Nicosia (Lefkosia), Cyprus

Nicosia (Lefkosia), Cyprus

Nicosia (Lefkosia) Cyprus

With picturesque villages nestled amongst vineyards and cities brimming with trendy art galleries, spas and restaurants, to diving in shipwrecks, skiing on snow-capped mountains and wandering around magnificent archaeological sites, vibrant Cyprus is every bit a refined Mediterranean destination. The island, which legend tells us was the birthplace of Aphrodite - the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty - is situated on the outskirts of Europe where Asian, Middle Eastern and European cultures converge. While this gives the island a rich blend of traditions, cuisine and music, Cyprus's strategic location has also made it a coveted prize for countless powers over the centuries. All have left their imprint. Nicosia is the capital and, notably, the only remaining divided city in the world. The southern part of the city, known as Lefkosia, is a modern metropolis and the governmental, business and financial centre of the Republic of Cyprus, while the north (Lefkoşa) is considered the capital of the "self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". Since the Turkish invasion of 1974, north Cyprus is internationally recognised as an occupied territory. South Nicosia is characterised by broad boulevards lined with designer fashion boutiques, pavement cafés, offices and museums. It is dominated by massive city walls that separate its old town filled with Venetian houses and the gleaming new city around Eleftherias Square. Nicosia is a popular day trip from the island’s other cities, Larnaca (Larnaka), Limassol (Lemesos) and Paphos (Pafos).
Recommended airport
Nicosia International Airport (NIC)
Points of interest
  • engomi Park
  • Venetian walls of Nicosia
  • Büyük Han
Nearby destinations
  • Larnaca a 36.21 km
  • Kyrenia a 21.07 km
  • Northern Cyprus a 47.35 km