Cyprus is an often overlooked destination, with most people visiting to enjoy the beach. However, I found it to be so much more than that. This Mediterranean island is the perfect mix of sun, history and affordability (and it’s way less touristy than Spain or Greece!).

I flew into Larnaca, a relaxed coastal city that served as my base during the trip. It’s got a super laid-back vibe, a palm-lined promenade, and one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen—St. Lazarus Church, which sits right in the heart of town. I spent my days here eating fresh seafood and gyros, and enjoying how walkable and easygoing it was.

St. Lazarus Church (East entrance)
St. Lazarus Church (West entrance)


Flights into Larnaca were cheap (£12.99!), and it made the perfect starting point. From there, I took a day trip to Nicosia—and that’s when the trip really surprised me.


📍A Divided Island – this is one of the most unknown things about Cyprus.

Cyprus has been split since 1974, when a coup by Greek nationalists aiming to unite the island with Greece was followed by a military invasion by Turkey. The southern part is the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus (the Cyprus we all know), while the north is the self-declared, Turkish-occupied territory, known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and is recognised only by Turkey.

And in the middle of the two is Nicosia—Europe’s last divided capital. Visiting it made me reflect on a lot of things (more on that later), and similarly to the DMZ in Korea, both sides are separated by a UN-controlled buffer zone called the Green Line.

One of the UN posts within the Buffer Zone
One of the Turkish military posts on the northern side of Nicosia

It stretches across the entire island—but in Nicosia, it’s especially striking. Seeing people’s houses surrounded by barbed wire, abandoned buildings in the background, and UN peacekeepers patrolling a silent, frozen strip of land was a shock.

In Western countries, we tend to think of conflict as something distant, but standing in the heart of a divided capital, on an EU member island, was a reminder that history is not necessarily behind us. The scars of conflict are still there—quiet, visible, and unresolved—and it made me realise how easy it is to overlook these tensions when they’re not part of our everyday lives.

Before visiting, I vaguely knew about the conflict—my avgeek side knew about Nicosia’s now-abandoned airport (definitely look the images up on Google!), but seeing the struggles of a conflict that started in 1963 still so visible today was something I wasn’t expecting.

Even though it’s peaceful now, and people move freely across the border, the division remains a core part of the island’s identity—making Nicosia a city shared by two cultures, separated by history.

Houses displaying the Turkish and Northern Cyprus flags
The checkpoint on Ledra Street
Military Jeep in Northern Cyprus

Crossing the checkpoint on Ledra Street feels like entering a different world. From the Greek Cypriot part of town, you step into a completely Turkish atmosphere—the streets resemble those in Istanbul, the restaurants offer Efes beer, you pay in Turkish Lira, and your Cypriot SIM plan doesn’t work anymore. 

For me, this made Cyprus more than just a sunny getaway; it became one of the most eye-opening places I’ve visited.

If you’re someone who loves history, culture, or places that still carry the weight of untold stories, Cyprus should definitely be on your list.

💬 Have you ever been to a place that surprised you like this?

✈️ Want to visit Cyprus? Let us know through The Itinerary Architect and let’s plan your perfect trip to this incredible island!