Cyprus, Island nation in Mediterranean Sea, Eastern Europe.
Description
Cyprus is an island republic in the eastern Mediterranean covering roughly 3570 square miles (9250 km), shifting between central mountain ranges, coastal plains, and zones where forests meet farmland. The landscape shows jagged peaks inland, sandy bays at the edges, and vineyards on gentle slopes in between.
History
The island gained independence from British rule in 1960 and became a sovereign state with its own constitution. The division in 1974 led to two separate administrative zones that remain apart today.
Culture
The name Cyprus comes from the ancient Greek word for copper, which has been mined here since the Bronze Age. Today you can see traditional stone houses with flat roofs in many villages, while coastal towns show modern waterfronts lined with tavernas and cafés where locals gather over meze platters.
Practical
The Mediterranean climate brings mild winters and warm summers with temperatures ranging from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 35 degrees Celsius), with April to October offering the most comfortable travel conditions. Coastal areas often catch a light breeze in summer, while the mountain interior occasionally sees snow in winter.
Did you know?
Nicosia stands as Europe's only divided capital, crossed by a demarcation line that has separated the internationally recognized southern zone from the Turkish-administered northern area for decades. You can walk along streets in the old town that show different currencies, languages, and traffic rules on either side.
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Cyprus offers a range of locations for photography that blend history, nature, and architecture. The island presents ancient ruins such as the archaeological parks of Paphos and the sanctuary of Kourion, medieval castles including Saint Hilarion and Kolossi, and churches dating to the Byzantine...
Tombs of the Kings
71.4 km
Church of Cyprus
27.1 km
Petra tou Romiou
59.1 km
Hala Sultan Tekke
43.8 km
Khirokitia
27.5 km
Kykkos Monastery
36.8 km
Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca
45.4 km
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
74.4 km
Nissi beach
75.1 km
Saint Hilarion Castle
38.7 km
Kyrenia Castle
43.1 km
Kolossi Castle
40.2 km
Paphos Archaeological Park
72.2 km
Venetian walls of Nicosia
29.3 km
Paphos Castle
72.1 km
Fig Tree Bay
83.4 km
Stavrovouni Monastery
28.6 km
Saint Sophia Cathedral
29.4 km
Kantara Castle
85.1 km
Limassol Castle
35.8 km
Agios Neophytos Monastery
65.6 km
Apostolos Andreas Monastery
149.9 km
Othello Castle
74.5 km
Cyprus Museum
28.5 km
Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia
60.5 km
Paphos Zoo
74 km
Buffavento Castle
41.7 km
Machairas Monastery
6.2 km
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