Cyprus

Cyprus is a country in Europe.

CS info

• The CS Places Page for Cyprus
• Cyprus Discussion Group
• CS Events group
• Facebook group (For the sake of its 'cyber-security' and quick acceptance, please send an introductory message to CS member Pandelis )

COSTS

In the South costs are higher than most of Europe except for when taxes are lower like for alcohol & cigarettes. Southern Cyprus like many places has become 2 cultures on top of each other native and immigrant i.e. a village square has a store and opposite a Bulgarian/Romanian/Philipina place with cheaper stuff. The North is usually about half price for many things, but alcohol is a little more expensive.

GETTING THERE

Ferries to Cyprus

From Turkey there are ferries Between Taşucu (Mersin Province) to Kyrenia ("Girne"), Alanya and Antalya. The night (slow) ferry From Taşucu is 72 Lyra, including port taxes. In summer fast ferries run everyday, but in the winter there are 2 slow ferries weekly (60TL or 100TL return) There are also ferries Between Mersin City in Turkey and Famagusta "Gazimagusta" in the East of the North side. But, apparently booking a plane ticket from any major city in the South to the Airport in North Cyprus is cheaper. It only requires some pre-planning.

From the South side there are no ferries 2012-13, an agent comments

There are 2 2012 discussions about Israel ferries 1, Israel ferries Israel ferries 2 . Salamis Lines sometimes have cruises to Israel. It is claimed it's expensive & one way is possible. 2013 Schedule.
- Another option is to cross to Turkey and take the ferry from İskenderun to Haifa which seems to pass right by Cyprus. sisadenizcilik.com (April 2013 website functioning)
Ferrylines.com provides info on most ferries in the Mediterranean.

GETTING AROUND

Border Issues

The EU doesn't recognise the Turkish right to put a border, so if you have a passport/visa valid for the EU you can cross it 10 times a day. It makes no difference if you entered from Turkey and have a stamp. (Note all native born Northern Cypriots can enter the south, but most Turkish immigrants and other guest workers from the north cannot, because they don't have EU visas).

FAQ

Is it is part of Turkey or not ? No - The government of TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus does control the area of the north. So they choose to let in most tourists who are allowed into the EU plus a second category (some other tourists e.g. Turkish people without EU visas). The first category can enter to the south the second category cannot.

Can I take a hire car to the north ? Yes in 2013 it was easy, but your agency probably charges an extra €25 insurance fee which is valid for 1 month.

Can I fly into the south & leave by ferry or flight from the north ? People with valid documents often do this without problem .. and vice a versa (Years ago it used to be a problem, but now it seems EU law means countries cannot restrict travel to other EU countries)

In the North

buses are a little expensive, but frequent and fast, and hitching is quite easy.

In the South

you can move around a single region for one or two euro. Hitch-hiking is easy and useful for foreigners trying to reach areas which are not convenient by bus e.g. Aphrodite's Rock from Limassol & other archaelogical sites.
see All Buses
- Inter City Buses

Bus FAQ

• Paphos Airport to Nicosia - best take the bus to Limassol City then change to Nicosia bus. In Paphos the Nicosia bus is up the hill at Paphos Karavella which is only directly connected at at 08:00 or 19:00 (Otherwise you first take the bus to Paphos Harbour & then to Paphos Karavella) http://www.cyprusbybus.com/routes.aspx?sid=8
• Larnaca Airport does have direct buses to Limassol or Nicosia http://www.cyprusbybus.com/routes.aspx?sid=9

PLACES TO STAY

- Free camping is legal ! with the land owners permission. It seems OK on beaches and forests.
Due to costs being high & budget places not being listen in guidebooks or internet we maintain a list of TIPS_budget_places_to_stay_in_Cyprus

COMMON MISTAKES

- People think it's almost 2 different countries, but for most people say EU passport holders, it is easy to cross the Turkish controlled posts. Driving is OK, but by public transport you have to walk over the "borders" and switch to another bus.
- The government in the south refers to Famagusta on bus timetables etc. as the area centred on Paralimni as Famagusta, this is not the city of Famagusta which is under the control of the TRNC

MORE INFO

Lonely Planet thorn Tree Forum http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=15&keywordid=113 is good for latest updates
HITCHWIKI http://hitchwiki.org/en/Cyprus
- Wikivoyage for Southern Cyprus maybe a litle confusing to understand
- Wikivoyage for Northern Cyprus