MY SHORT TRIP TO CYPRUS

A TRAVEL GUIDE

After three years of personal drama, pandemic, lockdowns, and a career path change, I
finally had the opportunity to travel again. I wanted to find a place where I could combine
sightseeing, beach time, language practice, meeting new people, and eating delicious food.
Many of my friends had recommended Cyprus to me, so I decided to check the ticket prices.
To my excitement, I found a flight for only 280PLN. However, after adding luggage and seats,
the price nearly tripled. I almost gave up on my idea, but after a few hours (and a few glasses
of wine), I decided to go with just a backpack By rejecting extra baggage and seat
options, I was able to purchase the ticket for the original price of 280PLN. And just like that, I
had my tickets and was ready to start the new year off with a trip to Cyprus!

ACCOMMODATION
I decided to stay at Sunbay Hostel in Larnaca. It is a very nice, budget-friendly option for
travelers looking for accommodation near the beach. Located just
a few minutes' walk from Finikoudes Beach (it’s a really nice place
with a big bus stop, restaurants, and bars). Sunbay Hostel is a
quite modern place that provides guests with everything they
need. There’s a spacious kitchen equipped with a fridge, a
microwave, a kettle, some plates and cutlery, etc. There’s also a
big table, so if you’re thinking of renting an entire apartment for a
family holiday, don’t hesitate! Kitchen is right next to a cozy living-
room with a comfy sofa, mini-table, two armchairs and a TV set. One of the most important
things was an amazing Wi-Fi connection and a huge balcony where I could
sit and chill drinking my morning coffee and a glass of wine after a whole
day of sightseeing.

The rooms are not too spacious, however, they are equipped with air
conditioning, lockers, a desk, a chair, and a quite big wardrobe. What’s
more, each bed has its own power outlet and reading light.

Nevertheless, there were some drawbacks as well.

Firstly, there is no reception desk, so check-in and contact with staff was entirely online. It
would have been fine if there hadn’t been some trouble finding the key (there are some
strange lockers outside and you get a PIN-code to open it) or getting an extra towel.
Moreover, the last day I had a problem taking a shower at night as the light in the bathroom
went off. As there was nobody in the apartment, I had to wait until the next day.

Additionally, there are 3 rooms, so you never know who you are going to live with in the
apartment. Some people were very nice, whereas other were pretty noisy.

To sum up, I highly recommend it when you look for an affordable place to stay.
Furthermore, it’s close to the beach and it’s clean and neat. I’d stay there the second time
only if I travelled with my friends so that we could have an entire place for ourselves.

LARNACA
Larnaca is a lovely coastal city located in the southeast of
Cyprus, and it has plenty to offer to tourists looking for fun
and relaxing holiday. From beautiful beaches to delicious food,
there's something for everyone in Larnaca. However, as there
are not too many interesting places to visit, I would
recommend it for a rather short trip. Nevertheless, it depends
on what kind of holiday you like; if a nice beach and good food
are enough, you may stay there longer

One of the most popular attractions in Larnaca is its beautiful

beaches. With (nearly) crystal-clear waters and golden sands,
tourists can enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Mackenzie
Beach seems to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering not only stunning views
but also a lively nightlife life.

If you're a food lover, Larnaca won't disappoint you either. The city is known for its delicious
seafood, with fresh fishof the day being served in many of its restaurants. Personally, I just
loved a restaurant called Ocean Basket (which I guess is a chain restaurant) where I ate a
fresh cod, delicious Greek salad and halloumi cheese. You can also try some traditional
Cypriot dishes, such as souvlaki (tho I’m not sure whether it’s Cypriot of Greek) and halloumi
cheese and many other cuisines like Italian, Turkish or American.
Larnaca has plenty of options for those who like sightseeing as well..

Vist the beautiful St. Lazarus Church, which dates back to the 9th
century, or walk around the old Turkish quarter of the city, with its
narrow streets and charming old houses.

Larnaca is a must-go-to city for anyone traveling to Cyprus, with its

beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.

