Guides
Travel and places
The island beyond the paperwork, area by area: what to see, where to swim, and the landmarks worth the drive, on both sides of the line. Place names follow our editorial policy, and every area page gives the Greek and Turkish names too.
North of the Green Line
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Kyrenia
The horseshoe harbour, castles on the ridge, Bellapais, and the north coast beaches.
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Famagusta
A Venetian walled city, the ruins of Salamis, and the partly reopened district of Varosha.
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İskele
The fastest growing part of the north: Long Beach, Boğaz harbour and Kantara Castle.
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Güzelyurt and Lefke
Orange groves, the ruins of Soli and Vouni, and the quiet north west coast.
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Karpas Peninsula
The island’s long, empty tail: wild donkeys, Golden Beach and Apostolos Andreas.
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North Nicosia
The northern half of the walled capital: Selimiye, the Büyük Han and the old bazaar streets.
South of the Green Line
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Paphos
Mosaics, royal tombs, Aphrodite’s Rock, and the wild Akamas coast up to Polis and Latchi.
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Limassol
The island’s busiest seafront city, with Kourion and the wine villages on its doorstep.
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Larnaca
The main airport town: salt lake, flamingos, Finikoudes beach and Hala Sultan Tekke.
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Ayia Napa and Protaras
The island’s clearest water, Cape Greco, and the closest southern resorts to the Deryneia crossing.
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Troodos
Mountains, painted churches, waterfalls, cool summers and a short winter ski season.
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South Nicosia
The southern half of the walled capital, its museums, and the Ledra Street crossing.
Across the island
- The best time to visit Cyprus, month by month
When to visit Cyprus for beaches, walking, skiing or quiet, with the differences between coast, mountains, and the two sides of the island.
Verified 24 Aug 2026 - Place names in Cyprus: English, Greek and Turkish side by side
Why most places in Cyprus have two or three names, which ones you will see on signs and maps, and a list of the main towns and sites in all three.
Verified 19 Oct 2026 - Cypriot food explained: meze, halloumi and the dishes to try
How meze works and the Cypriot dishes worth ordering on both sides of the island, with Greek and Turkish names so you can find them on any menu.
Verified 19 Oct 2026