Despite receiving a high number of travellers each year, often for Winter sun, Cyprus has never been on our radar. We try and avoid ultra touristy destinations. We were pleasantly surprised.
Yes, the island has sizeable resort areas with little local charm, but Cyprus is also home to many pockets of authentic character and world class sights. Here’s our pros and cons:
Pros:
Cyprus is good for budget travellers.
English is widely spoken especially in the Greek part.
In south, there’s an efficient, cheap bus network between cities and resorts.
The island has good medical care
It’s exceptionally rich in history and culture and home to both Greek and Turkish populations.
It’s been ruled by the Egyptians, Persians, Venetians, Romans, Greeks, various Crusader powers and the British – all have left their culture and architecture.
Cyprus has 3 UNESCO Heritage sights, plus the walled city of Nicosia – split in two parts by a UN patrolled green line.
There’s lots to explore: including mountains dotted with painted churches, beautiful beaches from (quiet coves to full on sunbed) and a sublime salt lake.
The island has a natural climate and terrain for many activities – walking, cycling, windsurfing and even skiing.
The climate – mild Winters, apart from in the mountains, and great for serious Spring and Autumn sun. Summer is seriously scorching.
If you like drinking and clubbing, there’s great nightlife in Ayia Napa.
Lots of budget airlines fly to Cyprus.
Amazing mix of cuisine once you leave the resorts – Lebanese, African and of course Greek and Turkish.
Cons:
There are few cons, but the main one can be overwhelming – large sections of the island lack character and are over run with tourists and ex pats. This means it often feels like a much sunnier version of the UK rather than a country that has been peopled by the Egyptians, Persians, Venetians, Romans, Turks and Greeks.
It’s ridiculously easy not to eat any traditional food as KFC, Pizza Express, Costa, Mc Donalds etc are everywhere.
The main resort towns are ugly and built up.
Drink spiking and rape have occurred in party areas – specifically Ayia Napa.
Our tip – visit Nicosia, experience real Cyprus, hit the mountains and leave the big resorts behind.