Map of Cyprus and Travel Information

Plan a Trip to Cypress with our map and travel tips

Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, lies to the south of mainland Turkey. The island republic is divided into two zones from recent historical tensions, now abating. Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, but there are still two UK Sovereign bases on Cyprus, shown in yellow on the map. While the constitution called for power sharing between Greek and Turkish Cypriots on Cyprus, a violent clash in 1974 led to Turkish occupation of the north above the buffer zone shown in brown on the map. At the time of writing, you can visit the Turkish zone (citizens of the EU, US, Japan and other industrialized countries can get a visitor visa free at the border crossing). Be aware that this privilege can always be revoked, or paperwork become more complicated, so check the Consular Information Sheet on Cyprus before you go.

Quick Facts on Cyprus

Cyprus' main airport is Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and is located on the outskirts of Larnaka, marked on the map. There is a smaller international airport south of Paphos (Pafos).

Cyprus began using the Euro on January 1, 2008. Many web sites have yet to update prices to reflect this change.

Traffic moves on the left side of the road, and taxis are the preferred method of transportation as Cyprus doesn't have a well-developed public transportation system and no train services. Despite this, Cyprus does have a good tourism infrastructure.

Top Things to See in Cyprus

Many visitors will arrive in Limassol, where you can visit the Castle of Kolossi, the archaeological site of Kourion with it's Greco-Roman Theater built in the second century bc, and the Sanctuary of Apollon Ylatis. Inside the castle is the Cyprus Medieval Museum. These are the highlights, for more see: Interesting Places in Limassol.

The city of Paphos or Pafos is on the UNESCO world heritage list, its long and well preserved history linked to the cult of the goddess Aphrodite. In Roman times Paphos was the capital of Cyprus. History and art lovers will enjoy the Mosaics of Paphos in three noblemen's villas: House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and House of Aion near the harbor. Also near the harbor is Kato Paphos, a 13th century castle, and Paphos' medieval Byzantine fort that protects the harbor. The Tombs of the Kings date back to the 4th century BC and are carved out of solid rock. There are also fine beaches and the Adonis baths. According to Greek mythology, this is where Adonis, the lover of Aphrodite used to bathe--and now you can too.

Nicosia is also found on some maps as Lefkoşaor or Lefkosia. It is one of the last of the world's divided capitals. As you'd expect, there's lots to do here, and many museums devoted to its long history. 25 minutes south of Nicosia is the Ostrich Wonderland Theme Park. Bet you haven't been to one of those before.

Polis is developing into a popular resort on the basis of its excellent beaches. Near Polis on the Akamas Peninsula you can bathe where Aphrodite did at the Baths of Aphrodite, an idylic place that is best enjoyed in spring when the wildflowers bloom.

Cyprus Lodging

For hotel booking on Cyprus, use the user rankings on Venere (book direct) to find the best hotel values. In Pafos, the Hotel Agapinor - Pafos is highly rated and quite inexpensive.

The Country Life

The Cool Travel Guide points out the delights of off-season travel in Cyprus, then points us to a B&B in northern Cyprus, near the Karpaz peninsula (the east-pointing peninsula on the map), that will allow you to participate in the country life in a working village. This kind of travel is becoming popular, as people look for the simplicity of country life and the delightful taste of non-industrial food. Check out Eco Tourism Cyprus if you're interested.

Cyprus Weather and Climate

Cyprus is hot and dry in the summer, especially during the peak season of July and August. The rest of the year is fairly comfortable except for the rainy months December through February, which can bring snow to the mountains. For the historic climate charts and current weather for Nicosia, see Nicosia Travel Weather.

More on Cyprus

Check prices on flights to Cyprus Larmaca (LCA) Airport.

For more information on Cyprus, check our Cyprus Travel Directory.