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"Backpacking Cyprus" a Cyprus Travel Page by jungles

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"Backpacking Cyprus" a Cyprus Travel Page by jungles

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jungles   
Travel is not an escape from life, it's a way of life.


Real Name: Wendy
Lives In: Paris, FR
Member Since: Dec 30, 2005
VT Rank: 508

 

Page Views: 2,115            Last Visit to Cyprus: July, 2006      

Backpacking Cyprus

by jungles - last update: Aug 2, 2006

Cyprus for Backpackers

Kantara Castle in North Cyprus
While Cyprus has long been a favourite of British holidaymakers looking for sun, sand, and fish and chips all in one place, it is not often a destination for backpackers. And, whether it's cause or effect or a little of both, Cyprus is not a country that could be described as backpacker-friendly. Prices are high, public transport is minimal, and accommodation is aimed at the package tour market, meaning that budget hotels can be hard to find, and many hotels you do find will not be used to people just walking in off the street. Having said that, it is entirely possible to visit and enjoy Cyprus on a budget of about $40 a day; hopefully these pages will help anyone who decides to try it.
Like many other island destinations, one of the reasons Cyprus is not so popular with backpackers is probably that, unless you take a ferry from Turkey to North Cyprus, you will have to pay for a flight to get there, and this may seem like a big investment just to visit such a small island. So is Cyprus worth it? I guess each traveller will have to answer that for himself. Cyprus does have quite a few historic and cultural sights, though the only one that I found to be truly world-class was the ancient Roman mosaics in Paphos. The beaches, oddly enough, are decidedly mediocre, even though they have somehow become Cyprus' number one attraction.

In my opinion, the northern part of the island (known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is much more interesting than the South. Apart from the Paphos mosaics, it has the most beautiful sights, both historic (such as the ruins of Salamis and the medieval castles of St. Hilarion and Kantara) and natural (the Karpaz peninsula), and the cities of North Nicosia (Lefkosa), Kyrenia, and Famagusta are all appealing in different ways. The cities of the South are much less attractive, and the development along the coasts is a bit out of control.

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"Roman ruins, medieval frescoed churches, castles, lots of sun"
Cons:"expensive, not much transport, lots of tourists"
In A Nutshell:"It makes a pleasant short holiday, but it's not likely to make it to my top 10 countries list"
jungles' Cyprus Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
 
Restaurants
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Hotels & Accommodations
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
TransportationLocal Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

Comments for jungles about Cyprus
SLLiew Thu Aug 31, 2006 08:02 UTC
 Interesting advert of a knife through the buns. Looks too ominous.
hunterV Sat Aug 5, 2006 15:47 UTC
 Hi, Wendy! It's great to come hungry and leave satisfied...

Cyprus Hotels

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