I checked the beach, but also St. Lazarus Church: beautiful

Orthodox church built in the 9th century, dedicated to Lazarus, who
is believed to have been resurrected by Jesus. I loved its
architecture, gold ornaments, possibility to see Lazarus’ grave. The most interesting thing
was a possibility to light an intention candle. It’s a long and thin candle made of yellow wax
that is believed to help you in making your dreams come true. It is common among spiritual
people such an yoga teachers or Reiki healer. I happened to receive such a candle from my
spiritual friends and I know it’s available for sale at some yoga studios, so it came to my great
surprise it was given away for free at almost every church I entered in Cyprus. I lit 4 candles,
so I hope my dreams will come true

I really liked Larnaca Fort: A 17th-century fortress built by the Ottomans to defend the city
from invaders. Today, it houses the Larnaca Medieval Museum which you can visit for the
cost of only 2 euro. You may climb it’s walls and admire a wonderful view to the beach and
medidate a little bit.

Finikoudes Promenade: A scenic promenade lined with

palm trees, restaurants, hotels, and cafes, offering stunning
views of the Mediterranean Sea. I was lucky enough to live
8minutes’ walking from that place. In the evenings, I would
take a book and a cup of coffee and sat barefoot on the
beach <3

Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to see an amazing Hala

Sultan Tekke ( I need to go to Larnaca again! ). This mosque is considered one of the
holiest places in Islam after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. It is built on the site where Umm
Haram, a relative of Prophet Mohammed, died while traveling with him.

I know there are more places I’d love to visit next time I visit Larnaca, for example:

• Larnaca Salt Lake,

• Pierides Museum: A fascinating museum dedicated to the history and culture of
Cyprus, with a collection of artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period!
• Kamares Aqueduct: A magnificent stone aqueduct built in the 18th century to supply
water to Larnaca from the nearby mountains.

I didn’t manage to see all those cool places as the second day of my trip to Cyprus, I visited…

NICOSIA
Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus. It is a fascinating blend
of old and new, with a rich cultural heritage that is reflected
in its architecture, cuisine, and history. Let me tell you more
about the unique aspects of this city.

Architecture + Cyprus Museum

There’s an impressive array of architectural styles, from

medieval walls and Gothic churches to colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. One of
the most striking buildings in the city is the Cyprus Museum, where
you can find a collection of ancient artifacts dating back to the
Neolithic period. On the second floor of the museum, you may find a
football section! There are some articles, videos, cups and players’
items. As I am not a huge fan of football, I did not spend a lot of time
there; however, if you like sports, I bet you’ll be happy to go there.
The museum has been renovated and modernized, what follows, it’s
neat, clean and modern. There are many artifacts, for examples clothes, furniture, a
typewriter and much more. You can learn a lot about the history of Cyprus, see amazing
jewelry or see a typical house interior from the past.
Restaurants:

Nicosia is home to a variety of restaurants, offering everything from traditional Cypriot

cuisine to international fare. Some of the must-try dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, and
grilled halloumi cheese. The city also has a bustling cafe culture, with many cozy cafes and
coffee shops perfect for a midday break or a lazy afternoon. As half of Nicosia is Turkish, you
may encounter many kebab places and baklava shops as
well.

Division into Greek and Turkish parts:

Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, with a UN
buffer zone separating the Greek Cypriot and Turkish
Cypriot parts of the city. The division dates back to the 1974
conflict between Greece and Turkey, which resulted in the island being split into two parts.
Today, the city remains divided, with each side having its own distinct culture and identity. If
you want to cross the border, you need to show your ID or passport. It was an amazing
experiencing, I felt as if I could visit 2 countries withing a single day. It was interesting to see
how different the Turkish part if! There was different food, music, ornaments! I need to
admit that Turkish side has more to offer; a variety of flavors, sounds, and tastes makes it a
way better place to visit.

Must-see places:
There are many fascinating sights to see in Nicosia, including:

• The Green Line: The UN buffer zone that divides the Greek and Turkish parts of the
city.
• The Cuprus Museum (described above)
• Selimiye Mosque: Originally a Gothic cathedral built in the 13th century, it was later
converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule. To my dissatisfaction, it was being
reconstructed or renovated when I was there, so I didn’t have a change to visit it.
• Ledra Street: A bustling pedestrian shopping street that cuts through the heart of the
old town. It links Greek and Turkish site. You have many shops and bars there. I’m
gonna give you a pretty useful info: while walkng down the street, make sure you see
 H&M! Once you see it, turn right and enter a building saying Tower …I don’t
remember what and go up! It’s a very tall building with an observatory on the top
that you can enter for 3 euro and admire the city panorama.
• The Venetian Walls: A series of fortifications built by the Venetians in the 16th
century to defend the city against Ottoman invaders.
• Büyük Han – my favorite! It’s located on the Turkish (or
‘occupied’ as Greeks like to call it) part of Nicosia.
Breathtaking architecture, restaurant, street market with
handmade bookmarks, paintings, ornaments, jewelry, cups,
etc. The smell of food, spices mixed with colors of scarfs,
paintings and flowers make it my favorite place <3. Büyük
Han is a historic building
located in the heart of Nicosia's old town. Built in the
16th century during the Ottoman era, it was originally
used as a type of inn for traders and travelers. Today,
Büyük Han has been beautifully restored and
converted into a cultural center offering traditional
shops, cafes, and galleries showcasing local arts and crafts.

