Cyprus – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία / Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti)
Area: ~9,251 km² – small island, big sun
Population: ~1.2 million (2024)
Location: Eastern Mediterranean, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon
Form of government: Presidential republic
Head of State & Government: President Nikos Christodoulides
Capital city: Nicosia (Lefkosia) – ~330,000
Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2 / +3 in summer)
Official languages: Greek and Turkish
Currency: Euro (€)
EU member: Yes, since 2004
Schengen area: No (not fully integrated)
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Nicosia (Lefkosia) – ~330,000
- Limassol (Lemesos) – ~235,000
- Larnaca (Larnaka) – ~85,000
- Famagusta (Ammochostos) – ~80,000 (partially under Turkish control)
- Paphos (Pafos) – ~36,000
- Kyrenia (Girne) – ~33,000
- Morphou (Güzelyurt) – ~20,000
- Paralimni – ~15,000
- Protaras – ~10,000
- Ayia Napa – ~9,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Nicosia: The last divided capital in Europe — history and culture collide.
- Limassol: Beaches, nightlife, and wine festival season.
- Paphos: Ancient ruins, mosaics, and Aphrodite’s legendary birthplace.
- Ayia Napa & Protaras: Party, sunbathe, or chill on sandy beaches.
- Troodos Mountains: Hiking, monasteries, and snow in winter — surprise!
Climate
Mediterranean all the way: hot, dry summers (30–40 °C) and mild winters (10–20 °C). Sun almost every day — sunglasses are a necessity, sunscreen is mandatory.
Culture & Daily Life
- Hospitality: Cypriots take welcoming seriously — food and coffee are offered generously.
- Languages: Greek in the south, Turkish in the north, English widely spoken.
- Festivals: Wine, music, and religious celebrations dot the calendar.
- Island pace: Relaxed, sunny, and sometimes blissfully slow.
Food & Drink
- Meze: A variety of small dishes — a food lover’s paradise.
- Halloumi: Famous grilled cheese from Cyprus.
- Kleftiko: Slow-cooked lamb that melts in your mouth.
- Drinks: Commandaria (sweet wine), zivania (local spirit), and endless coffee.
- Sweet treats: Baklava, loukoumades, and other Mediterranean delights.
Summary
Cyprus is a sun-soaked island of history, beaches, and food that makes you say “just one more bite.” From ancient ruins to lively coastal resorts, Troodos mountains to quiet villages, it’s small enough to explore in a week but full of surprises. Sun, sea, and delicious halloumi await — just don’t forget your sunscreen.