Every destination imprints memories that we live with. Sometimes these memories are what drove us to a destination in the first place. I call Cyprus my home of faith, because of the circumstances that led me there.

If anyone can attest to the power of thought, the power of a belief that some may deem insane, it is me. While sitting around the table with the girls on a lunch date, we joked about our desires of wishing to receive flowers without vases and how it didn’t make sense.

Basically, the conversation was around being prepared for our wishes and desires. As someone who always desired to travel the world, that was the moment I realized that if the opportunity to travel were to present itself, I would be unprepared.

I had no passport at the time, so I used our conversation with the girls as inspiration to be prepared for my desires, even when I had no idea how I would afford to travel.

It wasn’t long before I saw a job advertisement for a software developer position and felt the need to apply. The reason for my application was that part of the requirements of the job was to travel, and since my passport was ready, I said to myself why not give it a try?

That became one of the best decisions I made in my life because I ended up getting the job and immediately had to travel. Not only was it my first time traveling abroad, but it was also my first time spending hours on a flight. I had flown a helicopter before in the army but you cannot count that as a commercial flight.

Cyprus was my very first work trip, and also my very first international trip. The excitement over the entire experience was overwhelming. I spent most of the hours researching Cyprus, where it was located, what to do and so many things that I ended up giving up and allowing the experience to surprise me.

Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country located south of the Anatolian Peninsula in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Its continental position is disputed; while it is geographically in Western Asia, its cultural ties and geopolitics are overwhelmingly Southern European.

Although this was not a leisure trip but rather a work trip, there was enough time to explore the magical parts of this hidden gem. We had three weeks in the country so weekends were obviously for exploring. I stayed in Nicosia, which is the capital of Cyprus. Nicosia is Cyprus’ business hub with old and modern architecture.

Where To Stay In Nicosia

This was a business trip so I did not have much influence on where I was going to stay. However, a colleague and I were booked into the Semeli hotel. You can book this hotel through Booking.com to earn some cash rewards and discounts.

Because this was a large training for new employees, we had colleagues from other countries booked into the Hilton hotel.

Things To Do In Nicosia

Visit the old town

Nicosia is a safe city with a combination of both old and mordent architecture. In the old town, you can explore beautiful passages, amazing restaurants which serve Cypriot traditional food, and unlimited clubs. If clubbing is your thing, visit the old town and let the beauty of Cyprus unfold.

Shop

At first, I took a chance with a very strict budget and went to the shops.  Oh boy, that was one of the biggest mistakes. Nicosia has a wide range of shops which are tempting to blow all your money on so go there prepared.

Explore Coffee Shops

Cyprus fortunately has its own traditional coffee, which is called Cypriot or greek coffee. I must say, on my first attempt at the greek coffee I already had plans for a second cup. Their coffee is one for the books and I would recommend that you actually try it before heading to Starbucks.

While it might seem that is all there is to Cyprus, there are other places to visit as well. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Cyprus is Ayia Napa. If you love the beach, and endless partying, Ayia napa has you covered.

Ayia Napa

While Ayia Napa is still part of Cyprus, it is about 77km away from the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. Ayia Napa is the life of the party and that is where all beach bums go. You can spend time tanning in the sun, swimming in the beautiful, clear blue waters, or drinking yourself to the future hangover.

At night you can spend some time partying by the beach, you will never be out of options when it comes to the next-door party.

How To Get To Ayia Napa From Nicosia

Our trip to Ayia Napa was on a Saturday morning. A few colleagues who had turned into friends decided it was best to take a bus in the morning. Our trip to Ayia Napa was around four Euros, and we didn’t have to book the ticket beforehand.

We paid the moment we got on the bus. It’s important to carry cash on you to take the bus, as sometimes they have no card-accepting machines. This was an easy ride and it took us about an hour to reach Ayia Napa.

Where To Stay In Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa is a holiday spot so you have options to choose from. While a group of colleagues and myself opted for an apartment, there are hotels and hostels that you can stay in if you fancy. Of course, the best booking site for this is Boooking.com.

The reason I prefer Booking.com is that you can read reviews about a place before throwing your money away for poor service. People are not easily impressed on Booking.com so they go all out in documenting their experiences in holiday accommodation.

What To Do In Ayia Napa

Since Ayia Napa is largely a beach destination, you can swim and drink. There are enough parties to keep you up all night. You can have some Pizza by the beach while watching others swim if you cannot swim, or you can just spend your day strolling around the beach. You might meet the love of your life while at it, life can be full of surprises.

Cyprus Night Life

Cyprus has a very active nightlife. I mean we partied till 3 am in the morning and met some colleagues in the office still in the previous day’s outfit. If that doesn’t tell you how active the nightlife is, then I have no idea what will.

Is Cyprus Safe?

Cyprus is overall one of the safest countries you can visit. Chances of crime remain relatively low, you can even leave your car engine running and no one will do anything to it. People in Cyprus leave their homes unlocked and never panic about uninvited guests who aim to steal.

Cypriot People

Cypriot people speak greek and while I was there I learned a few basic words just for greeting purposes. One notable thing about Cyprus and its people is the kindness they extend to strangers. My Visit to Cyprus was back in 2016, and I am only writing about my experience in 2023. I still remember their kindness to this day, and I have remained friends with the people I met in 2016 till this day.

Alternative City in Cyprus

Limassol

While Nicosia may be the capital, there are other places in Cyprus such as Limassol. Limassol is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus. It’s well-known for the centuries-old Limassol Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and its collection of pottery and tombstones.

On the seafront is the Prokymea (Molos) Sculpture Park, with sculptures by Cypriot, Greek, and international artists. To the northeast is the Limassol Archaeological Museum, exhibiting artifacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods.

Alternative Island

Blue Lagoon is situated around Paphos. This area is perfect if you are keen on water activities such as snorkeling. What is truly amazing about the Blue Lagoon is the crystal clear waters. As someone who hasn’t been to this side of Cyprus, the next plan is to visit Limassol and Paphos.

But of course, the trip will not be complete without visiting old friends and sitting around the table for some food and conversations in Nicosia.

Visa Requirements For Cyprus

There are countries that are exempt from visa requirements. You can check if your country is on the visa-exempt list, if not you will then check visa requirements for your country here. Cyrpus embassy processes visa applications on time or sooner than expected. But this is not a reason for one to delay the application until the last minute.

How To Get To Cyprus

Major airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways all fly to Cyprus. You will land at Larnaca International Airport. Larnaca (Larnaka) is a port city on the south coast of Cyprus.

Are you planning a trip to Cyprus? You can tag me on Instagram with your snaps of this magical country. My inbox is open for further details which may not be included in this post.

If you enjoyed reading this blog post, you can check out my recent trip to another hidden gem in Baku or check out this Cape Town guide.