In conclusion, Nicosia is a city with a rich history and culture, divided by a unique political
situation that has shaped its identity. With its diverse architecture, delicious cuisine, and
must-see landmarks, Nicosia is a fascinating destination that is well worth a visit. I spend
there a whole day walking, eating and just being happy as I felt my brain was creating new
neurons seeing all those colors, smelling delicious food and just living that amazing vibrant
city. My next stop was…

AGIA NAPA
Agia Napa is located on the southeastern coast of Cyprus and is a popular
tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and
lively ambience. Let's take a closer look at what makes Agia Napa such a
popular destination:
 Beaches:

Agia Napa boasts some of the most stunning

beaches in Cyprus, with crystal clear waters and
golden sand. Nissi Beach is one of the most
famous and popular beaches in the area, known
for its clear blue waters and lively atmosphere.
During my trip to Agia Napa, it was rainy and
windy, however, I still managed to walk 6 hours on
the beach. It was an amazing experience.

Nightlife:

Agia Napa is famous for its lively nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and pubs catering to all
tastes. The main nightlife area is the famous Ayia Napa Square, which comes alive after dark
with music and dancing. There are also many bars and clubs which made me think of Playa
del Carmen in Mexico. It’s a typical tourist spot to party with other tourists and have fun. On
one hand, it’s obvious we have places like that, on the other hand, it made me feel a bit sad
that such a wonderful piece of nature where people often go to find their inner peace was
transformed into nothing but a big disco.

Water sports:

Agia Napa is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts, with a range of activities on
offer such as windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. The calm waters of
Nissi Beach make it an ideal spot for beginners to try their hand at water sports.

Cultural Attractions:

In addition to its beaches and nightlife, Agia Napa also has a number
of cultural attractions worth visiting. One of the most popular is the
Ayia Napa Monastery, a 16th-century monastery dedicated to the
Virgin Mary. The Thalassa Museum is another interesting attraction,
offering visitors a glimpse into the history of the sea and its impact
on the local community.
In conclusion, Agia Napa is a lively and exciting destination with something to offer everyone,
from sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts to those interested in culture and history.
With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food, Agia Napa is a must-visit
destination on any trip to Cyprus. Nevertheless, if you’re not a huge fun of partying, you
should stay there or no longer than a weekend

FOOD
Cypriot cuisine is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, with an
emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Some of the most popular
dishes include grilled halloumi cheese (I adore it after this trip! I’ve
been eating halloumi salad* ever since I came back!), moussaka,
souvlaki, and tzatziki, all of which are made with locally sourced
ingredients. Seafood is also popular in Cypriot cuisine, with dishes
such as grilled octopus and calamari being particularly popular. For
dessert, try traditional sweets such as loukoumades (honey-soaked
doughnuts) or baklava (layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and honey). Cyprus is also famous
for its wine, with a long history of winemaking dating back to ancient times. Be sure to taste
some local wines during your visit. The best thing I tried there was signature dish: halloumi
salad + tzatziki and lamb skewers.

• Fresh tomato, red onion, cucumber, green belly pepper, olive oil, oregano and grilled
halloumi <3

In conclusion, I highly recommend Cyprus as a travel destination for a shorter period. I loved
the beach, cultural diversity of Nicosia and delicious food. People are open, helpful and nice,
so it’s not a problem to meet friends if you travel alone. Additionally, as a solo female
traveler, I find it very safe. The streets are full of lights, there are many open bars and
restaurants on the streets, people are not aggressive in any way. So…pack your backpack and
visit WizzAir site

• PHOTOS – Klaudia Folta