Cypriot culture reflects the island's position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with influences from Greek, Turkish, Byzantine, Venetian, and British traditions. As a result, Cyprus offers a rich tapestry of cultural expressions, from its cuisine to its festivals, music, and arts.

Key elements of Cypriot culture include:

• Religious traditions: The majority Greek Cypriot population primarily follows the Greek Orthodox Church, while the Turkish Cypriot community is predominantly Muslim. Religious festivals and celebrations play a significant role in cultural life, with Easter being particularly important in the Greek Orthodox tradition.
• Folk music and dance: Cyprus has a rich musical heritage with distinctive instruments like the bouzouki, laouto (lute), and pithkiavlin (flute). Traditional dances such as the syrtos, sousta, and karsilamas are performed at celebrations and cultural events, often in traditional costumes.
• Arts and crafts: The island has a long tradition of craftsmanship, including pottery, silverwork, basket weaving, lace-making (particularly the famous "lefkaritika" lace from Lefkara village), and woodcarving. Many of these crafts date back centuries and reflect both practical needs and artistic expression.
• Literature and poetry: Cyprus has a rich literary tradition in both Greek and Turkish languages. Notable Cypriot writers include Costas Montis, Nikos Kranidiotis, and Mehmet Yaşın, whose works often reflect the island's complex history and identity.

Hospitality (filoxenia in Greek) is central to Cypriot culture, with visitors often welcomed warmly into homes and offered food and drink. Social life revolves around family, with extended family gatherings being common, particularly for Sunday lunches and religious holidays.

Cypriot cuisine embodies the Mediterranean diet with its own distinctive character:

• Halloumi cheese: Cyprus's most famous culinary export, this semi-hard cheese is traditionally made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk and can be grilled without melting
• Meze: A selection of small dishes served as appetizers or a complete meal, often including dips like tahini, tzatziki, and taramosalata, as well as olives, grilled halloumi, and various meat dishes
• Souvla: Large chunks of meat (usually lamb, pork, or chicken) slow-cooked on a long skewer over a charcoal barbecue
• Koupes: Fried bulgur wheat shells filled with minced meat, onions, and herbs
• Loukoumades: Small honey-soaked doughnuts flavored with cinnamon or syrup
• Commandaria: One of the world's oldest named wines, a sweet dessert wine produced in the Troodos Mountains and dating back to the 12th century

Coffee culture is important in Cyprus, with traditional coffee houses (kafeneia) serving as social hubs where locals gather to play backgammon (tavli), discuss politics, and enjoy strong Cypriot coffee. The island also has a growing wine industry, with indigenous grape varieties like Xynisteri and Maratheftiko gaining international recognition.

Cyprus offers visitors a diverse range of experiences, from pristine beaches and ancient ruins to picturesque mountain villages and vibrant cities. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, a rich historical legacy, and excellent infrastructure, the island has become a popular destination for travelers seeking Mediterranean charm with a unique cultural blend.

Here are some of Cyprus's most impressive attractions:

Paphos Archaeological Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site containing spectacular Roman mosaics, ancient villas, fortresses, and tombs. The mosaics at the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Aion, and Orpheus depict scenes from Greek mythology with extraordinary detail and are among the best preserved in the Mediterranean region.

Nissi Beach: Located near Ayia Napa, this is one of Cyprus's most famous beaches, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand. During low tide, a sandbar appears, creating a path to the small islet (nissi) that gives the beach its name. The area is popular for water sports and beach parties.

Troodos Mountains: Cyprus's largest mountain range offers a dramatic contrast to the coastal areas, with pine-forested slopes, picturesque villages, and Byzantine monasteries. The region is home to the UNESCO-listed painted churches with their remarkable frescoes, including Kykkos Monastery with its famous icon of the Virgin Mary.

Kyrenia Harbor: One of the most picturesque spots in Northern Cyprus, the horseshoe-shaped harbor is lined with restaurants and overlooked by the imposing Kyrenia Castle. The harbor area blends Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman architectural influences, creating a charming historic atmosphere.

Larnaca Salt Lake: A seasonal lake that fills with water during winter and dries up in summer, leaving a salt crust. The lake is famous for hosting thousands of pink flamingos during winter months, creating a spectacular natural display. Nearby stands Hala Sultan Tekke, an important Muslim shrine.

Other notable attractions include the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion with its Greco-Roman theater overlooking the sea, the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, the divided capital city of Nicosia with its Venetian walls, the scenic Cape Greco National Park, and the ruins of Salamis near Famagusta. For beach lovers, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, Konnos Bay, and Golden Beach on the Karpas Peninsula are highly recommended.

Cyprus has a well-developed transportation system, though public transport options are more limited than in many European countries. Having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring the island, especially for reaching rural areas and remote beaches.

• Car Rental: Renting a car is the most popular option for tourists. An extensive network of modern highways connects major cities, while scenic secondary roads lead to villages and attractions. Driving is on the left side (British influence), and international driving licenses are accepted. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old.
• Buses: Intercity buses connect major towns and cities, with frequent services between Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Urban bus networks operate in larger cities, though services may be limited in evenings and on weekends. The public bus system is affordable and has improved significantly in recent years.
• Taxis: Taxis are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Urban taxis operate with meters, while intercity taxis charge fixed rates. Shared taxis (service taxis) run between major cities on fixed routes and depart when full, offering a cost-effective alternative to private taxis.
• Bicycle Rentals: Increasingly popular in tourist areas, especially for short distances. Some coastal cities have dedicated cycling paths, and the Troodos Mountains attract mountain biking enthusiasts.

