus population speaking English pretty nicely on top of Greek and Turkish).
Today, Cyprus has two main religions: Islam in the north and Greek Orthodox in the south.
What Does Cyprus Offer?
Cyprus itself is just as filled with interesting sites and activities as its neighbors. There are the picturesque Troodos Mountains that offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Or, you can explore the stunning Troodos National Forest, home to ancient ruins and beautiful flora and fauna.
The capital city of Larnaca is also a sight to behold. With its rich history, gorgeous sea-front promenade, and a selection of fantastic restaurants and bars, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Then there are the nearby beaches, where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Or, you can take a boat trip from one of the ports and explore the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
How is the Cyprus climate?
Cyprus enjoys a warm and dry Mediterranean climate with only some rain in the winter months, which leaves rivers dry in summer.
Which are Cyprus’ main geographical landmarks?
There are two mountain ranges: the rugged Troodos chain, famous for containing the highest point of the country Mount Olympus and Millomeris Waterfalls in the Southwest of the country, and the thinner Kyrenia Mountains along the North coast. After Cyprus’ split, the Turkish side took the grain, citrus and tobacco fields and the Greek side remained with most of the fruit, livestock, vegetable fields, and vineyards.
Stunning cliffs and sandy beaches like Ayia Napa and Landa beach bathe Cyprus coasts. Cyprus is a great scuba diving destination where divers can enjoy shipwrecks, reefs, tunnels, and caves.
Why is Pafos an award-winning city?
Along with Seville, Pafos was named the 2023 European Capital of Smart Tourism for implementing exemplary measures in the fields of accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, cultural heritage, and creativity.
To immerse locals and visitors into the city’s rich history, the UNESCO Archaeological Park app was launched, featuring informative videos, infographics, and 360 tours in multiple languages. Smart QR-coded signs replace static information signs and offer detailed information with less space.
Another initiative is Pafos’ Smart Parking Project, intended to optimize city parking management by providing app users with information on free spaces to save time and fuel.
What can active travelers expect from Cyprus?
Cyprus is a great destination for active travelers, offering a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, cycling, and water sports to exploring natural parks and beaches. From the rugged Akamas Peninsula and Kyrenia Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, visitors can find exciting outdoor activities, history, and culture.
There are a variety of water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and kayaking, as well as plenty of opportunities for excellent bird watching, swimming, horse riding, and even off-road driving.
For hikers, Cyprus has several mountain trails, castles, and archaeological sites to explore. The Troodos Mountains provide stunning mountain views and stunning landscapes, while the Akamas Peninsula offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, cycling, camping, and swimming.
There are also various wineries, museums, and archaeological sites to explore. Visitors can also take a jeep safari to explore the region or take part in some of the festivals that take place throughout the year.
Other activities in the area include paragliding and horseback riding, as well as the popular boat trips on the Limassol coastline.
Which are some of the best things to do in Cyprus outdoors?
Here are some ideas to keep you busy while in Cyprus, definitely one of the most fun places in the world:
- Scuba diving in Famagusta
- Horseback riding at Eagle Mountain Ranch
- Segway exploration in Paphos
- Hiking all over Cyprus island
- Watersports like parasailing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing in Paphos and Famagusta
- Sunbathing on one of Cyprus’s many beaches
Which cultural activities you can’t miss in Cyprus?
- Sipping some locally produced wine. They’ve done it since 2300 BC so it must be good!
- Visiting Aphrodite’s rock, claimed to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.
- Learning about Cyprus’ past at Paphos Archaeological Park, which has the excavated remains of Paphos, a UNESCO-listed site.
- Enjoying a theatrical performance in the Kourion amphitheater, like the Greeks used to do.
- Retrace’s Cyprus long history at Cyprus Museum.
- Get a taste of Cyprus modern art at Nicosia Municipal Art Centre.
What are Cyprus’s best festivals?
- Limassol Carnival: Held annually in February and featuring a vibrant parade, music and street performances, the Limassol Carnival is one of the best festivals in Cyprus for culture travelers.
- Ayia Napa International Festival: The International Festival of Ayia Napa is held annually in July, featuring a variety of events, music, dance, and other performances.
- Pafos Aphrodite Festival: Taking place in September, the Pafos Aphrodite Festival is a celebration of classical Greek music and culture which attracts tourists from all over the world.
- Cyprus Wine Festival: Taking place in June each year, the Cyprus Wine Festival is a great chance to sample the local wines and learn about traditional Cypriot winemaking techniques.
- Troodos Mountain Festival: Last but not least, the Troodos Mountain Festival is held in the Troodos mountain range every August and is a great way to experience authentic Cypriot culture, music and traditions.
What are the top 5 unmissable Cyprus attractions?
- Visit the Sanctuary of Aphrodite in the ancient city of Paphos: Legend has it that the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of Love and Beauty, was born in Cyprus. There is a temple dedicated to her at the location of her birth and visitors can tour the site and learn more about the mythology and significance of the goddess.
- Learn to cook traditional Cypriot dishes: Cyprus is known for its delicious and varied cuisine. There are cooking classes available throughout the island where visitors can learn the basics of making traditional dishes.
- Attend a Wine and Cheese Tasting: In recent years, Cyprus has developed its own fine winemaking industry and is now a major producer of high-quality wines. Wine and cheese tasting sessions are held in many towns and villages throughout the island, allowing visitors to sample some of the best vintages produced in Cyprus.
- Take a Boat Tour: Exploring the island by boat is a great way to experience much of what Cyprus has to offer. There are many boat tour operators that offer cruises along the coast and through islands, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the stunning coastal scenery.
- Explore Troodos Mountains: One of the most beautiful and pristine parts of the island is the Troodos mountain range. Here, visitors can take part in various activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and sightseeing. There are also several fascinating ancient churches and monasteries that are worth exploring.
So, there you have it — a brief overview of Cyprus and its neighbors. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, some relaxation, or just a chance to take in some beautiful sights, Cyprus has something for everyone. So, why not add this Mediterranean gem to your list of must-see places? It’s sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Do you have any other questions about the country? Have we missed any other Cyprus facts worth being on this article? Please let us know in the comments below.
