Cyprus — Travelrags

BBC TravelOct 16, 2026

Nicosia: Inside the world's last divided capital

Decades after the Berlin Wall fell, Cyprus's capital remains cleaved in two and separated by watchtowers, barbed wire and a UN buffer zone.

8 things in this story

Ledra Palace CheckpointSightFirst crossing opened in the UN Green Line in 2003.
Ledra PalaceHotelFormer luxury hotel, now site of fighting and UN barracks.
ErmouNeighborhoodRestored streets with art, youth, and community.
Arab AhmetPlace of worshipOld Armenian quarter with frozen-in-time homes.
Victoria StreetSightHistoric street with old homes and quiet atmosphere.
Büyük HanMarket16th-century caravanserai with shops and cafes.
Samanbahçe EvlerNeighborhoodSocial housing estate with geometric mud-brick units.
Rüstem KitabeviRestaurantBookstore founded in 1937, serves coffee and carrot cake.

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National GeographicOct 6

These European Islands Are Open for Winter

Europe’s islands offer plenty of reasons to travel beyond summer, with year-round direct flights allowing travellers to experience vibrant carnivals, dark-sky stargazing and wildlife spotting. From ...

25 things in this story

Þingvellir National ParkSightIcelandPart of Golden Circle, features dramatic rift valley.
Sky LagoonSightIcelandGeothermal pool with views of Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
GullfossNature reserveIcelandTwo-tier waterfall on the Golden Circle route.
Valletta Baroque FestivalFestivalValletta, MaltaSoloists and ensembles perform in historic venues in January.
St John's Co-CathedralPlace of worshipValletta, MaltaIt was built by the Order of St.
Roque de los Muchachos ObservatorySightLa Palma, SpainAt 2,400m, home to the world's largest optical-infrared telescope.
St Paul’s CatacombsSightMaltaMalta’s largest Roman cemetery complex, earliest Christian evidence.
Palazzo ParisioSightValletta, MaltaDiscover the extraordinary world of wildlife through the lens of acclaimed photographer Johan Siggesson at Luna.
Il-Karnival ta’ MaltaFestivalValletta, MaltaMalta Carnival fills Valletta with floats, dances, and bands.
Golden CircleTrailIcelandSightseeing route with waterfalls, rift valley, and geysers.
Geysir Geothermal AreaSightIcelandPart of Golden Circle, features geysers.
Larnaca Salt LakeSightLarnaca, CyprusWildlife-spotting area for migrating flamingos and waterbirds.
Kato Paphos Archaeological ParkSightPaphos, CyprusThe Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos is one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus and has been included…
Krasochoria of Lemesos Wine RouteTrailLemesos, CyprusRoute through Troodos foothills with winery stops.
Laurisilva forestsSightMadeira, PortugalUnesco-protected forests on Madeira, part of levada walks.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Mountain trailTrailMadeira, PortugalSix-mile trail connecting two of the island’s highest peaks.
Jardim do MarSightMadeira, PortugalSouthwest coast location known for point and reef breaks.
German Occupation MuseumMuseumGuernseyOffers insight into life under German rule.
Fermain Bay to Havelet Bay clifftop trailTrailGuernsey1.5-mile clifftop walk ending at La Vallette Bathing Pools.
La Vallette Bathing PoolsSightGuernseyThe home of Guernsey sea swimming.
Hot HausRestaurantGuernseySauna near La Vallette Bathing Pools.
St Peter Port’s Market SquareNeighborhoodGuernseyComes alive in December with choirs and Christmas lights.
Silk MuseumMuseumSanta Cruz, SpainDiscover the city’s trading heritage.
Seltjarnarnes PeninsulaSightReykjavík, Iceland
Vatnajökull ice capSightIceland

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Atlas ObscuraOct 5

‘Deep Silent Gaze’ in Limassol, Cyprus

Set into a low wall, this mosaic looks at first like a study in ocean life: teal petals fanned out like sea anemones, iridescent glass discs catching the light like fish scales, a palette drawn straight from creatures of the deep. It was made in 2025 by pupils of Limassol Primary School IB, Lanitio, under teacher Elena Haralambous, as part of a fine arts unit on deep-sea patterns. But the accom…

2 things in this story

Deep Silent GazeSightMosaic tribute to children lost to genocide and invasion
Limassol Primary School IB, LanitioPlacePupils created the 'Deep Silent Gaze' mosaic

