Holiday in Cyprus: what to do and what to see

Known as the island of Aphrodite, Cyprus is a crossroads between the West and the East, famous for its golden beaches and crystal clear sea and for its historical and cultural richness.
Both the island and its capital are literally bisected by the Green Line, which separates the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and is a location that is able to please everyone, from young to old.
The most popular means of transport to get to the island of Cyprus is by plane and many decide to fly to the island aboard a private jet to Cyprus in order to arrive at their destination in an incredibly comfortable and efficient manner. Flying on board a private jet to Cyprus, in fact, allows you to skip checking in and out, to say goodbye to possible unforeseen events such as flight delays or cancellations and to have the utmost privacy, comfort and personalised services during the flight.

What to visit

After booking your private jet to Cyprus, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary during your holiday so that you know in advance what to visit. 

Cyprus, as mentioned above, is a place that is capable of satisfying practically all tourists: from those who are looking for nightclubs where they can experience the nightlife to those who, on the other hand, want to unplug from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience a period of relaxation. Here are some things to visit on holiday.

  1. Buyuk Han, Nicosia

Among the must-see destinations in Cyprus is the Buyuk Han, located in Nicosia. It is an architectural structure built in 1572 by the Ottomans, which originally served to provide shelter for merchants. Here, people could eat, pray and rest. 

Today, the Buyuk Han has been restored and transformed into a lively cultural centre. Inside there are bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine, as well as shops selling paintings and artefacts made by local craftsmen. 

It is a perfect place to soak up the traditional atmosphere and buy unique souvenirs. Visiting it during the evening hours is particularly atmospheric, as it comes alive with live music events and folk dancing.

  1. Troodos Mountains and Kykkos Monastery

The mountain range with the highest peaks is the Troodos Mountains, located in the south-western part of the island. Among them is the renowned Mount Olympus, a good 1952 metres above sea level. Various sports, such as trekking and skiing, can be practised here. 

Tucked away in the Troodos Mountains are ten Byzantine churches, built between the 11th and 16th centuries. Each of these has its own characteristics and peculiarities, but among the most beautiful is the Kykkos Monastery, founded in the 12th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

  1. Selimiye Mosque or Cathedral of St Sophia Nicosia

Another popular destination for tourists is the former cathedral of St Sophia, which now houses the minarets of the Selimiye Mosque. Access to this place of worship is only permitted barefoot, with women having to have their heads covered as a sign of respect. 

Before becoming a mosque, the building in question was a Catholic cathedral built during the reign of the Latin Archbishop Eustorge de Montaigu in 1208 A.D. and has undergone several alterations over the years.