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Cyprus coastline

Mixing the cultures of Europe, and the ancient history of Turkey and Greece, (not to mention the allure of sun-bathed Mediterranean beaches), Cyprus makes short work of capturing your heart and imagination.

After years of civil strife, Cyprus remains a divided nation with the southern half of the island under Greek Cypriot control and the northern half ruled by Turkey.

Today, Cyprus is identified more with Europe than with the Middle East, and tensions have eased considerably thanks to the growing economic involvement with the European Union.

Larnaka, with its main international airport, is the first taste of Cyprus most travellers encounter, featuring a seafront promenade edged with palm trees, relaxing cafes and tavernas.

More cosmopolitan delights await at the the sprawling and still-divided capital of Nicosia (Lefkosia) with its own charming cafes, parks & historical museums all easily traversed by foot in the Old City. Get out and about to the countryside on a day trip to the Troodos Mountains with stops at picturesque medieval monasteries.

For major fun in the sun, head to Limassol, the second largest city and main port located in the southwest, and also the center of the island's wine industry. Local attractions include pulic gardens, museums, the ever-present tavernas and popular beaches like those found at Dassoudi and Germasogeia. In September, don't miss the annual wine festival where local foods and wine flow freely.

Of course, no visit to Cyprus would be complete without a trip to the western half of the island where unspoiled natural beauty is at its peak around the Akamas Peninsula coast.

More about Cyprus travel & tourist attractions around the Web:

Cyprus Tourism - The official site featuring a lovely format & easy navigation plus tons of information & related photos on what to see, tips on getting around, hotels & restaurants, cruise guides, 360 virtual tours, weather facts & other practical travel advice.

Cyprus Travel Information - Lonely Planet guide with expert tips on what to see and do with details on major attractions including Salamis, St Hilarion Castle and more, photos, maps, related links.

Cyprus travel guide - Wikitravel insider tips on major attractions, transportation, history, culture & current politics, practical travel etiquette and safety tips.

Cyprus Yellow Pages - Straightforward and distinctly unglamorous, but it's all here including links to top Web pages on travel & tourism, government sites, embassies, news & entertainment, history & culture.

WaterWorld Water Park Ayia Napa - Flash presentation that's over-the-top and slow to load, but stick around for more information on one of the world's largest waterparks with a guide to its attractions, restaurants and shopping.

North Cyprus Travel Guide - A look at Turkish controlled Cyprus, featuring a hotel & tour operators guide, plus details on the region's history & culture, beaches & other major attractions, related maps and photos.

also see -> Greece Travel | Greek Orthodox Easter | Wines of Greece