Traveling to Cyprus

Two weeks in Cyprus during May 2021 - a perfect Mediterranean escape! With a population of around 1.2 million, Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean and offers a fascinating blend of Greek and Turkish cultures.

Fun fact: Cyprus has the highest concentration of bars per capita in the world, and Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was said to have been born from the sea foam near Paphos.

What I Experienced

Cyprus in May is glorious - warm enough for swimming, but before the scorching summer heat arrives. I rented a villa and spent two weeks exploring the island at a relaxed pace, which is really the only way to do Cyprus.

The Troodos Mountains in the interior provided a welcome escape from the coastal heat, with charming villages and ancient churches tucked into the hillsides. The painted Byzantine churches here are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The divided capital of Nicosia was particularly interesting - you can still cross between the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north, seeing how the same city has developed so differently.

Practical Notes

• May-June and September-October offer ideal weather
• Renting a car is essential - public transport is limited
• The south uses Euros; the north uses Turkish Lira
• Cypriot meze (dozens of small dishes) is a culinary experience
• Beaches on the east coast tend to have calmer waters
• Villa rentals offer great value compared to hotels

High-resolution aerial panoramas from Cyprus are available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Mediterranean travel marketing, island destination content, or coastal villa wall art.