With beach gems like Nissi’s sun-kissed shores and exquisite ancient sites, Cyprus dazzles. Yet even paradise has imperfect pockets. This guide shows you the things to avoid in Cyprus so your trip stays smooth as their Commandaria wine.
Parts still belong to Britain, but dodge the bases – barbed wire blocks beach access anyway. For sand and sea without “keep out” signs, unwind on Cyprus’ divine western lines instead.
July-August brings peak crowds to party capital Ayia Napa, spiking noise pollution sky-high. Dodge and head to Protaras’ peaceful strands for a quieter take on Famagusta’s coastal glory.
And curb jaywalking – impatient drivers won’t brake for those casually crossing. Use designated zones only unless you fancy ugly run-ins.
With these tips, you’re primed to simply revel in Cyprus’ beguiling mix of natural and historical gems now.
The Top 6 Things to Avoid in Cyprus
1. Military Bases: One of the Top Things to Avoid in Cyprus
Believe it or not, chunks of Cyprus still belong to Britain. Cue the Akrotiri and Dhekelia military bases – official British territories occupying over 250 square kilometres per agreements signed when Cyprus gained independence in 1960.
Today these strategic outposts remain vital for operations run by British military personnel. But don’t expect accessibility or postcard-perfect sights on par with Cyprus’ sensational shorelines. Entry is strictly forbidden in parts, with barbed wire fences keeping prying eyes out.
Sections like Paramali Turtle Beach and Kourion’s pebbly waves can be visited but they hardly hold a candle to Cyprus’ divine western stretches. So dodge the bases altogether if you seek accessible sun and sand without “keep out” signs killing your vibe. The island has no shortage of heavenly holiday-mode beaches waiting beyond base perimeters anyway.
2. Ayia Napa in August: Definitely Another of the Things to Avoid in Cyprus
Love it or hate it, party capital Ayia Napa demands a mention of things to avoid in Cyprus. This Ibiza-esque hotspot is all about thumping clubs, wild neon dance floors, and nonstop EDM shindigs till sunrise – throughout summer at least.
Geographically, Ayia Napa clutches the eastern edge of Cyprus on the rugged Cape Greco headland. Its beaches fringe the north coastline, while coves spread southwards.
Looks idyllic, but that natural beauty comes balanced out by not just one but two infamous party strips. First up is the pedestrian-only bar crawl down Tefkrou Anthia. Right beside it is Ayias Mavris, crammed with rowdy drinking holes, foam party pits, and tattoo parlours galore.
So, if pulsating all-night raves aren’t your speed, dodge Ayia Napa altogether. The fast pace and party energy tends to turn away relaxed vacationers seeking chilled-out R&R and cultural discoveries.. With bars staying open till dawn, peaceful sleep is also scarce during peak season. Give it a wide berth if you’d prefer to wake gently to the Lap of Mediterranean waves!
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3. Visiting Nicosia!
Nicosia may intrigue some, but Cyprus’ capital lands on the “avoid” list for not encapsulating the island’s glory. Beyond its inland setting being far from spectacular beaches, Nicosia stands as a divided reminder that Cyprus remains rendered in two.
The UN-patrolled Green Line literally bisects the city, delineating Greek south from Turkish north. Parts of main street Ermou are even split, while some buildings contain borders running through their gardens and rooms. It’s undoubtedly intriguing, especially the cobblestone Old Town with 4,500 years of history under its belt.
The economic and political hub also provides the only feasible opportunities to cross into Northern Cyprus. Here, golden mosques reside in old cathedrals, and hammam baths billow steam.
Yet Nicosia’s quirks don’t outweigh its inland location away from Cyprus’ assets – its dreamy shorelines and breath taking scenery. As the last divided European capital, it focuses more on political tensions than holiday delights too.
So while the curious may appreciate Nicosia’s extraordinary facets, scores of travellers prioritize sun and sea over recent conflicts and division. Choose beach bases in Limassol or Paphos instead to unplug completely, or take a day trip to get your fill of Nicosia’s anomalies before returning to unwind by the Mediterranean.
