This Little-Known Island Has Become One of the Mediterranean’s Top Tourist Destinations

With the lifting of restrictions at the world’s borders and the full resumption of travel, the Mediterranean Sea has become the preferred location for summer travel. Home to historic countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Croatia, the basin is known for its turquoise waters that surround Europe’s coastline, rugged nature, and rich cultural wealth.

While southern Europe is expected to rebound strongly after the return of tourists, particularly on the continent’s overtouristy western side, it is the lesser-known countries that steal the limelight this year. Following Albania as the trendiest beach destination of the year, another Mediterranean country (and also an island nation) has just been recognized as one of the region’s best tourist destinations this year.

Welcome to Cyprus – an ancient harbour and fast-growing resort area.

Cyprus Has Fully Recovered from the Pandemic Recession

The number of passengers arriving at Cyprus airports has skyrocketed this year compared to 2023. Hermès Airport, which manages the two international hubs, announced this week that the country has officially recovered from the pandemic, perhaps even above pre-crisis levels.

To date,4,808,431 passengers have landed on the island since January 2023, most of them crossing the state border at Larnaca Airport (3,252,612).As stated in the statement, this is indicative of “strong” tourism demand and puts Cyprus at the forefront of the “reinvigorated” tourism-based Mediterranean economies.

The Council International Airports (ACI) European Chapter itself has acknowledged that Cyprus is leading the race to recovery, as Cyprus achieved a “full recovery” of air connectivity and published larger figures than the already historic 612.

But why is Cyprus so popular when many other Mediterranean competitors are increasing their competitiveness by opening their borders and increasing tourist services? Why do tourists love it?

A West Asian Country with European Culture

Just a stone’s throw from Turkey’s southern coast, Cyprus is the southeasternmost country in Europe.

Located at the easternmost tip of the Mediterranean, it can be seen from the Lebanese coast on particularly clear days, while its nearest neighbor is actually a Middle Eastern country, geographically firmly rooted in Western Asia. Despite its strategic location, the island is undoubtedly a European island with closer ties to the western continent. It is a member of the European Union, its national currency is the euro, and the ethnic identity of the majority of the population is Greek and Greek is spoken.

Cyprus is essentially a Greek island that was settled by the Greeks in ancient times and later received from the Turkish hinterland of Anatolia, Armenia, Latin Europe, Persia (modern Iran), and other ancient powers. In ancient times, Cyprus is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, a Greek deity associated with the concept of love and beauty, who is said to have been born in a seawater bubble off the coast of Paphos, on the west coast of the island.

On holiday in Cyprus, you’ll soon understand why the Greeks associate this remote island with these attributes.

All in all, Cyprus is a perfect sunny holiday destination. This subtropical island is so beautiful with traditional coastal villages established centuries or even thousands of years ago, interspersed with developments, sandy beaches and cliffside driveways, and bounded by the azure waters of the Mediterranean.

4 Reasons Why Cyprus Is the Perfect Sun Resort

1. Luxury resorts at great prices

Ayia Napa, the busiest resort area on the island, is known for its lively social scene and lively nightlife, with enviable beachfront bars, nightclubs, shopping malls and Maldivian white sand beaches to calm the outgoing sun – your inner explorer.

Located on the southeasternmost edge of Cyprus, Napa is the perfect place to enjoy an all-inclusive holiday, where your only job is to lounge by the beach, breathe in the sea breeze and enjoy the resort’s 5-star facilities.

If you prefer a holiday of total relaxation and doing nothing, there are plenty of luxury hotels to choose from on the east coast of Cyprus, from opulent hotels in Napa all the way to fantastic white upscale villas in Cape Greco in the south.

Cyprus is also considered an all-inclusive resort cheaper than its sister countries Greece, Croatia or Spain. Prices start as low as $198 per night at some of the top hotels on Booking.com, including the adults-only Leonardo Crystal Cove Hotel & Spa.