Border Crossings: Cyprus is divided between the Republic of Cyprus (south) and the self-declared Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey). Crossing between the two areas is possible at designated checkpoints:

• Ledra Street crossing (pedestrian only) in central Nicosia
• Agios Dometios/Metehan crossing (vehicles and pedestrians) in Nicosia
• Pergamos/Beyarmudu crossing near Larnaca
• Strovilia crossing near Ayia Napa
• Limnitis/Yeşilırmak crossing in the northwest

For EU citizens, crossing is generally straightforward with a valid ID or passport. Non-EU citizens should ensure their documentation allows for entry into both areas. Rental cars from the Republic of Cyprus may not be covered by insurance when driven in Northern Cyprus, though additional insurance can typically be purchased at crossing points.

Note: Public transportation in rural areas can be limited, especially in the evenings and on weekends. For exploring villages, archaeological sites, and natural attractions away from major cities, having a rental car is highly recommended.

Cyprus has two international airports in the Republic of Cyprus (south) and one in Northern Cyprus:

• Larnaca International Airport (LCA): Located 4 km southwest of Larnaca city, this is the largest and primary gateway to Cyprus. It handles the majority of international flights and serves as a hub for Cyprus Airways and several other carriers. The modern terminal offers a wide range of facilities including duty-free shopping, restaurants, car rental services, and a tourist information desk.
• Paphos International Airport (PFO): Situated 6.5 km east of Paphos city, this smaller international airport primarily serves tourists visiting western Cyprus and the Paphos region. It's particularly popular for flights from the UK and other northern European countries, with increased schedules during the summer season.
• Ercan International Airport (ECN): Located about 13 km east of North Nicosia, this is the main airport serving Northern Cyprus. Due to the political situation, flights to Ercan must transit through Turkey, as direct international flights are not permitted by international aviation authorities. This airport is not recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Airport Transportation: Options for traveling from the airports to your destination include:

• Airport Shuttles: Many hotels offer shuttle services, especially in major tourist areas. These typically need to be arranged in advance.
• Taxis: Available at all airports with fixed rates to major destinations. Prices are displayed at taxi stands.
• Car Rental: All airports have multiple car rental companies with desks in the arrival areas.
• Public Buses: Regular bus services connect Larnaca and Paphos airports to their respective city centers and to other major cities. Schedules may be limited in evenings.

Important Note: Due to the division of Cyprus, traveling between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus has certain implications. If you enter Cyprus through Ercan Airport in the north, you are technically entering through an unrecognized port of entry according to the Republic of Cyprus. This could potentially cause complications if you later try to cross to the southern part or during future visits to the Republic of Cyprus or other EU countries.

Cyprus's visa policy is complex due to its political division and its status as an EU member state. The Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized) controls the southern part of the island, while the northern part is administered by the self-declared Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey).

Republic of Cyprus (South) Entry Requirements

The following table provides general information about entry requirements for the Republic of Cyprus:

Nationality	Visa Requirement	Maximum Stay
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens	No Visa Required	Freedom of movement (registration after 90 days)
UK Citizens	No Visa Required	90 days within any 180-day period
USA, Canada, Australia, Japan	No Visa Required	90 days within any 180-day period
Most Non-EU European Countries	No Visa Required	90 days within any 180-day period
Most Other Countries	Visa Required	Depends on visa type

As an EU member state, the Republic of Cyprus follows the Schengen acquis but is not yet part of the Schengen Area. This means that a Schengen visa does not automatically allow entry to Cyprus, though Cyprus generally accepts Schengen visas for short visits under certain conditions.

Northern Cyprus Entry Considerations

• Most nationalities can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival when entering Northern Cyprus
• Entry is typically straightforward for tourists arriving via Turkey
• Entering Cyprus through Northern Cyprus (via Ercan Airport) is considered illegal entry by the Republic of Cyprus authorities
• Visitors who enter Cyprus first through the Republic and then visit Northern Cyprus can return to the south without issue

Important Travel Considerations

• Border crossings: EU citizens can generally cross the Green Line (buffer zone) between north and south by showing a valid ID card or passport. Non-EU citizens should ensure they have proper documentation.
• Car rentals: Insurance for vehicles rented in the Republic of Cyprus typically does not cover travel in Northern Cyprus. Additional insurance can be purchased at crossing points.
• Health insurance: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for UK citizens is valid in the Republic of Cyprus but not in Northern Cyprus. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
• Currency: The Republic of Cyprus uses the Euro (€), while Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (₺). Both areas widely accept credit cards in tourist areas, though cash may be necessary in rural locations.

Best time to visit: Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters:

• Spring (April-May): Ideal for exploring the island when temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C), wildflowers bloom, and tourist sites are less crowded
• Summer (June-September): Hot and dry (30-35°C), perfect for beach holidays and water activities, though inland areas can be very hot
• Autumn (October-November): Another excellent time to visit with warm temperatures, mild sea conditions, and fewer tourists
• Winter (December-March): Mild compared to northern Europe (15-20°C), with occasional rainfall. The Troodos Mountains receive snowfall, enabling winter sports from January to March