If you could sneak your way past the UN guards and local toughs patrolling the Green Line, Cyprus would be two countries for the price of one.
May 1, 2006 (Press Release) --
Intro
If you could sneak your way past the UN guards and local toughs patrolling the Green Line, Cyprus would be two countries for the price of one. Unfortunately, this really is a country divided - since 1974, visitors have had to choose between the Turkish experience of the north and the Greek experience of the south. Most have chosen the southern Republic, and as a consequence this part of the country has broken out in a nasty rash of pastel hotels and chips-with-everything tavernas.
With a bit of effort, however, it's possible to escape the hordes and immerse yourself in a culture that draws on Europe, the Middle East, and 9000 years of constant invasion. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors.
Destination Facts
Full country name: Republic of Cyprus
Area: 9251 sq km (3608 sq mi), with 3355 sq km in North Cyprus
Population:785,000 (including 141,000 in North Cyprus)
Capital city: Lefkosia (pop 193,000)
People: Cypriot (Greek 78%, Turkish 18%)
Language: Greek, Turkish, English
Religion: Greek Orthodox, Muslim
Government: Presidential Republic
President: Glafkos Kliridis
Facts for the Traveller
Visas: Nationals of the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the EU can stay in the Republic of Cyprus for up to three months without a visa. If you entered Cyprus in the North (ie, from Turkey), it is illegal to cross to the Republic. Travel from the Republic to the North on a day trip is legal and straightforward, but if you are late coming home your name will be placed on a black list and you will not be allowed to cross to the North again. It's also legally impossible to travel from the Republic to the North and to then continue to Turkey - you cannot take luggage with you across the Green Line, and you will be placed on the Republic's black list, which will most likely prevent you from ever entering the Republic again. Also note that Turkish-Cypriots or travelers who have a Greek family name will almost certainly be refused a day pass to visit the North. Travelers may enter the Republic only through the legal ports of entry: Larnaka and Pafos international airports, or the ports of Larnaka, Lemesos and Pafos.
Health risks: No particular risks, but you should consider vaccinations for hepatitis.
Time: GMT/UTC plus two hours
Electricity: 240V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
When to Go
The shoulder seasons - April/May and September/October - are the most pleasant times, climatically, to visit Cyprus. Summer - June to August - can be very hot, and winter is sometimes wet but still pleasant.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
If you could sneak your way past the UN guards and local toughs patrolling the Green Line, Cyprus would be two countries for the price of one. Unfortunately, this really is a country divided - since 1974, visitors have had to choose between the Turkish experience of the north and the Greek experience of the south. Most have chosen the southern Republic, and as a consequence this part of the country has broken out in a nasty rash of pastel hotels and chips-with-everything tavernas.
With a bit of effort, however, it's possible to escape the hordes and immerse yourself in a culture that draws on Europe, the Middle East, and 9000 years of constant invasion. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors.
Destination Facts
Full country name: Republic of Cyprus
Area: 9251 sq km (3608 sq mi), with 3355 sq km in North Cyprus
Population:785,000 (including 141,000 in North Cyprus)
Capital city: Lefkosia (pop 193,000)
People: Cypriot (Greek 78%, Turkish 18%)
Language: Greek, Turkish, English
Religion: Greek Orthodox, Muslim
Government: Presidential Republic
President: Glafkos Kliridis
Facts for the Traveller
Visas: Nationals of the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the EU can stay in the Republic of Cyprus for up to three months without a visa. If you entered Cyprus in the North (ie, from Turkey), it is illegal to cross to the Republic. Travel from the Republic to the North on a day trip is legal and straightforward, but if you are late coming home your name will be placed on a black list and you will not be allowed to cross to the North again. It's also legally impossible to travel from the Republic to the North and to then continue to Turkey - you cannot take luggage with you across the Green Line, and you will be placed on the Republic's black list, which will most likely prevent you from ever entering the Republic again. Also note that Turkish-Cypriots or travelers who have a Greek family name will almost certainly be refused a day pass to visit the North. Travelers may enter the Republic only through the legal ports of entry: Larnaka and Pafos international airports, or the ports of Larnaka, Lemesos and Pafos.
Health risks: No particular risks, but you should consider vaccinations for hepatitis.
Time: GMT/UTC plus two hours
Electricity: 240V, 50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
When to Go
The shoulder seasons - April/May and September/October - are the most pleasant times, climatically, to visit Cyprus. Summer - June to August - can be very hot, and winter is sometimes wet but still pleasant.
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
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