Cyprus

Types of trips: Relaxation, Exploring, Historical, Cuisine, Geographical

Best known for: Aphrodite, Beaches, Greek Monasteries, Rich Cuisine

Why Go?: The idyllic scenery of beaches and mountains and the Mediterranean culture make Cyprus a great destination for both relaxation and education - the warm climate and fascinating history make this a destination everybody will enjoy. 

Fact File

Population: 1,100,000

Capital: Nicosia

Language(s): Greek, Turkish

Ties to the UK?: Popular holiday destination, excellent political relationship

Landscape: An island in the east Mediterranean, Cyprus has two mountain ranges which make up the majority of the land, with some flatter plains and big rivers draining into the sea. 

Climate/Seasons: Mild winter period with some snow possible on the high peaks, with summer starting in April and lasting through to November, seeing little rainfall and usually consistently very warm. 

When to Go: Summer is great in Cyprus, but the temperatures can get very high and could be uncomfortable - avoid the peak heat and you should have a great time. 

Reasons to Visit: The stunning combination of history and beautiful landscape.

How to Get There: As it's an island, Cyprus is best accessed by the air - there are several large international airports for this purpose. You can also get there via boat - Turkey has some good ferry links. 

Places to Go: Nicosia, Tombs of the Kings, Limassol, Fasouri Watermania, Cyprus Museum

Famous People: George Michael, Anna Vissi, Mihalis Kakogiannis, Marcos Bagdatis, Theo Paphitis

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Nissi Beach, Petre tou Romiou, Cape Greco, Kato Paphos Archaelogical Park

History: Country split in two between Greece and Turkey

Architecture: Kolossi Castle, Church of Saint Lazarus, Painted Churches in the Troodos Region, Kykkos Monastery, Paphos Castle

Culture: Split between Greek and Turkish styles; varying art, sculpture and music themes

Sport: Football, Rugby, Tennis

Events: Live music

Watch Out For: Sunburn! Be careful while on the beach, and be conscious of crowd risks and pickpockets in busy areas. 

Medical Issues: No vaccinations or boosters required, but check with your doctor! Also, sunburn can be a risk when visiting hot countries - be well prepared with appropriate clothing and suncream.