Exploring Cyprus: Paphos, Divided Nicosia & Larnaca Travel Review

Cyprus, is that shimmering jewel in the Mediterranean, really presents a blend of histories, cultures, and really pleasing landscapes. We’re taking a bit of a look at some great spots to visit, I mean Paphos, Divided Nicosia, even North Cyprus (walk-in, anyone?), plus Larnaca. You’ll almost certainly find something that makes your travel planning a bit smoother with some personal opinions and what to expect as you go.

Paphos: Ancient History and Coastal Views

Paphos, alright, this place seems to wrap you in stories as old as time. Seriously, I can tell you, just strolling around Paphos Archaeological Park can feel almost like being transported way, way back, too it’s like stepping into a history book where the ruins of villas, really mosaics, and even ancient theaters actually come alive. It’s also rather interesting that the Tombs of the Kings, very dramatic, are more like impressive underground graves carved from solid rock – a great spot for those looking for something a bit different.

You know, the town itself tends to be split, really, I mean you have Kato Paphos with all the hotels, restaurants and that lively harbor, then there’s Pano Paphos, is that perched up on the hill, where the locals tend to live. It could be argued that spending an afternoon getting happily lost in the little streets of Pano Paphos can be an experience; also, it gives you some properly different views of the coastline.

Legend has it, is that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emerged from the sea right near the Rock of Aphrodite (Petra tou Romiou). Even if you’re not into mythology, too it’s still actually something worth seeing – that spot offers stunning sunset views, I can tell you. And, is that said, you’ll probably kick yourself if you leave Paphos without experiencing at least one of its beaches; Coral Bay, I guess, being that one of the popular options.

Nicosia: A City Divided

Nicosia is rather something else, to be honest – this city sits divided. Too it’s pretty much the last divided capital in Europe, actually, the border splitting it in two has made quite a mark on the city’s character. Walking through the streets you do start to pick up on it’s unique mix of old and the new; Venetian walls here, really modern shops there. The Ledra Street crossing really does allow you to pass, I mean, you can go from the south into the north (and back again), and it provides a look, yet quite a stark one, at the political situation.

The Cyprus Museum in Nicosia gives a solid look into the island’s pretty ancient happenings, boasting finds from across Cyprus. I feel that I ought to mention that when you walk round it you can appreciate the vast cultural timeline the area has seen. You might want to allow an afternoon so you can easily walk around this properly packed place.

If you’re there, just check out the Büyük Han in North Nicosia – is that really a former trading post, now happily restored as that crafts center, and it really does give you some insight into Ottoman design. If nothing else, the Selimiye Mosque (previously Saint Sophia Cathedral) provides that stunning instance of Gothic building; as I say, pretty much converted, I guess, it represents the island’s past events.

North Cyprus: Crossing the Border and What to Expect

Walking into North Cyprus from the south feels almost like passing into another place completely. While the Republic of Cyprus belongs to the EU, North Cyprus doesn’t, so, is that sometimes things feel so, well, a little different. “Walk-in” refers simply to going across a land border by foot, to be honest; in the case of Nicosia, that means using a border crossing, very likely the Ledra Street one. And I want to say, remember your travel files – generally you will just need your passport/ID. You’ll have to fill out a little form as you enter, so you should keep that little scrap of paper safely because you’ll need that later too it’s almost if you return back south. Actually, they typically stamp a separate piece of paper instead of your passport, something some people actually do really prefer. The currency in the north is the Turkish Lira. Quite a lot of places usually accept Euros too, so in a way it’s helpful just checking the fees, actually.

Once across, and in a way that the differences are pretty visible; there are the announcements in Turkish, even if the place somehow feels a little less highly polished, just the place actually gives a certain something – well, I mean if that isn’t what you’d kind of assumed, right? Be that as it may, in a great way this actually also presents great appeal, especially the slower pace of life actually presents something pleasing compared against that fast speed in the south. Actually Kyrenia (Girne), could be viewed as quite picturesque and with the great harbour front with old ships is something that’s typically hard to ignore.

Too it’s almost if the Karpaz Peninsula, I mean at the very end, provides some seriously untouched charm and almost undisturbed spots. I can tell you that If ancient buildings are really that “your bag” then just spend an hour just getting around Salamis ruins. Any tourist ought to find the overall difference appealing, especially those so wishing actually do properly want the chance, I would say, actually just to contrast it with everything, actually; this contrast presents something that ought to stand out so I do highly rate properly visiting North Cyprus actually. This also gives a deeper look to all happenings so all have that opportunity to compare actually.

Larnaca: Beaches, Salt Lakes, and History

You can’t deny Larnaca, typically provides an appealing laid-back alternative compared with so many different spots; it could be said to provide all something a bit simpler so lots really appreciate the chance just to get time at something perhaps more gentle. Very much if all you long for presents proper chances actually just to stretch out actually on some sands somewhere actually; actually Finikoudes beach is perfectly positioned; I mean right alongside so many coffee locations plus places to eat that is something people appear to rate when they’re after some properly serious rest actually. Yet do make sure you’ve checked so that all the charges actually that you could very very likely be charged present something agreeable to your assumed spending limit really.

We really appreciate the beauty to the area which has many ancient features of major importance. Seriously do go and explore the Church of Saint Lazarus as an important historical setting because if the story could be trusted then what actually goes on might well draw people inwards. What occurs at the church actually is of proper note plus many take a great interest plus wish to join tours actually.

So very slightly outside Larnaca sits the Salt Lake. Lots of people tend to head there so as actually just watch those elegant flamingoes during that time which presents something to enjoy; that view against that backdrop with all that water makes great photographs plus the proper opportunity with some relaxing contemplation. As an added advantage if all are that bit proper aware with what happens with places so this also serves the really brilliant means actually just to stop during something proper proper serious before starting off afresh actually.