Daytrip to Cyprus
About a month ago - in the middle of my relocating progress - I flew to Larnaca, Cyprus for a day. Condor runs a plane on a HAM-LCA-HAJ-LCA-HAM giving you more than enough time to drive up to Nicosia for a nice touristy day.
I slept well on the flight and not having any luggage I was landside in Cyprus in no time. The sun was shining and a pleasant 25+ degrees Celsius added to the good mood. The plan was to pick up my rental car and do the one hour drive to Nicosia for a full day of exploring in the last divided capital of Europe.
The car was OK, although sporting some stains and wobbly mirrors. Right hand drive is not a real problem and I did not end up banging my right hand into the door too often.
The drive to Nicosia was - totally unexpected - not bad in terms of driving style nor road conditions. Nicosia felt safe and with only few locals and tourists roaming the streets wasn't too busy to begin with. The deeper I got into the alleged shopping paradise the more the streets were bustling with locals. I went up to the highest building in the area - a tower-like business center with a small museum on top. The views were OK but the windows were so dirty that most of my photos went straight to the bin.
The border separating the Greek from the Turkish side runs straight through the city and fortunately since a few years a mid-town border crossing eases travel between the two parts for tourists and locals alike.
The main drag ends right at the border crossing. I was kinda hoping to get my passport stamped but even with all the opportunities it never happened - and I asked! When crossing the border you receive a small piece of paper which allows you back onto the other side later. The whole process takes merely five minutes.
Leaving the border posts behind you'll be right in the middle of a bazaar area with a few interesting food outlets. Somehow I did not feel like eating kebab that day.
Finally a restaurant got my attention and I sat down for an amazing lebanese salad with crunch bits of bread sprinkled with lime and oil as well as some chicken.
My time was only limited but I assumed I've seen a good part of the Nicosia attractions. Another hour later I was back in the Larnaca area, topping up my car and stopping by at the main beach drag of Larnaca.
Larnaca is a bit disappointing. I wouldn't like to spend a week there for a beach vacation - but them I won't spend a week at the beach to begin with.
Back at the airport I had enough time to shower in the lounge (I love to be able to shower in the lounge!), grab a few bites of local food and watch a soccer game waiting for boarding to begin. The better part of the flight home I slept - after all I just moved my apartment the day before in some 30+ degrees heat.
Cyprus for a day: definitely doable. Next time I'll drive west and discover some of the coastal towns.
I slept well on the flight and not having any luggage I was landside in Cyprus in no time. The sun was shining and a pleasant 25+ degrees Celsius added to the good mood. The plan was to pick up my rental car and do the one hour drive to Nicosia for a full day of exploring in the last divided capital of Europe.
Sixt rental car - no upgrade
The car was OK, although sporting some stains and wobbly mirrors. Right hand drive is not a real problem and I did not end up banging my right hand into the door too often.
relaxed atmosphere with Shisha cafes
The drive to Nicosia was - totally unexpected - not bad in terms of driving style nor road conditions. Nicosia felt safe and with only few locals and tourists roaming the streets wasn't too busy to begin with. The deeper I got into the alleged shopping paradise the more the streets were bustling with locals. I went up to the highest building in the area - a tower-like business center with a small museum on top. The views were OK but the windows were so dirty that most of my photos went straight to the bin.
a look north towards the border
close-up of the border
The border separating the Greek from the Turkish side runs straight through the city and fortunately since a few years a mid-town border crossing eases travel between the two parts for tourists and locals alike.
Russian supermarket
main shopping street
The main drag ends right at the border crossing. I was kinda hoping to get my passport stamped but even with all the opportunities it never happened - and I asked! When crossing the border you receive a small piece of paper which allows you back onto the other side later. The whole process takes merely five minutes.
border - from the Greek side
border - from the Turkish side
Leaving the border posts behind you'll be right in the middle of a bazaar area with a few interesting food outlets. Somehow I did not feel like eating kebab that day.
busy bazaar area
typical street
military installations marking the border
clearly we are in Turkey
inside the fruits, vegetable, meat and everything else market
interesting antiques shop
a view down the bazaar area
old sign
Finally a restaurant got my attention and I sat down for an amazing lebanese salad with crunch bits of bread sprinkled with lime and oil as well as some chicken.
Lebanese restaurant
lebanese salad
fortifications on the Greek side
My time was only limited but I assumed I've seen a good part of the Nicosia attractions. Another hour later I was back in the Larnaca area, topping up my car and stopping by at the main beach drag of Larnaca.
Larnaca
Larnaca beach scene
Larnaca is a bit disappointing. I wouldn't like to spend a week there for a beach vacation - but them I won't spend a week at the beach to begin with.
Back at the airport I had enough time to shower in the lounge (I love to be able to shower in the lounge!), grab a few bites of local food and watch a soccer game waiting for boarding to begin. The better part of the flight home I slept - after all I just moved my apartment the day before in some 30+ degrees heat.
Cyprus for a day: definitely doable. Next time I'll drive west and discover some of the coastal towns.
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