Cyprus

Good to know

1. 1Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia, and it lies closer to Turkey, Syria and Lebanon than to Greece.
2. 2The island has been divided since 1974, with the Republic of Cyprus in the south and a Turkish Cypriot administration in the north, and a UN-patrolled buffer zone runs between them, including through the capital, Nicosia.
3. 3According to myth, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam near Paphos, and the rocks off the southwest coast are known as her birthplace.
4. 4Most people speak Greek or Turkish at home depending on the community, and English is widely understood because of the island's past as a British colony.
5. 5Meze, a long series of small dishes shared at the table, is the classic way to eat. Halloumi, the squeaky grilling cheese, comes from Cyprus.
6. 6Cyprus has some of the oldest wine-making traditions in the world, and the sweet Commandaria wine is among the oldest named wines still made.
7. 7The Republic of Cyprus uses the euro, while the north generally uses the Turkish lira.

Tips for a first visit

• Rent a car if you want to see villages, monasteries and beaches outside the main towns, because public transport between them is limited. Traffic drives on the left, as in Britain.
• Carry some cash for small villages, bakeries and beach cafes, though cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.
• Order a meze at a family taverna and come hungry, since the dishes keep arriving. Try loukoumades, small fried dough balls with syrup, for dessert.
• Cover your shoulders and knees when you visit monasteries and churches, and speak quietly inside.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water in summer, and avoid walking or sightseeing in the middle of the afternoon.
• If you plan to cross between the south and north, check the current crossing arrangements before you go, and note that rental car rules for crossing differ by company.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit, with warm days, sea that is swimmable by late spring and still warm in October. Summer is hot and dry, good for beaches but tiring for sightseeing. Winters are mild on the coast with some rain, and the Troodos mountains can be cold enough for snow.

Getting around

Most people travel between Cypriot cities by car, rental or their own. Intercity buses connect the main towns such as Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, and taxis, including shared service taxis, are an option on the main routes. There is no railway on the island.