Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea that would make an ideal gap year destination for students around the world. Cyprus boasts a rich culture and history, combined with beautiful beaches, scenery and welcoming locals.
Cyprus can be a touristy location, particularly if you stay close to the hotspots like Agia Napa which is ultra modern. Move a little further afield, however, and you’ll discover a rich heritage and clusters of small villages with vast amounts of history.
Below we’ll outline why Cyprus is an ideal destination for a gap year and how you can make the most out of your trip.
What Makes Cyprus a Good Gap Year Destination?
Cyprus is an economically stable member of the EU with modern coastal cities and a solid infrastructure. The modern tourist traps sit on a backdrop of traditional mountain villages that are bursting with history. You get the best of both worlds when you visit Cyprus.
With beautiful beaches and 300 days of sunlight per year, 2.5 million tourists migrate to Cyprus each year for a relaxing break. It’s truly a diverse island to visit with such a varied environment and culture. You’ll visit Roman amphitheaters, Greek temples, prehistoric settlements and Crusader castles during your stay.
You can learn so much from the history of the island while enjoying the beautiful scenery and climate. Nicosia is a particular favorite among students, being a city with rich history and a varied population. You won;t be short of job and education opportunities either.
Getting To Cyprus
Cyprus isn’t a hard place to get too, several international airlines run flights into the country. It may be a little tougher during the COVID pandemic, but this situation is constantly improving.
It’s very easy to visit from major European countries such as the UK, France and Germany. Once you’re in Cyprus you can take advantage of it’s well developed transport services that connect the major cities to less populated villages and towns. If you’re studying in Cyprus long-term, you may want to ship your belongings over ahead of time.
Cyprus has very hot summers with temperatures of 30°C+, this is when you’ll see the peak of the holiday period and coastal cities will be extremely busy. May, June, September and October are the ideal months to visit thanks to ideal temperatures and slightly less busy cities (and lower prices).
There’s no need for any specific jabs to visit Cyprus.
Geography And History
There is some important recent history to be aware of when you visit Cyprus. The island was previously divided with the Greek south sitting sometimes uncomfortably alongside the Turkish North. This makes for an interesting backdrop, with the island hosting some of the oldest relics and ruins in all of Europe. Avoid debating politics with locals if you can, you don’t know what recent events they may have witnessed first-hand.
Outside of the major cities, Cyprus has a mountainous landscape which is perfect for cycling, hiking and discovering beautiful views. The local villages feature small shops and restaurants full of charm and character. The local cuisine is delicious featuring typically Greek dishes including lots of fresh vegetables and fish.
One thing to note is that Cyprus is home to three venomous snakes. The only species that’s a danger to humans is the blunt-nosed Viper. You have very little chance of meeting one unless you are specifically looking for it. These are beautiful animals to appreciate from afar.
Accommodation
While Cyprus is known for its luxury hotels which feature large swimming pools, that’s not to say budget options aren’t available. Cyprus has plenty of campsites and a few good hostels where you can stay. If you get really lucky, you might find the opportunity to stay at a rural b&b, locally known as agrotourism.
Also, check out Airbnb for local accommodation with locals, many of whom will be more than happy to act as a local guide and point you in the direction of some incredible destinations. You may even get a taste of local, home-cooked food!
Must-Visit Places In Cyprus
For a relatively small island, Cyprus has a multitude of different experiences to offer. Here are some of the must-see places and must-do experiences to enjoy during your stay.
Nissi Beach - One of the most beautiful coasts in the world, Nissi beach is a 500-metre stretch of crystal clear blue waters and golden sand. There’s always some form of watersports to watch from afar, often water skiers and windsurfers enjoying the coast.
Tombs of the Kings - This is a burial ground for high ranking officials that dates back to the 4th century. Located just north of Paphos harbour, tourists flock to this world heritage site every year to admire the incredible work of ancient stone carvers.
Paphos Castle - Paphos was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2017. This is partly thanks to this very castle which was originally built as a fort to protect the harbour. The castle has been rebuilt by multiple peoples throughout history and represents the fascinating and varied history of Cyprus.
Larnaca Salt Lake - If wildlife is more your thing, Larnaca Salt Lake is an ideal place to visit. It’s home to various species of birds and provides you the opportunity to see Flamingos in the wild, during Winter months. In summer months, much of the lake evaporates due to high temperatures.
Cyprus museums - Various museums can be found through Cyprus, all of which boast historic artifacts and stories. The main Cyprus museum features unique archaeological treasures and showcases the history of the island. You can also visit The Historic & Classic Motor Museum, The Morphou Archaeology and Nature Museum and The Shipwreck Museum.
Salamis Amphitheatre - See the old amphitheatre and ruins of an ancient Roman city. A severe earthquake destroyed the city and has left some ancient ruins underwater, providing a great opportunity for scuba diving.