2. Sand and culture

If you’re after both sandy beaches and culture, your best bet is based on the southern coast of Cyprus, where the bustling cities of Larnaca and Limassol form an adjoining recreation area.

Larnaca is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean, with a medieval fortress, well-preserved Romanesque churches, a Roman aqueduct and the Hala Sultutek Mosque, which was built after the Islamic invasion of the island and is the third holiest place in Islam.

The golden sands of the municipality are lined with a modern promenade perfect for strolling, and although the waters are not as clear as Ayia Napa or Protaras, they are still warm and can be swallowed all year round, especially in summer when temperatures soar above 100 degrees in Cyprus.

Limassol, on the other hand, is known for its charming old town, built around a landmark fortress full of traditional Greek Cypriot restaurants, beautifully decorated cute little jambs, and charming Greek Orthodox churches.

However, Limassol’s main attraction is the new marina, dotted with towering skyscrapers and futuristic marine gardens, whose innovation has earned the Republic the title of “Mini Dubai”, the second largest city in the Republic.

3. Ancient Greek ruins

On the west coast of the island, Paphos is also a great option to add a little culture to your beach trip. Not only is it the birthplace of Aphrodite, but it also houses the UNESCO-protected site of the tomb of the kings, a Greek underground burial ground dating back to the 4th century. The archaeological area of Cyprus also includes the remains of Greek theaters and other temple ruins.

A short drive from Paphos, visitors can reach the stunning Akamas Blue Lagoon, where the waters are clearer than those of the Mexican Caribbean, and hiking trails lead to pleasing sights; There is also the Baths of Adonis, where, according to Greek mythology, Aphrodite and her favorite person would meet secretly, the human lover Adonis.

The Adonis Baths are actually a secluded waterfall that eventually forms a natural pool, and since it can be very busy in summer, it is recommended that you arrive there early before the tour starts to arrive and enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the reserve. And, of course, Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus.

4. Europe’s last divided capital

You might think that Nicosia also straddles the Mediterranean coast like other cities, but in fact, it sits in the heart of Cyprus, just an hour’s drive from Larnaca Airport, and it’s probably the most charming European capital. With its unique position.

Cyprus may be a trendy summer destination, but many forget that it is still a divided island.

Long story short, the island is divided into the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-backed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), where the majority of Greek Cypriots live and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is home to the majority of Greek Cypriots. The inhabitants are considered to be Turkish or Turkish Cypriots. Both entities claim Nicosia as their capital, which leads to the division of the city into South Nicosia, controlled by the Republic, and Northern Nicosia, administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Politics aside, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is as beautiful as the southern Greek-speaking region, and prices can be a lot cheaper because the currency used is the Turkish lira, and the prices reflect the prices of the southern regions of Turkey, not the prices of Greek Cyprus. Euroized, highly developed economy.

Northern Cyprus also has its own development zones and resorts, although they are not ready to receive international tourists due to the ongoing embargo, the natural beauty is absolutely breathtaking, and the beaches in the north are probably the most pristine, as tourists are less frequented.

Travel to Northern Cyprus

However, Americans must be careful, because only by “registering” the Republic of Cyprus can they legally visit Northern Cyprus. In other words, you must arrive through one of the official entry points in Cyprus. The most widely used are the airports of Larnaca and Paphos and the ports of Limassol.

After being stamped by the Cypriot authorities, you are free to enter the unrecognized northern region, where there is indeed an airport but only receives flights from mainland Turkey. Those arriving on the island via Northern Airport (Ercan) may be denied access to the southern region if they attempt to transit later on the same trip.

Once you arrive in Larnaca, Paphos, or Limassol, you are free to enter the north from the south and back to the south again with minimal hassle and as many times as you want.

Tourists love Cyprus for its year-round warm climate, beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and huge cultural wealth. When visiting Cyprus this summer, make sure to book accommodation and flights a few weeks in advance as the peak season period can be very busy and is expected to last until early September, and the sooner you book, the better.