Cyprus

Ancient Crossroads of Civilisations

Cyprus has been shaped by every great Mediterranean power; Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans, and the British all left their mark on this sun-drenched island. The result is a layered landscape where Neolithic villages sit beside Ottoman mosques, and Venetian walls frame medieval cathedrals converted into something entirely their own. Every corner of Cyprus is a living archive of the ancient world.

Beaches, Mountains and Year-Round Sun

Cyprus enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and its coastline ranges from the famous golden sands of Nissi Beach near Ayia Napa to the wild sea-stacks of the Akamas Peninsula. Head inland and the Troodos Mountains offer pine forests, Byzantine monasteries clinging to hillsides, and the cool respite of Platres village in summer. The island rewards those who venture beyond the resorts.

A Table That Tells the Whole Story

Cypriot food is the island in a meze: halloumi grilled until it squeaks, fat olives cured in coriander, tender lamb kleftiko slow-baked in clay, and loukoumades dusted with cinnamon that disappear in seconds. The island's wine tradition stretches back at least 4,000 years, and Commandaria, a rich amber dessert wine from the Troodos foothills, is one of the oldest named wines in continuous production anywhere in the world.

Two Cultures, One Island

The island's complex modern history has produced a culture of striking resilience and warmth. The southern Republic of Cyprus is overwhelmingly Greek Cypriot in character, with the village cafe, the Orthodox church calendar, and the unhurried pace of kafeneion life forming the social fabric. Yet Turkish Cypriot culture, with its own cuisine, music, and architecture, remains present across the island's history and in daily life in Nicosia, which remains the world's last divided capital city.