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4. The Overly Busy Peak Season
Yearly, four million sun-seekers flock to Cyprus for beachfront bliss. Prepare for crowds if joining the masses during the prime July-August rush. We’re talking bonkers-high hotel rates, packed plane cabins, and good luck finding an empty patch of sand mid-summer! Beach crowds surge so dramatically you can barely see the sea.
Rather than vying for towel space on Protaras and Nissi in peak season, consider March-June or September-October. With Cyprus being Europe’s southernmost edge, 80-degree warmth lingers through October – just without the summer price gouge.
Better still, the famous Cyprus hospitality has space to shine too. Sleepier shoulder seasons translate to more relaxed and generous service all around, from sun lounger staff to restaurant waiters. Expect longer and chattier interactions with local people instead of impersonal holiday factory treatment in midsummer.
Trading July’s 90-degree scorchers for mellower temps could leave more cash for gooey halloumi cheese platters and celebrate with local rakija fire-water as well! By avoiding the tourist crush, you’ll surely find this diamond isle shining even brighter.
5. Staying Only on the Coast and not Venturing Inland
Crystal seas lapping at dazzling shores are what draws most to Cyprus. From the Nissi Beach party scene to the turtle-filled Blue Lagoon, stunning strands reign supreme for good reason. Yet epic mountain adventures await just inland too.
Beyond buzzy beach resorts, the rugged Troodos peaks offer a peaceful antidote to coastal crowds. These craggy summits soar nearly 2,000 meters high, peaking above cloud level with pine forests and age-old trails galore.
Lace up hiking boots to tackle the dramatic Caledonia Trail along the surging Kryos River, where camera-ready waterfalls await around each bend. Or take to the Artemis Trail amid remnants of ancient Venetian ruins dotted through the pine-scented highlands.
Taverna pit stops boast Olympus-topping outlooks and tiny Byzantine chapels with wow-worthy frescoes. Stay overnight in tiny village guest houses to fully soak up the mountain magic as the stars gleam brightly in the crisp night skies untouched by light pollution.
Just a few days escaping the shoreline scene lets Cyprus reveal its inland charms in all their rugged glory. From lofty village vistas to gushing river valleys, the Troodos peaks proffer peaceful enchantment without the crowds.
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6. Sticking Only to the South
Southern Cyprus draws the lion’s share of visitors with famous Paphos ruins, Coral Bay’s azure waters, and cosmopolitan Limassol. Yet the island’s overlooked north warrants exploration too for intrepid travellers seeking crowd-free enchantment.
Enter North Cyprus – a de facto state where tourism remains undeveloped. Cross via designated border points after permits check you into this quasi-separate land. flights come directly from Turkey only, so accessibility remains low overall.
What awaits are gloriously empty northern shores even at summertime, plus historic harbours unchanged in centuries. Base yourself in Kyrenia’s nostalgic Old Town to uncover graceful Bellapais Abbey and majestic Buffavento Castle crumbling beautifully into the hills.
Beyond the main sights, expect charming mountain villages where traditional ways continue undisturbed by globalization. For culture without crowds and beaches begging for your footprints, North Cyprus promises a frontier-like freedom to discover.
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Postcard-perfect Kyrenia Harbor – Castillo Girne Kalesi standing guard over gently bobbing boats and nostalgic Old Town streets.
Also fortress fringed Famagusta with its old-world medieval feel that remains inside its previously impenetrable walls.
Karpaz Peninsula wooing beachgoers with swathes of powdery sand backed by mountainous wilderness begging to be explored.
Conclusion
With sublime shorelines, craggy peaks, and ancient abbeys, Cyprus lures four million travellers yearly for good reason. Still, a few hazards like venomous snakes and restricted military zones necessitate caution.
While this sun-kissed isle oozes history and hospitality at every turn, heading prepared lets you steer clear of troublesome terrain during your eastern Mediterranean escapade.
Bypassing barred bases and giving snake hotspots a wide berth means you can simply soak up the cultural and coastal delights that have earned Cyprus its sterling reputation.
