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Cyprus is almost two countries in one. It is governed by Turkey in the north, and is a republic in its own right in the south. People come to Cyprus for one thing ? the weather. Cyprus is hot and dry, and the perfect place for a sun-drenched excursion, with much more to offer besides.

Famagusta

Famagusta or Gazimagusa is almost like two cities in one ? the inner old town with its Venetian walls is almost rotting away, whilst around it the new town is rapidly expanding.

Famagusta sits at the base of the Karpas Peninsula and has achieved notoriety for the wonderful churches that still remain there.

Othello's castle is a major attraction and is steeped in legend: some would have you believe that the wealth of Famagusta's merchants is buried somewhere in the basement; whilst others believe it to be the place where the governor of Cyprus, Christophore Moro, killed his wife Desdemona. Shakespeare was obviously inspired by the place, as this is where he set and researched his play Othello.

This city boasts a "no-go" zone, a relic of the unresolved conflicts over the island in the early 1970s. Streets can be seen divided by cement filled barrels, drained waterways and United Nations observation points. The contested zone - which can be glimpsed from various points along the walls and on the streets - houses international banks and businesses, as well as homes, cars and streets.

Nicosia

Nicosia (or Lefkosia) is the capital of Cyprus and sits at the very heart of the island. The wall that splits the city in half makes this the only divided capital that still remains in the world today. The city itself, despite the divide, is the cultural centre of Cyprus, and has much to offer in terms of history and culture when compared with the sea side resorts to be found all over the island.

Begin your cultural experience in South Lefkosia at the Leventis Municipal Museum for a view of the city across the ages, then progress to the Byzantine Museum, which offers truly great historical exhibits.

Flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - half of the island is Turkish, while the more built-up side is under Greek jurisdiction.

North Lefkosia is the Turkish side, and near the Girne (Kyrenia) Gate you will come across the Turkish Museum, housed inside a 17th century monastery. The beautiful architecture of Selimiye Mosque can be appreciated nearby, whilst the world?s largest bath, the B?y?k Hamam, is around the corner.

The south of the city offers the majority of accommodation, as well as the more westernised restaurants and bars, all in the same location near the ramparts of the wall, whilst the area around the Selimiye Mosque in the North is their equivalent for food and lodgings. Try one of the cool cake shops for a great selection of exotic cakes and perhaps a cold beer - very refreshing out of the sun after all the exploring you'll be doing!

A point to note is that permits to travel from the Cypriot side of the city to the Turkish side are available, but the journey in the other direction is prohibited by the Greek authorities. On the Turkish side the views of the old, undeveloped half of the city are outstanding. Several of the former colonial residences - now hotels - allow tourists to take in the dramatic contrasts in this city by taking the lift to the roof for a small charge. Ussually drinks are available in these rooftop vantage points, from which visitors can view the full splendour of this divided city.

Paphos

Paphos is an amazing town, not least for its ability to maintain its former identity and history, whilst still drawing tourists in year after year. The area of lower (or Kato) Paphos is where you will find most things centred on the tourist, but Paphos itself, slightly more inland, is much nicer and slightly less commercial and pressurised. Keep an eye out so as not to miss the ruins of the Saranda Colones buried amongst the tourist gift shops!

For a more culturally enriching experience, visit the underground labyrinth of the Tombs of the Kings just north of Kato Paphos.

The most famous sights in Paphos are the mosaic floors that were originally laid for Roman nobles and in particular seem dedicated to Dionysus.

The town is geared for the package tourist, with many hotels only catering for the all-inclusive visitor and the back-packer looking for convenient hotels may be disappointed.

The Troodos Massif

The Troodos Massif mountains are simply breathtaking, and there appeal does not stop there. Due to their size and remoteness you are unlikely to be outnumbered by tourists.

The climate and fresh mountain air make it popular with skiers, hikers and those who just like it a bit cooler. The sights include the Kykkos Monastrey, which dates back to the 12th century and contains a museum of religious icons.

Asinou is the prettiest of the local monasteries, but is very remote, with difficult access. The vineyards and winemaking villages that are nearby are also worth exploring.

Plares is the main resort in the Troodos region. It does not offer anything wonderful, but is a good place to stay and the home of many ex-pats.

Kyrenia

Girne (Kyrenia) has undergone much development and is now the most pleasant coastal resort on the island. The old quarter is the most atmospheric place to be, but most of the hotels are in the newer resort strip. The cafes and restaurants here ooze Greek atmosphere and are simply charming.

Paphos and Larnaca are just 4.5 flying hours from London. Travellers going to the North will find the journey time effectively doubled by the need to stay in friendly (which in this case means non-Greek) airspace. This is achieved by a trip from the UK via Istanbul.

Full information about the single currency - the Euro - is available here.

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