Nicosia (Lefkosia) is a nice city and worth visiting from both sides.
It should be easy and not problematic to cross “the boarder” on foot; but you should start from the Republic of Cyprus.
Enjoy small streets, old buildings and nice cafes.
Nicosia (Lefkosia) is a divided capital of Cyprus.
The city is “cut” in two, i.e., its northern part is a capital of Northern Cyprus and the southern part is a capital of the Republic of Cyprus.
The United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus is kind of border line between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It was established in 1964. It covers about 4% of the island’s area.
Cyprus is divided between two countries and cultures of Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
The situation is complicated and affects travelers, that’s why I mention about it.
Otherwise, it’s a travel blog, so I avoid to talk about politics.
And also while being in Cyprus, it’s better to avoid discussions about it…
The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish.
English is also widely spoken, that is very convenient for tourists.
Sanctuary of Apollo is another Archeological Site in Akrotiri, Cyprus. It’s located about 2 km from Kourion. So don’t forget to visit is, while being in Kourion.
Sanctuary of Apollo is a relatively small place, and I had the impression that not so many people visit it; at least it felt quite calm. 🙂
Kourion is a world heritage Archeological Site located in Akrotiri, Cyprus.
It’s one of the most famous tourist attraction of Cyprus, with many mosaics.
Definitely, it’s worth visiting!
Akrotiri and Dhekelia are actually 2 sites; Akrotiri is located nearby Limassol; Dhekelia is near Larnaca. They both have open borders with the Republic of Cyprus and a few tourist attraction are located there as well.
Akrotiri and Dhekelia is the Sovereign Base Areas or a British Overseas Territory on the island of Cyprus. It was created in 1960; covers about 3% of the land area of Cyprus; and includes British military bases.
When you’re in Cyprus, it’s still easy to have the impression that the UK had something to do with the island. 😉
The most obvious examples are left side of driving and British plugs.
Cyprus spent many years under British administration.
It gained its independence in 1960.
It would be natural to think that island of Cyprus belongs to the Republic of Cyprus.
But it’s not true…
There are actually 4 political areas on the island of Cyprus:
-the Republic of Cyprus (recognized internationally);
-the occupied part of Cyprus – Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (not recognized internationally);
-the UN buffer zone – kind of border line between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (it’s about 4% of the island’s area);
-Akrotiri and Dhekelia – the British military sovereign base areas.
Cyprus is treated like a European country, however, geographically, it rather belongs to Asia.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia).
Cyprus, as the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union and uses the euro.
Welcome in August.
This month all my blog is going to be about island Cyprus.
However, I will not cover this time the northern part of the country, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, that Northern Cyprus acts like a separate country, however, technically it’s an occupied by Turks part of the Cyprus.
In August, I’ll show you pictures from the Republic of Cyprus and Akrotiri and Dhekelia (will explain later what it is).
Today, I’m showing you the last picture from Hong Kong.
I hoped you liked my travel impressions this month.
I have very good memories from Hong Kong and like the islands a lot; I wouldn’t mind to go there again. 🙂
On Lantau Island, you’ll find a large bronze Buddha. The statue is 34 meters high and is located outdoor.
On Lantau Island you can take about 6 km cable car ride. 🙂
Lantau is the largest island in Hong Kong. You’ll find there busy places like the airport and Disneyland, as well as nice mountains, beaches, fishing village or monasteries.
Definitely, worth visiting.