When you choose to visit Cyprus, you have to make a decision as to which part of the country you want to visit. It is divided between Turkey and Greece and UN guards patrol the border. Most people prefer the southern area with its Greek culture, but any part of the country will provide you with a wealth of vacation experiences. April/May and September/October are the most pleasant times of the year to visit. The summers can be quite hot and the weather during the winter can be wet.

Attractions

The sight of the mountains in the Troodos region of the south is one that you will always remember. Visit the Solea district to see picturesque villages and monasteries. The coastal resort of Kyrenia in the North has many outdoor cafes and the tour of the Castle is a thrilling experience.

Lefkosia/Nicosia

This is the capital of the country, but it is divided in half by the border. It is also known as Nicosia and is the only divided capital city in the world. The Leventis Municipal Museum shows the development of the country from prehistoric times and just to the east you can visit the Dragoman Hadzigeorgakis, where you can experience the true culture of Cyprus. The 15th century mansion is spectacular. The Byzantine Museum contains an impressive collection of religious icons and mosaics. If you want to see restored frescoes, a visit to St. John?s Cathedral should be on your itinerary.

In Nicosia, you can visit the Turkish Museum, located in a monastery dating back to the 1600?s. The Selimiye Mosque in this area dates back to the 13th century and in the southern part of the city you will find the Büyük Hammam, a large Turkish bath.

Pafos

Pafos is a tourist town with many souvenir shops. It is also the site of Saranta Kolones, the ruins of a fortress that was destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th century. Visit the Tombs of the Kings, which are fascinating tombs cut into the rocks of the cliffs and in the archaeological excavations you can see the elegant mosaic floors dating back to ancient times.

Travel to Cyprus

Most of the European airlines fly to the airports in Larnaka and Pafos, but only Turkish airlines fly to the airports in the North. You can also travel by sea from Athens and Turkey, but if you enter the country from Turkey, you also have to exit in the same way.

Travel Within Cyprus

Bus services run between the towns from Monday to Saturday. There are no buses on Sunday, so you will have to hire a taxi. You can also rent a car or a bicycle and it is really easy to get around. You cannot travel from one part of Cyprus to the other. If you enter on the Greek side, for example, you cannot enter the Turkish part of the island.

Language

Greek, Turkish and English are the main languages spoken in Cyprus.

Visa

You need a valid passport to enter both parts of Cyprus and you can stay for up to 90 days.

Food and Drink

North Cyprus offers exceptional cuisine if you like spicy foods. The Turkish Cyrpiots like to use lemon juice as flavoring, even on fresh fruit. Local rice soup with eggs is very tasty and a specialty in this part of the country is Kieufdhe, a spicy rissole made with meat, eggs and garlic.

Meze is a must when you visit Cyprus. This is a feast of up to 20 different dishes and the fish dishes served in the restaurant are some of the best you will ever eat. There is a coffee house in every village, which is not only a place to get great coffee, but the meeting place of the town.

Safety

The threat of terrorism is low in Cyprus as is the threat of crimes against tourists. You will be safe as you travel in either part of this country, but you do have to exercise common sense, just as you would at home.

Shopping

There are retail stores in every town and markets selling handicrafts of every street. Leather is cheap here and you can get designer handbags and shoes for a relatively low cost. The Lefkera lace is always popular with tourists, as well as Cyprus brandy and cheese.

Entertainment

Be sure to visit one of the coffeehouses, where you can get to meet the local people. The most popular activity is Tavli ? the Greek version of backgammon. In the larger centers there are bars, nightclubs and restaurants where you can wile away many happy hours.