Overview
** NICOSIA, CYPRUS TOURS **
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Paphos in Cyprus is an incredible place to visit. It is rumoured to be the the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite hence there are a lot of archaeological sites to visit. It is also known as the city of Kings and as such I stayed at King Evelthon Resort. This is a newly built resort which is grand and awe inspiring. The all inclusive menu is to die for and they have great staff who take their time to know you and will have your favourite tipple ready before you open your mouth.
I travelled alone with 2 young children and I felt safe in Paphos. The hotel offers incredible entertainment for both young and old and an aqua park is adjacent to the resort.
For adventure lovers there is alot to see and do. You can hire quad bikes and cruise down the highway, or spend a few hours on Jet skis on the ocean.
A lot of Russians are present in Cyprus and most are pleasant and polite
Cyprus was amazing! Having spent some days in Tel Aviv, I wanted to explore more of the region. Cyprus stood out, not only as it being was an hour flight, but for its unique culture. Fares were around $100, excluding bags and seat selection, on any of the 6 airlines serving the Tel Aviv- Larnaca route.
Cyprus island is split between two countries, The Republic of Cyprus and The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This offers one of the most unique opportunities to experience the best of both worlds. My first stop was in Larnaca, which is a beach town which is usually bustling with European tourists during the summer months. Since I came in December, tourist numbers were low and that gave me a hassle free trip and most cites and restaurants had last minute spaces available. The town has numerous boutique stores which are nestled in the century old architecture, influenced by the Greeks.
The island is quite well connected to all major cities. With that said, I then took one of the many daily coaches to Nicosia. An hour north, Nicosia is the Capital of the Republic and is also the most populated. The architecture here was on another level. Through Nicosia, tourists and locals can access the Turkish occupied part of the island. There are various checkpoints . As usual, many haven’t heard of my nation and I had to prove that it was real – NOT FUN.
Food wise, I would say Cyprus was a hit! There is a fusion of Greek, Turkish and also original Cypriot cuisine. From Halloumi to Gyros, they have it all.
As a solo black traveller however, it’s quite interesting. I say this because there are many migrant African workers on the island who’ve moved there either for Football or University. I noticed locals’ approach towards them and it can be hindering from time to time. When the opportunity arose, I spoke with some migrants and spent time with them. Restaurant owners were always keen to ask where I was from and I used that opportunity to spread more knowledge about my home region as well as debunk any ideologies society may have created in the country.
First, @elcidjarhead for country highlights. NOTE: I never made it to Ayai Napa. That is probably the most touristy. Not saying that in a bad way. It is the most popular in other words. I hung out in Limassol and Nicosia. I was only in Cyprus for two days.
Cyprus is an amazingly beautiful island. Bigger than Malta so you will definitely need to rent a vehicle. It is split in half. The Greek side and Turkish side. NOTE: You cannot take the rental vehicle to the Turkish side. The rental company will not insure it.
Things to do: 1. Nightlife. I found Cyprus to be a very fun place with an abundance of things to do when the sun goes down. Mouson Bistro Bar was a good spot for and the entire area is loaded folks hanging out having a good time. 2. Cross over into the Turkish. Yeah it appears sketch but what is life without some adventure. Use Ledra Street Crossing Point. It was super easy. nothing really happening but it will be cool to say that you did it. 3. Cruise down Ledra Street on the greek side of course for shopping and etc. 4. Try Zivania! It is 45% and will put hair not only your chest but all over your body. Lol. 5. Kykkos Monestary in the mountains. It is a cool drive and awesome place to visit. 6. Aphrodite’s Rock. Cool spot on the west coast. Where shoes because there are a ton of shells on the beach. Fly your drone. 7. Limassol. Walk along beach and check out the bar scene. I went to Salut. The whole area is nice and easy to walk around and enjoy the vibes.
Traveling while black: No issues. There were some looks but for the most part people were inviting. When I walked along the streets in Nicosia very near the border of the Turkish side I was offered to hang out with people just sitting and having drinks in the street. I would def visit again.
Disclaimer: I visited Larnaca, Cyprus
I went to Cyprus in November, so definitely during its lower season. However, I still had a blast. I stayed at a hotel right outside the Church of Lazarus, which was definitely worth visiting. There they have the remains of Lazarus (you can see the top of his skull and a few bones). You can also go into a room where he was buried with his sarcophagus. There is a stream of water from a pipe, that is considered Holy, so I collected some to bring home with me in case I need an extra blessing you know.
I kept this trip as the only trip I didn’t plan from end to end, and I was totally fine, as things just kept coming up to do. After walking around to the Fort, along the water, and the church, the country also offers free tours on specific days. I think maybe it was a winter deal so double check that. We went to one where they took us to the villages, we saw where they make the knitted silk clothes (like they one they send every year to Milan), and saw the largest on made and in the Guinness world book of records. There is also a church that says it has a piece of the cross Jesus was crucified on, and we also got some great Halloumi cheese (as this is where it was invented I believe).
We also of course visited Napa but it was very low key as again it was not high season.
I would definitely go back to Cyprus 1 because I didn’t get to go to the border into the Turkish side, and also would love to visit and just relax. Definitely worth visiting.
Don’t hesitate to contact me I have itineraries of all my trips and happy to share with you: info@iamdrwanderlust.com