You have always wanted to visit Cyprus, and you finally have the chance to go! However, you are concerned about traveling to Cyprus now that the country has entered into bankruptcy proceedings and its future status remains uncertain. Don’t be; now is a great time to visit the island nation, especially if you are interested in the culture, history, and people of Cyprus. Here are three reasons why you should travel to Cyprus now before it becomes too popular with other tourists.
Geography
Situated in southern Europe, between Greece and Turkey, there is a beautiful country known as Cyprus. This island nation boasts long stretches of sandy beaches, picturesque hills, and valleys, ancient castles, and monuments—and it’s about to become even more enticing for tourists. With positive economic growth for almost two decades straight and its proximity to Southern Europe and Northern Africa, Cyprus attracts a wide variety of travelers. So much so that you may wonder if you too should visit!
Heritage
At first, glance, visiting Cyprus may seem like an unusual choice. Yes, it’s located on one of Europe’s most popular tourist routes (among other things), but its recent history has not been so easy-going. In 1974, tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots erupted into civil war and have yet to be resolved. And yes, there are still landmines in parts of the country—but none near where tourists typically travel. So why visit now? Because while there are many reasons why you shouldn’t visit Cyprus—it’s not cheap; it’s difficult to get around; there are still landmines—there are also many reasons why you should visit. Here are just a few
Culture
In addition to its long history and rich archaeological heritage, there are also many Greek cultures in Cyprus. It’s not uncommon for people on both sides of the country’s divide—Greek and Turkish Cypriots—to speak both languages, though English is usually understood across party lines.
Climate
Cyprus has an amazing climate, hot during summer and mild during winter. There are plenty of sunny days throughout each year, meaning you’ll be able to spend as much time outdoors as you like. The average high temperature in July was about 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit), while it only dropped to 17 degrees Celsius (63 Fahrenheit) in January. The average rainfall per month varies from 2 millimeters in October to 86 millimeters in August, so expect your clothes to dry quickly if they get wet. Rainfall mainly occurs between October and May, but even then there are only 10 rainy days per month on average. If you love sunbathing or swimming at beaches with clear water, then Cyprus will be up your street!
Safety & Security
With peace restored and tourism in full swing, visitors can feel safe and secure in Cyprus. The country has been named one of the safest places for tourists in all of Europe by TripAdvisor, beating out other popular destinations like Malta, Italy, Spain, and Croatia.
Politics
To start, it’s important to note that there’s no safe time for travel. The politics of wherever you are going to affect your safety (or lack thereof) in one way or another. However, when planning your trip, it’s always worth doing some research on potential hazards and what precautions you can take for yourself and others.
Tourism Sector
Tourism accounts for over 3.3% of GDP in Cyprus, with 2.5 million tourists visiting annually. Tourism has now overtaken Banking as one of its major sectors and there are many reasons why it is popular with tourists and citizens alike. In 2013, more than 30% of the population was born outside Cyprus, so the Cypriot people are accustomed to dealing with different cultures and speaking several languages fluently (English is another). As far as other countries go, it's closer than you might think – less than two hours from London by plane; flight connections from US cities via Europe can take only about 7 hours.
Transportation Infrastructure
The country’s transportation infrastructure is modern and extensive, with many roadways connecting its major cities. Highways are well maintained; motor vehicles are reliable and passable during all seasons. While there are few highways in rural areas, they’re also well maintained. Bus routes connect all major destinations daily; in addition, there are more than 150 taxi companies throughout Cyprus that provide service 24 hours per day.
