Nicosia does not have beaches or access to the sea, but that doesn't mean there is nothing to do here. On the contrary, there are so many activities that it's hard to choose! We offer you an overview of 15 great activities in Nicosia and its surroundings. You will definitely find something that you will enjoy.
Take a walk along Ledra Street
The first thing to do in Nicosia regardless of the time of year is to take a stroll along the historic pedestrian street. Here, you will find the local atmosphere at its best, and you can also find the Famagusta Gate (more about it, the Venetian walls, will be mentioned below).
It's interesting to listen to the international chatter, visit local cafes or souvenir shops to experience that particular atmosphere. As a finale, you can visit the Shacolas Tower with its observation deck.
Explore the buffer zone and learn more about Cyprus' history
From the Shacolas Tower and some central streets of Nicosia, you can see the buffer zone, also known as the Green Line. It divides Cyprus into two different states: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the unrecognized TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).
In 1974, the island was divided into two parts, into Greek and Turkish. Many people had to leave their homes and flee to avoid getting involved in the conflict. Currently, there is no active military conflict on Cyprus, but the two halves of the island remain separate, with peacekeepers and border guards stationed between them. The Cypriots still remember this event, as it continues to influence the present regardless of the passage of time. If you want to get to know Cyprus better, this is definitely a part of its history that you should explore first.
See the 16th-century Venetian Walls
The walls were built around the old city in ancient times, during the Ottoman Empire's rule over the island. Today, there are still significant fragments of the walls remaining, as well as gates that led to roads connecting various settlements on Cyprus at that time.
It is recommended to walk around them in a circle to not miss anything. Along the way, you will come across many other historical landmarks. We won't spoil the surprise by mentioning them, but trust that there is plenty of interesting things to see. And don't forget about Freedom Square (Eleftherias). It has recently been renovated and looks quite charming.
Enjoy a Frappe in hot weather
You can and should do this not only in Nicosia but also throughout Cyprus. However, it applies particularly to the capital because there are no seas here, the terrain is flat, and therefore, the climate is different, with more intense heat.
To cool down and refresh, try a frappe, which is practically a traditional Cypriot beverage. It is a cold coffee with a large amount of milk. Frappe is served in large portions, allowing you to fully savor its taste.
Tip: The heat starts as early as April, so you can start enjoying refreshing drinks from that time.
Visit as many museums as possible
Nicosia is rich in museums. Even if you're not a fan of exhibitions, we recommend visiting at least a couple of them. They house highly worthy exhibits that are highly valued on a global level. Here's a small list of museums in the capital:
- Cyprus Archaeological Museum
- Byzantine Museum
- Leventis Museum
- Museum of Folk Art
- Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion
Don't overlook the art galleries either. They allow you to see Cyprus and its culture from a different perspective – the art here is warm and sunny.
Take a trip to the village-museum of Fikardou
If you're tired of or don't enjoy regular museums, it's worth heading to Fikardou. It is a very interesting place with an unusual history. At one point, the village started to decline because the elderly were passing away, and the youth were moving to the capital or other cities in Cyprus. Beautiful houses with tiled roofs were left abandoned, and the cobblestone streets were empty.
Until the local authorities decided to turn the entire village into a real museum! Now, tourists can get acquainted with the colorful Cypriot life of a hundred years ago and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of antiquity and unique coziness. It's especially pleasant to be here in spring when it's not too hot, and there aren't as many tourists around.
Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Tamassos
It is at these excavations that one can grasp how long people have lived on Cyprus. The oldest findings date back approximately 2500 years! They belong to the period when people on Cyprus learned to extract copper.
Interesting fact: there are reasonable assumptions that it was copper that gave the island of Cyprus its name, as the Greek word for the metal sounds like "kypros."
In ancient times, it was not just a settlement but a large city-state, one of many that existed on Cyprus. Interestingly, extensive excavations have not been carried out at this site to this day. This is because they would disrupt the integrity of the nearby temples.
Take a stroll in Atalassa Park
A large and beautiful park, resembling a landscaped forest, is located directly within the city (Aglandjia district). It occupies a huge area, has its own lake, and is home to numerous birds and animals, some of which are almost tame. The park was not as well-maintained until recently, but in the last few years, the municipality has improved it.