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Atlas ObscuraSep 24

House of the Gladiators in Episkopi, Cyprus

Kourion's ruins are full of mosaics: mythological scenes, geometric patterns, hunting parties. But tucked near the main courtyard of one villa is something the rest of the island almost never shows: gladiators, fighting, identified by name. According to Cyprus's own Department of Antiquities, gladiatorial combat is a rare subject for mosaic art anywhere on the island, which is what gives this o…

6 things in this story

House of the GladiatorsSightfeatures gladiators identified by name in mosaic art
KourionMuseumruins full of mosaics with mythological scenes
DariosSightreferee identified by name in mosaic art
MargitesSight
HellenikosSight
LytrasSight

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Lonely PlanetAug 7

Europe's 20 Best Beaches

Along the tens of thousands of miles of coastline in Europe, these are the 20 best beaches you can find.

24 things in this story

Île de PorquerollesSightHyères, FranceCar-free islet with crescent-shaped beach of pearl-white sand.
NavagioSightZakynthos, GreeceIt is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in the world.
Haukland BeachSightLeknes, NorwayCreamy sands, spiky granite peaks, chilly water never over 15°C.
RauðasandurSightLátrabjarg, IcelandVast, empty, bronze sands buttressed by dark cliffs, azure lagoon.
Cala GoloritzèSightBaunei, ItalySnow-white pebbles give way to aquamarine blue sea.
Spiaggia dei ConigliSightLampedusa, ItalyBleached sands and shallow aquamarine water near Tunisia.
Barafundle BaySightStackpole, United KingdomArc of butterscotch sand rimmed by dunes to clear turquoise water.
Pembrokeshire Coast PathTrailStackpole, United KingdomWalk over gorse-cloaked clifftops to Barafundle Bay.
West BeachSightBerneray, United Kingdom5km expanse of white sand slides into turquoise sea.
Plage de PalombaggiaSightPorto-Vecchio, FrancePale sand shelving into cerulean-blue waters, backed by pines.
Platja IlletesSightFormentera, SpainBleach-blonde sand and translucent azure waters.
Trucador PeninsulaSightFormentera, SpainBeach forms the western section of this slender peninsula.
Praia da ArrifanaSightAljezur, PortugalGolden crescent with a ruined fortress and beachside restaurant.
Praia da BordeiraSightAljezur, PortugalDunes fizz away into the brilliant blue sea.
Cala MacarellaSightCiutadella de Menorca, SpainFlour-white sand and startlingly turquoise waters.
Shipwreck BeachSightZakynthos, GreeceRusted hulk of a cargo ship on shores.
Platja des Coll BaixSightAlcúdia, SpainPale pebbles and crystal-clear sea rimmed by crumbling cliffs.
Cap des PinarSightAlcúdia, SpainRemote peninsula with a beach accessed by walking trail.
Praia as CatedraisSightRibadeo, SpainSpectacular rock arches, towers, and chambers exposed at low tide.
Sveti StefanSightBudva, MontenegroFortified island village with pink sands and limpid waters.
Lara BeachSightPaphos, CyprusUnspoiled sands and pristine waters, a hatchery for turtles.
Zlatni RatSightBol, CroatiaSand-and-pebble beach dipping into the Adriatic.
Îles CerbicaleSightPorto-Vecchio, France
Aman ResortHotelBudva, Montenegro

