Nicosia
While sunshine, water parks, well equipped hotels, and a smattering of Cypriot history await holiday-makers along the coastlines of the island, there is another holiday destination inland that offers something a little different:
As an alternative base for a holiday, or simply as somewhere unique to visit, the Cypriot capital of Nicosia will fit the bill. In a central location, Cyprus is ruled from here. A key business and financial centre on the island, and houses the University of Cyprus. This city is unique as the last divided capital in Europe, with a north/south, Turkish/Cypriot divide. Politics aside, another unique feature of the city are the 16th century Venetian fortress walls which surround it, a striking attraction for visitors to the area.
Inside Nicosia, much of the charm and attraction lies in the ‘Old City’ area, and it’s here that you will find many ancient churches, buildings, and monuments. All the attractions in this area are within easy reach, and the whole area can be explored on foot. Of particular interest in the ‘Old City’ is Laiki Geitonia, a pedestrianised area, packed full of preserved architecture, and medieval ambience. Other attractions include the Machairas Monastery, Agios Ioannis Cathedral, Chrysaliniotissa Church, Politiko – Tamassos Royal Tombs, and a selection of Museums. These include the Cyprus Museum of Natural History, the Ledra Museum Observatory, The Cyprus Archaelogical Museum, and the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum. There are also museums dedicated to Cypriot coins, and the national postal service.
While there are Museums dedicated to a vast array of subjects from the past, the city’s traditions can also be seen throughout the workshops and craft centres, which offer a wide variety of goods for sale, in particular woodwork items. There are also a small number of art galleries throughout the city, and the Nicosia Muncipial Theatre which hosts performances throughout the year.
Aside from arts and culture, there is a big café scene in Nicosia, and although there are many ‘western’ eating/drinking outlets, there are also plenty of traditional places to be seen in too. Greek coffees are very popular among visitors and locals alike. Although not as bustling as the tourist hotspots in Cyprus, thanks to it’s student population, Nicosia does have cinemas, bars, and nightclubs for those looking for evening entertainment, though its accommodation choices are mainly aimed at business travellers. Reaching this historic capital city is relatively easy, with regular shuttle services and taxis operating from Larnaca, the nearest airport. International flights also arrive in Paphos, though the transfer times are longer. With its wealth of old buildings and history, especially in the ‘old city’, this is very much a holiday for those looking to experience traditional Cyprus, and mix this with the modern facilities that come from a business centre. It may not be as obvious as some destinations on the island as a holiday hotspot, but it’s certainly a pleasant and interesting one, and with many sprawling villages within reach of the city walls, there’ll be plenty to keep even the most restless holiday maker occupied.
