{"id":26411,"date":"2022-08-07T11:14:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-07T11:14:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/?page_id=26411"},"modified":"2022-09-29T07:24:38","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T07:24:38","slug":"guide-to-cyprus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/guide-to-cyprus\/","title":{"rendered":"The Insider’s Guide to Cyprus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cyprus<\/a>, or officially the Republic of Cyprus, is a beautiful island nation in the Mediterranean sea, just south of Turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyprus is a popular holiday destination for people from around the world thanks to an abundance of sunshine all year round, beautiful beaches, and stunning historic sights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it’s not just that – Cyprus has become known for property investments, tax haven for corporations and individuals, and as the retirement place for many expats, mainly British. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of former British rule, people drive on the left, most speak English and the UK still owns part of the island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you know before booking your trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Insider’s Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This Insider’s Guide to Cyprus summarizes my 6.5 years living in this beautiful country and gives you a one-glance view of what the country has to offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will cover everything you need to know about Cyprus, whether you’re coming for a holiday or considering moving to the country as an expat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As someone who has encountered a lot of incorrect and outdated information about the island, I will do my best to fill this guide with insights you can only get from locals. And most importantly, tips and advice which will save you a lot of time, frustration and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dive in! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PS: this article will only discuss the Republic of Cyprus, not the Northern-occupied territory. More on that in the history section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"paphos
Kato Paphos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"koullas
Koullas Sandwiches, Pyrgos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Introduction to Cyprus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Republic of Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea<\/a> and a country with some of the best climates in Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its proximity to the Middle East makes it a wonderful base for exploring the Middle East and Asia, but also the Greek island thanks to cheap and short flights available almost all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two official languages in Cyprus are Greek and Turkish, but English is widely spoken. You won’t struggle with English in any resorts or restaurants, but government offices may be a bit of a challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because people speak Greek on the island, many assume incorrectly that Cyprus belongs to Greece. Cyprus has been an independent nation since 1960. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A very important piece of information is often omitted on purpose by travel agencies in Europe: there is no south and north side of the island. The island is officially divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern territory illegally occupied by Turkey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is the official standing of the international community, yet many tourism agencies will sell you a holiday to Cyprus, but you actually end up going to the illegally occupied part. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyprus has been part of the European Union since 2004 and joined the eurozone in 2008.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two airports you can use to legally enter the country – Paphos International Airport and Larnaca international airport. Entry through Ercan airport is considered an illegal entry to the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Paphos
Paphos Archaeological Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Ancient Kourion near Limassol<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Where is Cyprus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyprus is an island on the borders of the Middle East and Europe, located in the Mediterranean sea. It is the third biggest island in the Mediterranean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Culturally, Cyprus is considered to be part of Southern Europe, and geographically it has a lot of influences from the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyprus measures 240 kilometers (149 miles) across from end to end, and 100 kilometers (62 miles) at its widest point. It is located between latitudes of 34 and 36 N, and longitudes of 32 and 35E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyprus is well connected to most European cities with direct flights, and you can also visit most of the Greek islands with short direct flights in the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location of Cyprus on the Map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n