Cyprus (Greek: Κύπρος, Turkish: Kıbrıs) is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey. After Sicily and Sardinia, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is geographically part of Asia.

There are three politically distinct areas in the island: the Republic of Cyprus (a member of the European Union) is a state with wide international recognition. However it only controls territory in the south. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a separate country, though it receives diplomatic recognition only from Turkey. The British military sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, while legally separate from either republic, have open borders with the Republic of Cyprus.

{{disclaimerbox|eHalal Travel Guide covers only the island's southern territory administered by the Republic of Cyprus. Information regarding the remainder of the island is given in the Northern Cyprus eHalal Travel Guide. This is a practical distinction and not an endorsement of either side's claim in the dispute as eHalal stays neutral in this conflict.

An Introduction to the Region of Cyprus

Cyprus is divided into 6 administrative regions, each named for its administrative capital. Since 1974, the whole of Kyrenia district, most of Famagusta district, and the northern portion of Nicosia district have been under Turkish military control. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus administers those areas. The Republic of Cyprus administers the following districts:

Famagusta

Larnaca

Limassol

Nicosia

Paphos

Akrotiri and Dhekelia British sovereign areas with a primarily military use. Limited in things to see and do, but generally accessible from the Republic of Cyprus districts

Other Muslim friendly Cities in Cyprus

Note that Cypriot cities have a variety of historical spellings and writings, all in fairly common use, and which change according to the context, whether it be Greek Cypriot, Turkish or English. The following list emphasizes traditional English spellings, that will most often be encountered by the traveller.

• Nicosia – the divided capital
• Ayia Napa in the far east of the Republic, considered by many to be the main party town of Cyprus
• Larnaca
• Limassol
• Paphos

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Cyprus

• Troodos Mountains
• Lefkara – The Lace village, in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, a charming little town with lots of character, in the heart of Cyprus.

Cyprus Halal Explorer

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How is the Climate in Cyprus

Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet/ snowy winters.

Terrain

Central plain with mountains to north and south (often used for skiing); scattered but significant plains along southern coast.

Culture & Tradition of Cyprus

Cyprus is divided between two distinct cultures of Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

How to travel to Cyprus

• EU, EEA and Swiss Muslims need only produce a passport which is valid for the entirety of their stay in Cyprus.
• All other nationals who are required to have a visa (including visa-exempt nationalities such as New Zealanders and Australians), however, must produce a passport which has at least 3 months' validity beyond their period of stay in Cyprus.
• Children registered on their parents’ passport can travel to Cyprus until the age of 16.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Cyprus

Cyprus' main airport is

• Larnaca Airport IATA Code: LCA and is on the outskirts of Larnaka.

Cyprus is served by a variety of carriers, the main one being the Cypriot Cyprus Airways. There are flight connections with most major European cities, e.g. London, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Milan) and many Eastern European countries. There are also connections to almost all Middle Eastern capitals. There are no flights to Turkey from the south.

There is also a direct Larnaca Airport - Nicosia, Nicosia - Larnaca Airport Bus service provided by Kapnos Airport Shuttle. The journey takes around 30-45 minutes (depending on the traffic and the hour), and a one way ticket costs €8 per person. There are bus routes throughout the night.

There are also charter flights to

• Paphos Airport IATA Code: PFO west of Paphos.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Cyprus

Occasional ferries connect Cyprus to Greece.

The ferry service from Greece runs from Piraeus, Rhodes and Ayios Nikolaos in Crete to Limassol. You may also catch a freighter from Italy, Portugal, Southampton and various other European ports. See Grimaldi Freighter Cruises providing you with the opportunity to bring a vehicle to Cyprus throughout the year.

There is a regular ferry service between Kyrenia ("Girne") and Turkey: to Taşucu all year, and to Alanya and Mersin summer only. See Northern Cyprus for times.

How to get around in Cyprus

Public transportation in Cyprus has been revamped with all new buses in Nicosia. Still, most Cypriots drive. There are no railways in Cyprus.

Travel on a Bus in Cyprus

There is a comprehensive network of bus routes that cover all Cyprus.

Buses by City:

• Lefkosia
• Limassol
• Pafos
• Larnaka
• Ammochostos
• Intercity Buses

On the Turkish side, buses are more frequent (and smaller). In Nicosia, they depart from stops at the street north of the northern gate. Prices are similar to prices on the Greek side of Cyprus. Beware that return tickets may not be valid on all buses on the Turkish side.

By shared taxi

Services run every half-hour or so from 6 or 7AM, but terminate at 5 or 6PM on the dot. You can book a taxi to pick you up anywhere and ask to be dropped off anywhere in city limits; the flip side is that it will often take you longer to get in or out of the city than the journey itself! Figure on £4-6 for a taxi ride on any of these, with an increased price on Sundays and holidays. Also known as a service taxi.

