Cyprus | ITMB 2021

Cyprus is a lovely Mediterranean island and a popular tourist destination for Europeans. It is also a very historic island, with roots going back to Phoenician times and probably before.

Political Division

• The island is politically divided into:
  • Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus
  • EU-member Cyprus, which comprises the southern two-thirds of the island.
• Most travel is to the southern portion, which is the most economically developed part of the island. This area is lined with numerous resort hotels and beaches.
• The northern portion, recognized only by Turkey, is less developed. Turkey maintains a significant military presence in the areas it controls.

Travel Between North and South

• Tourists can safely and efficiently pass through the ‘green zone’ in Nicosia to travel between the south and north.
• The northern portion is, in my opinion, more interesting simply because it is less travelled.

Exploring the Island

When visiting the island for research, most of our time was spent:

• Driving mountainous roads.
• Discovering interesting villages (and occasionally, military outposts).
• Visiting the contentious Famagusta city area, a fascinating and abandoned city covering many blocks of high-rises near the border. We were able to explore parts of it before being waved off by Turkish soldiers.

At no point during our travels did we feel fearful or harassed.

A Dream Destination

Regardless of politics, Cyprus is a dream resort for anyone. Whether you prefer to explore or relax on a beach, both the North and South offer wonderful experiences.