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Lonely PlanetJul 27

The 14 best things to do in Nicosia (Lefkosia), Cyprus

Nicosia

24 things in this story

Cyprus MuseumMuseumtreasure-stuffed collection
Green LineSightUN-administered buffer zone dividing Cyprus
Plateia EleftheriasSightmain square revamped by Zaha Hadid
Ledra StAirportOld City's main promenade with shops and cafes
Shacolas Tower ObservatoryMuseumoffers sweeping vantage point from 11th floor
Selimiye MosqueSight13th-century mosque in the north of the city
HeraclisIce cream shopmaking quality ices since 1939
Church of Archangelos MichailPlace of worshipdates to 1695, Franco-Byzantine style
Leventis Municipal MuseumMuseumancient Greek pottery, costumes, vintage photos
Agios Ioannis ChurchPlace of worshipunderstated exterior, opulent interior with frescoes
Archbishop Makarios III Cultural FoundationSightlocation of Agios Ioannis Church
Cyprus Folk Art MuseumMuseumexplores traditional crafts like embroidery, pottery
Omeriye MosquePlace of worship14th-century mosque, originally Augustinian Church
Archbishop's PalaceSightofficial seat of the Archbishop of Cyprus
Famagusta GateSightbest-preserved of three original Old City gates
Ermou 261Barsmall bar with live music
Chrysaliniotissa QuarterNeighborhoodhistoric residential area near the Green Line
Chrysaliniotissa Crafts CentrePlaceartisans creating traditional Cypriot craft objects
Hamam OmeryePlace16th-century restored traditional bathhouse
Venetian WallsSightsurround Old City, heart-shaped bastions
Municipal Swimming PoolSightwell-maintained pool with lifeguards and palms
Kanlıdere (Pedieos River)Trailurban river focus of UN development project
Laïki YitoniaNeighborhoodtouristy part of Old City with vintage charm
Diachroniki GalleryPlacespace for top Cypriot artists

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 21

39 Best Airbnbs in Europe for Every Kind of Escape, From Aurora Chasing to Island Hopping

Plus, Austrian chalets, Irish castles, and more dreamy rentals.

25 things in this story

Turner ContemporaryArts centreMargate, United KingdomThe title commemorates the association of the town with noted landscape painter J.
Uffizi GalleryMuseumFlorence, ItalyWe've probably heard of this one, but start off basic for the latecomers—what's this place all about?
Boboli GardensParkFlorence, ItalyIt is an important early Italian garden which influenced aristocratic gardens across Europe.
Nc'nean DistilleryPlaceDrimnin, United KingdomNc'nean is a small, independent, organic whisky distillery on the west-coast of Scotland.
Dreamland MargateTheme parkMargate, United KingdomThe site of the park was first used for amusement rides in 1880, although the Dreamland name was not used until 1920…
Wilton CastleHotelBree, Irelandcan host up to 14 guests
H.C. Andersen HouseMuseumOdense, DenmarkThe new museum is on the storybook island of Funen.
Thingvellir National ParkSightReykjavík, Iceland25-minute drive
Oslo Opera HouseTheatreOslo, NorwayThe building is situated in the Bjørvika neighbourhood of central Oslo, at the head of the Oslofjord.
Astrup Fearnley MuseumMuseumOslo, NorwayEn retrospektiv utstilling med den colombianske kunstneren Beatriz González.
Pafos ZooZooPaphos, CyprusFor almost 20 years, visitors across the world have visited Pafos Zoo, an exciting wildlife reserve and tropical…
Tala Monastery Cat ParkPlacePaphos, CyprusTala Cats care for 550 cats, we spay and neuter them all and medically treat when needed.
Atlantis BooksPlaceOia, GreeceNomikos Cultural Centre Firostefani, Santorini T.K.
Osteria del TeatroRestaurantArezzo, ItalyOsteria del Teatro Cortona | Benvenuti | Acquista Online…
BusattiPlaceArezzo, ItalyDa otto generazioni lavoriamo artigianalmente lana, cotone, lino e canapa per portare nelle case tessuti che abbiano…
Curve cafeCaféMargate, United Kingdom
Munch museumMuseumOslo, Norway
Clach Na Criche wishing stoneSightDrimnin, United Kingdom
Park Wood hiking trailTrailBree, Ireland
Happy Trails farmPlaceBree, Ireland
Hvammsvik Hot SpringsSightReykjavík, Iceland
Drottningholm PalaceAttractionStockholm, Sweden
Ekerö SkateparkSightStockholm, Sweden
Santa Maria del Fiore CathedralSightFlorence, Italy
Lake Trasimento beachSightArezzo, Italy

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Atlas ObscuraDec 17, 2025

Gnomes Hill in Nicosia, Cyprus

Hidden deep in the pine forests of the Troodos Mountains, Gnomes Hill is a tiny village where gnomes might just live. Among the trees stand little houses built from wood, stone and straw — a crooked tower, a square castle, a cozy hut with a thatched roof, and even an egg-shaped home waiting for its red gnome hat. It’s a magical place for families and dreamers, where nature and imagination meet…

1 neighborhood in this story

Gnomes HillNeighborhoodtiny village in Troodos Mountains

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