By car

Car hire is the easiest (but the most expensive) way to get around the island. Companies will typically not rent cars for fewer than three days, although some international vendors (Budget) will offer one or two day service for a high fee. Renting in advance can be beneficial as walk-in options are obviously limited to available cars.

What to see in Cyprus

• The many archaeological and antiquities sites scattered around the island, dating from the New Stone Age through to the Roman Empire
• The beautiful coastline of the island - still quite unspoilt in many places - is well worth exploring
• Nicosia, the capital as it has a wealth of history, preserved Venetian walls surrounding the city, some wonderful restaurants within the old walls of the city and of course the 'green line' - the dividing line with the Turkish part of Cyprus, which cuts through the centre of Nicosia, now the only divided capital
• The Troodos mountains, rising as high as 1952 metres, offering some beautiful trail walks and also quaint little villages such as Kakopetria, Platres and Phini. In winter there is the chance to ski there and the ski resort is being developed
• Paphos harbor and archeological park. Nearby Rock of Aphrodite can be a beautiful scene for picnics

• Hamam Omerye in Nicosia, Cyprus is a 14th Century building restored to operate once again as a hammam for all to enjoy, relax and rejuvenate - it is indeed a place to rest. Dating back to French rule and located in the heart of Nicosia's old town is Hamam Omerye - a true working example of Cyprus' rich culture and diversity, stone struggle, yet sense of freedom and flexibility. The site's history dates back to the 14th century, when it stood as an Augustinian church of St. Mary. Stone-built, with small domes, it is chronologically placed at around the time of Frankish and Venetian rule, approximately the same time that the city acquired its Venetian Walls. In 1571, Mustapha Pasha converted the church into a masjid, believing that this particular spot is where the prophet Omer rested during his visit to Lefkosia. Most of the original building was destroyed by Ottoman artillery, although the door of the main entrance still belongs to the 14th century Lusignan building, whilst remains of a later Renaissance phase can be seen at the north-eastern side of the monument. In 2003, the [EU] funded a bi-communal UNDP/UNOPS project, "Partnership for the Future", in collaboration with Nicosia Municipality and Nicosia Master Plan, to restore the Hamam Omerye Bath, revitalising its spirit and sustaining its historical essence. The hamam is still in use today and after its recent restoration project, it has become a favorite place for relaxation in Lefkosia. In 2006 it received the Europa Nostra prize for the Conservation of Architectural Heritage.
• There are over 60 churches scattered across Cyprus with wall paintings, of which the ten churches in Troodos Mountains are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as Painted Churches in the Troödos Region.

Local Language in Cyprus

The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. Greek is spoken predominately in the south and Turkish is spoken predominately in the north. English is very widely spoken by locals of all ages because of previous British rule. Other common languages spoken on the island are French, German and Russian.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Cyprus

What is the living cost in Cyprus

Cyprus has always been a very expensive destination. Except for some agricultural products, practically everything has to be imported. The cost of living in Cyprus is comparable to Central Europe, especially in the tourist centers. Price examples: National Beer cost €3 to €3.50 euros, a pack of cigarettes €4, a hamburger €5-€7, squids about €10, a steak around €20. Away from the tourist hotels and beaches the prices are much more moderate.

Money Matters & ATM's in Cyprus

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Things to buy

• Lacework of an intricate nature - from the village of Lefkara.
• Leather goods such as shoes and handbags
• Jewellery

Halal Restaurants in Cyprus

• Cypriot meze (appetizers akin to Spanish tapas) are an art form, and some restaurant serve nothing but. Meze are available in a meat variety or fish variety but quite often come as a mixed batch, which is rather pleasing.
• Kleftiko roasted lamb with flavours of herbs and lemon.
• Halloumi (Hellim) is a uniquely Cypriot cheese, made from a mix of cow's and sheep's milk. Hard and salty when raw, it mellows and softens when cooked and is hence often served grilled.
• Taramosalata is traditionally made out of taramas, the salted roe of the cod or carp. The roe is either mixed with bread crumbs or mashed potatoes. Parsley, onion, lemon juice, Olive oil and vinegar are added and it is seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Tahini
• Shoushoukos is a traditional sweet made out of grape juice. A series of almonds are thread with a needle and they are then dipped into the grape juice several times until it becomes quite thick.
• Palouzes/Kiofterka are both traditional sweets made out of grape juice.

Palouzes is a pudding made with grape juice, flour and different flavorings. Kiofterka are made from any leftover pudding. They cut it into pieces, put them to dehydrate and the final result is a hard but chewy thing.

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Cyprus

There are countless hotels and hotel apartments of varying degrees of luxury within Cyprus. Some of the hotels are: Kefalos Beach Tourist Village, Holiday Inn, Le Meridien, Hilton, Elias Beach Hotel. Alternative self-catering accommodation is offered in restored traditional houses in picturesque villages all over Cyprus through the government Agrotourism initiative.

Medical Issues in Cyprus

Tap water in Cyprus is potable, but tastes bad and may give you an upset stomach at first because of all the minerals.

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