Holidays in the Nicosia Area

The capital and the main commercial centre, Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world, is often ignored when visiting Cyprus because it is not on the beach.  A very dynamic mayor has, over the last 10 to 15 years, forced the renovation of the old town which is now quite charming with many cafes, open-air restaurants, tavernas, bars and interesting shops within the narrow streets and gracious old buildings.  Nicosia is only a half hour drive from Larnaca and it is very easy to reach the Troodos mountains from here too.  The archaeological museum is world famous and must be visited.  The Cyprus tourist office runs free walking tours every Thursday.  The restaurants in Nicosia, because they cater for the home market, are the best on the island.