Cyprus tours & holidays

Cypriots are generally known for their warmly hospitable quality, and the high value they place on family. There are really two kinds of Cypriots though: Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, since Cyprus is divided in two. Greek Cypriots are the Greek-speaking Greek Orthodox community; they occupy the south. Turkish Cypriots are the Turkish-speaking Muslim community, who occupy the northern part of the country (roughly a third of it).

Before the 1974 military coup and the subsequent split of the island, the two groups were largely mixed. Their cultures were more intertwined. Nowadays, however, with the island formally divided, there is more of a cultural divide. There are still many signs of cultural harmony, though. One need only look at the Home for Cooperation, a community centre and NGO hub located in the Green Line (the UN Buffer Zone between north and south) to see signs of hope for unification. Indeed the reopening of border points in 2003, allowing domestic travel between north and south, was a step forward.

While southern Cyprus has seen rapid tourism growth and environmental degradation, tourism in the north is growing at a much slower rate. The Republic of Northern Cyprus (formally recognised only by Turkey) is characterised by a Turkish–Cypriot dialect, warm hospitality and friendliness, and Islam (though its practice is not as overt as in many other Muslim countries). The culture of northern Cyprus is strongly influenced by Turkey, but Turkish Cypriots consider themselves Cypriot first and foremost.

Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is an island that lies west off the coast of Lebanon and Syria, north of Israel and Egypt, and south of Turkey. At 9,250 square kilometres in size, it’s relatively small. Cyprus is essentially split in two: the northern part of the country (roughly one-third of the land mass) is controlled by Turkey, and has been ever since the coup of 1974. The lower two-thirds of the country is occupied by Greek Cypriots.

Northern Cyprus boasts a diverse and scenic land mass of beaches, mountains and sweeping plains. The Kyrenia Range is a major geographic feature of the north, and its highest peak is Mt Selvili (1,023 m). East of this mountain range, there is a peninsula called Karpas, where the quiet town of Rizokarpaso and various beaches are found. The holiday towns of Kyrenia and Famagusta lie in the north and east of the main land mass, respectively.

Cyprus is a fantastic place to shop for locally produced items, from handcrafted textiles to fresh fruit and vegetables. Perhaps the most tempting souvenir in Cyprus is a kilim – an Ottoman style rug woven by hand. There’s also some wonderful Turkish pottery, silk, scarves and tiles to be found.

Lefkara embroidery is a uniquely Cypriot item, originating in the village of the same name in the south; northern versions of Lefkara embroidery have a slightly different aesthetic. North Nicosia is a great place to shop for handmade lace like this, as well as baskets which are handmade in island’s more remote villages. Often rugs and baskets are not cheap, and it pays to shop around a little before you buy.

Thanks to the strength of Cypriot farming communities, market-fresh local produce is never too far away in Cyprus. Start with Nicosia’s markets – both the ‘open’ and ‘closed’ markets are worth a good stroll around, and great for local interaction.

The Cypriots are a festive bunch, which shows in their jam-packed calendar. The Limassol Carnival is a major event in the south – it’s one of the best-known carnivals in Europe. In the north of Cyprus, food is a major theme of the festival calendar, with an event to celebrate just about any Cypriot food imaginable: the orange, grape, lemon, date, tulip and walnut, just to name a few. Famagusta, meanwhile, has a reputation for regular music festivals.

North Cyprus Olive Festival, Kyrenia

It started in 2001 and before too long grew to attract visiting artists from many neighbouring countries. Olives are certainly not the only focus; dance performances, market stalls and seminars have all been known to feature in this multi-day affair.

International Famagusta Art & Culture Festival

Spanning hip hop, reggae, pop and classical, this 20+ year-old event has steadily grown into one of the most significant music festivals of the Mediterranean. With a strong world music bent, it’s a great place to experience just how much more there is to the region than sun, surf and sand.

Eco Festival, Buyyokonuk

For many years, the village of Buyokkonuk has been a bastion of sustainable tourism and all things local. This late-summer festival is a place to taste Cypriot food done in a slow, proper way. While the cuisine is the main focus, music and market stalls feature among the festivities.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• Epiphany

• Clean Monday

• Greek Independence Day

• Greek Cypriot National Day

• Greek Orthodox Easter

• Labour Day

• Ramazan Bayram

• Kataklysmos (Pentecost)

• Kurban Bayram

• Assumption

• Independence Day

• National Day (Ochi Day)

Please note that the dates of Cyprus' public holidays may vary.

The cuisine of Turkish Cypriots comes from Mediterranean, Southern European and Middle Eastern influences. The beauty of eating in Northern Cyprus is that ingredients tend to be local, as food production is more agrarian in the north than in the south.

Must-try food and drink in Cyprus

1. Meze

Meze is a major pillar of Cypriot food culture, in the same way tapas is to the Spaniards. It’s the share-plate style of eating, the perfect accompaniment to a few drinks with friends. Meze dishes might include hummus, beetroot, yoghurt, grilled halloumi, spicy pastourma (cured sausage), koupepia or dolma (stuffed vine leaves) … the list goes on.

2. Halloumi

Is it Greek, or is it Turkish? No matter where you stand on the debate on its origins, this rich brined cheese is one of the must-eat foods in Cyprus. If it’s grilled (it usually is) it’s best consumed within minutes of it being served, preferably with copious lemon juice.

3. Molihiya

A spinach-like dish often seen in Northern Cyprus, Molihiya is perhaps of Arabic origin. It uses sun-dried Molihiya leaves which have distinct and potent flavour. Garlic, lemon, tomato and chilli are incorporated, and often chicken is too.

4. Cicek dolmasi

Another beloved Turkish-Cypriot dish, these zesty and spicy parcels are squash blossoms (or zucchini flowers) stuffed with a mixture of rice, onions, tomatoes and herbs.

5. Zivania

To call it the local ‘firewater’ may be a little harsh – the Cypriot drink of choice certainly has a character of its own, though colourless and sugarless. It’s distilled from grapes but has a subtle raisin aroma, and is as refreshing in the summer (served cold) as it is heart-warming in the winter.

6. Ayran

Ayran is a savoury yogurt-based beverage that is mixed with salt and served cold. Though filling, it’s quite refreshing and a great option for those who don’t drink alcohol. To get the full authentic dose, go for one with some dried mint in it.

7. şeftali kebabı

Pronounced Sheftalia Kebab is a traditional Cypriot food. It is a type of sausage without skin, that uses caul fat, or omentum, the membrane that surrounds the stomach of lamb, to wrap the ingredients rather than sausage casing, thus ensuring a very juicy kebab