Today, Atalassa Park offers a network of convenient walking and jogging paths, places for rest and picnics, playgrounds, and a pleasant cleanliness. You can bring snacks with you and make sure to charge your phone to take plenty of beautiful photos.
Witness the blooming of almond and lavender
Cyprus is rich in vegetation, and due to its warm climate, something is always blooming here. However, the blooming of certain plants becomes a special event because it happens only once a year and looks incredibly beautiful.
The first such event occurs in March: the blooming of almond trees. Wrapped in a cloud of pinkish haze, still without leaves, they look simply magical. In terms of beauty, it can be compared to cherry blossom (which is also present on Cyprus – more specifically, cherry trees). The second event is the blooming of lavender fields in May. Photos and an unforgettable aroma are guaranteed!
Tip: If you want to experience the full scale of the blooming, you will have to venture beyond the Nicosia district. Almonds bloom more abundantly in Limnatis, while lavender thrives in Avgorou or Platraes.
Go to the zoo with the whole family
The Melios Zoo is located in the suburbs of Nicosia and occupies quite an extensive area. This is because the zoo mainly houses various species of birds that require spacious aviaries. Visitors can see both well-known birds such as pelicans, flamingos, parrots, and cranes, as well as endemics that inhabit only in Cyprus.
There are also animals that have the best living conditions here. Additionally, there is an entertainment zone that children of all ages will enjoy. So, visiting Melios is definitely worth a whole day.
Go shopping at The Mall of Cyprus
One of the largest shopping malls in Cyprus, so it's worth stopping by out of interest. Although it's unlikely to leave without making a purchase - there are so many different stores here that it's overwhelming! Shopping is especially relevant for tourists from Russia, as some brands from the country have left. However, they are still available in Cyprus, so you can stock up!
Have dinner in Kakopetria
You might wonder why you should go to a specific village for dinner. But there is a reasonable answer: Kakopetria is very beautiful and picturesque, and it also has fantastic taverns. You can try authentic Cypriot cuisine and local wine.
Mini-recommendation: if you like red wine, be sure to try "Commandaria"; if you prefer white wine, try "Xynisteri"; and if you enjoy sparkling wine, try "Bellapais."
If you're visiting the island for the first time and want to experience a variety of flavors, order meze. Roughly speaking, it's a selection of dishes and appetizers designed for a 2-3-hour meal. Keep in mind that one meze can be enough not only for 2 people but for 3 or even 4 people! Yes, portions in Cyprus are huge.
Visit the Monastery of Macheras
It is located in a mountainous area, so it is loved not only as a sanctuary but also as a place for scenic walks. Besides, there are excellent viewpoints nearby, so it's definitely worth coming here.
The main treasure of the monastery is the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Machairiotissa, found in a cave by a monk named Neophytos according to legend. It is also worth climbing the hill behind the monastery to see the monument of Grigoris Afxentiou, a national hero of Cyprus.
View the capital from Shacolas Tower
Returning to Nicosia: there is something you definitely haven't seen - the city from an 11-story height. Considering that Cyprus doesn't have very tall buildings in general, the view is magnificent. The Green Line and the occupied territories are best seen from the tower.
Shacolas Tower is located on Ledra Street, and nearby are Freedom Square and a section of the Venetian walls. There is a museum in the building that you can also visit on the way.
Be horrified by the "bloody" Lake Mitsero
The lake has long been called "bloody" because of its eerie red-colored water, all due to the presence of copper, which is still abundant in Cyprus. The fumes are considered poisonous, so it's not advisable to spend a long time on the shore or even wet your hands.
The lake is associated with a real tragedy: the first serial killer in the history of Cyprus left the bodies of his victims here. Therefore, in a sense, the lake is indeed bloody. It is best to visit it only for people with stable mental health and only if there is an overwhelming interest in such creepy places.
You can get detailed information about all the projects in Nicosia
You can obtain detailed information about all the projects in Nicosia from the specialists at the number one real estate agency in Cyprus, DOM, by calling +357 22 030670 or by arranging a personal meeting at the following address: Archiepiskopou Makariou III 1, Lakatamia 2324, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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